I'm beginning to see the light - but I need help deciding on the right one!

[Magic Matt]

I've been doing ym research, but my knowledge is somewhat limited. I know what I want to do, and I don't mind spending the money on a good reliable torch, but I can't decide. Some advice from those a lot more experienced would be welcomed with open arms!

I do amateur astronomy on a casual basis. I don't have my own transport (due to a medical condition that affects my eyes I'm not legal to drive), so to get to the observatory means about a 1 hour walk each way cross-country which could be 1.5 hours if it's a bit slippy. Due to the nature of where you place an observatory, there's no street lighting nearby.

I want a good reliable torch that will get me there and back, with a nice bright beam to light my way. I've had LED torches that have the standard bank of white LEDs, but always found them a bit lacking. I've also had my share of standard bulb torches and been really let down by them. I want something that's brighter than that, with a bit in reserve in case I hear a strange noise and want to see further away. I have had a "1 million candle power halogen beam" torch from B&Q that is ok, but it's a monster of a thing to carry, and the rechargable battery lasts about 20 minutes - clearly unsuitable.

I already have various bits for my camera and laser pointer that all use either AA or AAA NiMH batteries, so I have a Duracell 1 hour NiMH charger. I keep hearing enloops mentioned... I don't know if these are much better than standard NiMH cells (I usually buy standard 2500Mah).


So, on to the questions!

Is there a reference somewhere for relating lumens to everyday light sources? I have no concept of how bright 500 lumens is... I think that would help! For example, I have a Sony Ericsson W995 mobile phone that has an LED flash - makes a lovely torch for short bursts... how bright is it though?


Which torch would best suit my needs?

I first looked at LED Lenser, but I don't like the idea that they're not regulated - I built a regulator for a small electronics project and I know it makes a ton of difference to the life of the cells. I've looked at the Fenix TK40 and it looks mind-blowing. The JETBeam M1X also looks incredible. Are these overkill?

The JETBeam RRT0 looks incredibly portable and easy to slip into my pocket. This appeals to me... but is it practicle as a walking torch or do I need more brightness? I guess I'd have to use it at the 50 lumens setting.

 

[Flying Turtle]

Welcome to CPF, Matt. You've come to the right place for advice. In fact, you'll probably get more than you want. There are just so many good choices depending on your preferences for size, output, and price. Check out the reviews here for some help. One great place to see what's available and do your shopping is www.4Sevens.com. Many other good dealers, too.

It sounds like you need at least a 1AA light for your walk to the observatory.

Geoff

 

[ab1ht]

First, welcome.

Here are my random thoughts:

Headlamp: For walking at night, you're not going to need much as your eyes will adjust. I would recommend getting a good head lamp or two. Depending on budget, you can get a couple of cheap ones at Target or EMS. I have a Zebralight 501W and like it, but they are a little pricey.

Thrower: For those "bump in the night" moments. TK40 is probably overkill, but great if you've got the budget. Otherwise, a good LED thrower is not too expensive. Examples: Maglite 2D, Lifegear 2C, etc.

Midrange incan: A light weight mid-range incan would be nice. Can't go wrong with Surefire (although I can't afford one yet). Again, Maglite 2D is fine.

Night vision: Since you're doing astronomy, a red light would be nice. I have a proton pro and I like it, although the switch seems a little weak. Others can probably give better advice here.

With all these lights, bring a good back pack. You'll get your exercise

 

[Magic Matt]

Thanks!

I don't mind having more advice than I need. I'm amazed a single AA torch can last so long. I didn't realise there was so much in a torch... I always thought it was pretty much bulb, battery, case... get on with it. I see the error of my ways! LOL!

I don't want to go bigger than the usual 2-D cell torches. Smaller is more convenient for me, and easier to slip into a coat pocket. My theory there is if I leave it in the coat pocket, then if I don't need it on the way to the observatory, I'm less likely to have forgotten to put it in my bag etc. for using on the way back.

It would be nice if it could attach to my camera bag or strap (I have a large DSLR camera I use for astrophotography) but by no means essential. I will most likely make my own red filter for using at the observatory, so again no concerns there.

The most important factor to me is battery life and a good light to walk by cross-country at night. I also like the idea of being able to signal with it in case something happens and I need to phone for help.

:twothumbs

 

[Magic Matt]

Thanks for the suggestions.

Headlamp: For walking at night, you're not going to need much as your eyes will adjust. I would recommend getting a good head lamp or two. [.QUOTE]

Ahh yes, the headlamp. I do have one, and it sits in my drawer (it is a £10 Energizer one that has two white LEDs and a Red LED mode). It is a pain in the backside due to the 'ouch my eyes' factor - that is, you turn to the person next to you and immediately blind them by shining the light straight in their eyes.

Headlights are a non-starter I'm afraid, unless they can be worn on the belt. :thinking:

Is a modern 2D Maglight better than they used to be? I have one that uses the old style light bulbs, and it's our emergency torch at home - not really bright enough to walk by comfortably unless it's along pretty even ground.

 

[jhc37013]

Maybe consider something that can be holster carried and comes supplied with one. Small enough also not to really be noticed during your work but their when you need it. The Fenix and Quark AA models all come with holster 1xAA or 2xAA. Good luck and welcome to CPF.

 

[ab1ht]

Is a modern 2D Maglight better than they used to be? I have one that uses the old style light bulbs, and it's our emergency torch at home - not really bright enough to walk by comfortably unless it's along pretty even ground.

I have a 2D LED version that throws very nicely for it's size. The 2D incan is not nearly as bright, but is nice for medium range. I suggest some kind of incan just because it has better color rendition and is easier on the eyes IMHO.

