red headlamp suggestions?

[adrianmariano]

I need some red headlamps to use for seeing a trail while walking, so like to see 10 feet. I want something where it's easy to turn the red on/off without accidentally activating the white. I may want several lights (outfitting group of 5-7 people), so I was thinking of one nice light ($100 budget) and a few cheaper lights. Would be nice if the white mode (if one exists) includes warm flood. I need either integrated charging (usb-c not microusb) or I need AA or AAA batteries.

The candidates I've identified thus far are nitecore NU33 (single mode 15 lumen) and Fenix HM55R (5/30/70) in white/red lights. In red only the celestron tops out at 4 lumens and the apertura ember has 0.3/2.5/25/50 lumens. I get the impression that red lights are more likely to be flood and I don't really know how to interpret the lumen values for red light anyway. I did notice that Fenix says the 5 lumen mode reaches 13 feet. For this particular expedition it's desirable that we have the minimal amount of light that will suffice, not overkill.

So, does anybody have any advice or suggestions?

 

[PaladinNO]

Is the trail known to you? Green light gives better contrast and depth perception.
Green is also the colour the Human eye sees best, so it will be perceived as more illumination compared to a Red LED.

To have the best of all the worlds, how about the Acebeam H30?

H30 USB-C Rechargeable Brightest Headlamp

H30 is the brightest LED headlamp on the market driven by a single 21700 battery. Suitable for mining, exploration and outdoor search.

www.acebeam.com

It is over budget (I can vouch for Acebeam, they make great lights), but it has (several options available) a Red LED, a Green LED, and a White LED. And USB-C charging.

I am an avid Fenix fan as well, so from a quick look, I doubt you go wrong with the HM55R. Though one thing I would miss is having the headband also go over the head.

And yes, those auxiliary coloured LEDs are floody by design. The moment they are focused, their hotspot quickly becomes perceived as white, and then the night vision is lost and the point of them is gone.

 

[adrianmariano]

No, we've never been there and I don't know anything about the area. We're going to the smoky mountains to see synchronous fireflies at night. The direction from the park was to have red lights only both to preserve night vision and to avoid disturbing the fireflies. Green light is presumably not going to preserve night vision.

I'm not sure about the effect of brightness of the red light, but I don't think that bright red light "becomes white" if it is brighter. The whole point of the red light is that its wavelength doesn't neutralize the rhodopsin. It sounds like the main issue with overly bright red lights is that if the red light isn't pure monochromatic red, then when it gets brighter the non red wavelengths are also getting brighter and that will hurt night vision.

From the specs it looks like the acebeam has a single red brightness of 50 lumens, which is maybe super bright? Brighter than most, at least.

 

[PaladinNO]

No, we've never been there and I don't know anything about the area. We're going to the smoky mountains to see synchronous fireflies at night. The direction from the park was to have red lights only both to preserve night vision and to avoid disturbing the fireflies. Green light is presumably not going to preserve night vision.

I'm not sure about the effect of brightness of the red light, but I don't think that bright red light "becomes white" if it is brighter.

I personally prefer Green light in the dark. It does preserve night vision, but can more quickly become too bright compared to Red light.
Can't speak to disturbing fireflies - all I know is, some insects are attracted to some wavelengths, while others are attracted to other wavelengths.

I said the light may "become white" if it is too focused. Hence, most such auxiliary lights are designed as floody. But if Red light is what you've been recommended for this trip, go with that.

Was about to suggest a dual-channel Emisar (like the DW4), but the Anduril GUI is not for first-timers, not with the criteria you listed. I'd say it would be too much faff in the field, but do please take a look at it:

Dual Channel version DW4 18650 work light

<p><strong><span style="font-size: medium;">Metal button is glued by deault, if you prefer not to glue it, please send us a request.</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size: medium;">NTG35 LEDs are recommended for good tint, beam pattern, high CRI

intl-outdoor.com

And you seem to be right about the Acebeam. I took it for granted it was dimmable and only took a quick look on the spec sheet, but looking closer at it now, it indeed seems single-mode.

