Head torches for night birding (1 Viewer)

Jono L

Well-known member

• Oct 21, 2008

• #1

I want to improve on my battered old petzl head torch for a forthcoming trip to Costa Rica, where I will be doing some nocturnal birding and mammaling. It should be light, with an ability to take AA or AAA batteries so that I can use rechargeables or easily pick up replacements. It needs a good beam too, but not so powerful it will fry the retinas of a Nighthawk.
I ideally want to spend less than £50.
Any advice appreciated.
Cheers

 

I

ikw101

Well-known member

• Oct 21, 2008

• #2

Energizer headlight is excellent. It also has 1 x red bulb. For more distant objects the Tesco 3 Watt Led Small Aluminium Torch is superb and relatively lightweight.

 

D

dave44

Active member

• Oct 21, 2008

• #3

I do a lot of night work and have used a Petzel Myo XP for the last 3 years & still really impressed with it

 

bitterntwisted

Graham Howard Shortt

• Oct 21, 2008

• #4

I've never been able to bring myself to pay forty-odd quid for a Princeton Tec or Petzl torch, and the no-name job I got from Milletts for a tenner has been OK. But I have just found that Alpkit do one for £12.50 delivered and ordered it on the strength of this review... http://www.outdoorsmagic.com/news/article/mps/uan/5174

Will let you know how I get on with it, but if it's half as good value as the camping mat and stuff sacs I got from them I'll be extremely pleased. By selling a narrow range of very well made goods, from the UK, with absolutely outstanding customer service, at factory prices, Alpkit seem to be undercutting a lot of big brands with excellent kit. In fact I've previously been tempted not to recommend them for fear they will rapidly grow out of their current beautiful smallness!

Graham

 

Jono L

Well-known member

• Oct 22, 2008

• #5

Thanks guys...to the shops it is.
I have been recommended the Petzl Tikka XP and many others.
I will check a few out.
All the best,

 

gmax

Sontium Dweller

• Oct 23, 2008

• #6

Jono L said:

I want to improve on my battered old petzl head torch for a forthcoming trip to Costa Rica, where I will be doing some nocturnal birding and mammaling. It should be light, with an ability to take AA or AAA batteries so that I can use rechargeables or easily pick up replacements. It needs a good beam too, but not so powerful it will fry the retinas of a Nighthawk.
I ideally want to spend less than £50.
Any advice appreciated.
Cheers

Click to expand...

Another vote for the Energizer headlamp (can't remember the actual model I own). I paid ca. 14€ (10£?) in June and it still goes strong - battery life (one of those small flat round ones) is guaranteed for 300hours. Lighting performance is great (a 5 metres beam) and it's equipped also with a red light

 

Mono

Hi!

Staff member

Supporter

• Oct 23, 2008

• #7

I have a Petzl TacTikka that has a little flip up red filter which is great for night work without ruining your nightvision.

 

bitterntwisted

Graham Howard Shortt

• Oct 23, 2008

• #8

Alpkit Gamma head torch arrived this morning, less than 24 hours after ordering. It simply cannot have cost only £12.50 delivered. Proper quality kit, and it is bright.

If you don't trust me, see what the Outdoor Forums are saying...
http://www.livefortheoutdoors.com/C...Landing/Forum-Categories/Topic/?topic-id=7486
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=28328

Graham

 

Runaround

Hanging In There

• Oct 24, 2008

• #9

ikw101 said:

Energizer headlight is excellent.

Click to expand...

I agree. I really like mine. However, I have to admit to being more than a little bit biased since I work for Energizer.

 

Jono L

Well-known member

• Oct 31, 2008

• #10

Received my Petzl Tikka XP. Fantastic, tiny and light, with a pretty great beam. Just need a Jaguar to shine it at now...
All the best,