Which Surefire for Gun Smithing?

[Welding Rod]

I plan to buy a Surefire headlamp. I am pretty set on this as I have years of great experiences with Surefire.

I am 46 years old now and I really struggle with seeing in low light (as well as close up).

I want to pick the best Surefire head lamp for gun smithing, mechanical work, reading, and so forth. Cost is not an issue, neither is battery type (123 v rechargeable). I want the best light quality for optimum vision while performing these relatively up close tasks.

Any help appreciated!

 

[TwitchALot]

I plan to buy a Surefire headlamp. I am pretty set on this as I have years of great experiences with Surefire.

I am 46 years old now and I really struggle with seeing in low light (as well as close up).

I want to pick the best Surefire head lamp for gun smithing, mechanical work, reading, and so forth. Cost is not an issue, neither is battery type (123 v rechargeable). I want the best light quality for optimum vision while performing these relatively up close tasks.

Any help appreciated!

Ha, if it absolutely has to be a Surefire, I basically only see one option - the Surefire Minimus Vision. You won't need more light than it provides, it renders colors better than its cooler white counterparts, and is pretty floody and even (minus some artifacts on a white wall, which especially for your applications, won't be too much of an issue, if any). Of the three current SF offerings, I'd put your money into the Vision. If you include its past offerings (Saint), I'd STILL put it into the Vision. Easy choice, pretty much no question about it, ESPECIALLY if it has to be a SF.

 

[BenChiew]

Welding rod. Being around the same age group, I am afflicted with the same "gift". I rely on lighting to assist.
I use a combination of Minimus and McGizmos.
Don builds some established models that are being used by photographers. Combine that with a camera tripod and gorilla pod, you have a versatile set of tools.

 

[BenChiew]

You may also want to consider lighting from a few points. The headlamp will give you one point and this will cast shadows especially from an angle. To eliminate this, have another one or two other source of light from the sides. This is where Don's Mule will do the trick. You should also check out the Sundrop.

 

[dougie]

Although I've no experience with the Vision I do own both the Saint and Minimus and both are great lights but both have minor issues. The biggest issue you may experience will possibly be with potential beam artifacts. Some lights seem to be more prone to this than others so it may even be worth going to a B&M store and checking out one or two before you buy as it does appear to be an issue between individual lights. The Saint has one advantage over the Vision and Minimus in that it can run on rechargeable AA batteries which is a real cost advantage if you use it a lot. Of course you also have the added weight of the battery box on the back of your head with the Saint which I've never found to be an issue but some people just can't live with. From all the reports I've seen on the Vision it appears to be really great for people with poor colour perception or who prefer more natural colours to the artificial white of the Saint/Minimus. Unfortunately, the price you pay for a better tint is less output but that may not be so much of an issue for close up work anyway. Hope you find what you want!