JoshFlack Posted June 11, 2015 Share Posted June 11, 2015 Hi, This is probably a stupid thing to ask, but I was wondering what peoples preferences were when it comes to torches in the entertainment world? I have a little basic Mag light, but I'm thinking high power, LED torch with a 'holster'. Can anyone suggest any good ones, or good experiences of any? Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pscandrett Posted June 11, 2015 Share Posted June 11, 2015 Surely it depends what you mean by 'the entertainment world'? I've got a couple of Petzl tikkina headtorches which are decent enough quality to be comfortable and to give a bit of light, cheap enough not to worry too much about them and easy enough to use backstage as they keep your hands free. However, they're not great outdoors - if you're doing site stuff in a field then they're a bit pathetic! Which bits of the entertainment world are you thinking of? Backstage in a theatre (or improvised theatre) waiting for a cue? Tramping up a country lane in the rain at midnight to get to a lighting installation? Needing to illuminate the LX desk because the desklamp's gone? Wanting to see what you're doing on a focus whilst up a scissor lift? I've been in all of those situations and for me, a small headtorch is the best solution, but for others a massive LED maglite might be better. Sorry to be vague, but perhaps it helps to hone your question so others can answer better? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kerry davies Posted June 11, 2015 Share Posted June 11, 2015 I'm with Peter on this. I like my headtorch and mini maglite but I really love the VT1. Anything in between will do and the best torch is the one directly at hand that actually works. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete McCrea Posted June 11, 2015 Share Posted June 11, 2015 If I'm working back stage/on a show then it's a Petzl Tikka for headworn work light, and LED Lenser P7 for task work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jivemaster Posted June 12, 2015 Share Posted June 12, 2015 Torches for me need to suit a purpose, head torch, hand torch, freestanding lantern etc. There is rarely one torch for all jobs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J Pearce Posted June 12, 2015 Share Posted June 12, 2015 I have a Petzl Tikka (the simple on-off switch version bought in the gap between matinee and evening show on my first shift at Derby Playhouse some years ago and still going strong) that is my main work light, and then a cheap amazon cree torch for when I need something narrow and superbright for shining up into a roof or across a field. This combination seems to do me fine. Whilst having the brightest/biggest/etc might seem attractive, it's all a bit juvenile. A stupidly bright torch is no good for subtly checking a prop/practical/running order in the wings, or running on to fix something, and is blinding when you have it on for digging around in the back of racks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alistermorton Posted June 12, 2015 Share Posted June 12, 2015 Anything in between will do and the best torch is the one directly at hand that actually works. Presumbaly this is the thinking behind the dirty rigger LED gloves. Put the torch in the thumb, so it is close to the work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoshFlack Posted June 12, 2015 Author Share Posted June 12, 2015 I see what you mean. I'm thinking high output for outside (long distance) environment.I have a little head torch, but I'm looking for a heavy duty torch for observing things at a distance. Ideally with some kind of a zoom on it and a holster. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkPAman Posted June 12, 2015 Share Posted June 12, 2015 I've managed for a long time to resist getting one of these as I don't really need one. I already have a good head torch, a clip on gooseneck, and miniature keyring that clips to my belt, but I do sort of miss the huge Maglite which I lost a few years ago. Does look good though and may be what you want. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the kid Posted June 12, 2015 Share Posted June 12, 2015 The lensers are amazing I have been looking at the p5. They are phenominaly bright ! I HAD a great head torch, I cannot remember the brand right now but it had a dimmer on it and a red led for "night" stuff, it was great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bryson Posted June 12, 2015 Share Posted June 12, 2015 I just got a Nebo Redline Select which I like very much indeed. Great zoom, compact size, magnetic base, selectable brightness, built like a brick...err...outhouse. Recommended via Tools for Stagecraft. They're about 30 quid on Amazon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon Lewis Posted June 12, 2015 Share Posted June 12, 2015 Lenser have revised the P7 to P7.2. It's light, uses AAA cells and has a holster. I love my P7....I even used it to light a performance around a camp fire ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david.elsbury Posted June 12, 2015 Share Posted June 12, 2015 The red line looks excellent. I particularly like the idea of not having to cycle modes and getting the strobe function all the time. Has anyone here used one in anger? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abbotsmike Posted June 16, 2015 Share Posted June 16, 2015 Whilst LED Lenser are OK, you can get more for less in other brands. Fenix are probably a good place to start as a balance of quality and price. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GR1 Posted June 16, 2015 Share Posted June 16, 2015 On site I take 99p Store Black Dog head torches. At that price you can lose them or give them away at the end of the job. Cool they ain't but it's always good to have a couple in your site box.At that price it is an extra bit of PPE. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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