Collimator Lens vs. Reflector

[Outdoors Fanatic]

Lenses are superior, there is no contest.

 

[Lightingguy321]

Optics hands down in most applications, no worrying about artifacts and a nice even beam. A correctly design reflector on the other hand is probably the best option for throw. The UA2s zoom plate technology will be interesting to see how it does it's job.

 

[jirik_cz]

Ok:
throw - big smooth reflector is the best
general usage - smaller reflector with average throw and a lot of spill, but for example 8° Cree or Ledil Rocket-SS optics also work well
bike - optics
close range - optics, I have some ledil optics with wide beam and they have super smooth output, really excellent for indoor usage

btw. Fraen announced new FOCUSABLE optics some time ago...

 

[Gunner12]

I'd take a well designed optic over a reflector.

Optic with spill and a strong hotspot. Focusability can come next.

 

[Jarl]

Lenses are superior, there is no contest.

Care to provide some reasoning?

 

[greenlight]

Lumaray, LedLenser, streamlight 2aa, gerber firecracker, surefire l1... these are all great kights

 

[Yapo]

wow i'm surprised...the last time i read i thought i was one of the few that liked optics. i guess the new surefire optics, malkoff m60 and led lenser models have really changed things!

 

[TorchBoy]

~ If a light you're planning to buy had an option, of either buying it with a Collimator Lens or a Reflector,
which would you choose and why?

Buy a light instead of making one? Never! At least, not without the intention of modding it. I figure collimators and reflectors both have their uses, and I've used both in the last few weeks.

 

[Outdoors Fanatic]

Care to provide some reasoning?

Optics having 98% efficiency versus 80% max for reflectors is a good enough reason for you?

 

[saabluster]

Ok:
throw - big smooth reflector is the best

A correctly design reflector on the other hand is probably the best option for throw.

Since this was posted in the LED flashlights section I think its safe to say the reflector vs optic applies to LEDs only. That being the case reflectors can't even come close on throw compared to optics.

 

[jirik_cz]

Since this was posted in the LED flashlights section I think its safe to say the reflector vs optic applies to LEDs only. That being the case reflectors can't even come close on throw compared to optics.

Well, I've forgot aspheric lenses. But I don't like the beam they produce. So the big smooth reflector (as in DBS) is still the best for me.

 

[saabluster]

Well, I've forgot aspheric lenses. But I don't like the beam they produce. So the big smooth reflector (as in DBS) is still the best for me.

I think I have something that would change your mind. The diffused aspheric on the DEFT creates a creamy smooth throw with more light down beam than a DBS.