Halogen vs. LED

“Insprired by the thread on clandle lantern alternatives, I decided to start up this puppy.

I mean, LED's are cool, lightweight, great burn time. But damn, if I want to be able to see something at any sort of marginal distance (like that rustling in the bushes at 10 yards), then gimmie a halogen or a mag at least!

Anyone, anyone?”

“Stick with a halogen or krypton bulb if you want extended range. LED technology is not ready......YET.

It has made a lot of progress in a short time so next year you may have to reconsider.”

“But aren't LED's nice to use when laying in your tent reading a book? What with their burn time and all.

Besides, after seeing what is rustling in the bushes, have you ever given chase?”

“Hmmm. Maybe, But I've definitely placed some nice shots with rocks!”

“Extended range is absolutely no problem with LEDs...if you don't mind lugging a car battery along. Otherwise, yes their range is a bit short. Me, I'd just assume save the weight and trust in a Mag. Ah, if I could only see into the infrared spectrum, I could leave that behind as well...”

“A small mag and a photon are what I going to be taking with me. The mag is more of a back up, but can come in handy for distance.”

“I carry a photon and a headlamp--and almost *never* use the headlamp. It's too bright most of the time, but comes in handy setting up a tent at night.

Really, I don't want the piercing intrusivness of a bright light most of the time.”

“I go with the Photon and halogen headlamp, mostly go without any external light.”

“I almost never use a light, even when hiking at night, hate loosing my natural night vision, and a headlamp comming at me is totally offensive not only to me, but others who hate having their retnas burned out. I carry a couple of LED lights that put out plenty of light. Use one as a primary and the other for a back up and they both weigh less than 1/2 ounce, both them and a spare set of batteries come in at about 1oz. Plus the batteries seem to last forever.”

“I did a night hike last night and we must have looked like a Interstate highway. Headlamps bright enough to start fires. When I solo I don't build a fire or use much light, but with a group a campfire is mandatory and night vision be damned.

I do enjoy sitting in the wilderness a night with no light listening to the critters come out. Did not see anything last night of course, but around noon today I watched a huge coyote lumber across the trail. Real healthy looking beast.”