48 replies to this topic

[AstroApe]

I would avoid headlamps altogether unless you typically observe alone.

They are EXTREMELY annoying in group settings.

Although I belong to an astro-club (Echo Ridge Astronomical Society) and do a little outreach from time-to-time, the vast majority of my observing is done alone on my family farm.

 

I'm mainly just wanting to do a large review and comparison of some of the more popular lights used in our hobby, since the overwhelming majority of those marketed towards amateur astronomy are far from adequate...

 

I'm a Rigel Starlite & Skylite fan and don't really expect any of these lights to change that (although the Zebralight H504r is a fantastic lil fella!)

[Y0_OY]

I would avoid headlamps altogether unless you typically observe alone.

They are EXTREMELY annoying in group settings.

Although headlamps don't have to be used on the head   and some of them, like right angle flashlights, can be used both on the head and in the hand...
That said, I found all classic headlights way too strong for any of my needs and I understand why there not liked for outreach. They have been banned by some scouting organizations as well.

[AstroApe]

Although headlamps don't have to be used on the head   ...

 Yeah, for astro-use I've always worn them around my neck mainly because I'm always wearing some form of hat or 'boggan, plus typically using some combination of eyepatch and observing hood while at the eyepiece, so oddly enough a headlamp just gets in the way

 

For me personally, for where and how I observe, some form of handless light is a must have for setup and teardown, especially when it comes time to move the 12" around at 4AM Most models of headlamps in the astro market leave quite a bit to be desired, therefore I've almost always used two red lights: one adjustable dim light for reading charts and using at the eyepiece, and one headlamp to use while portering gear but still maintaining dark adaption. For the last several years I've used a '94 OG Starlite and '03 Skylite (both bought secondhand) for charts, and a cheap Coast FL88(?) with taped over LEDs for moving equipment. It was the death of the Coast and addition of other chart lights (Ken Fiscus' & Skylite R/A) that sent me down this path...

 

The H504r is intriguing to me as a possible hybrid that'll do both. In the limited few days I've got to play with it, I've found it's .04 & .01lm settings to work fantastic for handheld chart use, while it's 1 & 4lm are plenty bright enough for moving gear around while worn around the neck. That said, it's a light that I'd be extremely reluctant to recommend unless I knew the type of person I was recommending it to. I can just picture my dad trying to adjust the settings.... he'd throw it out a window in frustration 

Edited by AstroApe, 10 February 2025 - 06:46 PM.

[Y0_OY]

The H504r does intriguing me as a possible hybrid that'll do both. In the limited few days I've got to play with it, I've found it's .04 & .01lm settings to work fantastic for handheld chart use, while it's 1 & 4lm are plenty bright enough for moving gear around while worn around the neck. That said, it's a light that I'd be extremely reluctant to recommend unless I knew the type of person I was recommending it to. I can just picture my dad trying to adjust the settings.... he'd throw it out a window in frustration 

Yeah, I know, the UI of those headlamps is tricky, and I think Anduril is worst. Sometimes more is less I guess.

 

But thank you, it is actually great to know that you found the sublumen capacity of the H504r useful for astro. I am still hesitating between this one and an Emisar. I am pretty sure I'll buy one of those one and a 2 LED Rigel system.

[AstroApe]

Yeah, the brightest sublumen setting, 0.04 is great for hold directly above the charts. This is dimmer than any of my Rigel lights will go at their lowest, although the throw of the Rigels' is a little wonky looking compared to the prue flood of the Zebralight so it's hard to judge by how much. The 0.01 setting is on the dim side but would be good if trying to maintain dark adaption to the fullest. The 0.002 setting.... well, you can tell the LEDs are on but that's about it. At that setting, the GITD "reflector" shines brighter (not sure if it's still called a reflector in a MULE type light).

[AstroApe]

Rainy day here in the foothills of NC, so I've been playing with lights nost of the day. I'm still waiting on several models to show up, but here's what I've got in hand so far:

 

[Y0_OY]

Can't wait !

[kfiscus]

I'm almost done w/ your light, AstroApe.  Should ship Saturday.

