Comparison Atum H7 vs Varta Indestructible LED Head Light 3AAA

The maximum luminous flux provided by the lantern.

Luminous flux (denoted in lumens) can be described as the total amount of light produced by an LED or other light source and distributed in all directions where this source shines by itself (without lenses, reflectors, etc.). In fact, this means that the capabilities of the flashlight depend not only on the luminous flux, but also on the angle of illumination (see "Angle of illumination (light)"). For example, a relatively weak stream can be concentrated into a narrow beam, providing good range; and a large number of lumens will inevitably be needed to effectively cover a wide area.

Note that the coverage angle is not always specified in the characteristics, and even with such data it is difficult to immediately assess the real capabilities of the flashlight. Therefore, for such an assessment, it is best to use information about the actual illumination range (see below), and also take into account the general type of device (see above). For example, for the same number of lumens, a handheld flashlight with a reflector to form a directional beam will give a noticeably greater range than a tourist lamp with 360 ° coverage.

It should also be borne in mind that the high brightness of the flashlight is far from always justified, and it is worth choosing according to this parameter, taking into account the actual conditions of use. S...o, when working at short ranges, bright light can become a hindrance: it tyres the eyes and can blind others. In addition, an increase in brightness usually requires more powerful sources of both light and power, and the weight and dimensions of the lantern increase accordingly.

The maximum range at which the flashlight provides any effective illumination of objects. Different manufacturers have different criteria for this efficiency when measuring ranges, and therefore it is only possible to unequivocally compare among themselves in range only models of one manufacturer. At the same time, this parameter allows us to compare models from different manufacturers with some certainty: for example, flashlights with a lighting range of 15 m and 100 m will clearly belong to different range classes, regardless of manufacturers.

Note that the range of illumination depends not only on the maximum luminous flux provided by the lantern (see above), but also on the features of its design: the narrower the beam is provided by the reflector of the lantern, the greater the range will be, and vice versa — scattered light does not spread far. Some models allow you to adjust the beam width depending on the requirements of the situation (for more details, see "Adjusting the focus").

It is also worth bearing in mind that models with the same claimed lighting range can cover different spaces. For example, a hand lamp (see Type) with a reflector diameter of 20 cm will be able to provide a wider beam than a conventional hand lamp with a 5 cm reflector. And although in both cases the objects that fall into the light spot will be illuminated in the same way, however, in the first case, the size of the spot itself will be larger, and the actual efficien...cy of the flashlight will be correspondingly higher (in light of the fact that it is easier to "feel" individual objects with a wide beam, especially at a considerable distance).

The ability to adjust the angle and range of focus the beam of light provided by the flashlight.

With the same value of the light flux (see above), a narrow beam covers a small space, but allows you to shine far and illuminate objects more brightly (because more light enters per unit area). As the angle increases, the range and apparent brightness of the illumination decreases, but the flashlight provides simultaneous illumination for a larger area. Focus adjustment allows you to choose the necessary option from these two (or even some intermediate one), depending on the current situation.

Maximum runtime of the flashlight without changing batteries or recharging the battery.

Note that in models with brightness control, this time is indicated for the most modest and, accordingly, economical mode. For example, in a flashlight with a maximum luminous flux of 1000 lm, the claimed operating time of 20 hours can be achieved at a brightness of only 30 lm, and at maximum battery life may not exceed half an hour. These nuances should be clarified according to the detailed characteristics. However, also note that additional modes of operation (see below) are not taken into account in this case: for example, if the flashlight from our example in SOS mode can operate for 30 hours, the characteristics will still state 20 hours.

It is also worth bearing in mind that for models with replaceable batteries, the actual operating time will also depend on the quality of such batteries. For example, for flashlights for AA and AAA elements, battery life is most often given when using high-quality alkaline batteries; if instead of them inexpensive saline ones are used, the operating time may be several times shorter.

