Reliability for extended travel

Hi, everyone. Long-time reader, first-time poster. Thrilled to be here. :wave:


I've read and watched so many reviews and spec sheets in the last few weeks that I'm going nuts, and am hoping you experts can help me see past the strobe mode in my mind. Apologies for how long this became.


I'm a semi-pro photographer and documentarian. I spend long periods away from home in developing countries. The one I spend the most time in has a) completely insane traffic 2) no sidewalks and c) few streetlights. I end up having to walk a lot at night, and I use my light to see my way around and announce my presence to crazed motorists.


But given that I also carry around two DSLRs, 4+ lenses, monopod, computer, etc., weight is extremely important to me. I don't carry all of that all the time, but enough that a few ounces here and there make a big difference.


I want something with some punch - I don't do much nighttime photography, but when I do it's helpful to be able to light something 30-50 meters away to make sure I'm getting good focus.


Reliability is my most important criterion. I can't buy any good replacements for anything here, and international parcel service is non-existent. On this current trip I brought a Thrunite Archer 1A V2, and it's failing on me (despite extensive testing in the States before I left). I'm down to my Fenix E12 backup light as my primary.


Lastly, I need something that runs either on Eneloop AA's or has a built-in USB recharger and a Li-ion cell. I'd rather slit my wrists than carry another dongle, charger, adapter or wall-wart. CR123's cost about $10 each here, when you can find them.


Tail standing and a pocket clip are musts. I much prefer a single button that controls all functions, but I can compromise there.


In my view, fewer modes is better than more, if they're well spaced.


I like my lowest low to be around 1 lumen, a medium around 70, and a high as high as I can get. I'll compromise on runtime since I always carry AA's.


Here are a few of the lights I own now or have owned in the past, and some things I did and did not like about them. My current leading contenders are below that.


Thanks in advance! Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.


Thrunite Ti3:
I always carry one clipped to my wallet with a spare battery as my emergency backup. Absolutely love it for what it is.
Pros: Simplicity of operation, hidden strobe mode, pocket clip
Cons: Firefly mode is too low. Not enough runtime on high (but what do I expect from a single AAA).


Thrunite Archer:
I'd like it if it worked. It will run initially on Eneloops, but if I turn it off it won't turn back on. It works fine on alkalines, but ... eww. They've agreed to replace it, but that doesn't do me much good here. The replacement is going to live in a car trunk, in all likelihood.
Pros: Size feels good. Weight's fine. I really like the mode spacing. Almost enough power.
Cons: Firefly mode is too low. Don't like the combination of tail clicky and side mode-switching. Hate having to move my hands around. Not quite enough power.
Big Con: Stopped working.


Fenix E12:
Was supposed to be my backup, so I didn't want to spend too much and I compromised on features. I wouldn't buy another one, but I'll happily keep this one in a backup role.
Pros: Size, weight are excellent. Reasonably powerful.
Cons: No mode memory. No strobe. No pocket clip.


Streamlight Protac 1AA:
In some ways these are my favorite flashlights I've ever owned. I've bought several, but always seem to end up giving them away to female friends who, inexplicably to my mind, don't even own any kind of flashlight - let alone carry one around.
Pros: Seemed extremely rugged and reliable. Loved the simplicity of operation. Good pocket clips. Highly droppable.
Cons: As many artifacts as Machu Picchu. Lacked top-end power.


Here are my current leading contenders. I'd love to hear people's thoughts on these,


Zebralight SC5
Attractions; Power, modes, runtime all seem excellent. Size and weight look good. Pocketclip doesn't look great, but it good enough. Just one button is a big plus.
Hesitations: Too many modes? it seems a bit too fiddly, a great light for an enthusiast but maybe not for someone who just wants to press a button and see in the dark. I know nothing about Zebralight's reliability, only that they get a lot of tint returns.


Nitecore MH20
This was my leading contender until I started reading more about Li-ion battery It may still be. I wouldn't be carrying a spare battery, relying instead on my Ti3 for backup.
Attractions: USB rechargeable, good runtimes, good mode spacings, really damn bright. Interface looks great.
Hesitations: Do I really want to get into Li-ion batteries? Do I want to add a format to my life, even with a built-in charger? Do I want to have to worry about where it is when I'm getting on airplanes? Will Mr. Customs Man decide it looks funny? Do we have any reliable data on the safety of these integrated Li-ion chargers? Will it go ?


Nitecore MH1A
As with the MH20 above, except the interface looks worse. I could run it on my Eneloops if I had to, which is a nice idea.


Nitecore EA41
Attractions: a lot of light on 4 AA's which I'm already carrying. Interface looks great.
Hesitations: Big. Heavy. Big and heavy.