In that case, go with the Fenix you found. Solid brand, good build quality, and it has all the features you want.

 

[3L3M3NT]

Here are some of the different headlamps that I would suggest you check out and see if one of them will work for your needs.

Starting with AA/14500 headlamps:

[Fenix HM23 V2 ]

Fenix HM23 V2.0 Lightweight Detachable AA Headlamp

Experience versatile hands-free lighting with the Fenix HM23 V2 headlamp, featuring 300 lumens, multiple light modes, and rugged waterproof durability.

fenix-store.com

[Nitecore HA15 UHE]

NITECORE HA15 UHE Multipurpose Ultra Lightweight AA Headlamp

The NITECORE HA15 UHE, Multipurpose Ultra Lightweight AA Headlamp, utilizes matrix-design 6-Core UHE LEDs to deliver powerful lighting efficiency with a max output of 400 lumens, a long throw of 80 meters, and only 43g (1.52 oz) in weight. It’s compatible with various AA batteries and the...

flashlight.nitecore.com

The next size up uses CR123/16340 batteries. These will give you a bit longer battery life and brighter light output. Here are the CR123/16340 headlamps that I believe would work well for you.

[Fenix HM50R V2.0 ]

Fenix HM50R V2.0 LED Headlamp - 700 Lumens

The Fenix HM50R V2.0 Headlamp boasts 700 lumens, a 377-foot visibility, and a Cree XP-G3 S4 LED for optimal performance. It can withstand 6.5 ft drops on all six sides and is IP68 waterproof rated. USB Type-C charging port permits a quick 1.5 hour charge, while a reflective headband helps make...

fenix-store.com

[New Olight Perun 3 Mini ]

PERUN 3 MINI Headlamp Flashlight Red White Light 1250 Lumens EDC - Olight

Olight Perun 3 Mini: Versatile dual-light headlamp and EDC flashlight with 1,250 lumens. Features white/red LEDs and a quick-release bracket. Shop now!

www.olight.com

[Olight Perun 3 Mini on Amazon]

https://www.amazon.com/OLIGHT-Flashlight-Rechargeable-Headlight-5700K-6700K/dp/B0F1CZMK9X/ref=mp_s_a_1_1

Here's another Fenix headlamp that uses a 18350 battery like the FenixHM55R you mentioned in your original post, but has a 30 lumen red light mode

[Fenix HM53R]

Fenix HM53R Multi-Function Removable Headlamp

Shop the Fenix HM53R 1,200-lumen rechargeable headlamp featuring a removable 2-in-1 design, white & red light modes, IP68 waterproofing, and 135-hour runtime. USB-C charging, magnetic tail cap, and 518 ft beam distance; this lightweight, multi-function headlamp is built for hiking, camping, and...

fenix-store.com

Then you have the most common battery size, which is a 18650. It'll give you the longest battery life and the brightest light output if you need it.

Here are some different 18650 headlamps:

[Acebeam H15 2.0 ]

H15 2.0 Rechargeable Industrial Headlamp

A dual light source rechargeable headlamp for industrial lighting scenarios which includes a magnetic base and belt clip for continued hands-free use.

www.acebeam.com

The Acebeam H35 has a red light output of 200 lumens if you need a headlamp with a rather bright red light mode.
[Acebeam H35 ]

H35 5-core Dual-light Source industrial Headlamp

The ACEBEAM H35 is a high-performance headlamp designed for industrial and high-intensity tasks. Featuring dual light sources (red and white).

www.acebeam.com

[Nitecore HC60 UHE]

NITECORE HC60 UHE High Performance Rechargeable Outdoor Headlamp

The HC60 UHE is an outdoor headlamp featuring 6-core UHE LEDs. With over 94% light transmission and a large 411mm² reflective surface, it delivers 1,600 lumens and projects a beam up to 157 meters. It weighs just 140g (4.94 oz), and the center-of-gravity-design bracket makes it more comfortable...

flashlight.nitecore.com

[Nitecore HC65 UHE]

https://www.nitecore.com/mobile-product/hc65Uhe

[Klarus HL1vn]

