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Top Hunting Lights Reviewed and Compared
In the event that you’re looking for the best hunting lights in 2021 but don’t want to spend the time learning about all of the options available, we’ll tell you right away that the Streamlight 44902 may be the best value for your money, at least in terms of handheld spotting lights. It is important not to be deceived by the fact that this item produces “only” 550 lumens, as those who have used it have unanimously stated that it is extremely bright. Consequently, the beam can penetrate as far as 625 meters (2050 feet) away due to its excellent focus, which allows it to pierce through darkness. In a word, it is excellent for hunting because of the convenience it provides. It comes with a pistol grip, a wristband, attachment fittings for filters, and an integrated stand that can be used as a scene lamp, among other features. You might be better off going with the Klarus XT12GT if you’re set on using something that can be attached to a Picatinny rail.
Comparison table
10 Best Hunting Lights (Reviews) in 2021
With the large number of options available on the market, it may be difficult to find the perfect hunting lamp for your requirements. That’s why we’ve combed through dozens of hunting light reviews and narrowed the field down to a few of the highest rated products currently available for purchase across a variety of categories.
1. Streamlight 44902 Waypoint Spotlight with DC Power Cord
Because it provides a high level of performance as well as high functionality in a lightweight and durable package, this is an excellent all-around choice for a handheld hunting light. According to the various sources, the specifications for this item vary greatly; however, all customer reviews have found it to be extremely bright, with a maximum reach of approximately 600 yards in the most powerful setting and a very focused beam in all settings.
The manufacturer only mentions two intensity settings, one of which is high intensity (550 lumens, 100,000 candles and 625 meters of reach) and the other of which is low intensity (7,900 candles and 178 meters), which should be used for cautious pray or to conserve battery life. Some sources claim that the device has an additional mode that can cover a large area.
This model can run for up to 82 hours at low intensity and 10 hours at high intensity on four C batteries, but it also has the option of being connected to a car battery via a 12V DC power cord for use in a camper or trailer. It comes with its own adjustable stand, which allows it to perform better in this capacity.
While it does not come with any filters, these can be easily added because the item already comes with all of the necessary fittings and connections. With batteries installed, this unit weighs only 1.8 pounds and is equipped with a rubberized pistol grip as well as a wrist cord, making it extremely convenient to use in the field.
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Best hunting flashlight
2. Klarus XT12GT Cree XHP35 HI D4 LED Tactical Flashlight
This Klarus gun mounted hunting light is powered by a Cree XHP35 D4 LED, which provides an impressive amount of illumination for its small size and weight. The maximum setting produces an impressive 1,600 candles out to a distance of 603 meters, and you’ll get this from a product that measures 1.78″ x 1″ x 6.36″ and weighs only 5.60 ounces, so it won’t significantly affect the balance of a barrel when used as directed.
It has two operating modes, one of which is stealthy, which will come in handy when hunting for cautious prey or when you want to conserve battery life. An 18650 3600mAh battery, which has a long runtime and can be recharged via a magnetic USB charging connector that can also be charged via a micro USB cable, powers the device.
For added convenience, a battery capacity indicator as well as a 10 lumen warm tinted light are attached to the charging connector for added illumination. There are a number of other goodies included in the package, including a holster, a lanyard cord for wrist holding, and a replacement O-ring in the event that the original one on the item fails to provide a watertight seal for whatever reason.
It can be attached to the barrel of a gun, but it can also be clipped to clothing, or you can simply hold it in your hand because it has a reasonably grippy body.
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Best predator hunting light
3. Predator Tactics 1006796 Coyote Reaper Hunting Light Kit
Coyote hunting is one of the most popular outdoor activities, and this tactical kit is designed specifically for that purpose. The lamp itself is small and light enough to be carried in your hand, but it also comes with an adjustable rail mount that can be mounted on the barrel of a rifle and a scope rail mount that can be attached to the top of a rifle for added versatility.
An extension tube for the battery, which allows you to add an additional Li-ion piece and increase the overall charge, two rechargeable Li-ion batteries with a wall and car cigarette charger, an on/off remote switch tail, and a green LED with a maximum output of 400 lumens are also included in the kit.
It is unlikely that you will require anything more than that for coyote hunting, as these animals are notoriously difficult to scare away. The green color should reflect off of the prey’s eyes, making it easier to spot in either of the two lighting modes than it would otherwise be. There’s flood, which provides a wide beam for shooting in wooded areas as well as a spot for long-range photography.
