Product Description
This Celestron variable brightness red LED flashlight uses two red LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) to help you read star charts and operate your scope without affecting your dark-adapted vision. The Celestron VLED combines an on-off switch with a rotary thumbwheel variable brightness control that lets you easily adjust the brightness over a wide range with a simple flick of your thumb.
Turned to maximum brightness, the 4.25" long red light is bright enough to let you locate missing items in the grass and take down your telescope after an observing session. Medium brightness levels illuminate star charts without affecting your dark-adapted vision. Turned nearly all the way down, the light is just bright enough to let you read your watch, the focal length on an eyepiece, or the Wratten number on an eyepiece color filter.
The light is powered by a single 9-Volt alkaline transistor radio battery (supplied) that will last for up to 600 hours (the exact length of time depending on the temperature and brightness level). When replacing the battery, an alkaline or lithium battery will give the longest life. A 20" long looped cord lanyard is supplied that lets you hang the light close at hand around your neck when it's not in use. The body is not water-resistant, so be careful you don't put the light down in dew-soaked grass, snow, or a puddle in the darkness when it's not in use.
Tech Details
| Weight | 5 oz. |
|---|---|
| Warranty | 1 year |
Reviews
Review by: Mark
Most astronomers' red flashlight are VERY bright. For many (especially imagers), this is fine. But if you're going after dim targets visually and want maximum dark adaptation, you need a very dim light. An adjustable brightness light is perfect (actually, there are times when I'd like it to go a bit dimmer than its dimmest setting). So far we have a great product at a great price. And this flashlight lasts much longer than others I've used. Again, great!
One huge flaw, however, is that the light comes out in two bright spots rather than more evenly lighting a wider area, which is what you need for reading charts or making sketches. But there's a simple remedy. Open it up and use coarse sandpaper to sand the back side of the 'lens'. If the resulting light isn't diffuse enough, just sand some more.
Another problem I've had in the past is that when you drop it, they can sometimes break (this is over several years of use). Actually, what I've had problems with is the lens breaking, but I think this problem may now be fixed. I believe they used to have a thin glass lens which was held in place when the flashlight is closed, whereas now they use a thicker plastic lens that they glue in. I think this will make it less likely to break (though gluing it in makes it harder to sand the full face of the lens). Despite the small fix required, I highly recommend the product for those wanting adjustable brightness. (Posted on 10/31/2019)
One huge flaw, however, is that the light comes out in two bright spots rather than more evenly lighting a wider area, which is what you need for reading charts or making sketches. But there's a simple remedy. Open it up and use coarse sandpaper to sand the back side of the 'lens'. If the resulting light isn't diffuse enough, just sand some more.
Another problem I've had in the past is that when you drop it, they can sometimes break (this is over several years of use). Actually, what I've had problems with is the lens breaking, but I think this problem may now be fixed. I believe they used to have a thin glass lens which was held in place when the flashlight is closed, whereas now they use a thicker plastic lens that they glue in. I think this will make it less likely to break (though gluing it in makes it harder to sand the full face of the lens). Despite the small fix required, I highly recommend the product for those wanting adjustable brightness. (Posted on 10/31/2019)
Review by: Todd
Nice reliable light. Its worked well for the past 6 months and couldn't ask much more. The light has been dropped multiple times and seems to be holding up well. (Posted on 9/9/2019)
Review by: Richard
I have ahd this flashlight for several years now. Although its case is plastic it is tough enough for field work. Its verstility is in having a white light and a red light with a dimmer switch that works on both light colors. The only drawback in its case being made of plastic is that the pressure contact weakens with age. I resorted to using a small piece of tape to hold the battery and components in. (Posted on 9/9/2019)
Review by: Christopher
I purchased this light when I first got into astronomy last year. Even though I now use a red headlamp as my primary astro light, I always have my Celestron flash light close at hand as a back up. There are times, from time to time, when the dimmer function still makes it an indispensable piece of kit. (Posted on 7/24/2019)
Review by: Robert
This light is OK for what it is. The variable brightness is nice. It has a handy lanyard and the battery lasts seemingly forever. However, it does not seem to be made very well. The front part (which must be removed to replace the battery) has come loose on mine, and now falls off easily. The clear lens is also not adhered to the front piece, and is easy to loose accidentally. Also, to change the battery you have to remove the from part and then take out the entire circuit board with battery attached, remove old battery and connect new one. No separate battery compartment. (Posted on 7/23/2019)
Review by: RickDawg
This little flashlight is indispensable to have with you whenever you are observing the night sky.
It's greatest feature is the variable brightness.
Battery has lasted for a very long time as well.
(Posted on 1/5/2019)
It's greatest feature is the variable brightness.
Battery has lasted for a very long time as well.
(Posted on 1/5/2019)
Review by: Lamar
I've had this red light for several years and it is great when you want to check a connection at the scope or look at a star chart. The lanyard is wonderful -- just put it around your neck and you'll have ready light whenever you need it.
Again, a great tool to keep your precious night vision and not disturb others nearby.
(Posted on 1/1/2019)
Again, a great tool to keep your precious night vision and not disturb others nearby.
(Posted on 1/1/2019)
Review by: Mitche
I routinely use my red light headlamp when working around my scope at night, but this is in my kit as a backup and for when I have to take off my headlamp. Very useful (love the dimming feature) and worth the price. (Posted on 1/1/2019)
Review by: Jay Piper
This is a standby design that's been around for decades, for good reason.
I especially like the variable brightness - it can go from very faint use near scope, to adequate ground check for walkabouts at night. Since it's only red light, unlike some otherwise good red / white sporting headlamps, you'll avoid a bright white light mistake with this light.
The 9V battery lasts a long time.
The lanyard lets you wear it as a necklace, or hang it as a trip warning from a tripod.
The one thing to watch out for is the ease of bumping off the front end (this also comes off to change the battery). I have 2 of these and while they never broke, it can be hard at night to find the clear lens that is held under the front cover. Practical, but avoid bumps to keep from unintentionally coming apart. (Posted on 8/4/2017)
I especially like the variable brightness - it can go from very faint use near scope, to adequate ground check for walkabouts at night. Since it's only red light, unlike some otherwise good red / white sporting headlamps, you'll avoid a bright white light mistake with this light.
The 9V battery lasts a long time.
The lanyard lets you wear it as a necklace, or hang it as a trip warning from a tripod.
The one thing to watch out for is the ease of bumping off the front end (this also comes off to change the battery). I have 2 of these and while they never broke, it can be hard at night to find the clear lens that is held under the front cover. Practical, but avoid bumps to keep from unintentionally coming apart. (Posted on 8/4/2017)
Review by: Richard Tieperman
This is a NEED tool. Looking at star maps with white light blinds your eyes at night. This emits a red light and lets you see your star charts and your hot cup of coffee with ease. I like it, and would purchase it again.
Thank you 50 times Richard (Posted on 8/4/2017)
Thank you 50 times Richard (Posted on 8/4/2017)