Klarus HL1vn - 18650 Headlamp

HL1vn 519a 4500K DD Decent throw with Primary LED & smooth reflector Secondary flood = Soft White, Soft Red, or Red bicycle alert strobe Excellent value Factory Link Here User Interface: From OFF: Quick press = ON @ last mode memory From ON: Quick press = OFF From ON: Press & Hold = Cycle...

skylumen.com

This Sofirn HS21 is a rather popular option among quite a few people, but can be rather front heavy.
[Sofirn HS21]

https://www.sofirnlight.com/products/sofirn-hs21-led-rechargeable-red-and-white-headlamp

[Spera SH18]

SPERAS SH18 2000lm Right-Angle Flashlight & Headlamp | 250m Throw

The SPERAS SH18 surpasses the Olight Perun 2. 2000 lumens, 250-meter beam range, 4 red light modes, and a magnetic tail cap. The ultimate USB-C L-shaped headlight, the choice for professional EDC gear.

sperasflashlight.com

[Fenix HM60R V2 ]

HM60R V2 High-Performance Headlamp - 1600 Lumens

Push limits with the Fenix HM60R V2—adaptive lighting, 1600 lumens, and a rugged build for outdoor adventure. Trail-ready and rechargeable. Buy now.

fenix-store.com

The newly released Fenix HM61R V3 has a red light output of 70 lumens.
[Fenix HM61R V3]

HM61R V3 Multifunction 2-in-1 Removable Headlamp/Flashlight

Fenix HM61R V3 2-in-1 headlamp and flashlight with 1,800 lumens, spotlight, floodlight, and red light modes. Rechargeable, magnetic, IP68 waterproof, and built for trekking, work, and search tasks.

fenix-store.com

[Fenix HM62-T ]https://fenix-store.com/collections...nix-hm62-t-lightweight-trail-running-headlamp

Good luck with your decision and hopefully one of those headlamps will work for you.

 

[adrianmariano]

Thanks for that list. That Sofirm is interesting with the rotary mode switch, but looks like it might not come fast enough---I couldn't tell where they ship from. I realized that the Fenix I was looking at is the HM55R Renegade. I hadn't realized Renegade was an important part of the model, but that version has 3 red levels and the plain HM55R has just one red level. The Nitecore HA15 and the Olight Perun3 also look good.

 

[Schokokeks]

I personally prefer Green light in the dark. It does preserve night vision, but can more quickly become too bright compared to Red light.
Can't speak to disturbing fireflies - all I know is, some insects are attracted to some wavelengths, while others are attracted to other wavelengths.

I've made a thread about insects, with some links to papers. Mostly amber is what doesn't impact flying insects was the summary of the findings.

Also, the U.S. Navy did the foundational paper on night vision, and they noted red worked best (as @adrianmariano noted, it doesn't destroy the rhodopsin), and that very low levels of white light worked well, too.

I've never, ever read anything about green light preserving night vision. While our eyes are very sensitive to it, you could ideally use a low level of green light, but as far as I've ever seen, it doesn't not physiologically preserve night vision like red light does.

As far as I know, green only really exists because some game animals are very insensitive to it (I've heard boars and coyotes, but I don't hunt, so I can't confirm either).

Thanks for that list. That Sofirm is interesting with the rotary mode switch, but looks like it might not come fast enough---I couldn't tell where they ship from. I realized that the Fenix I was looking at is the HM55R Renegade. I hadn't realized Renegade was an important part of the model, but that version has 3 red levels and the plain HM55R has just one red level. The Nitecore HA15 and the Olight Perun3 also look good.

Sofirn has multiple warehouses, both on their Ali store, and their website. If you buy from your local warehouse, it ships pretty quick.

The HS21 was going to be my suggestion for a multi-emitter headlamp, because the physical selection UI is pretty cool.


Alternatively, you could get a red only headlamp, and maybe carry a hand torch for if you need white light.


Also, I'd recommend getting the SST-20 Deep Red emitter in whatever you get. That one is a very nice, deep red. It won't have the "orange" color of some "red" emitters.

 

[3L3M3NT]

If you wanted a red only headlamp, you could get this one from Zebralight.

