How much does reflector size matter?

[uhcoog1]

I've been reading quite a bit about HID's and spotlights, and I have a few questions.

How much does the reflector size matter?

We do a good bit of spotlight hunting at night using 12v cigarette lighter spotlights. We will be out for hours at a time (up to 5 hours) hunting and driving, with the spotlights on most of the time. Weight and maneuverability are essential.

My hunting partner said the q beam takes an h3 bulb, and has an aluminum reflector, so an HID swap is possible.

Will we be okay with the reflector size? Or should We get a bigger reflector like this one and just remove the battery? (actual unit I'm considering building off of)
http://www.walcottcb.com/15-million-candle-power-halogen-spotlight-rpjl2951-p-1538.html

Thanks!

 

[Prothean]

Hey!! I've been wanting to know as well!! Cos I might be using one of these as a spotlight for filming and so I want to know if the reflector has any significant impact on the focus/diameter of the spotlight and so forth - so please anyone who can help, please do!

 

[uhcoog1]

Specifically I'd like to know if lumens are gained and lost when changing reflector size, and if there is, how much is lost when going from say a 9" to a 4-5". Also, I need something that will have a lot (500-1000 yards) of range.

Thank you!

 

[RyanA]

Overall lumens will not be lost by reducing reflector size. However lux (throw) will be lost.

 

[ma_sha1]

Not a lot of quantitative data in this area, everyone got different lights
when they have different reflector sizes.

I only have one data point: same 35W HID lamp/ballast/same battery.

In 4" reflector: 180K lux @ 1 meter, 1n 5.75" Reflector 275K lux @ 1 meter
The two reflector are same depth, so the larger one is not deeper.

Reflector "inch" increase 44%
Lux@ 1 meter increase 53%

If the larger one is deeper, probably will be more increases,

Obviously, if two reflector has different quality, it'll mess up the results too. There are formulars that one can get to calculate reflector size vs. throw, but obviously will depend on reflector quality & geometry, which could make 2x the difference by the same diameter.

 

[uhcoog1]

Wow, that is significantly more than I thought! Obviously there are more factors at play (angle of reflector, etc), but this is the generic data I was after! Thanks for the data points Ma_sha1! BTW- love your builds!

Any suggestions on a large reflector handheld verticle forgrip housing/reflector with a large reflector?

Something like this would be great, but I've only seen a housing like this on $200+ lights that I'm not going to take apart to mod.
http://www.magnalight.com/showproduct.aspx?productid=1908

Here's what I'm looking at:

Q beam Max Million (unknown diameter, good throw?):
http://www.academy.com/index.php?pa...potlights&start=0&selectedSKU=0250-00430-2500

Cyclops (unknown diameter, advertises wide beam - bad):
http://www.basspro.com/Cyclops-12V-Spotlight/product/100001/-1470863

Twin 4" (guess- 8" wide housing) Tempting!!! Cut off battery, and lighten it up! Not sure about beam focus:
http://www.boatandrvaccessories.com/VEC139C.htm

9" not fitting description- can get one for $30 without battery, too bulky:
http://www.walcottcb.com/15-million-...51-p-1538.html

Opinions? Better options?

 

[ma_sha1]

Not much info on Magna HID, price is not bad & it looks like Blitz,
but the online list of lux @ 15ft only translate into 74,000 Klux @ 1 meter,
so it's not built for throw.

For the rest of lights, I think they are all similar quality, thus it's pretty much a choice on size.

I think you are better off do search & read on CPF, then choose one that's been well reviewed.

From what I read, the blitz appears to be a better reflector than the rest,
the rest are all similar quality.

Except HID may have a little better reflector, like POB/Illuminator 6-7" reflector compact HID.

 

[Mettee]

I have seen huge improvements in both hand held lighting and on my SUVs aux lighting. Take a small Mcr style reflector(Mcr27XXX) then swap to a maglite style reflector, and so on, and you will see it. I have twin 130W IPF spot lights on my bumper, they are 8 plus inches in diameter. Another guy I know has 4x130W 3 or 4 inch lights on his. My lights appear brighter, and throw much farther, and I have 260 watts less than he does.

I am not saying that is all that matters, because there are many factors that play a part such and surface and parabola shape. So if all is equal and its only the size that is different, you will see the bigger reflector win more often than not.

I think it has a lot to do with cubic area of reflective surface.

 

[Steve'O]

LightForce Blitz 9" 100w incan, that's what you need.

Weighs only about 1lb and takes only minutes ( no tools needed ) to change the low cost bulb.

You won't need a hid with that thing. It will out-throw most of them. :devil:

 

[uhcoog1]

Steve'o-

Perfect! That's exactly what I need! I'm tempted to stick an HID in there like some folks did on the forum. Any idea if I can get just the housing and reflector from lightforce?

 

[Steve'O]

You could try and e-mail lightforce but it might be as cheap to buy a complete unit and try that first.

The Magna Hid in the above link does not have a 9" blitz reflector, it's a 7"
smaller unit, but it does look Lightforce made.
Their sales blurb at the bottom of the page seems a bit odd, as it states that their 5" reflector model has a tighter beam for more throw than the 7" :thinking:

 

[uhcoog1]

I sent an inquiry yesterday, so I'll let y'all know what they say!

 

[Mettee]

so are you planning on holding the light housing, I got lost between the hand held stuff spot light and the lightforce stuff.

I think what you are already working with would be great with a $35 55w HID upgrade....simple, easy, cost effective.

 

[uhcoog1]

Lightforce sells the Blitz 240 handheld housing, reflector, and glass for $83, compared to ~$110 complete!

Anyone have a lightforce they don't want anymore?