Collimator Lens vs. Reflector

[orbital]

+

The use of Collimator (optic) Lens' in stock lights are few and far between.

~ If a light you're planning to buy had an option, of either buying it with a Collimator Lens or a Reflector,
which would you choose and why?


...For the sake of discussion, the chassis would be different design, so its not swappable.

 

[LukeA]

Optics allow you to control light better in a smaller package and they do it more efficiently. No contest.

That might explain why I have $65 worth of optics in the house right now.

 

[kramer5150]

Optics allow you to control light better in a smaller package and they do it more eficiently. No contest.

That might explain why I have $65 worth of optics in the house right now.

x2... the Lowes task force has no business being as bright as it is (3 volts from alkalines, Cree P4) a big part of that is its Fraen optic which seems to be very efficient. I don't think there's any coincidence that the brightest P60 module uses an optic instead of a reflector. Not a big fan of Lenser, but their latest models look very impressive. With 3AAA cells they should not be "that" bright, but with their refracting opics they are turning some heads.

 

[superflytnt]

I can't tell you how many times I've looked at my D10 and really wished that it had the optic of my E1B. I can always add some cheap, simple diffuser to the E1B (although it's got enough spill for everything I've ever used it for) like tape or a bottle cap but there is nothing that I can add to the D10 to make it throw as far as the E1B. I know that they make many reflectored super-throwers but I'd dare to bet that none of them have a 1" dia. head like the SF E-series TIR.........................

 

[Jarl]

IMO optics give a better beam- large flood, small hotspot. I find this much more useful than the larger hotspot, smaller spill offered from the same size reflector.

 

[LukeA]

I'm interested to hear what the reflector people have to say...

 

[Sgt. LED]

I would like both.

:welcome:

 

[JBorneu]

I think a reflector is much beter for general use. I usually don't need super throw but I do need a wide, bright beam a lot. There arn't a lot of small lights with optics that give you a wide, bright beam, so I voted for reflector.

However, it is clear that if you want super throw optics are the way to go, and the new Led-Lensers prove that you can get focusing optics as well so it's kinda a "what do you want to use the light for" and "do any of the lights have adjustable focus" question.

 

[carbine15]

If it's done right an optic is superior. Unfortunately it's rarely done right and reflectors are easier to modify to the users liking. Plus there's something to be said for "old School" I vote reflector (just to be different).

 

[jirik_cz]

I can't vote because I use both :nana:

 

[Ty_Bower]

...a big part of that is its Fraen optic...

I voted "reflector", but I'll admit I've got a liking for the Fraen. I have one in an old Arc LSH, and I really like the way it distributes the light.

I can't tell you how many times I've looked at my D10 and really wished that it had the optic of my E1B.

Yuck. I've also tried a Surefire KX2, which I believe has the same optic as the E1B. For some reason, it just doesn't work for me. The spot is way too tight, especially for a light with that much output. It's nearly useless indoors - too much tunnel vision. If I'm going outside, I'd rather have a big hotwire. I'd like my KX2 ten times better if it had a reflector in it similar to the KL4 or the incandescent ExE series lights.

I think a reflector is much better for general use... There aren't a lot of small lights with optics that give you a wide, bright beam...

And it doesn't have to be Mule wide. A twenty degree angle would probably keep me happy. Honestly, my absolute favorite beam distribution is that from a Surefire U2 (the old LuxV version). The combination of the LuxV with that big, deep reflector is simply perfect in my opinion.

Oh, I do prefer my reflectors textured.

 

[orbital]

I can't vote because I use both :nana:

+

Many of us use both, double check question in OP.

 

[Bordermeister]

For me,
I prefer the collimator for bike light use, it gives a better beam profile for the lights I have setup. I also like some reflectors better than collimators BUT it depends on the design.

I don't believe this is a simple yes/no question as it depends on use and how the manufacturer implements their reflector.

I think it would be great to have a flashlight offered with both options (as we get with smooth/orange peel reflectors). this would solve many issues that a lot of us have imho.

Cheers
Mark

 

[Kerch]

I'd like to see more flashlights with adjustable optics.

 

[Mercenaries]

I prefer reflector because last time I checked, collimator loses a lot of light.

 

[LEDninja]

Reflectors provide spot and spill. Sometimes the spill is more useful than the spot.

Some collimators like Fraen also provide a spot and spill. The spill while not that bright is wide and very useful close up. Also the transition from spot to spill is very smooth.

Most collimators just provide a spot. OK for distance but close up requires waving the torch around.

My preference is
1) Fraen collimator
2) Reflector
3) Cree collimator
Did not vote.

-----

Reflectors put 50% of the light in the spot & 50% in the spill.
Collimators absorb maybe 20% more light but the 80% that gets out is all in the spot. With the same beam angle a collimator's spot can be brighter than a reflector's spot.

I prefer reflector because last time I checked, collimator loses a lot of light.

 

[jupello]

I'd like to see more flashlights with adjustable optics.

Me too! Maybe they are just so expensive/hard to make that almost all manufacturers decide to go with the normal reflector. :duh2:

 

[LukeA]

I prefer reflector because last time I checked, collimator loses a lot of light.

And reflectors lose a lot more!

 

[DM51]

Well, hello!!! Here we have a new "vs." AFAIK we haven't seen this one before on CPF.

LOL, keep it clean guys - no biting, eye-gouging or hair-pulling.

 

[Sgt. LED]

Awww come on! Can I get away with 1 bite and then a warning?!

I am in line for that adjustable optic.