H504r Deep Red AA Flood Headlamp-H504r

www.zebralight.com

Otherwise talk with Vinh at SkyLumen to see if there's a headlamp that he'd recommend.

Skylumen.com

Hope one of those two options will work for you.

 

[glockboy]

Take a look at the "wurkkos hd17 headlamp" at Amazon.

 

[lampeDépêche]

Otherwise talk with Vinh at SkyLumen to see if there's a headlamp that he'd recommend.

Skylumen.com

Hope one of those two options will work for you.

A few years ago, Vinh at SkyLumens made me a terrific red headlamp from an Acebeam H40, an AA format.
He might recommend a different base model now, since that was a few years ago, but he will definitely get you a great red light.

 

[WarriorOfLight]

A very versatile Headlamp / Flashlight is the Streamlight Sidewinder Compact III. I would recommend the UC version. The red / green / blue is quite bright if needed, and you also have white light. The selected mode starts always in the lowest brightness when the light will be switched on.

 

[adrianmariano]

I went ahead and have ordered the Zebra 504r (I have several zebras and like them and the adjustability of the levels seems like it could be useful, since I don't know what I need) and the Sofirm HS21, which I found could be had on amazon with fast shipment (for a somewhat higher price). The Sofirm site was rather unclear since some products were marked "ships from usa" and some not marked that way. The interface on the Sofirm seems really nice to avoid accidental white light and my group is not going to be reliable with a complicated interface. Thanks for all the recommendations in the thread.

The instructions from the park were very explicit about red light only. I'd like to think that this requirement is well researched---that red is indeed the color that doesn't bother the fireflies. I could imagine fireflies being atypical among insects since they actual use light themselves.

When I was reading a bit on astronomy forums I found a contingent that seemed to think amber was better for their night vision, but there was a lot of back and forth about "were you really dark adapted" and how dark was it really. But since I'm following instructions from the park, I did not consider other colors.

 

[RWT1405]

Now that the OP has decided on, and ordered his light/s, I'd like to ask a couple of questions about the Zebralight H504r

The H504r really sounds like a headlamp I could (potentially) really like/use

My (potential) problem with the H504r is when I look at the instruction info

I admit I've NEVER cared for such "gimmicky" flashlights that require 5 clicks here, 20 clicks there, now spin around and 100 clicks now, followed by 250 clicks, while doing a rain dance, on 1 leg and singing "What a fool I am, for buying such a gimmicky flashlight"

So, I look at the instructions, and I see things like.............

• Advanced Operation and Configuration
  • Press and hold to cycle from Low, Medium and High, release at the desired level to set. When press and hold, the light always cycle from Low to High regardless which level you are currently in.
  • Double click to toggle and select between the two sub-levels for that main level. Sub-level selections for the 3 main levels are memorized after the light is turned off and through battery changes.
  • The second sub-level (H2, M2 and L2) of each main levels can be further programmed to different brightness levels. At a main level, double-click 6 times to start configuration. On subsequent double-clicks the light will cycle through different brightness levels. Short click to turn off the light when finishing configurations. The selections for the second sub-levels are memorized after the light is turned off and through battery changes.
  • This light uses the main LED (flashing 1 to 4 times) to indicate the estimated remaining capacity of the battery. To start the battery indicator, (from Off) short-click 4 times without pause.
  • Beacon-strobe mode can be accessed from 3 short-clicks when the light is Off. Once in the beacon-strobe mode, you can double-click to cycle through different types of beacons and strobes. Beacon-strobe settings are memorized when the light is turned off and through battery changes.