[AstroApe]

I'm almost done w/ your light, AstroApe.  Should ship Saturday.

Awesome!!

 

I was kinda hoping that you wouldn't stumble on this post since I was going to "surprise" you with my wild idea of putting it through a red light shootout It was the glowing recommendation for your light (pun intended), coupled with the vast amount of inadequate lights aimed towards our hobby on the market, that planted this seed of an idea to do a massive red light comparison. 

[kfiscus]

I LIVE on CN- there was no way I'd miss this.  And I honestly want to see your results.

[Sam Danigelis]

I have a Rigel mini:
+wide, dimmable beam, hangs around neck so it doesn't shine in anyone's eyes.
-you have to put it in your mouth to aim if both hands are being used.  Not good.

Black Diamond headlamp:
+slim design, aims easily
-the battery contacts wear out quickly, leading to frustrating flickering light. I will avoid this brand in future.

Edited by Sam Danigelis, 16 February 2025 - 12:09 AM.

[PJ Anway]

My favorite for several years now has been the ES Astro R-Lite.

 

 

Also if you must use a headlamp, there is only one way to wear it: 

[rjacks]

A dim red headlamp is useful for setup and takedown in the dark, not for observing (or walking around).

[treadmarks]

I need a red light when I'm trying to read eyepiece focal length, setting circle degrees on my VersaGo, plug in my GPS or power cords etc. I haven't used paper star charts in a while. I've got the Celestron red flashlight and it's nice because the brightness is adjustable, but I have a lot of stuff in my hands and pockets already and a headlamp saves time. So I just received the Celestron red headlamp and it seems very nice to me

Edited by treadmarks, 16 February 2025 - 10:06 PM.

[AstroApe]

I have a Rigel mini:
+wide, dimmable beam, hangs around neck so it doesn't shine in anyone's eyes.
-you have to put it in your mouth to aim if both hands are being used.  Not good. ...

Yeah that's the one downside I have against the Rigel, especially whenever I'm trying to bear hug my 12" through doorways at 3am

 

Rigel Systems gives the tip of using a strip of velcro around the head (hooks out) with a piece of velcro stuck to a Mini (loops) to use as a headlamp when needed. I've bought a roll of velcro to specifically to try this but haven't had the opportunity to actually try it while observing (stupid bipolar winter weather...  ). The LEDs are set pretty far back in the Mini housing, so it seems like it'd work well on the side of the head without glaring in the eyes. On top of being bigger, the waterproof versions also have the LEDs more towards the end that causes a slight light ring that forms around the plastic lens, so they wouldn't work as well for head-use IMO. 

 

 

My favorite for several years now has been the ES Astro R-Lite.

 

 

Also if you must use a headlamp, there is only one way to wear it:  Head band.jpg

Chin light, brilliant!! 

 

I like the size, 1x AA battery requirement, and metal build of the Astro R-Lite, but wish it had different lights modes than the 3 offered. I haven't measured it's output (trying to figure out a setup to do that), but it's low setting works fairly well, however the flashing setting is pretty useless for astronomy, and I really wish it had a memory as to not have to cycle through the settings whenever turning on/off. The sliding "adjustment" also doesn't do much. I also haven't measured the wavelength (trying to figure that setup out too), but instead of a red light, it's just a white LED with a red plastic filter behind the lens. Not really sure how that effects the spectrum emitted buy it is oranger than the 660nm LEDs in the Rigels or ZebraLight... It's definitely not the worst light on my list tho, and although it's not ideal it does make a usable astro light.

[AstroApe]

A dim red headlamp is useful for setup and takedown in the dark, not for observing (or walking around).

 

I need a red light when I'm trying to read eyepiece focal length, setting circle degrees on my VersaGo, plug in my GPS or power cords etc. I haven't used paper star charts in a while. I've got the Celestron red flashlight and it's nice because the brightness is adjustable, but I have a lot of stuff in my hands and pockets already and a headlamp saves time. So I just received the Celestron red headlamp and it seems very nice to me

I've got Stellarium Plus and SkySafari 7Pro both on my cheap android phone and use them both a ton, but for really faint targets I find that I'm able to keep my dark adaption far better if using a combination of eyepatch and observing hood coupled with very dim red light and paper charts. If hunting down obscure targets, I'll even look them up in the software and physically mark them in my star atlas. 

