There are many factors when it comes to choosing a light.
- CRI is just one of those factors.
- CRI is a relatively minor factor.
Think of it like graphics in computer games. There are different factors which make for impressive graphics:
- Resolution: you could play at 640x480 or 1920x1080
- Screen size: you could play on 12” monitor or a 30” monitor.
- Color Depth: you could play in 16 bit or 24 bit color.
High CRI is like the color depth option, while color temperature, tint, lumens and beam pattern are like the other options. Sure it helps having the extra colors, but screen resolution and screen size are a lot more important.
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After I came to CPF and BLF I saw all the posts about high-CRI and jumped on the bandwagon. I NEEDED to get high CRI lights. They were the thing to get. Everyone was talking about how much better things looked with high-CRI.
But then something happened: I tried using my high-CRI lights and compared their beams to lower-CRI lights. I also learned about the differences between CRI, color temperature and tint. After that instead of just being on the bandwagon, I actually made up my own mind based on my observations and drew my own conclusions.
… and I have concluded that high-CRI really isn’t that noticeable most of the time. Not having it doesn’t feel like a detriment. And though I own both high-CRI and low-CRI lights, 95% of the time I’ll reach for a low-CRI light.