What's the brightest zoomable focus and lumen output flashlight mid to small sized

[davictor]

Battery life and waterproof would be the last key to this question for which I hadn't enough characters in the title to write. I wan't a bug out flashlight. I want it BRIGHT, with a great flood, plus a decent zoom in search light, waterproof (couple meters is fine), and will at least fit nicely into the mesh side pocket of a backpack. Something no bigger than a red bull can. What's the brightest light i can get that includes all of these features? Battery life is also key, I will sacrifice my size requirements a little if the battery life is significantly increased because of it. I really am just looking for the KLR650 of flashlights.

Longest runtime at over 500 lumens setting. Also include, if you know of, the best run times for any light in any class above 500 lumens which is an edc. I know there are a limited number of edcs over 1000 lumens, but if you know of one with a great battery life, please include it.

Which light would you choose to be the only light you could ever use again? Doesn't matter about new technologies coming out. I'm paying you $75 to be stuck with the same flashlight for the rest of your life, and your numbskulledness accepted. I gave you a free midget to carry this light and follow you everywhere though. He doesn't require food or water. You don't have to pay him anything and he is a very loyal subject. He will even hold it for you while it's in use when you need him to. He's a really nice buddy. he changes the batteries for you, and he'll even help you get them recharged in spite of your forgetfulness.

Now, which light are we going to use?

 

[Random Dan]

The problem with any zoom style flashlight being considered "waterproof" is that adjusting the lens in our out will create either a vacuum or internal pressure, which will have to equalize. If this happens underwater then your light will probably wind up drinking a little. That said unless you're actually diving with the light it shouldn't be a problem as long as it has decent o-rings. Since you did not specify a budget I'll go ahead and throw out Lenslight. They seem to be about top of the line for zoomable lights.

 

[Charles L.]

Re: What's the brightest zoomable focus and lumen output flashlight mid to small siz

Depends on what you mean by EDC, of course, but I personally wouldn't want to EDC anything bulkier than one of the smaller 1x18650 lights (and even that might be pushing the limit). In which, case, it appears from Selfbuilt's recent reviews that the ZL SC600 II L2 still has the longest runtime (at least of the lights he's tested) over 500 lumens in its H2A setting: 1 hour 5 minutes at 720 lumens, with a 2200 mAh battery.

 

[Lampbeam]

Re: If you'd ur very own midget to carry ur light for you whenever u need , which lig

Jetbeam PA40. It takes some nimble fingers to get the batteries out.

 

[UnderPar]

Re: If you'd ur very own midget to carry ur light for you whenever u need , which lig

I would go for FourSevens QP2L-X. Simple UI, with burst mode of 780 lumens and all other modes. Plus its size is the smallest for a 2xCR123A or 16650 battery which makes it more econimical.

 

[MBentz]

Re: If you'd ur very own midget to carry ur light for you whenever u need , which lig

Which light would you choose to be the only light you could ever use again? Doesn't matter about new technologies coming out. I'm paying you $75 to be stuck with the same flashlight for the rest of your life, and your numbskulledness accepted. I gave you a free midget to carry this light and follow you everywhere though. He doesn't require food or water. You don't have to pay him anything and he is a very loyal subject. He will even hold it for you while it's in use when you need him to. He's a really nice buddy. he changes the batteries for you, and he'll even help you get them recharged in spite of your forgetfulness.

Now, which light are we going to use?

So you're the midget I take it?