 

Along with using red lights for equipment setup and checking star charts, my red lights get used the most when taking notes. I keep a small reusable notebook in my observing vest and I'm constantly scribbling down notes in shorthand that I'm barely able to understand the next day I'd personally have a hard time making it through anything other than a very casual observing session without a red light and notebook. 

 

As for the Celestron lights, they're not too bad. The Night Vision flashlight is definitely a cheap knockoff of the original Starlite (both are next to each other in the pic in post #31). The LEDs have a weird uneven throw pattern and is definitely in the orange spectrum when compared to the Starlite, but it does dim down nicely and seems to work well. The Night Vision headlamp is also awfully orange colored in comparison and only has 2 settings (1 lumen low and 4 lumen high) and so doesn't work nearly as well for use at the scope. That said, I do like it. It's small, lightweight, is dead simple to use, and has no white light to accidentally turn on. It works great for moving equipment around and would work well in combination with the NV flashlight to use while actually observing. The plastic hinge design doesn't seem very good in terms of longevity tho and is definitely a future failure point IMO.

[AstroApe]

I LIVE on CN- there was no way I'd miss this.  And I honestly want to see your results.

Yeah, this little testing project has pushed me down a rabbit hole, especially after getting the bright idea of asking the good folks at r/flashlight for their opinions.... I've learned more about flashlight tech (drivers, emitters, UI, etc) than I'd ever cared to know, but it's actually been a very enjoyable process. I'm definitely going to be getting some really cool lights in the near future!! That said, I'd already be willing to bet your light tops them all in terms of useful astronomy light.

[treadmarks]

I'm happy with the quality of the Celestron gear. I've found a good tilt for the headlamp and doubt I'll be adjusting it a lot. For $20 it's reasonable quality. I noticed you have the Streamlight lantern in your collection too. I'd be interested to hear what your thoughts are on each of these potentially ruining night vision. Some of these red lights are so bright they'd surely ruin your night vision if you look directly at them or at least they would annoy others at a star party.

 

On another note, I also have the Celestron lithium power tank that has a red light setting on it. While bright, I think it's probably reasonable to keep on if pointed down.

[AstroApe]

... I'd be interested to hear what your thoughts are on each of these potentially ruining night vision. ...

Yeah, I'm pretty interested in just how bright of a light can I be exposed to (both directly and indirectly) without it messing with dark adaption. My guess is very little. Unfortunately it's been a combination of busy schedule and crappy weather that's kept me from doing much in the way of legitimate testing, but it'll happen eventually... after all, I've gotta do something to justify getting all these dang lights

 

As for the Streamlight lantern, the Siege AA version I've got has a 0.7 lm setting that comes on without having to cycle through a white light mode. I'm interested in using it in a warming room, maybe set behind something to illuminate the area without having to look directly at the light. I'm going to experiment with the idea a see how it goes. 

[AstroApe]

Can't wait !

Quick update on the Emisar lights:

 

I love em!! Needless to say I've got more coming shortly... I don't know if I want shake your hand and offer thanks, or throw something at you while cussing

 

The KC1 is kinda pointless as an astro light since it only has one setting and doesn't dim. It has about the same output as the Maglite Solitaire, although the SST-20 is a lot nicer LED than offered in the Mag. It's also half the price of the Maglite and better built IMO.

 

The D3AA is phenomenal (minus the pocket clip, that works but kinda sucks). Anduril is extremely complicated and frustrating to use, I love it!! The D3AA has a very low moonlight with a ton of setup options. One of the first things you'll need to do is turn off the POVD aux lights to keep from showing the battery level whenever the lights turned off. I've got the aux set to low red whenever the lights off, and although they're a little bright I don't find them obtrusive at all when using the frosted 10508 optic (they're a little brighter with the regular 10511). The red backlit button is way to bright in my opinion, and although it can be turned off with the aux LEDs, it still comes on whenever the main LEDs are on. This is an easy fix by just asking Hank to include a black button cover with your order, then you'll be able to swap them around and see which work best for ya.

