Spotlight: types and tips for choosing

A spotlight is a powerful lighting equipment that creates a long-range bright light beam. Such devices are represented by numerous models with different performance properties. Let's figure out what spotlights are for, what they are and how to choose the right equipment.

Powerful searchlights are massively used by rescuers, speleologists, employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and tourists. They can often be found in the arsenal of fishermen, hunters, travelers. Spotlights are indispensable helpers of a person during search and rescue operations.

This equipment is designed specifically for operation in difficult conditions. They maintain stable operation when used in rain, snow, frost, sultry heat, and high humidity. Devices are often equipped with high-capacity batteries, thanks to which they can work for hours without the need for recharging. At the same time, the devices create a powerful and bright light flux that illuminates distant objects.

All spotlights are classified according to the light source used.

The light from such lamps is the most bright and powerful. This is the main advantage of xenon illuminators, due to which they are used in conditions of high dustiness, in mines, caves - in places with poor visibility. Disadvantages - a long warm-up of the lamp (at least 15 seconds) and sensitivity to changes in the supply voltage.

Such illuminators are advanced incandescent lamps. Halogen lamps are relatively inexpensive, however, they are considered short-lived. Devices often burn out from intensive use. Halogen lamps are practically not used in the manufacture of flashlights.

Considered one of the best light sources. The LEDs light up instantly (immediately after turning on the equipment), they practically do not heat up, emit a glow that is comfortable for the eyes and have maximum efficiency. LED lamps are most often used in lighting equipment.

And also lanterns are classified depending on the light distribution. There are long-range devices and searchlight devices. The former have a narrow focus, thanks to which they create a powerful light beam with a range of up to 1500 km. The latter have a wider and more diffused beam.

A reliable portable rechargeable searchlight must comply with a number of requirements (not only to the characteristics of the emitted light, but also to design features).

1. Resistance to mechanical damage and moisture protection. High-quality equipment is made of durable materials that can withstand falls, bumps. As a rule, it is durable plastic or metal. Electronics must be reliably protected from moisture, splashing water, rain.
2. High thermal conductivity of materialsused in the design of the lantern. Thanks to them, the heat emanating from the light source will be effectively removed.
3. Capacious batteryensuring long and trouble-free operation of the device.
4. Universal compartment for installing batteries. In this case, you can effortlessly pull out a discharged power source and install a charged one.

Battery-powered spotlights are manufactured by many companies. The product range is huge - models are presented in the price segment from economy to premium. All of them have different specifications. Below is a rating of the most popular lighting devices for hunting and fishing, household use and solving professional problems.

• Quattro Monster TM-37 Heavy Duty Handheld Spotlight from a South Korean manufacturer. Quality equipment equipped with 3 LEDs. The brightness of the device reaches 3000 lumens, the range is from 1 to 1.5 kilometers (depending on weather conditions and visibility). It can work in 3 modes: economy, bright and strobe. The lantern has a durable metal waterproof housing and is supplied with a charger adapted to a car cigarette lighter.

• "Cosmos 9105WLED". Hand-held universal spotlight equipped with 1 LED. Lightweight and compact model made of durable plastic. It has a built-in battery with a capacity of 2 Ah, the luminous flux is 250 lumens.The equipment is budget and economical, perfect for home use.

• Lantern searchlight "ERA PA-602 OMEGA". Medium power device with 3 Ah Li-Ion battery. The maximum operating time reaches 8 hours. The lantern is equipped with 19 LEDs. The case is made of heavy-duty plastic. The equipment is hermetically sealed and has anti-shock protection. It comes with a strap that makes it easy to carry the device on the shoulder.

• Searchlight "Yarky Luch S-300A". Long-range model equipped with a 7Ah lead-acid power supply. It has a durable plastic body with metal inserts. Equipped with 2 LEDs. The range is up to 500 meters. The device can operate in 5 modes.

When looking at a manual spotlight, it is important to first pay attention to its lighting characteristics: the strength of the light flux and the range of the light beam. The more light output of the equipment, the brighter the device will be. However, it is not advisable to give preference to large and powerful devices for hunters or travelers: due to its large size and weight, it will be difficult to travel long distances with it. For these purposes, it is better to choose a more compact model with average technical parameters.

When choosing between conventional, waterproof and shock-resistant models, preference should be given to the latter: they will retain their performance under impact and various mechanical influences, as well as when moisture gets on the case.There are also models that can work underwater - they have the highest degree of moisture protection.

Easy to use spotlights with additional functions. These include the power button lock, battery level indicator, the ability to send a light signal in SOS mode. The last option will be useful in case you need to call for help. And also there are spotlights with the function of impulse signals. They can be used to effectively repel wild animals.

See the following video for an overview of the NGY spotlight.