Newbie question: LED viewing angle

[Zigzago]

I plan to do some simple flashlight modding and want to duplicate the beam of a Photon II or Arc III. The Nichia
LEDs I'm looking at are available in a variety of viewing angles. What degree value would be best for my purpose?

Thanks for any info. I've really enjoyed reading (lurking) CPF these last few months.

 

[Experiment_626]

I would stay with LED's with between 10 to 20 degree viewing angle and at least 9000 mcd brightness (in other words, Nichia).


You mimght try:
www.superbrightleds.com
www.whitelightled.com

 

[Doug Owen]

[ QUOTE ]
Experiment_626 said:
I would stay with LED's with between 10 to 20 degree viewing angle and at least 9000 mcd brightness (in other words, Nichia).


[/ QUOTE ]

Excellent advice, although I'm not all that sure you need Nichias. You decide if the performance improvement is worth the price.

Understand that there are only so many photons, if the spot is twice as big in diameter it has fout times the area. Them photons have to be spread mighty thin. This is a 'two f stop reduction' in photography terms if that makes sense.

I too advise sticking to smaller spots unless you have needs to do otherwise. Notice how the intensity of the wider ones is so much less than the vaulted 9000?

Doug Owen

 

[Zigzago]

Thanks, Experiment_626 and Doug.

I already placed an order with whitelightled.com a couple days ago. I ordered some 20 degree and some 50 degree leds. Per your advice I will use the 20 degree ones.