• Multiple Mode Groups
  • This light comes with three mode groups, G5, G6 and G7. The G5, set as the factory default, can be selected with 5-click from OFF, while G6 and G7 can be selected with 6-click and 7-click from OFF respectively. Mode group selections are memorized after the light is turned off and through battery changes.
  • In all three mode groups
    • H can be either H1 or H2; M can be either M1 or M2; L can be either L1 or L2
    • from OFF: 1-click to H; 2-click to M; press and hold to cycle from L, M to H
  • In G5
    • H1 is fixed at 122 Lm, H2 can be 84, 56, or 30 Lm
    • M1 is fixed at 14 Lm, M2 can be 8.4, 4, or 2 Lm
    • L1 is fixed at 1.0 Lm, L2 can be 0.04, 0.01, or 0.002 Lm
  • In G6 and G7
    • H1, H2, M1, M2, L1 and L2 can be programmed to any of the 12 available brightness levels
    • Double-click 6 times at the H1, H2, ... L2 to enter the programming mode for that level. Once in the programming mode, use double-click to go up one level and triple-click to go down one level. Use 1-click to exit the programming mode
  • Three consecutive 5-click (or 6-click, 7-click) to reset the G5 (or G6, G7) back to the factory default settings

Are you kidding me?

Can't they simply have 2 or 3 different Mode Groups, like what StreamLight has, for example

Mode Group 1 = G5 (above) 122/14/1 lmns (I just used this as an example, I do NOT like the lmn levels, at all, in this Mode Group)

Mode Group 2 = 60/15/3 lmns

Mode Group 3 = 25/5/1 lmns (this setting would likely handle 99% of what I would EVER need/want from such a headlamp)

I could do without Mode Group 1, because if I'm using a Red Headlamp, I have very, very, very limited need (basically none/NEVER) for 122 lmns

I'm not looking to have to do a "rain dance, on 1 leg, while singing", to be able to get to an appropriate lmn level from a Headlamp (or ANY flashlight, for that matter)

Is this REALLY asking too much?

 

[jon_slider]

Sofirn H25LR, uses a true 660nm red with multiple outputs, on sale for about $12,

includes 18650 battery, and has USB-C charging.. shipped free if you buy 3

the estimated arrival date is listed at that link.. if you want it faster you can buy on Amazon, but the price doubles

The HS21 is also 660nm red, but it is a very front heavy light that requires using the top strap on the headband, else it can flop down and bonk you on the nose

Yes, for firefly observation gatherings, Red light is the correct choice.

 

[lampeDépêche]

Now that the OP has decided on, and ordered his light/s, I'd like to ask a couple of questions about the Zebralight H504r

The H504r really sounds like a headlamp I could (potentially) really like/use

My (potential) problem with the H504r is when I look at the instruction info

I own ZL H504r's, and the instructions are not a problem -- just leave it in factory mode, and you'll get a simple UI of Low/Middle/High, each of those with two levels: L2/L1; M2/M1; H2/H1. Easy to learn, easy to use, and you don't have to do any more unless you enjoy messing with complicated programming.

But here's why I very seldom use my H504r: it is a pure mule.

That means it is radiating in almost an even 180 degree hemisphere. No hotspot, no focusing, no throw at all.

Combine the lack of focus with the fact that red light always throws less well than other colors, and you have a light that simply does not illuminate things at any distance. By the time you turn it up to H1 in order to see something 5 meters away, you are also sending out a huge amount of light at things that you don't really want to see, unless you put a large premium on peripheral vision, or on mood lighting.

This is why I asked Vinh to put a red emitter into a light that had a decent reflector. That way, more light goes further ahead, and less is wasted out to the sides. I say "wasted" -- it's not a waste if you need a pure mule, of course. But for my uses, it's a waste.

The Acebeam has worked well for me. But I have actually stopped using that, too, because I got the Streamlight Sidewinder III that WarriorofLight mentions upthread, and I like its red beam even more. Plus, as WoL says, the Sidewinder offers a range of colors, and I have found that their green works really well for me in a lot of roles that I used to use red for. (Not applicable to the original poster, because the insect people say it has to be red).

So, anyhow -- how do you feel about mules? Any mules? Have you played with white lights that have no lensing or concentration? They can be useful for very specific tasks, e.g. working on complex tasks at arms-length or less when you don't want a distracting hotspot (i.e., inside of one-half meter, 20 inches). Or filling a small internal space with an even glow. But in my experience, they are pretty useless for outdoor jobs.

