Quick Tip: Lumens vs. Candela

Published on March 6, 2023
Duration: 6:13

This video from Brownells, featuring Andrew from Surefire, clarifies the difference between lumens and candela in tactical flashlights. Lumens measure total light output, while candela measures peak beam intensity and range. The discussion emphasizes choosing a light based on its intended application and beam pattern, rather than solely on lumen count, using analogies and specific Surefire product examples like the Stiletto and Turbo Series Scout Light to illustrate performance differences.

Quick Summary

Lumens measure the total light output of a flashlight, while candela measures the peak intensity of the beam, indicating its effective range. They are not directly linked; a light can have high lumens but low candela, or vice versa, depending on its design and optics. The beam shape, influenced by reflectors and lenses, dictates the balance between these two metrics.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Lumens vs. Candela
  2. 00:18Defining Lumens and Candela
  3. 00:32Water Hose Analogy for Light
  4. 01:37Surefire Light Examples
  5. 02:46Choosing the Right Light for Application
  6. 03:49Night Adapted Vision and Light Use
  7. 04:29History of Surefire Turbo Series
  8. 05:37Turbo Series Product Range

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between lumens and candela in tactical flashlights?

Lumens measure the total light output of a flashlight, while candela measures the peak intensity of the beam, indicating its effective range. They are not directly linked; a light can have high lumens but low candela, or vice versa, depending on its design and optics.

How do lumens and candela affect flashlight performance?

Lumens determine how bright the overall light appears, useful for illuminating a wide area. Candela determines how far the beam projects, crucial for identifying targets at a distance. The beam shape, influenced by reflectors and lenses, dictates the balance between these two metrics.

Should I choose a flashlight with the highest lumen count?

Not necessarily. While high lumens mean more light, the application dictates the best choice. For home defense with reflective surfaces, a high-candela light with a focused beam might be less effective than a wider beam, even if it has fewer lumens. Consider the environment and intended use.

What is the Surefire Turbo Series known for?

The Surefire Turbo Series is designed for extreme candela output, producing a very narrow, far-reaching hotspot. This is achieved through specialized optics and emitters, allowing for target identification at significant distances, even with moderate lumen counts.

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