Can anyone recommend a headlamp for use illuminating items for modeling? I’m considering a 50-lumen Petzl Tikka Plus 2 and have no idea if it’s too much or the right amount of illumination. It does have a high/low switch.
http://www.amazon.com/Tikka-Plus-2-LED-Headlamp/dp/B009H415TU
Thanks.
Rick Krall
Rick, pretty much anything you get these days is going to be a good lamp. So, the features you want to look for are light weight (I’d recommend one powered by AAA batteries), dimmable or multi-level (high, med, low) LEDs, and a wide beam (or variable beam setting). If it’s just for model work, don’t worry about a water or weatherproof model… Likewise, you don’t need one with a topstrap, since you won’t be very active while using it. Multiple color LEDs are also unnecessary. From my experience as a scout leader, Black Diamond, Princeton Tek, and Petzel are all good brands (major outfittrr Cabelas house brand lights are made by Princeton Tek). My current light is a Black Diamond Spot model, which is 90 Lumens, but I only use that brightest setting while camping. For modelling work, I dim it significantly – I’m guessing to about a 50 lumen level, so tjat’s a good level of brightness. Have fun!
Update-- I finally managed to get Amazon to work. The lamp you’re looking at is a pretty good model, although it has a number of features you won’t need if you’re not using it for outdoor use. Two issues I do see immediately, however: it has only two brightness settings, and it sounds from some reviewers that they are “too bright” and “not bright enough” although these people are suing it outdoors. Secondly, it doen’t sound like you can aim the lamp, which might be a problem depending on how you position your head relative to your work. I have reading glasses, so my work tends to be low and closer to my chest.
Just checked the thread before going out to borrow our daughter’s. Very helpful, CT, especially the 50 lumens part–that gives me the order of magnitude I’ve not been able to find. I’ll also check out the brands and features you mentioned. I’m painting track, and my normal work lights often cast shadows that make it challenging.
Thanks for your quick response.
Rick Krall
I hear you, Rick. I used to gripe about shadows all the time, until I realized that I had all these camping lights in the house!
I use my camping headlight all the time. Gots lots of dim space under the layout like most of us do. But I also have nights ops, so need it just to see where I’m going[:D] See it all, in dim light, at The Night Scene:
http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/t/213765.aspx?sort=ASC&pi314=1
This is mine, a Princeton Tec. I like the way it swivels down with about half a dozen detents so that you can set it to the best place to throw light on things. There are three levels of light, plus blinking (Mars light, anyone? [:o)]). The switch is handily set on top and works well, plus comfortable strap.
