The importance of optics

[Kilovolt]

As I have learned last night and noted here:

http://candlepowerforums.com/vb/showpost.php?p=1977868&postcount=1

a flashlight with a not-so-exciting performance can be instantly changed into a throw monster by simply changing its optics, all other parts remaining the same.

In my opinion too many manufacturers (Fenix included) don't spend enough efforts in the design of this critical part of their products while it appears that much could be gained through a careful development of good optics.

I know that this topic has already been covered in the past but having not found a recent post on the subject I would like to start a new discussion on the matter based on the experience gained with the new LED's i.e. CREE's and SSC's.

 

[Long John]

All depends on the diameter. It is possible to gain better throw abilities with optics at such tiny heads like the Fenix lights, but it will cost a good beamshape for narrow-mid ranges.
A very good example is my Dorcy-mod:

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=159372

With the stock 27mm-reflector, the beamshape was universal up to mid-ranges.
Swapped to the Aspherical Lens, the throw abilities gained a lot and with the adaptor, it's a pure thrower with a needle beam, but nearly useless for the most tasks, we need a flashlight.

IMO the best compromise for tiny diameters are reflectored lights, but that's a form of personally taste.

Best regards

____
Tom

 

[greenlight]

agreed

 

[yellow]

sure, if throw is what is asked for, a large aspherical is nice (but I wonder who likes that uneven square light dot showing the die in large).
but its any focusing device.

F.e. a cheap reflector or the original Cree 8 deg optic compared to a McR-XR refli from the shoppe is also much of a difference