Your lasers are going to be part of an overall build concept. That will help you decide what mods to use. For example, one application of small long range lasers with thermal is to bring down shields. You could then follow up with med or large MCs to tear down the hull. That would be for PVE res zone farming. If you're planning to do assassinations and are still tied to lasers, think about tossing in a scramble spectrum special. Lasers have a punishing damage drop off unless you get the long range or focus fire mod. Efficients look attractive, but are truly only efficient if you're sitting within 600 m regularly. For most starter pilots, you'll be doing a lot of jousting (not necessarily a good thing - but everyone starts that way). You may find that LR gives you a bit more sustained damage as a result. If you have a big ship and are doing mindless easy mode res farming, LR turrets turn the exercise into a pleasure cruise. GLHF