EDIT:

After some reading, my understanding is that solid color switch LEDs come on whenever the main LEDs are on, whereas the RGB colored switch doesn't. Therefore, one could opt for the RGB switch and it'll show red whenever the aux LEDs are set to red, but it'll turn off whenever the main emitters are turned on. It'd also be dimmer when on because it'll only have 2 LED on when set to red, as opposed to 4 in the solid color switch. 

 

I'm planning on getting at least one, probably two, white light versions of the D3AA. I'd also like to try a right angle dual channel light, maybe the D2 (I like the small size) or DW4 for astro use too. I really like the right angle ergonomics of the small H504r whenever reading star charts. With a dual channel, I could add a low temp warm emitter (1800k - 2700K range maybe) or even an amber emitter for whenever the need to make out a different color at night might arise. 

Edited by AstroApe, 22 February 2025 - 02:23 PM.

[Y0_OY]

Quick update on the Emisar lights:

 

I love em!! Needless to say I've got more coming shortly... I don't know if I want shake your hand and offer thanks, or throw something at you while cussing

 

 

You're welcome then and ... I'm sorry ... I guess ?  

 

But joke aside, thanks for the feedback on the Emisars. Me too, I like the right angle ergonomics and I did consider the D2 but I really prefer the regular battery flashlights. 

 

So it seems you collection is expanding
 

[AstroApe]

Hey everyone, sorry for the delayed update on my red light testing. Between work, farming, and the horrible weather we've been having, opportunities for observing sessions have been fairly limited. That said, I have been having a good time playing around with all these lights during the cloudy and windy nights

 

I'm still working on best protocols for actually testing these lights. I had thought about burrowing techniques used by flashlight reviewers on r/flashlight and BudgetLightForum, but most of that type testing revolves around measurements of things like candela for throw, lumen and runtime at max output, etc., whereas we're focused mainly on low lumen levels. There's still a ton I've learned from the light-heads over on BLF, so hopefully I'll come up with something more than subjective picks. 

 

I've still got a few more lights coming. I've added a Wurkkos HD15R and Sorfin H25LR to the list, along with headlamps from Princeton Tec and Black Diamond. And I wouldn't be surprised if another custom Emisar outfitted for astro-use didn't find it's way here (DW4K dual channel with SST-20 660nm and W-1 Amber emitters...) I'm still on the lookout for some cheap lights that'd be ripe for simple modding. I've found plenty of the cheap dollar store LED flashlights, but something that offers a dimmable function would be best. 

 

I finally got my Ken Fiscus light and it does not disappoint!! Although the shape of the light and it's output make it less suitable as a general use light for setting up equipment or carrying in a pocket, it's design makes it perfect for use as a star chart or note taking light. The LED is blacked out on top to keep any glare from reaching the eyes, while the bottom is sanded to defuse the light. The LED is fairly low towards the bottom of the light which also helps the light from glaring up towards the eyes. I'll probably add a small piece of felt or something under the LED side of the light just to prop it up a degree or two more to make the spill area a little larger, but that's personal preference and it's a great design as is. I really like the separate toggle for on-off, and the light dims down to a very low level that's probably on-par with the 0.01 lm setting of the H504r. 