But you definitely want some kind of flood light for walking. Maybe a Surefire 6P with a Malkoff flood drop-in (the combo I have on my wish list). It's expensive, but I've heard very good things about it.

 

[slayergut]

Fenix mc10 maybe?On medium mode runs for a few hours and work with rechargable AA cells.Small enough to put into your coat pocket and could be clipped to your belt.Comes with a diffuser too

 

[Linger]

Linger's free light holiday offer: it's holidays so I offer to send you a new light to help you get by, until you decide what you really want.:welcome:

I think you're gonna be lost among suggestions until you define some boundaries:
What batteries are you comfortable with? (listed in order of energy density)

• alkaline's are horrible, but if that's you there are options
• Nihm (eneloops) are definately do-able
• 'disposable' lithium r123 cells
• lithium rechargables (~lipo cells, IMR cells, ~3.7v working voltage). For example, if you pick up the AW's Trustfire smart charger from 4sevens (~$16.00) you've got a huge range of options, the most powerful power source is available to you and being rechargable you'll just top up a cell every night. Getting a DMM is recommended to preserve your safety.

So that's my $.02 for a starting point: decide if you're going to use eneloops for the next few light purchases, or if you're going to make the jump to high energy density lithium rechargable cells.

Also, if you're walking cross country:
a-multi-mode light so you can dim it as needed
b-warm or neutral tint led, IMHO cool tints are useless outside of urban settings.

You *could* get some cheap but totally usable lights from the hong kong discount web stores. But I'll tell you what, it's holidays so I offer to send you a light to get you by until you decide what you really want.
PM sent

 

[Magic Matt]

You'd send me a light? That'd be cool... but I don't think you really want to send me a light.

I'm comfortable with all sorts of batteries, but the fact I have a collection of NiMH AA cells already is pulling me towards those. I don't like disposable cells, I like to recharge cells whenever possible as I believe it works out far more cost effective and the capacities seem much better.

I like the idea of lithium batteries, as I get the impression you can top them up better than NiMH, but I don't know if that's true. The only Lithium cells I've experience with are my laptop ones, which I guess are pretty different beasts.

I agree the multi-mode seems a good idea, also because I can vary the amount of light and conserve batteries, and not blind other people I may encounter on-site. This also appeals because when I volunteer to assist in group visits at the observatory, I can preserve people's night vision, but crank it up a bit when it's time for the walk home.

"Getting a DMM is recommended to preserve your safety." ... sorry, I'm afraid I don't know what that is. Do you mean a charger that shuts off when cells are charged? If so, my AA/AAA NiMH charger does that, and it makes a big difference to the life of my existing cells.

 

[Linger]

actually 'experienced' flashaholics have been known to dis-assemble laptop packs for the lithium 18650's inside.

A digital multi meter is a back-up to the safety circuit on your charger. You can test pre-post charge voltages, and just generally monitor the state of the cells.

 

[Magic Matt]

Ahhh, ok... yes, I have a DMM... I mainly use it to check components when making little projects with PIC processors. My electronics knowledge is extremely limited though.

 

[Linger]

Simple guide to using a DMM for measurements

 

[Magic Matt]

Thanks - bookmarked!

 

[hyperloop]

Hi and :welcome:

First, i'd say that for your purposes, you may not want to go messing around with difference sized cells .... YET. Seeing as you have NiMH AAs and AAAs lying around, why not use those first?

I strongly recommend eneloops (if you dont already have those).

Now, on to the lights, you could swing over to www.shiningbeam.com and take a look at his selection of AA lights. I have personally owned his Romisen RC N3 II Q5 (2 mode, 2xAA with the option of using CR123/RCR123) and his Romisen RC N3 warm white (which is now available in 2 mode).

The difference between the Q5 and the warm white is one of tint (colour of the beam), you can see the difference in my decidedly amateurish shots here.

If 2xAA is a bit too large for you (though i would go for 2xAA for their longer runtimes) there are also a selection of 1xAA lights and i think that if you click on either 'weekly specials' or 'clearance' that there is a 1xAA light on sale.

Don't forget to use "CPFuser" for a 6% discount when checking out.

 

[Torchinator]

Howdy! Welcome, and hold on to your pocket book! O.K., I've become pretty well hooked on the Quark Series of lights. I have had my Quark AA2 for over a month fed with L92's and there's no sign that I'll have to replace them anytime soon. And I use my torch OFTEN! I walk my dog nightly where there isn't always adequate lighting, and being able to turn the bezel and add extra oomph when you need it counts for me. And the oomph is substantial. On the other hand, when I need to wake up early to go to work, I use the moonlight mode and I don't wake up my wife or baby girl. It seems that many go for the moonlight mode on the Quarks because in most cases, unless you're trying to avoid detection, it negates the need for red filters as it won't hurt your night adjusted peepers. They are having a sale on the R2 versions of their lights, the one I have, and if you use the coupon code QUARKPRISM at checkout, you will get a FREE prism with a diffuser filter to make the light you use even softer. Just add the prism to your cart with any Quark R2 to use the code. Just my opinion! Good luck!

 

[Egsise]

I would choose some neutral white 2xAA flashlight with forward clicky.

Neutral white so that you see better those tree roots in your path.
AA because you allready have them, 2xAA for better efficiency and runtime than 1xAA.
Forward clicky for easy signaling.
Handheld because when the light comes from your vaist height the terrain shapes are more visible, with a headlamp everything looks very flat.

Romisen RC-N3 II NW
Fenix TK20