Hi Bullzeyebill
The floody beam of the L4/L5 series heads was a result of the large emitter surface area (quad-luxI emitter luxV) (I realize you are probably quite aware of this), so I think it's far more accurate to say that the floody behavior of such lights was just a result of using what was at the time, the most powerful "emitter" available, and taking the result and running with it.
Their original intent may not have been such a wide flood beam, so with new emitters available that can still push more overall lumens from a die surface area 1/4 the size and generate some throw in a small reflector, they may finally be able to design the KL4 they had originally intended. You are laying down opinions about a product stated as fact...
It would not be a KL4 if it did not have that flood pattern. People do not seem to get this.
The only factual thing we can say about a KL4 is is that it is a floody beam that many people happen to like, we can not say that a KL4 with a throwy beam doesn't deserve "KL4 status." It's surefire's design and up to them what to call it and how to market it. Regardless of what the new version brings.
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In response to the original question, my thoughts are as follows:
The user is responding to a dog barking by lighting up the back-yard, wanting to know what out there is concerning the dog. I would personally take this type of illumination pretty seriously as you may be illuminating anything from bunny rabbit to a neighborhood kitty to a trespasser hyped up on amphetamines hellbent on back-yard domination (amongst other things, you know, like, steeling all the stuff in your house, or worse)...
With that in mind, whenever I'm investigating a "sound" that makes our 3 little excuses for dogs shout out in the middle of the night, I grab something big and something bright. Sometimes it's a 6D maglight modified to the tune of 100+watts, a total wall of brilliant incandescent bliss, other times I just grab a 35W HID, (the old amondotech version of the power on board with the better bulb).. (sort of like an N30 but a bit bulkier).
Everyone here is saying that an N30 is "too much" "overkill" etc, while it might be more than necessary, I don't think it would be inappropriate. At close range the HID lights have a very powerful spill beam around the center spot that would undoubtedly fill that back-yard quite impressively with useful light, while still having that central spot to move about with as desired, if you find someONE in the yard, having that nice bright spot might not be a bad thing.
Having said all that, I'm in agreement overall that a P7 based light, or multi-cree emitter light (3 emitters or more) would be a good light for this task as well.
Try to get around or above that "500" lumen territory for a light that is intended as being used for investigation of "noises" outdoors."
Research a mag modification called the "ROP" around here. It would also be a prime candidate, and with an orange peel reflector, and focusing ability of a mag, I'm sure you could really have an appreciable setup for back-yard investigations.
Eric
