Surnia
Newly Enlightened
As strange as it may sound, I'm looking to get a pure flood LED light, preferably 1xAA format as a secondary light source when ambient light either doesn't provide enough, or at the wrong angle for photos. Oh and as an excuse for another light/spare battery carrier in my pocket....
Granted I only shoot with a Panasonic LX3, I've tried some flower macros that looked absolutely great on screen, but when I got home to process the subject was a little too dark in relation to the background. I tried using the flash at -2EV but its faaaaar too powerful for anything under 30cm. I was playing with my iTP SA2 and noticed that the flood portion of the beam was quite ideal for secondary lighting, the smooth flood was great for that purpose.
Unfortunately to justify purchasing another light, it has to survive some rough... urban conditions. My D10's already showing signs of how abusive things live in my pockets. The clip's finish is starting to go copper coloured, I think the lens o-ring is also gone (there's a small gap between the lens and the front edge of the bezel that I don't remember being present), there's a decent sized rub mark on the lens (that isn't wiping off) and the bezel's showing some impact points with the TK-566. The pocket is also my spare change repository, Photon Freedom Micro UV pocket, and work ID pocket. The new light will be replacing the TK-566, which might get retired and handed off to my sister again (how much she'll like the worn out edges is a different matter...)
The tough part is that the light needs to be under $70, runs single cell AA (to fit the purpose of a spare cell carrier), survive a LOT of abuse, and needs to be pure flood source capable with NO hotspot. I'm on the fence about it being available in a Neutral vs. Cool tint (cool works well against the sun, but neutral would have an appeal in more artificial lighting conditions). Lights with diffusers are... possible but an avenue I'd prefer to avoid as they still have a strong middle to the beam.
The only two I can come up with that fit within my rather specific criteria are the Romisen RC-29, and the Zebralight H501. Both are offered in cool and warm configurations, and are pure flood capable.
The RC-29 would yield versatility due to the flood to throw capabilities, but I'd likely want to mod the LED and the driver (shiningbeam's driver is still a 2 mode, and I have preferences to 3 for a L-M-H config). The plastic lens is of minor concern, I'm not quite sure how it would hold up to constant banging about against coins.... Although I do have to note that the TK-566's lens is still completely flawless (The D10 however does have that marred spot on it) despite it living right up against the coins. Spare tritium vials could also go in the head for some added night time glowy fun.
The Zebralight H501 is a far higher quality light, and I probably won't question its capabilities to handle the coin abuse. The lens is still a concern as it would be far harder (and likely more expensive) to replace, but the flood pattern is likely to be an extremely ideal format.
As with anything, the lower the cost the better... but I'm wondering on how much compromise I'm looking at for the difference. The RC-29 would be an excellent host to make into an ideal versatile light but zebralight's reputation and excellent beam pattern are obviously a strong draw.
A point I just noticed, does the H501 have a lanyard attachment hole? its something I personally must have on a light, and the lack of it would drop it out of my options....
Thanks for opinions and help, any information would be appreciated!
Granted I only shoot with a Panasonic LX3, I've tried some flower macros that looked absolutely great on screen, but when I got home to process the subject was a little too dark in relation to the background. I tried using the flash at -2EV but its faaaaar too powerful for anything under 30cm. I was playing with my iTP SA2 and noticed that the flood portion of the beam was quite ideal for secondary lighting, the smooth flood was great for that purpose.
Unfortunately to justify purchasing another light, it has to survive some rough... urban conditions. My D10's already showing signs of how abusive things live in my pockets. The clip's finish is starting to go copper coloured, I think the lens o-ring is also gone (there's a small gap between the lens and the front edge of the bezel that I don't remember being present), there's a decent sized rub mark on the lens (that isn't wiping off) and the bezel's showing some impact points with the TK-566. The pocket is also my spare change repository, Photon Freedom Micro UV pocket, and work ID pocket. The new light will be replacing the TK-566, which might get retired and handed off to my sister again (how much she'll like the worn out edges is a different matter...)
The tough part is that the light needs to be under $70, runs single cell AA (to fit the purpose of a spare cell carrier), survive a LOT of abuse, and needs to be pure flood source capable with NO hotspot. I'm on the fence about it being available in a Neutral vs. Cool tint (cool works well against the sun, but neutral would have an appeal in more artificial lighting conditions). Lights with diffusers are... possible but an avenue I'd prefer to avoid as they still have a strong middle to the beam.
The only two I can come up with that fit within my rather specific criteria are the Romisen RC-29, and the Zebralight H501. Both are offered in cool and warm configurations, and are pure flood capable.
The RC-29 would yield versatility due to the flood to throw capabilities, but I'd likely want to mod the LED and the driver (shiningbeam's driver is still a 2 mode, and I have preferences to 3 for a L-M-H config). The plastic lens is of minor concern, I'm not quite sure how it would hold up to constant banging about against coins.... Although I do have to note that the TK-566's lens is still completely flawless (The D10 however does have that marred spot on it) despite it living right up against the coins. Spare tritium vials could also go in the head for some added night time glowy fun.
The Zebralight H501 is a far higher quality light, and I probably won't question its capabilities to handle the coin abuse. The lens is still a concern as it would be far harder (and likely more expensive) to replace, but the flood pattern is likely to be an extremely ideal format.
As with anything, the lower the cost the better... but I'm wondering on how much compromise I'm looking at for the difference. The RC-29 would be an excellent host to make into an ideal versatile light but zebralight's reputation and excellent beam pattern are obviously a strong draw.
A point I just noticed, does the H501 have a lanyard attachment hole? its something I personally must have on a light, and the lack of it would drop it out of my options....
Thanks for opinions and help, any information would be appreciated!