Olight S15
Getting this from Selfbuilt's recommendations. I know nothing about Olight's reliability reputation.












==================Flashlight Recommendation Checklist================




2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest!


____I don't know yet
____Up to $25.
____Up to $50.
__x__Up to $100.
____Up to $200.
____Up to $300.
____Essentially unlimited.




3) Format:


____I am not sure, please help me decide.
__x__I want a flashlight (hand held/self contained).
____I want a self-contained headlamp.
____I want a headlamp with an external pack/power source.
____I want a mounted light (typically for a bicycle or vehicle)
____I want a lantern/area light.
____I want a portable spotlight (it may have an external power source).
____Other ____________________________________________




4) Size:


____MICRO - Keychain size.
__x__TINY - Every day carry (2-4 inches).
__x__SMALL - Every day carry (4-7 inches).
__x__MEDIUM - Holster/belt ring carry. (>7 inches)
____LARGE - Big enough to need its own travel case.
____I don't know/I don't care.




5) Emitter/Light source:


__x__LED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness)
____Incandescent (known for superior color rendition)
____HID (known for max output, but often at the expense of size)
____I don't know.




6) Manufacturer:


__x__I want to buy a light from a large/traditional manufacturer that is ready to go out of the box.
____I would like a light from a specialty manufacturer (Possibly limited run/Custom).
____I am interested in assembling my own components. (for example a "host" or flashlight body from one manufacturer, and a "drop-in" emitter from another source).




7) What power source do you want to use?


____I intend to use "Primary"/Disposable Alkaline batteries based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D sized cells common to most stores.
____I intend to use "Primary"/Disposable Lithium batteries based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D and CR123 sized cells common to most stores (often a cold weather or long storage choice).
_x___I intend to use Rechargeable cells (NiMH or NiCD) based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D sized cells common to most stores.
____I intend to use Rechargeable cells based on less common formats (18500 or 18650 Li-Ion, RCR123, et-al).
_x___I want a light with an integrated rechargeable battery pack.
____I don't know/I need more information on power sources.


7a) If you have selected a rechargeable option
____I want a light that plugs directly into the wall (literally with prongs built into the light)
____I want a light that has a recharging adapter (your typical "wall wart")
____I want a light that snaps into a cradle (usually mounted on a wall)
____I want a separate/stand-alone charger (this involves removing the batteries to charge)
____I don't care




8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need? Sometimes you can have too much light (trying to read up close up with a 100 lumen light is not a happy experience).


____I want to navigate a dark room or read a map (1-10 lumens).
____I want an indoor "blackout" light (15-50 lumens)
____I want to confidently walk around an unlit/unpaved rural area (60-150 lumens).
_x___I want to illuminate my entire backyard or a campsite (150-300 lumens).
_x___I want to illuminate an entire field, the neighbor's front yard several houses down, impress my friends and neighbors, etc. (300-700 lumens).
____I want search and rescue type illumination (800+ lumens).


_x___SPECIAL NOTE: Burst/Turbo mode Category - There are several lights that will run at a super bright maximum for a very limited period (usually 5-10 minutes) and then will "step-down" to a lower level for thermal control. Check here if this is acceptable.




9) Flood vs Throw: Flood covers an area, Throw reaches out to a distance.


____All Flood: I am doing "arms length" tasks like reading and campsite cooking.
____Wide Flood: I want a defined flood area for semi-close tasks like after-dark campsite tasks or working on a car.
____Narrow Flood: I want a sharply defined flood area that will project some distance for tasks like trail walking.
_x___Wide Throw: I want a beam with a noticeable hot-center for distance throw and a significant amount of "side-spill". Good for rough trail hiking, search and rescue, and general distance work.
_x___Narrow Throw: I want a beam with a very tight "hot center" and minimal "side-spill". Good for distance viewing, fog, and looking through dense undergrowth.
____Turbohead: I want a far-distance projector with a sharply focused spot of light and minimal or zero side-spill. Good for extreme distance and impressing your friends.


9a) Distance: How far away will you typically need to see with this light (check all that apply)
____Less than 1 yard/meter (reading, other close work)
____Less than 5 yards/meters (looking for something inside a dark shed/garage/basement)
____5-20 yards/meters (check out a noise in the backyard)
_x___30-50 yards/meters (I have a big backyard)
____50-150 yards/meters (I live in a very rural area/farm with wide open spaces)
____150+ yards (I am searching from a helicopter)


10) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims, but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries (Measured on maximum continuous output).


