I have recently acquired a LEDLenser M14. It is larger than the P7 Paul mentions in his blurb having a diameter of 47mm and length of 165mm. The M14 uses 4 AA batteries and, for beam strength, runs rings around the P7. It’s brighter and the batteries last longer. The torch is heavier than the P7 (weighing around 750 grams), but compared to a spotlight connected to a motor cycle battery is nothing. From an OH&S perspective, these torches run rings around the heavier, bulkier backpack or shoulder type battery packs.

The M14 Lumens are rated at 225 and it has a beam length of around 280 metres. The shape and colour of the M14's beam are comparable with a motor cycle battery powered spotlight.  Interestingly this torch has a computer chip so, not only can you have bright and dim functions (dimming function increases the batteries life) but also strobes, SOS signals and various other wonderful blinking and flashing combinations. The M14 will set you back around $100.00.

Like Michael (Murray) I did have an issue with the number of batteries I was going through, particularly when you add all the ones needed to drive Anabats, but my 7 year old daughter brought to my attention a recycling program that Battery World has established. So now all my used work batteries, after being "recycled" locally in the kids toys, TV remotes, kids torches etc etc, go to Battery World for further recycling.

I use 12v 17ah batteries with a Lightforce light and yes they are back-breaking in rough terrain and long walks, but their coverage beats all else hands down, especially when sweeping a lot of forest or land. I also have a dimmer switch wired in to stretch them out to >4hrs if need be, using a 100w bulb.

Following Deryk's post, I recently bought ($12) a chinese clone off Ebay of a competing torch (based on the Cree bulb) to the P7 to do my own testing (reportedly 240 lumens), and I have to say I am impressed with this technology, tho this one would only be good in a woodland with low trees, small urban remnant, or perhaps prolonged observation using the low-focus after initial detection with the lightforce. I would not recommend looking directly into the light at close distance!

Its a can of worms tho, as dedicated forums to torches have you changing from one model to the next with various shortcomings of each type (eg genuine lumens, running costs, build quality). I will be buying another stronger one (1600 lumens) off Ebay for about $50 shortly to test out as an alternative to carrying heavy batteries in tough terrain, or stagwatching. Note the more powerful the bulb, the higher cost for batteries as they require special high-energy batteries to generate the light. Some also get hot on the bulb ie dont put it to yr lips.

I recently saw these clones down at Paddies Market, and note also that specific rechargable batteries can also be used (again, on Ebay).

I guess it comes down to expense / comfort / impact on the environment.  I just recently purchased a 12V 10 amp/h gell cell battery, only my third for 20 years of spotlighting.  So I guess I average about 8 years per battery.  Cost was $50.00 for the battery.  It would be interesting to compare cost of AA or AAA batteries for the same duration of spotlighting over the same time frame (impact on environment).  Other expenses to consider is a good charger ($120.00) which is the reason for such longevity of batteries.  Comfort of battery in backpack is a personal matter, I dont seem to notice it, but I remember the NPWS CRA surveys we used a 12V 18amp/h battery, which almost broke my back.  I would suggest investment in a good padded backpack.  Also, I changed my halogen globe in the spotlight (came with a standard 50W) to a 30W, so less intense light and much longer spotlight duration (~2 hours) on one battery.  I also wear a head torch as a light backup, which has an intense LED light.  On the highest setting, it gives about 2 hours of light before the batteries die, and I dont find the light that impressive to use as a sole light source for spotlighting.  So, whether the costs associated with 12V gell vs LED equal out over time, at least I am not disposing of so many AA or AAA batteries.  I think I will stay with the 12V for the foreseeable future.

Deryk Engel asked me to post the following:

“I too have started to use the Zweibruder P7 LEDlenser torch. I find them as effective as the “conventional” spotlight that utilises a motorcycle battery. I also find, from an OH&S perspective, they are easy to carry and operate in the field (no loose wires/straps that get caught on branches, no heavy battery box that bashes into my legs, or those of my staff). They also have benefits if flying intra/interstate to do field work. I do find they “chew” through the batteries and are not really that effective when using rechargeables. But, the benefits of having a smaller, compact and easier to handle spotlight over the larger bag or shoulder ones I believe outweighs the negatives”

Stephen, they don't use halogen globes - they are LEDs which is why they are so efficient.  LEDs have a longer life from what I know.

Paul, how much do replacement halogen bulbs cost?

I was reading Jason Berrigan's post about spotlight batteries and thought I’d start a topic on spotlights in general.  I stopped using a 12V spotlight some time ago when I purchased a Zweibruder P7 LEDlenser torch.  It runs on four AAA batteries, has two brightness settings and a focussing mechanism.  I reckon at 200 lumens it is at least as bright as the old 12V spotty I had (from Clulite) but is much smaller (133mm), lighter (192g) and the batteries last longer and are easy to change in the dark if necessary. The eyeshine colours are somewhat different but overall the system is superior.  At the tree hollows workshop, Rod Kavanagh of State Forests had a Zweibruder P14.  Their technical data says it puts out about the same light as the P7 but it looked brighter in the field.  It runs on 4 AAs and weighs 383g.  You can get the P7 for about $90 and the P14 for about $125.  I'd be interested to hear the thoughts of others on these torches.