SCGO Headlamp Review
Headlamps are a wonderful invention. From harvesting veg after sunset to working in the dark with astronomy. One requires white light and the other requires red light.
White light makes it easier to see with your higher resolution day vision, and red light preserves your lower resolution and lower light level night vision.
In astronomy we use the red light exclusively until the end of the session when we often use white light to find dropped bits of equipment on the ground.
Headlamps also give you the ability to keep both hands free and aim the light where you need it. Most headlamps have adjustable straps, some better than others, and the ability to tilt the lamp downward in increments.
Most headlamps only all you to cycle through the various modes: bright white, less bright white, red, flashing red.
This causes a problem for astronomers. From off, to get to red you must cycle through two settings of white light. This affects not only your vision but also those around you, resulting in curses and threats. And typically the light will be on until you put your eye to the eyepiece, at which time you must turn it off. Then when leaving the eyepiece, you generally turn it on again.
So here follows a review of three models of headlamp.
1) basic $10 From amazon.ca
Sunix® LED Headlamp with Adjustable Headband And Angles Perfect for Running, Dog Walking, Fishing, Biking, Camping, Watching Nature – 4 Light Modes With 3x CREE R3 + 2 Red LED, Waterproof IPX-6, 3 x AAA battery (Not included)
Sold by: Nexo-CA
This is a general purpose LED headlamp that works well. It’s biggest drawback is the cycling through white light modes to get to the red light. Recommended for the price point alone and the fact that it is still working two years later. These seem to be a generic headlamp sold under many retail names.
2) Cabellas inova touch switch headlamp. I thought this would be perfect… a nonmoving switch that allows you to go directly to red light or white light and not have to cycle through the white. It was much more expensive but most of Cabellas (Ottawa) equipment is quality. What a piece of *^@#$%@#$. First off, you can never remember which way to swipe across the surface to get red. It is simply not pressing a spot but a motion.
But the killer was, the switch rarely works. It often takes 10 swipes before it activates. And then sometimes it does in fact activate at a touch, when you are adjusting the downward tilt for instance. Very frustrating, dislike with a passion.
3) The newest and greatest: vekkia from amazon.ca
Ultra Bright CREE LED Headlamp – 160 Lumens, 5 Lighting Modes, White & Red LEDs, Adjustable Strap, IPX6 Water Resistant. Great for Running, Camping, Hiking & More. Batteries Included
Brand: Vekkia
4.6 out of 5 stars 2,661 ratings | 7 answered questions Amazon’s Choice for “headlamp red” Price: CDN$ 16.99
This one has TWO touch switches white on the left, red on the right. white modes inclide: bright, less bright, flashing.
The red modes include: bright and flashing
Summary: Until a dual switch white/red headlamp comes along *WITHOUT FLASHING mode* #3, the Vekkia model, is the recommended best headlamp for astronomers.