Variable beam?

[dbooksta]

I'm looking for a non-rechargeable light with a 1"-diameter body and rear push-button so I can use it on my rail mounts. Maybe I'm misunderstanding specs but nothing I've seen so far offers variable beam shapes. For regular unmounted or close-quarters use I'd like a very wide beam, but I also want to be able to tighten the beam up to illuminate things at a distance when necessary. Is this not a feature offered on "tactical" lights anymore?

Also any recommendations on lights that fit these criteria greatly appreciated:

1. 1" diameter body
2. Rear push-button
3. High & low output modes, at least 200 lumens at max output, ideally a low mode running no more than 30 lumens
4. No recharge function needed
5. Variable beam control

 

[islw2863]

Sorry, hit the 'send' button accidentally up there. . . .

dbooksta,

I have done some research on the subject of variable focus/zoom focus lights, and have bought and used several varieties, starting with the exemplar we all know about, Maglite, and in recent years several LED lights with Zoom ability.

I am not the most expert on this topic you could find on this forum, but, since they haven't chimed in I will offer my experiences and opinions for your consideration.

1 The zoom/focus mechanism has some very big drawbacks.
A zoom/focus mechanism is mechanically delicate compared to fixed focus arrangement. Presumably more likely to break under heavy stress.
A zoom/focus mechanism is much more difficult to make waterproof.
A zoom/focus mechanism is much more difficult to build in good heat sinking, a crucial design parameter with modern high power LEDS that literally self destruct from their own heat
generation if the heat is not wicked away by a good heat sink path.
I have never, ever, ever, seen a variable focus flashlight that produces a pleasing, quality beam pattern across its focusing range.

2 There may be some models of flashlight that are exceptions to these general rules (based on personal experience) but I have neither seen nor heard of it. Maybe someone else knows of exception(s) ?

3 For specialized applications, like a light to be mounted on a firearm ( I'm assuming that's what the 'rail' reference is to) you can usually get better and more specific advice on forum devoted to that speciality. For general guns and gun related information glocktalk dot com is an excellent resource. The exact question you are asking is discussed there frequently, by experts on the topic.

 

[Vortus]

Most lights today have enough power it just doesn't matter. There are some out there with more throw with useable side spill. Check out the review section for the assorted tactical lights for beam shots.

 

[AmperSand]

You should maybe check out Led Lenser's range. Seems to tick most of the boxes for what you have expressed interest in.

 

[dbooksta]

You should maybe check out Led Lenser's range. Seems to tick most of the boxes for what you have expressed interest in.

Indeed they do! I'm waiting for them to confirm barrel diameter and am looking forward to trying one of their lights.

@islw2863: Interesting points. They would explain why I haven't seen adjustable focus since the old screw-top Mag-Lite style. But once one breaks the $100 barrier on a flashlight I would expect most of those technical challenges to be tractable. Hopefully I'll find out soon!

 

[Gryffin]

For regular unmounted or close-quarters use I'd like a very wide beam, but I also want to be able to tighten the beam up to illuminate things at a distance when necessary. Is this not a feature offered on "tactical" lights anymore?

Sounds like a reasonable request. But rather than the flaky favorable-focus lights out there, why not a higher-quality light with a diffuser?

 

[dbooksta]

Sounds like a reasonable request. But rather than the flaky favorable-focus lights out there, why not a higher-quality light with a diffuser?

Yes, I'd be happy with a "toggle" throw where it's either tightly focused or very diffuse. What are available options like this?

If we're talking about a detachable diffuser it needs a convenient connection to the device (presumably other than a tether that would subject it to all sorts of abuse). I'm also thinking that a camera-style diffuser would reflect a lot of heat back into the light. But I guess there's no reason a durable lens diffuser couldn't be designed with good heat and light transparency.

 

[lightcycle1]

Try a Fenix PD 32 UE. Great shotgun light. Easy acess mode switching, fast to turn on clicky tailswitch, and blasts a wall of light. Nice floody beam with a good wide hotspot. Wrap a piece of rubber tubing around it and clamp it in a 1 inch mount. I used a piece of black plastic cut from a 35mm film canister.

Excellent shotgun rig and it's withstood about 60 high brass, low brass, and heavy 00 buckshot loads sofar.

Im kind of curious how many 12 gauge firings it will withstand.

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