 

Below is a pic of the Fiscus light next to some of my other favorite lights I've tested so far for a size comparison. I got Ken to sign the light for me, I think it looks great in place of a logo. From left to right:

- ZebraLight H504r 

- Emisar D3AA (with SST-20 660nm deep red emitters)

- Ken Fiscus light 

- Rigel Starlite Mini 

- Rigel Starlite (V1)

- Rigel Starlite (V2 waterproof)

 

 

Spring weather is quickly approaching, which unfortunately is typically ill-suited for observing. Nevertheless, I plan to get out every opportunity I can and hopefully I'll be able to get some actual field time with these lights. I'm also looking forward to rigging up some testing equipment and seeing what kinda empirical data I can get out of 'em. I've started down the rabbit hole, so this project may turn out taking much longer than I originally expected, but I'll get there eventually

[Starman1]

 

Hey everyone, sorry for the delayed update on my red light testing. Between work, farming, and the horrible weather we've been having, opportunities for observing sessions have been fairly limited. That said, I have been having a good time playing around with all these lights during the cloudy and windy nights

 

I'm still working on best protocols for actually testing these lights. I had thought about burrowing techniques used by flashlight reviewers on r/flashlight and BudgetLightForum, but most of that type testing revolves around measurements of things like candela for throw, lumen and runtime at max output, etc., whereas we're focused mainly on low lumen levels. There's still a ton I've learned from the light-heads over on BLF, so hopefully I'll come up with something more than subjective picks. 

 

I've still got a few more lights coming. I've added a Wurkkos HD15R and Sorfin H25LR to the list, along with headlamps from Princeton Tec and Black Diamond. And I wouldn't be surprised if another custom Emisar outfitted for astro-use didn't find it's way here (DW4K dual channel with SST-20 660nm and W-1 Amber emitters...) I'm still on the lookout for some cheap lights that'd be ripe for simple modding. I've found plenty of the cheap dollar store LED flashlights, but something that offers a dimmable function would be best. 

 

I finally got my Ken Fiscus light and it does not disappoint!! Although the shape of the light and it's output make it less suitable as a general use light for setting up equipment or carrying in a pocket, it's design makes it perfect for use as a star chart or note taking light. The LED is blacked out on top to keep any glare from reaching the eyes, while the bottom is sanded to defuse the light. The LED is fairly low towards the bottom of the light which also helps the light from glaring up towards the eyes. I'll probably add a small piece of felt or something under the LED side of the light just to prop it up a degree or two more to make the spill area a little larger, but that's personal preference and it's a great design as is. I really like the separate toggle for on-off, and the light dims down to a very low level that's probably on-par with the 0.01 lm setting of the H504r. 

 

Below is a pic of the Fiscus light next to some of my other favorite lights I've tested so far for a size comparison. I got Ken to sign the light for me, I think it looks great in place of a logo. From left to right:

- ZebraLight H504r 

- Emisar D3AA (with SST-20 660nm deep red emitters)

- Ken Fiscus light 

- Rigel Starlite Mini 

- Rigel Starlite (V1)

- Rigel Starlite (V2 waterproof)

 

 

 

Spring weather is quickly approaching, which unfortunately is typically ill-suited for observing. Nevertheless, I plan to get out every opportunity I can and hopefully I'll be able to get some actual field time with these lights. I'm also looking forward to rigging up some testing equipment and seeing what kinda empirical data I can get out of 'em. I've started down the rabbit hole, so this project may turn out taking much longer than I originally expected, but I'll get there eventually

 

One thing to note when testing: what happens when the temperature drops.

My Starlite Mini stops working just below 40°F (so I keep it in my pocket to stay warm), whereas I've used the Ken Fiscus light at 15°F and it works all night when left out on the table.

Since those two lights use the same battery, it's not the battery, but something in the circuit board of the Starlite Mini that zonks when it's too cold.

I think the full size, waterproof, Starlite uses the same circuit board, but I don't have any experience with that one at night because the ones I sold did not seem to go as dim as the Mini.

I don't know why that is.

 

And interesting thing about the Starlite Mini: it has a switch to relay from one pair of LEDs on one side to the other side, where some versions of them can have white LEDs.

If the white LEDs are absent, that switch can double as an on/off switch, so you don't have to adjust the potentiometer every time you turn it on.

[kfiscus]

I'm doing a run-time test on one of my lights since Don mentioned it.  People have asked me how long the batteries last and I've never tested that.  I'll post results when the pair of AAs dies.  We're already approaching 24 hours at full brightness.  I always use my light at a much-dimmer setting.