your thoughts on the Surefire V2 Vampire

[Brian321]

I just came across this light that has Infrared. Would this be useful or a waste of money? I think it would be neat to have but dont want it if its useless. Thanks.

 

[abarth_1200]

I would get one if it was UV, I have no need for infrared, anyone else use IR night vision if so what for im interested

 

[kelmo]

It sucks!

 

[nbp]

Based on the fact that I have seen almost no discussion of this light on these fora since it came out, I'm going to have to say that verrrry few people have use for the infrared. At noted, the only people I can see using it is military personnel who have night-vision equipment. Other than that, what would be the point? You can't see it....:duh2:

 

[Outdoors Fanatic]

I have no thoughts... But I "need" one! LOL

 

[Outdoors Fanatic]

Based on the fact that I have seen almost no discussion of this light on these fora since it came out, I'm going to have to say that verrrry few people have use for the infrared. At noted, the only people I can see using it is military personnel who have night-vision equipment. Other than that, what would be the point? You can't see it....:duh2:

If you have one of those "Nightshot" amateur videocameras, you can see it quite well.

 

[Popsiclestix]

I think most of the webcams built into laptops nowadays are sensitive to near-IR/IR. I know that my Macbook Pro used to detect the IR remote LED through its webcam when the lid was open.

 

[nbp]

Yes, but as I said, I really don't see many people USING it. You may have a camera that is capable of picking up the IR, but really, what would you use it for? Taping a sleeping baby? Maybe, but I see its functionality as pretty limited. Unless you routinely use light night vision equipment, I would say that the V2 is probably Surefire's least useful light. (Don't mistake me, I have 4 Surefire's, including a Milky L4, I do love them.) I just think that for the OP, who clearly doesn't have a real need for the IR function, his $310 could be spend a on MUCH more useful light from SF, or maybe two! :thumbsup:

 

[Tempest UK]

It's a very specialised light.

I see the more common application being the M952V, which is an excellent alternative to IR filters on an incandescent WeaponLight, with the V2 filling a smaller niche.

It's still solving the same problem - doing away with the need for an IR filter by providing an all-in-one LED solution for white and IR light - but it's uses to CPFers will certainly be limited.

But then, the HellFighter has found its way into the hands of CPFers, despite a much higher price tag, and I doubt they're mounting it to an M2HB.

Of course, it has the coolest name since the Devastator. So I want one :)

Regards,
Tempest

 

[Size15's]

And it's a two-stage and two 'colour' flashlight - even though we likely have little use for IR, there is potential for our modders to work their magic and replace the IR source with a different colour such as UV...

Looking at the Big Picture - as a military and specialist Law Enforcement tool I think its one of the most important steps forward since SureFire were the first to make weapon-mounted lights.

 

[Tempest UK]

And it's a two-stage and two 'colour' flashlight - even though we likely have little use for IR, there is potential for our modders to work their magic and replace the IR source with a different colour such as UV...

A good point...

Looking at the Big Picture - as a military and specialist Law Enforcement tool I think its one of the most important steps forward since SureFire were the first to make weapon-mounted lights.

Exactly. It's a great step forward. For the right people.

Having said that, IR solutions aren't new, and if you're someone who doesn't see the utility in putting an IR filter on your SureFire then you probably won't find the V2 very useful either.

Regards,
Tempest

 

[RobertM]

It sucks!

Based on such a strong statement, I assume that you obviously must own one but have realized that there are certain aspects that didn't meet your expectations. Might I ask what those were?

 

[Flashlight Aficionado]

He meant; It sucks like a vampire. He also added :crackup: to the title, which I admit was hard to spot.

 

[carrot]

Well I played with one at SHOT and I walked away incredibly impressed. That said, I have no use for an infrared light so I would not buy one. Now if I got those NVG's I've been eyeballing, well maybe I'd also pick up a V2 to go with it.

 

[RobertM]

He meant; It sucks like a vampire. He also added :crackup: to the title, which I admit was hard to spot.

Alright, I gotcha :thumbsup:

 

[Popsiclestix]

You may have a camera that is capable of picking up the IR, but really, what would you use it for?

I think almost all CCDs are sensitive to infrared (maybe someone can correct me if I'm wrong).

So if someone had expensive camera equipment and they wanted to shoot something in the dark maybe every couple of months or so, they wouldn't have to buy specialized equipment to do so.

 

[RobertM]

I think almost all CCDs are sensitive to infrared (maybe someone can correct me if I'm wrong).

So if someone had expensive camera equipment and they wanted to shoot something in the dark maybe every couple of months or so, they wouldn't have to buy specialized equipment to do so.

I could be wrong, but I believe they are sensitive to IR, but most have filters built in to block most of the IR spectrum.