Custom Torch Beam Shots (501)

[mick miller]

Okay, so taking photographs at night isn't easy, but I wanted to show a comparison between the standard red LED and a DX lens (used for air rifle rimfire) and the same torch with an Ash Horton lens and custom red led (the same led is used in both torches, but the custom led is reflowed directly onto a copper heatsink which allows it to run at almost three times the amps).

 

 

Firstly, the standard torch off ebay, with a blacked reflector and DX lens, as you can see the telegraph pole is visible at 100 yards. You could shoot out to 80-90 yards and see the outline and eye shine from the quarry.

 

 

 

Secondly, the same torch, an UltraFire 501 with an Ash Horton lens kit and the custom red led soldered directly to a copper pill, same pole at 100 yards.

 

 

Thirdly, the custom torch at 200 yards, it's not too clear in the photo but detail in the floor and pole is easily discernible.

 

 

The photos don't really do it justice, the 200 yard photo, to the eye, is like the pole (barely visible to the left) at 300 yards, in other words it's waaaay brighter to the human eye! After this I mounted the torch to my rifle and focused in on the 200 yard pole, at x14 mag the picture was still bright enough to shoot confidently, being able to identify ground detail and outline. Eye shine is visible at over 300 yards.

 

Complete build (including a very good scope mount with adjustable windage and elevation which fits both 24.5mm and 30mm tubes), plus a very good quality XTAR charger and battery, pressure switch, custom red XPE led, Ash Horton lens kit £108.

 

Nice thing about this build is that the drop-ins are easy to change (for white, IR etc.) and it's small enough to fit into a trouser or shirt pocket, plus it only requires a single battery.

 

Any tips on getting good beam shots gratefully accepted. I set the camera to manual, ISO 80, f8.0, 4sec exposure for each.

Edited April 16, 2013 by mick miller

[evo]

what pole are you on about,,cant see anything :lol: its all black

[evo]

only joking,,think you need a longer exposure, i took some night photos of the liver buildings from the wirral and our exposure time was 4 1/2 mins and it was brighter than your pole,hope this helps

 

its all trial and error but good luck

Edited April 17, 2013 by evo

[mick miller]

I think video may work better. 4 seconds was maybe a little hopeful.

[evo]

to be honest mick we where using 35mm film,are you using digital ?. i would start off with about 2mins and increase it with 30 seconds each time had some great fun taking night shots mate but as said it is trial and error but should be a lot easier using digital

 

all the best Evo

[HW682]

It would be interesting to see a comparison including the uprated led module but keeping the original DX lens if that is possible.