____Up to 30 minutes (I want the brightest [and potentially smallest] light for brief periods)
____30-60 minutes (I have plenty of batteries just ready to be changed)
_x___90-120 minutes (Runtime is moderately important, but still not critical)
____3 hours + (I critically need this light to run on max for extended periods in between battery changes/charges).




11) Durability/Usage: Generally the old phrase "you get what you pay for" is very accurate for flashlights.


____Not Important (A "night-stand" light).
____Slightly Important (Walks around the neighborhood).
_x___Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box).
____Critical (Police, Fire, Search & Rescue, Caving, Survival).
____I don't know.




12) Switch Size, Type, and location (choose all that apply):


____Any size switch will do.
____I need a BIG switch (I'll be using gloves or have very large hands or coordination issues).
_x___I want a forward clicky (Helpful for momentary activation and signaling).
____I want a reverse clicky (For use with multi-mode/level lights).
____I want a momentary switch (Predominantly for use with signaling and short bursts of momentary light only).
____I want a twisty switch (Tighten the head/tailcap to activate, and the light will stay on until the head/tailcap is loosened).
_x___I want a body mounted switch (near the head, like on a Maglite).
_x___I want a tail mounted switch (found on the majority of today's high end lights).
____I want a remote switch (usually found on high-end bicycle headlights)
____I don't care.
____I don't know.
____Other, please specify____________________.




13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.


____A simple on-off with only one output level is fine for me.
____I want 2 light levels. (Brighter/short runtime and Dimmer/long runtime.)
_x___I want multiple light levels. (Some lights have 5-16 light levels.)
____I want a programmable light.
____I want a selector ring.
_x___I want a strobe mode. (Oscillating pattern to confuse/blind aka "Police Mode")
____I want SOS mode. (blinks in ---...--- emergency pattern)
____I want a beacon mode. (Regular flashes at full power to show location.)
____I don't care.
____I don't know.




15) Water resistance
____None needed
____IPX4 (Splash resistant)
_x___IPX7 (Waterproof to 1 meter/30min)
____IPX8 (Submersible to greater than 1 meter for 4 hours)


17) Special Needs/extras: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Select any/all below.


____Red filter (for preserving night vision).
____Other filter colors (Amber, Green, Blue, _________).
____Dedicated R/G/B secondary LEDs.
____"Hybrid" light (bright incandescent combined with long running LEDs)
_x___Pocket/belt clip
_x___Holster
____Wrist/Neck Lanyard
_x___Crenulated bezel
____Non-sparking, Intrinsically Safe (IS) for use in explosive environments

Malkoff MDC 1aa,I don't know of a more rugged 1aa light for the money anywhere?
The only thing better might be the 2aa version.

No Strobe and no Crenelated Bezel on stock form.

Otherwise perfect for your needs I think?

AVService said:

Malkoff MDC 1aa,I don't know of a more rugged 1aa light for the money anywhere?
The only thing better might be the 2aa version.

No Strobe and no Crenelated Bezel on stock form.

Otherwise perfect for your needs I think?

Click to expand...

+1

You might want to look at the EagleTac D25A2 Tactical. But for my eyes, I don't think it will put out enough light down range at 50 meters for me to be perfectly sure that I am in SHARP focus.

I am sure that I would make the jump to an 18650 light. For ones that are usb chargeable, Klarus makes a few. I think fenix has one or two, and a less known brand Eagle eyes makes one. I am sure there are more brands. In fact IIRC there was a thread here asking about rechargeable flashlights.

Remember that the advertised beam distance is to 0.25 lux, and you may need 4 lux to be able to focus. Therefore you may need a light that will deliver 10,000 cd to get 4 lux on target at 50 meters. I think you'll be hard pressed to find a one or two AA light that will meet your needs.

Thanks for the suggestions. The Malkoff looks interesting, but I'd definitely go with the 2AA. I think it's probably going to come down to a choice between that, the Zebralight SC5 and an integrated-charging 18650 light.

Well of the ones you are thinking about only the 1000 lumen Nitecore MH20 has built in recharge ability. It seems to be very well liked by those who own them (I have one on order). I really like my 500 lumen Zebralight SC5w. Has the advantage of AA. And comes in neutral white. Shorter run time compared to the MH20.

The SC5 can fit in the pocket better than the MH20...might be less likely to disappear on you (theft) as out of site, out of mind. The MH20 comes with a belt carry case...might be more comfortable when not in use than a light in you pocket. The MH20 is just plain brighter. Good luck with whatever you decide

The SC5 can fit in the pocket better than the MH20...might be less likely to disappear on you (theft) as out of site, out of mind

Click to expand...