In general, when choosing a flashlight according to the maximum operating time, it does not always make sense to focus on “long-playing” models: they often have either low power or impressive weight / dimensions, and the price can significantly “bite”. Flashlights with a long battery life will be useful first of all to those who have to s...tay “away from civilization” for a long time: extreme tourists, rescuers, military, etc. And for most everyday tasks in a modern city, and even for trips to nature for several days, up to 10 hours is enough.

The number of brightness levels provided in the flashlight design. Most modern models have one level of brightness, but there are models with the ability to adjust. Several levels of brightness allow you to choose the best option for a particular case: for example, to view a small room, you can reduce the brightness and save battery power, while in a large warehouse you may need full power of the flashlight. Accordingly, the more brightness levels are provided in the design of the flashlight, the wider your options for choosing the best option will be.

Also note that in addition to step-by-step brightness adjustment, with fixed levels, modern flashlights can also be used with smooth adjustment. It is detailed below; here we note that the stepped format is technically simpler, cheaper, and therefore is used much more often. And in individual lamps, these options are combined — for them, the characteristics indicate both the number of individual brightness levels and the presence of smooth adjustment. The specific way to implement such a combination may be different. For example, a brightness control ring can have several fixed levels with clear values, and the ability to set any intermediate position between these values; the main mode of operation with smooth adjustment can be supplemented with a fixed level of reduced or increased brightness; etc.

The ability to smoothly change the brightness of the lamp.

In general, this function allows you to adjust the mode of operation depending on the situation: for example, to inspect a small room, you can reduce the brightness and save battery power, while in a large warehouse you may need full power of the flashlight. At the same time, smooth adjustment makes it possible to select any brightness level within a certain range and, thus, provides more precise and fine tuning than stepwise adjustment (see "Brightness level"). On the other hand, this option is more expensive, and therefore is much less common. And in some models, both types of adjustment can even be combined. For example, a brightness control ring can have several fixed levels with clear values, and the ability to set any intermediate position between these values; the main mode of operation with smooth adjustment can be supplemented with a fixed level of reduced or increased brightness; etc.

Additional resistance of the flashlight to various kinds of shocks and shocks. The specific degree of shock protection for different models varies, sometimes quite noticeably; This point should be clarified according to the official documentation. At the same time, the vast majority of shock-resistant models are able to transfer at least a fall from their hands onto a hard surface without consequences, and anyway they are more durable than unprotected flashlights.

It is recommended to specially select a shock-resistant model, first of all, if your activity involves a corresponding risk — for example, extreme tourism, speleology, military affairs, security activities.

This feature is indicated for flashlights whose housings have an increased degree of dust and moisture protection. The degree of such protection may vary: for example, some models can easily withstand heavy rain, others “survive” being caught in a sea wave, and the most advanced ones can even be used when diving with scuba diving (see “Type - For diving ”). The features of protection should be clarified in each case separately; however, if you need a flashlight that can withstand adverse conditions, you should definitely look for it among the models that explicitly state dust and moisture protection. Such models will be useful primarily for those who often have to work in difficult environments: climbers and other “extreme” tourists, rescuers, military personnel, sailors, etc.

The level of protection is indicated by two numbers according to the IP standard ( IP65, IP66, IP67...). The first number corresponds to dust protection (maximum 6). The second number indicates the degree of protection from water; here in protected models, level 7 (the ability to immerse under water to a depth of 1 m for half an hour) or 8 (the ability to work for long periods of time under water at a depth of more than 1 m) is usually found. Thus, the maximum degree of protection according to this standard is IP68, completely sealed. There is also a marking like IPX8, where the first digit is not indicated - this only means that the flashlight has not been officially certified for dust resistance. In the above example, this is not necessary - water resistance 8 automatically means a sealed case, impenetrable to dust.

It is worth considering that even completely sealed models may have different restrictions on the maximum immersion depth. So if you are going to intensively use the flashlight underwater, you should make sure that it can withstand diving to the planned depth.