I’m new to the high-power flashlight world, and have been hunting alligator in Florida. I need a high-powered light that can throw long distances - a tightly focused beam would be ideal. Basically what I’m trying to replace is an old 2-million candelpower handheld spotlight, powered by a 12v marine battery.
I have:
ThruNite Archer 2A V3 great little portable light which I love because it runs on AA’s, of which I have a virtually unlimited supply
An old ’Mini Cree Adjustable zoom’ AA light loved the adjustable focus on this, but just not bright enough
Anker Bolder LC90 2 Cell nice and powerful, easy for me to recharge via USB (I’m a casual user and don’t have an Li-ion cells or chargers yet), good run time for a night out hunting, adjustable zoom so I can use it as a spot. This is my current go-to
Maglite LED 2 cell D good zoom, but just not very bright, bulky for the relatively small amount of power, and D cells are not convenient
Things that are important to me:
Long range my Anker LC90 is my furthest-reaching light at the moment thanks to it’s 900 lumens and adjustable zoom. I’ve read about lights reaching out past 1000m, and this would be helpful.
Power source I’m literally willing to entertain any power options, ranging from disposable alkalines, to rechargable Li-ion cells, or even something that can run off a 12v marine battery. Battery life does matter - I’d like at least 2 hours of runtime before having to replace cells. USB charging, although apparently unpopular on here, would be extremely convenient for me.
Budget I’m very flexible for the right light, but don’t want to spend much more than $100. Bear in mind I don’t have any cells or a charger, so those would eat into my budget.
Size I don’t mind a big heavy cumbersome light. Something shaped like a classical spotlight would be ok, but something like my Maglite would be a little more convenient.
Adjustable zoom like I said, further is better, but it would be nice to be able to use it as a flood too. Realistically I have multiple lights nearby on the boat, so I can just grab another one when I need flood.
Options I have explored:
BLF GT - looks like nothing compares, but at ~$300, it’s hard for me to justify the cost
Astrolux MF02S or MF02 - really bright, really far throw from what I can tell. A little expensive, but potentially worth it?
C8 - appears to be multiple manufacturers, appears to be fixed-zoom with good power.
Any of the Convoy options - L2 is advertised as having good throw, the L6 is even brighter, and the prices are reasonable
Emisar series - from what I can tell, a lot are sold out or unavailable, and seem to be more of flood lights than tightly focused spots
MTN-1504 - appears to be quite powerful, have good throw, and the price is reasonable. Seems like the best option so far, but unfortunately the XP-L is out of stock at MTN, although there appear to be other manufacturers…
I appreciate any and all input. I’m having a hard time differentiating between my options and have about 2 weeks to get my hands on a light before I head out on the water again.
Quick question I’ve been wondering - I’ve seen some lights for sale with extended tubes to add a second cell, or shorter tubes to cut down on the length. Does a second cell simply get used for additional battery capacity, with the additional voltage not mattering because the voltage regulator regulates it down? The shorter tubes require equivalent diameter but shorter length cells I assume?