That's a very good point - thanks. My brain is telling me to get the SC5w (more convenient!), but my heart is saying to go with the MH20 (brighter!). My gut hasn't weighed in yet. :sigh:

Welcome to the forums!

I am also a photojournalist and travel to some third world countries. With that said I am traveling with the President of the United States, or the. VP, so I am in the package or bubble and we are safe, but not 100 percent as the USSS is there officially to protect the President and first family.

Honestly, and believe me I know about the weight, something you should look into is a News Wear Chest Vest made for guy's like us it is harder to steal.

Two years ago, I think this month, I was invited to be part of the press Corps.to Dakar Senegal and it was scary, you are a brave man to do what you do out in the open. I can't even imagine trying to find a place to charge a light in a place like that.

Now my flashlight advice to you is get a rugged reliable light like a Surefire PX2 or 3, and take lots of CR123 batteries along for the trip. Add a lanyard to what ever light you select, as it could be a good defensive device, I don't advise a rechargeable light in these places, say you went in some kind of business and asked to charge your flashlight, you are now on the radar even more since once people get a look at our DSLR's, lenses and such.
I suppose if you had a hotel, you could but, again it is still causing a risk, as people see it and pass it along word travels fast.

So do you travel with an escort who may help you get out of trouble? Anyway one professional to another, take a good light and a small backup, just in case.

Photography takes us to some places we would never go, I would love to see some of your work, my contact is in my sig line. Keep your mono pod handy, in like 1993, some Dude tries to rip me off after the Academy Awards, it was held at the Shrine Auditorium in a bad part of LA, he though I was an easy target until I cracked him pretty good with my mono pod, he ran off yelling, "You crazy, you crazy." I yelled, "Hey you for got to take my equipment."

Hope this helps, there is always more than one way to do things, however, that is what I take with me. My dad was an adventures seeker, and he told me to take emergency money, for a jam so since high school I carry in my Filofax planner 7-$100s - 4-$50s - 5$20s., for a total of $1,000.00. And a single US one ounce gold bullion coin., this money has never been used, and my Filofax is not a wallet it is a planner,
they can have my wallet.

I know you asked about a flash light, but it is exciting to have you on the forum, not every day you come across a guy like you, so I thought I would share, at least what I do as we learn from each other.

PM me with some of the things you do.

Good luck and stay safe on your travels. I am proud of photojournalists like you -- you take risks to bring us the world, which people take for granted. They look at the photos but it never dwells on them that a person was there for

I am certain you come up with the right light for the job, these people, on this forum, are the most educated flashlight people in the world - you will get excellent advice here.

With all best wishes,

RL

PS...Take along a red filter to help your night vision, and red does not reflect back a lot of light. Use some gel.

A light that runs on AAs would be handy because you have to carry AA's for your flash, and you could drop, them in a flashlight as the flash needs that burst of power, however, an LED light could run for a while using used up batteries from other gear, and still work pretty good.

A nice back up light would be A Surefire L1 with a red LED. (CR 123)

I did a test with my Red LED L1, with batteries that were used up from flashes, and put them in the L1, and I had light for a month, not much, but in an emergency that could be useful.

The red ones are hard to come by but, you could post on the sales forum stating you are looking for one.

Another member here, AOW, did a more advanced test and he had light for a very long time.

Thanks for the warm welcome, and the advice. I'll shoot you a PM on the photo stuff so the thread doesn't wander I'm not really doing photojournalism so much as long-term research, but there's some overlap in my approach.

On the lights, if Surefire made an AA light I'd be all over it like a Southerner with a metaphor. But since that's not going to happen …

I think that I've decided I want to stay all Eneloop AA with a few AAA's. As you pointed out, I already carry a ton of them for my strobe and audio recorder, and I just don't want to diversify my power sources any more. I think what I'm going to do is buy the Zebralight SC5w (power and flexibility) for pocket carry, keep my Fenix E12 (lightweight backup) in my main camera bag and keep a Fenix E01 (runs forever) on my keys.

I'm also thinking of picking up two or three Pelican 2350 1xAA lights to take on longer trips as backup backups. They seem to have a reputation for simplicity and ruggedness (if boringness), and they're inexpensive enough that I can give them as gifts to people when I leave.

I don't advise a rechargeable light in these places, say you went in some kind of business and asked to charge your flashlight, you are now on the radar even more since once people get a look at our DSLR's, lenses and such.

Click to expand...

A very good point. I only charge gear in airports, my hotel rooms and 4x4's.

I travel alot, mostly in North America, take photos in industrial sites. I carry a sunwayman light that takes various AA from 14500 to regular AA.