ETA: Jon's Sofirn H25LR looks like an incredible bargain. And Sofirn are generally decent quality -- not as good quality as Zebralight or Streamlight, but for a very small fraction of the cost.

 

[GMT2330]

I’ve been experimenting with lights for walking this week in rural Norfolk, UK. I tried the Fenix HM62-T on the 5 lumen red mode but found it too dim to comfortably walk with. As mentioned compared to white light your depth perception suffers quite a bit. It’s probably okay for inside a tent or if you’re standing/moving slowly.
A higher level red light would be better for walking (for me).
I might try and get more dark adapted eyes and give it another chance.

 

[TimMc]

ZebraLight is probably the way to go if you want a dedicated red headlamp but the beam distance isn't that good.

Armytek Wizard C2 WR (18650) or Armytek Elf C2 Max WR (21700) may be good for trail walking. The beam is wide and throwy. The user interface treats white and red modes equally. Red isn't thrown on as an afterthought or a small feature. You can put it into red mode, and then cycle between different brightness levels. You can then switch between red and white while it memorises the equivalent brightness level.

You just need to remember whether you were in red or white when turning it back on. If you're not sure, then you could hold the button from off to enter a Firefly mode so that even if it's white, it won't totally ruin your night vision.

 

[3L3M3NT]

For those of you that are still looking for a headlamp that has decent red light mode, here are some other options for you to check out.

Starting with the new Fenix HM53R that has a 30 lumen red light mode.

Fenix HM53R Multi-Function Removable Headlamp

Shop the Fenix HM53R 1,200-lumen rechargeable headlamp featuring a removable 2-in-1 design, white & red light modes, IP68 waterproofing, and 135-hour runtime. USB-C charging, magnetic tail cap, and 518 ft beam distance; this lightweight, multi-function headlamp is built for hiking, camping, and...

fenix-store.com

Then you have the Speras that has interchangeable filters that go over the light.

SPERAS SH16 Tactical Right-Angle Headlamp | 1650lm 355m Throw

The SPERAS SH16 is a versatile 1650-lumen right-angle EDC flashlight and headlamp. Features an incredible 355m throw, magnetic color filters, and multi-battery support.

sperasflashlight.com

Next up you have the Acebeam H35 that has a 200 lumen red light mode.

H35 5-core Dual-light Source industrial Headlamp

The ACEBEAM H35 is a high-performance headlamp designed for industrial and high-intensity tasks. Featuring dual light sources (red and white).

www.acebeam.com

Vinh at SkyLumen offers the Klarus HL1vn that has a red light mode.

Klarus HL1vn - 18650 Headlamp

HL1vn 519a 4500K DD Decent throw with Primary LED & smooth reflector Secondary flood = Soft White, Soft Red, or Red bicycle alert strobe Excellent value Factory Link Here User Interface: From OFF: Quick press = ON @ last mode memory From ON: Quick press = OFF From ON: Press & Hold = Cycle...

skylumen.com

Also fairly new Fenix HM61R V3 that has a 70 lumen red light mode.

HM61R V3 Multifunction 2-in-1 Removable Headlamp/Flashlight

Fenix HM61R V3 2-in-1 headlamp and flashlight with 1,800 lumens, spotlight, floodlight, and red light modes. Rechargeable, magnetic, IP68 waterproof, and built for trekking, work, and search tasks.

fenix-store.com

Last but not least, you have the Fenix HM75R that has a 120 lumen red light mode.

Fenix HM75R Rechargeable Industrial Headlamp - 1600 Lumens

The Fenix HM75R delivers serious power for industrial work. Modular design, dual batteries, and USB-C fast charging. Built to perform—order now.

fenix-store.com

Hope that helps anyone out there looking for a decent headlamp with a high output red light mode.

 

[adrianmariano]

I'll just report that we ended up not really needed the red lights that much because lots of other people had excessively bright red lights. :( The path was also very flat and easy to navigate just by moonlight most of the time. When we did use the red lights, we actually found that we sometimes wanted even dimmer modes.

 

[jon_slider]

When we did use the red lights, we actually found that we sometimes wanted even dimmer modes.

which model red light are you talking about?
hope you had a great time!