very specific question

[tmamer]

Hi all,

I am a noob, who thought that joining this forum, and sifting through the threads, would result in feeling knowledgable enough to make an informed purchase. Boy was i wrong. Seeing all the reviews, and the varying opinions, has just made me more confused, if a little better educated.

What i thought i wanted when i joined was a focusable high output LED flashlight that could meet a number of needs. I am a photographer, and originally i thought i could find the perfect small Flashlight to throw controlled/even/spotted light into an otherwise "lit" subject to isolate (even if subtly) features of that subject. Think wedding portrait lit with ambient light, but the bride and groom's faces are "popped."

The more i read, the more i questioned the ability of a flashlight to meet fulfill this purpose. Complicate that by realizing that i have other uses for a flashlight that i didn't consider in the first place. My wife and i have started traveling, and have a trip to Belize this winter planned. On which not only will i be taking thousands of photos, we plan to do some caving both on foot and by tubing down rivers that stream underground.

Of course, complicate all this by having a certain visual aesthetic and taste (yes i know that the look of a tool like a flashlight shouldn't matter, but...)

So the question i put to the forum at large is: What flashlight (or headlamp as the case may be) would you unreservedly and unqualifingly recommend? It should be a light that has a reasonable throw, with a controlled spill, and can appreciably elevate the surface lux level of the subject of a portrait already lit with ambient (indoor, of course, i don't expect there are many flashlights that can contribute lux to a portrait that is already sunlit, but feel free to correct me), and be neutral in colour to balance with natural light. it should have step-less (magnetic?) variable power levels (or at least 3-4 power level detents) to provide options for fill light vs key lighting. It should be waterproof and versatile (for travel/adventure) with good UI, and finally, it should be (and i know how unimportant this really is, but i am an artist and respond strongly to aesthetic) in an attractive body. I know that this is very subjective, but i for example i think that the Sunwayman M11R is beautiful, if smaller than what i actually need. (Also, i like anything McGizmo, the Jil Lite heat treated J2 is gorgeous, and the spark ST6-460Nw is so well designed, i could go on)

So, can any of you answer this question? Is it even answerable?

t

 

[Gunner12]

I'd suggest just getting a light, so you at least have a point of reference. I've got the ST6-460 NW, and it's a nice light. If you are worried about batteries, I'd get a AA powered light.

If you are using it for photographs as well, then maybe a smooth beam could be better. What do you think about Zebralights?

 

[tmamer]

Good advice. one has to start somewhere. Zebralights look good, and seem to command some respect.

t

 

[Gunner12]

Personally, I'd start with a AA powered light, since the batteries are common and the light should be bright enough for most uses. At a lower cost, the Shiningbeam Spark and I-Mini is available in neutral white.

"Confusion is the first step to knowledge"

 

[tmamer]

Thanks Gunner, I appreciate the response.

 

[alltimeqb]

Agree with those who say go for a normal battery light but if you feel like trying out an LED light, think about the options. I am brand new to these new types of lights and just purchased my first; EagleTec M3C4 XM-L. It comes with a diffusor filter, which softens the spot. I would think it would be a great travel light as well as it isn't that big.

 

[rwolff]

It should be a light that has a reasonable throw, with a controlled spill, and can appreciably elevate the surface lux level of the subject of a portrait already lit with ambient (indoor, of course, i don't expect there are many flashlights that can contribute lux to a portrait that is already sunlit, but feel free to correct me)

The Surefire Beast (commercial) and the Mag85 (modified) are powerful enough to contribute lux to a sunlit subject. Note that I'm not recommending either of them - they're for extremely specialized purposes - just pointing out that there ARE some high-powered lights here.

Note that some of the people on this forum, if they got their hands on a light powered by a direct matter-to-energy converter, whose total light output during a 2 hour runtime was equal to the energy released by a megaton nuke, would still look for ways to make it brighter.

 

[TEEJ]

I agree with getting something to start with...the Zebralight SC600 for example is a VERY useful light, and easy to always be with you.

The AA etc formats are ok, but, just can't make a light as bright as a battery with more power. This is why the best lights performance-wise are powered by rechargeable lithium ion cells....as for any given form factor, the light can be brighter, run longer, etc, if powered by a lithium ion rechargeable cell.

And, sure, there are limits as to how much light is "enough". I have not found that limit, as I see many compromises made.

In short, we see best in daylight...its how we are hard wired. We do not see best if the light is dimmer than that, or if we have to view the world around us as if through a paper towel tube...a little at a time.

So, when a pocket sized light can supply that equivalent illumination, then it will be enough.

Until then, its all about compromises. Most of the compromises involve accepting less illumination, less accurate color rendition, and seeing less of what's out there at a time.



As for spot lighting aspects of a portrait for artisic purposes, say to highlight wispy hair or make eyes pop more, etc...a face sized target is small...and the added lux on target required to achieve the effect is typically small. A light that has a fairly tight beam but an infinitely adjustable output, would not have to be that powerful to suite that purpose.

It would suck for caving though...as a flood works way better in that environment...and more lumens makes the caving more enjoyable.

:D

 

[lensman]

One thing you may want to consider in photography is CRI and color temperature. You will probably want to match the color temperature and CRI of the non-flashlight lighting that you will be using.

Also, I think if you're picky you'll find it hard enough to find a single light for each of your purposes. You may find it impossible to find a light that serves all these purposes.

Think about these dimensions that you may or may not care about:
1. beam angle - absolute plus adjustability
2. evenness of lighting within the beam angle
3. lack of artifacts
4. color temperature
5. CRI
6. strength/power/lumens - absolute plus adjustability
7. size/portability
8. runtime
9. battery size/type - availability of primaries in usage locations vs. availability of power for recharging
10. looks/attractiveness
11. cost

 

[tmamer]

This is all great advice! The Surefire beast is redonkulously fabulous, but completely out of my reach.

While beam angle adjustability would be great, from what i am reading in the forums, the implementation in most lights leaves a lot to be desired.
Evenness of the lighting within the beam would be very important
lack of artifacts i am not sure what that means, but i assume that evenness in the beam angle would cover it
colour temperature would ideally be high CRI sunlight balanced, that way it would still work mixed with my speedlights
Hi Lumens, long reach, absolute adjustablility
size would be maybe 9" long or less
runtime is less important as i would model the light on a low setting then crank it up to shoot
Batteries. the more i think about this the more i think that i would love a light that has the option to take aa's, or higher power Lithium Ion
Looks is important, but only because i am shallow. if the lights all other marks, looks doesn't matter
Cost i would like to spend around the hundred dollar mark, but realize that may not be realistic.

I have to admit, i am tempted by amazon cheapies, but know that i will end up spending more in the end anyway.

t

 

[127.0.0.1]

if you are a photographer you understand it takes many lights of many types, often simultaneously

but if you want one light, it is the McGizmo Sundrop

 

[tmamer]

Ya, i can work with mixed light sources, but i really would like my first flashlight to be daylight balanced.

The McGizmos look absolutely awesome, but probably slightly farther out of my price-range than i am comfortable with They are over $400 yes?

Any opinions on Sunwaymans?

 

[jabe1]

Take a look at the Peak Logan with a Nichia 219 emitter and the 17500 body from Oveready.com.

You'll get a high CRI, variable light which can take AA, AAA, CR123, RCR123, or 17500 batteries, and to my eye the color temp is about 5000k.