But - my most recent EDC for mill application is sunwayman C22C, it has a LED on the front and a LED with a lens that results in no hotspot on the side. While I prefer the P60 drop in with high powered XML2 and aspheric lens on it (custom made in Germany) - the SWM C22C is alot more convenient.

For reliability - Malkoff is the way to go, no question. I just picked up their new XPL head (haven't even unpacked it yet).

SureFire has the E2LAA, 110lm high, 5lm low. But being a SureFire it's a bit over your budget.

SureFire has the E2LAA, 110lm high, 5lm low. But being a SureFire it's a bit over your budget.

Click to expand...

Interesting. Wonder how I missed that. Well, that sort of thing is why I joined the forum. Yeah, that's a bit of a budget-buster. But I'll definitely think about it … Of course there's also all the times I've sworn I'll never buy another light that can't tailstand.

Does something like a Fenix LD41 fit in as powerful enough for your primary, belt worn flashlight?

Speaking of the SC5w, one thing that I've found is rather limited is the 500 lumen burst. The problem here is that it draws SO much current from the battery that it only works with certain cells, those cells need to be quite new, and the cell must be in a high state of charge. Ask for that 500 lumens after the light has been running for a decent amount of time, and it just won't work. I therefore look at the SC5w is a pretty good 304 lumen light. And if you are okay with this, it certainly is a good way to go. As far as tint, I can't speak for all SC5s out there. But mine is pretty flawless.

The Eagletac D25A2 is a REALLY good choice. Honestly, I think it just works better than the SC5 in many ways, and seems to produce about as much light in its burst as the SC5w (at least with the neutral XM-L2, and despite the difference in ratings), but without the fussiness. Get the neutral XM-L2 if ypu want bright light with a good tint. Or go with the Nichia 219 if you want high CRI.

If I was going travelling, and wasn't sure where I was going to end up or how long I'd be gone, I'd take 2 lights... both AA.

Zebralight H52Fw Headlamp
Zebralight SC52d

I doubt that either would fail, but if one did, I'd have a backup. Batteries, being AA, would be widely available and both lights will use any available chemistry from Alkaleaks up to 14500. Both lights are so compact and light weight that the two together would probably equal the weight/bulk of just one of most other common lights.

Only downside is the cost. They aren't cheap... but nothing worthwhile usually is!

I would recommend the olight s30R gen 2, they made the mode spacing better, it comes with a usb charger base, and the light has a magnetic tail so you can stick it to stuff (ex. to the side of a vertical 2 inch steel tube) I have the first gen and despite its tailcap issue, it works.

Thanks for all of the help and suggestions! :thanks: I decided to go with the Zebralight SC5w. My girlfriend is bringing it over when she comes for a visit next week. I thought about the SC52 for 14500 li-ion support, but I don't think I want to open that door right now. For one thing, no one that I live or travel with has any interest in remembering that battery X can only go in light Y, and will fry light Z, and that just because it looks like a AA doesn't mean it's a AA. (Which could also be seen as a vote in favor of the SC52, but I'm just not going to stock 14500s. Never seen one here anyway.)

I expect I'll also get a Malkoff at some point, but I can't get a good sense of the UI from the limited videos I've found, and I want to be in a position to return it if it's not my thing.

I'm definitely going to pick up a rechargeable light when I get back. I'm looking most closely at the Fenix UC30 and UC35. I just love how they're making me decide between a pocket clip or tailstanding. (Get it together, Fenix. Everyone else manages to give us both. :shakehead)

I love the specs and features of the Olight rechargeables - everything except for the docking station. I'm currently traveling with seven power dongles and wall-warts (plus two socket adapters), and I'm not going to add another. The Foursevens MMR-X Regen looks attractive, but again, I refuse to deal with proprietary batteries when standard options exist. I've looked at a lot of Nitecores online, and they look great, but the research I've done on overall brand reliability isn't inspiring. If the MH20s are still looking strong in six months, I'm sure I'll get one then.

I'd definitely suggest a Klarus model - I now have three and love them all!
As to ones which fit your criteria, I think your best bet, from my experience. would be on the XT12, XT15 or RS11. All are rechargeable via a USB to magnetic Klarus adapter (very clever), they all come with a holster, they all have crenellated stainless steel bezels, rated to IPX8 for water resistance and have multiple modes. The XT series have forward clicky tail switches, while the RS series have side switches close to the head.
If you could accept the small penalty in weight, I think the RS20 may appeal to you, all of the above applies, however it also has a secondary LED as a sidelight which produces two levels of white light, along with red green and blue - may be useful for lighting your pictures! Another model which is very similar if the FL18, functions like the RS 20, but is more the size/weight of my fist three suggestions.