The detailed angular charge distributions of the asymptotic plasma produced from carbon and aluminum targets by UV and visible laser pulses in the intensity range of 1011–1013 W cm−2 and pulselength range of 1–20 nsec have been measured using a single shot electrodynamic charge analyzer. The observed variation of average charge state as a function of velocity was determined from measurement and has been found to be approximately linear with no apparent dependence on angle of observation. For similar irradiation conditions, shorter-wavelength radiation produces lower final charge states, as expected, from the higher interaction density in the initial laser produced plasma leading to enhanced recombination in the early stages of expansion of the plasma. The characteristics of the angular charge distribution can be qualitatively explained by considering the flow of the source plasma mapping different regions of the focal spot into different angles, relative to the target normal, in the expanding plasma.