Lumens vs. Candlepower?

F

Frag

Joined
Oct 26, 1999
Messages
118
I'm wondering what the difference is in light output measurement between 1 Candlepower and 1 Lumen.

I am comparing the Sure-Fire 8X which is listed as having a light output of 110 Lumens, and the Streamlight Stinger which is listed at 15,000 Candlepower. Which is brighter and how many Candlepowers equals one Lumen? I looked both words up in the dictionary but couldn't find any means of comparison. Any input would be appreciated.
 
TECHNICAL?? You think that that was TECHNICAL!! Well, perhaps just a little.
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The thing to get out of the discussion is that lumens, candelas, foot candles and the like depend on ISOTROPIC radiation; that is light equally radiated in all directions. If a light has a reflector, or inherently radiates more light in a given direction, like an LED, then comparisons are meaningless. Walt
 
You could do worse than ask a shop for a practial demo of both the flashlights. If you can find one close to you that stocks both.

SpyCatcher, the shop in London where I got my E1 and M2 from allowed me to demo a huge range of SureFires. Customer Service was worth paying more for rather than having Botach mess me around!

Back on Topic;

I'd like it if there was a industry standard for beam output. Lumens does appear to be harder to manipulate to get nice high numbers...
Don't bother trying to convert the two - Walt's right.
Altough, I think Lumens to Beam Candela should be possible, but I don't care that much to really do the Math!
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Alastair
 
OUCH! My head hurts!! Thanks for the input guys! I think I'm starting to get it. I suppose I'd be better off to ask the question: Do any of you guys have any experience with both of these lights and what are your personal preferences and why? Which flashlight do you like better?

It seems to me, the Sure Fire 8X is a better choice for me (being in Law Enforcement) because it's shorter and lighter, my duty belt is already heavy enough. Is the beam quality of one better than another and is one light better suited for law enforcement?

Again, thanks for the responses. I really appreciate it!!
 
I just got my 8NX a few days ago, and I like it. It's not that heavy at all, and is typical SureFire for quality. The polymer/teflon body has a great feel to it, much better than the plain polymer lights out there. Good, tight spot on the light.

Hank
 
Frag: Try the Pelican brand StealthLite. I'm in Federal law enforcement and have two (one is over 12 years old!) Here's why, light to carry and fit the hand very well,cheap ($25-$30) so if it grows legs and walks off your not out alot of bucks) very,very bright and will amaze you with their power (15000 cp w/krypton bulb), waterproof (2,000 ft, I use them for a dive backup light)durable and simple (use 4 AA's which are cheap and easy to get unlike those "super batteries" and I use Duracells) have a simple on-off switch in front. Light enough and being plastic you can stick them in your mouth when you run out of hands, have a lanyard. I have a yellow and orange so its hard to walk off and leave them. I have used them for everything and I mean everything to include an entry light (it will blind you) evidence recovery, looking in hidyholes for fug's you name it. Even on oversea's assigments you can get batteries and if you have a problem with the switch you can take it apart and fiddle with and it works! I can have any light I want both issue and private purchase and this is the light for me. Certainly not sexy or high tech and you can't use it like a Kel-lit to smack people (only when they need it) but it's there in the pocket of your BDU's or vest when you NEED IT and IT WORKS. Good luck Weldonk
 
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