flashlighlt
Jan 19, 2017 13:47:03 #
macthemac
Loc: texas
I need a good flashlight to use with my night photo expeditions. I have looked at e-bay, amazon and B and H at the 18650 lithium battery lights. ptices tange from 4.99 yo 89.99. Some of the reviews clailm that these are all cheap Jananese models and no better than a Maglite. Any of you hogs have some first hand information?
Jan 19, 2017 14:37:58 #
I have used many of the less-expensive models with LED lights for my night light painting. I find them as good or better than the expensive models.
Jan 19, 2017 14:56:27 #
You have not said if you want a spotlight effect or a broad light. I use a 160 LED light to take in a wider area of my target, augmented by a flashlight if needed. The 160 LED does not have the reach of a flashlight but is a softer illumination . I bought the 60 LED on Amazon a few years age (don't recall the cost) and I think it was sold for video lighting. It takes 4 AA batteries and they last a long time and has a mount for putting onto the top of a camera.
Jan 19, 2017 16:23:09 #
A headlamp is a good option, besides both hands free most come with a red led option that can be used when shooting with other photographers.
Jan 19, 2017 17:02:50 #
Light is light, but there are a few factors to consider when shopping for a flashlight which will effect the price:
Lumens output; how much light do you want it to generate?
Water-proof; do you want to be able to use it in the rain or underwater?
Shock-proof and and overall ruggedness
Lumens output; how much light do you want it to generate?
Water-proof; do you want to be able to use it in the rain or underwater?
Shock-proof and and overall ruggedness
Jan 19, 2017 17:14:40 #
I use a Streamlight Jr. every day. Very durable and extremely bright. It uses 2-AA batteries.
Jan 19, 2017 18:26:14 #
Jan 19, 2017 18:41:19 #
I've owned several mag lights over the years. First thing to go is the bulb, next is the switch, would never buy one again. I will second on the head lamp, a must to keep your hands free.
Jan 19, 2017 18:48:01 #
macthemac wrote:
I need a good flashlight to use with my night photo expeditions. I have looked at e-bay, amazon and B and H at the 18650 lithium battery lights. ptices tange from 4.99 yo 89.99. Some of the reviews clailm that these are all cheap Jananese models and no better than a Maglite. Any of you hogs have some first hand information?
Mac, I have 3 of these. They are actually bicycle headlights but I use them for flashlights as well. You can buy them for about $75. They have their own battery, not AA's. Looks like a big AA.
Google: Lezyne XL power drive.
They are 400 lumens. Lots of lights out there to choose from but these are well made and made in Taiwan.
Have no idea what maglite is doing these days. Good luck!
SS
Jan 19, 2017 18:52:23 #
I have a head lamp that I got from LL Bean. Has white and red lights in two levels each. Leaves hands free.
Really nice unit. Runs on 3 AAA batteries. (Also works great for under the sink work and retrieving wood from the wood pile at night.)
https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/69364?feat=headlamp-SR0&page=trailblazer-xr-headlamp
Really nice unit. Runs on 3 AAA batteries. (Also works great for under the sink work and retrieving wood from the wood pile at night.)
https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/69364?feat=headlamp-SR0&page=trailblazer-xr-headlamp
Jan 19, 2017 19:51:16 #
It's headlamps for me, I have three of them.
If you decide on one, I would suggest one with a strap that goes over your head.
The elastic head bands on these things, seem to stretch out after a while. Even the high dollar ones.
If you decide on one, I would suggest one with a strap that goes over your head.
The elastic head bands on these things, seem to stretch out after a while. Even the high dollar ones.
Jan 20, 2017 06:11:00 #
For seeing what you are doing during set-up, I prefer a small head lamp or one of those ball caps with the built in lights. For light painting and focus help: I've got one of those small "tactical" lights like you see on tv . . . They are very bright led and adjustable . . .
Jan 20, 2017 06:44:07 #
macthemac wrote:
I need a good flashlight to use with my night photo expeditions. I have looked at e-bay, amazon and B and H at the 18650 lithium battery lights. ptices tange from 4.99 yo 89.99. Some of the reviews clailm that these are all cheap Jananese models and no better than a Maglite. Any of you hogs have some first hand information?
It does depend on what you will be using the flashlight for. But if you just want a small light so you can see the buttons on the camera or where you set down the lens cap then you don't want a strong light that will ruin your night vision. I carry a fold-up magnifying glass with an LED lamp built into it for this purpose. It's not much bigger than a credit card but it gives off sufficient light for these purposes.
If you are looking for something to use for light painting then you need something else, however.
Jan 20, 2017 06:45:36 #
INHO, The best flashlight I've owned, and I've had a lot, I got from Sportsman's Guide, about 25 bucks, rechargeable or 3 AAA's, very bright, variable spread, 3 modes, runners up, Harbor Freight, esp their rechargeable hand held spotlight, Bob.
Jan 20, 2017 06:48:48 #
BTW, those lights Harbor Freight gives away 9 LED 3AAA work very well, an extra flash light is always welcome, Bob.
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