Which torch for night birding?

[Lee Dingain]

I am looking to buy a powerful torch for night birding and I am after some recommendations for which torches are best suited.

I will mainly be using it abroad and in a variety of habitats including forest and wetlands. I will not usually be using it from a car so I am looking for something that has a good battery life and is fairly light to drag around.

In the past I have borrowed a Nightsearcher Puma HD from a friend. This torch has a very good battery life but it is heavy and most people I know who have one have had various problems with them.

Any recommendations would be very helpful.

Thanks

Lee

[Brian S]

Lee

I have tried a number, but one of the best, and easily the smallest is the Fenix P3D CE. It gives an amazingly bright beam for something no longer than your middle finger - 215 lumens. The light is pure and unsullied by dark rings. DO NOT BE PUT OFF BY ITS SIZE, IT IS ACE!

Go to http://www.fenixtorch.co.uk/led_torches/fenix_p3d_q5.html

Brian S

[forktail]

Hi there

the torch that Brian mentions above looks interesting.

2 or 3 cell Maglites were the weapon of choice for spotlighting for donkeys years and they still function very well. They are heavy but extremely well made and can also serve as a very good tool to see off unwanted attention with. Probably not Tigers though...

Battery life obviously depends on how much lamping you do - I usually find I'm too knackered to do much after a hot day's birding and Maglites have always lasted long enough for me. Batteries are usually available and cheap in many popular birding destinations.

Having said that, the Fenix looks the dog's and is ultra-lite.

F.

[Brian S]

The Fenix is brighter than any maglite.

Here's another, but very expensive
http://www.heinnie.com/jquyv9560923/Flashlights/Wolf-Eyes/Wolf-Eyes-Boxer-10-Watt-Flashlight/p-97-299-1199/

Brian S

[Lee Dingain]

Hi Brian S and Forktail,

Many thanks for your advice, this is very much appreciated. The Fenix looks ideal so I'm going to take a close look. It seems amazing for the size!

Many thanks

Lee

[Brian S]

Lee

There are some more other powerful torches on e-bay, 300+ lumens is more than enough, but I can't vouch for the quality as they come from HK.

Brian S