Red headlamp recommendations?
Apr 12, 2023 13:09:42 #
I have a Milky Way shoot planned later in April and would like recommendations for a good head lamp with Red lamp for night vision. I have a small LED flashlight with a red lens that does work, but I'd like to get a good red headlamp that will allow hands free. I'l like one that doesn't have the red LED lamps sticking our from the body of the lamp as I've read that those shine in your face and done provide a good focuses beam.
Any of you astro folks have any good recommendations for, say, under $50.
Any of you astro folks have any good recommendations for, say, under $50.
Apr 12, 2023 13:28:46 #
jscorbin
Loc: Woodinville, WA
Nitecore has several rechargeable models that include a red LED with multiple brightness levels. I have a model NU25 that works well. https://www.nitecorestore.com
Apr 13, 2023 02:29:43 #
I have a Mantus rechargeable marine head-light. It's rugged and waterproof to 10 m and has 4 modes: red, low white, high white and SOS. It's extremely well made and I get about 12 - 14 hours out of a charge. However, I think it will set you back $80 rather than $50. https://onboard-rigging.myshopify.com/products/mantus-head-light
Apr 13, 2023 05:30:51 #
Apr 13, 2023 13:40:37 #
Mine is a Zebra Light red.
https://www.zebralight.com/H503r-Deep-Red-AA-Flood-Headlamp_p_248.html
Not inexpensive, but I've used it for years and years now. It uses a single AA battery. I use rechargeable Lithium in mine that I bought off of Ebay with charger. (4 batteries, 4 place compact charger. EBL brand.)
The battery lasts for many nights, and begins to fade.
I also have another headlamp that is white light that is a bicycling headlamp that reaches a long way and uses a 3.7 volt, 5000 mHa battery that is outrageously bright. https://www.amazon.com/Rechargeable-Headlamp-Headlight-Head-Lamp/dp/B07D27L1NR?th=1
Since I got my latest laptop to use at the mount with its backlit keyboard, I don't use my red headlamp much.
I used to have inexpensive headlamps. They ate batteries, and you had to pass through bright white to get to the red lamp. It destroyed your night vision trying to get to the red light.
I decided to go with quality, definite purpose, high efficiency headlamps and have never regretted my decision.
If you think you may join into groups, a dedicated red headlamp would be very appreciated by all so you aren't messing up their night vison.
https://www.zebralight.com/H503r-Deep-Red-AA-Flood-Headlamp_p_248.html
Not inexpensive, but I've used it for years and years now. It uses a single AA battery. I use rechargeable Lithium in mine that I bought off of Ebay with charger. (4 batteries, 4 place compact charger. EBL brand.)
The battery lasts for many nights, and begins to fade.
I also have another headlamp that is white light that is a bicycling headlamp that reaches a long way and uses a 3.7 volt, 5000 mHa battery that is outrageously bright. https://www.amazon.com/Rechargeable-Headlamp-Headlight-Head-Lamp/dp/B07D27L1NR?th=1
Since I got my latest laptop to use at the mount with its backlit keyboard, I don't use my red headlamp much.
I used to have inexpensive headlamps. They ate batteries, and you had to pass through bright white to get to the red lamp. It destroyed your night vision trying to get to the red light.
I decided to go with quality, definite purpose, high efficiency headlamps and have never regretted my decision.
If you think you may join into groups, a dedicated red headlamp would be very appreciated by all so you aren't messing up their night vison.
Apr 13, 2023 20:56:17 #
Amazon has the Orion Redbeam, a triple-level (plus motion sensing) headlamp with only RED light. It's $15, a real bargain for what it does.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CK9JQRV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CK9JQRV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Apr 14, 2023 10:07:34 #
Thanks all for the many recommendations. I ended up going with the Nitecore NU25 UL mentioned by jscorbin. After looking at all the various models and reading all the reviews, I felt this one fits the bill. I like that it is rechargeable and has several modes. The price was about mid-range for what I wanted to spend.
Apr 15, 2023 14:50:48 #
jscorbin wrote:
Nitecore has several rechargeable models that include a red LED with multiple brightness levels. I have a model NU25 that works well. https://www.nitecorestore.com
I just received my NU25UL (UL= Ultra Light). Apparently this is a "second generation" version. Don't know if you have the first or second generation, but here's a brief video on the second gen. Have not have a chance to get out with it, but just testing it out in a dar room at home, I really like it. I like the different modes it has, which will come in handy not just for site photography, but also when I need light to see my way around a camp site.
https://youtu.be/GJyUyHvfjZ4
Apr 17, 2023 13:43:25 #
Glad to hear you like your new headlamp, Basil.
How long does it take to recharge? I ask because you may need a back-up if it goes dead on you and you have to recharge it.
That's one reason I use battery types. Switch batteries and roll along. Old fashioned.
I had a multi-function headlamp (still do), but it messed up my night vision because the first click was white light trying to go to red. I used to close my eyes, click through the white light, then I could see better.
How long does it take to recharge? I ask because you may need a back-up if it goes dead on you and you have to recharge it.
That's one reason I use battery types. Switch batteries and roll along. Old fashioned.
I had a multi-function headlamp (still do), but it messed up my night vision because the first click was white light trying to go to red. I used to close my eyes, click through the white light, then I could see better.
Apr 17, 2023 15:54:42 #
SonnyE wrote:
Glad to hear you like your new headlamp, Basil.
How long does it take to recharge? I ask because you may need a back-up if it goes dead on you and you have to recharge it.
That's one reason I use battery types. Switch batteries and roll along. Old fashioned.
I had a multi-function headlamp (still do), but it messed up my night vision because the first click was white light trying to go to red. I used to close my eyes, click through the white light, then I could see better.
How long does it take to recharge? I ask because you may need a back-up if it goes dead on you and you have to recharge it.
That's one reason I use battery types. Switch batteries and roll along. Old fashioned.
I had a multi-function headlamp (still do), but it messed up my night vision because the first click was white light trying to go to red. I used to close my eyes, click through the white light, then I could see better.
Actually I don’t know yet how long to recharge. Not too concerned as I plan to carry a couple of power packs I can connect it to if needed.
Apr 18, 2023 11:01:26 #
Basil wrote:
Actually I don’t know yet how long to recharge. Not too concerned as I plan to carry a couple of power packs I can connect it to if needed.
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