Along with an adjustable focus, this product has a built-in halo shield that provides better and more even illumination. The battery life is said to be particularly long, particularly when the extension is included, and while the product is moderately hefty, it is lighter than its direct competitors.
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4. Orion Predator H30 Long Range Rechargeable
This Orion predator light, which is available in either red or green, performs marginally worse than the Predator we’ve already reviewed, but it appears to provide some additional functionality at a slightly lower cost than the Predator we’ve already reviewed.
This set includes specialized mounts for both 20mm and 50mm scopes, as well as upper and lower rail mounts for the rifle. The battery life, on the other hand, is significantly less than that of the other product, with only 4 hours of continuous operation on the highest setting of 300 lumens, 5 hours on the lowest setting of 190 lumens, 17 hours on 50 lumens, and 120 hours at 6 lumens.
However, there are a variety of batteries that this unit is compatible with, including pairs of CR123A and RCR123 batteries as well as a single 18650 battery that is included in the box.
It can cast a focused beam as far as 273 yards and is powered by a single Cree XP-E2 LED, which can be either red or green in color. LED lights are generally durable as is, but this one has been reinforced for outdoor use and is also waterproof to the level of a military vessel.
The trust that Orion has in this product is reflected in their warranty service, which provides up to ten years of coverage. An additional component of the package is a remote pressure switch as well as a rechargeable battery and a charging cord.
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5. The Kill Light XLR250 Gun Mounted Hunting Light Package
This gun mounted hunting light package is available in all of the LED colors that are currently available, including green, blue, red, and white, giving you a wide range of options. Although it is far from set in stone, green is generally preferred for hogs and other varmints, while predator hunters appear to prefer red for coyotes and large cats, among other things.
Aside from that, you can choose between three different modes of operation: a single mode with an on/off switch, a single mode with a pressure switch, and a triple mode, which can be operated in either on/off or pressure modes. We’ve looked at a triple mode because it offers the greatest degree of versatility while also allowing you to conserve battery life.
This can illuminate an area as large as 250 yards and reflect off the eyes as far as 500 yards, allowing you to scan the horizon for your next kill while remaining safe. This is powered by a single 18650 lithium battery, but the package includes a spare as well as a charger, which can be used with either a 12V car cigarette lighter or an adapter to charge from an electrical outlet.
With the rifle, you’ll receive a Kill Light Rapid scope mount for quick attachment over a scope as well as a low profile AR style mount that works with a Picatinny rail on the barrel guard for mounting accessories.
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Best night hunting light
6. SureFire M600V IR Scout Light LED Weaponlight
We’ve looked at the M600 from SureFire, which is the top of the line model that provides both white light and infrared illumination. The M series from SureFire offers a great deal of variety. This item, which is intended to be the simplest to install on the Picatinny rail commonly found on the AR-15 series of rifles, may appeal to gun enthusiasts as much as it does to hunters.
It has one 350-lumen LED that provides white light and another 120mW LED that works in the infrared spectrum. The light output is regulated to maximize runtime while the light output is also regulated to provide maximum runtime for hunting.
The lens makes use of total internal reflection technology, which produces an intense beam for long distance shooting as well as enough surround light to allow you to scan for a target in tight spaces or dense wooded environments.
This item, like the majority of others of its kind, has been constructed with military-grade materials, and its frame is made of aircraft-grade hard-anodized aluminum, which provides both impact and corrosion resistance. Waterproofing is accomplished through the use of an O-ring and a gasket seal.
It operates on two CR123A batteries, which, at 350 lumens, should be able to maintain their charge for an extended period of time, even in low temperature and high humidity conditions, which are known to drain batteries quickly.
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7. Streamlight 61070 BuckMasters Trident Headlamp
Because they incorporate the same level of quality and dependability as the spotlights produced by the same manufacturer, Streamlight headlamps are just as popular as the spotlights produced by the same manufacturer. Because of its numerous operating modes, which are made possible by the four LEDs it employs, this device is extremely versatile and could be used for anything from long distance hunting to night repairs.
First and foremost, there is the central C4 Power LED, which provides spot lighting out to 175 yards. In addition to that, there is a single green LED with two intensity settings, one of which is very dim so that predators or vermin aren’t spooked, according to the owners.
Three white LEDs mounted on the top of the flashlight will provide plenty of peripheral vision for navigating through the woods or rocky outgrowths. Because it is powered by three AAA batteries, which are included in the package, it can run for up to 63 hours on the lowest intensity setting without interruption.
Additionally, as is common with most Streamlight products, a battery low level indicator is included to ensure that you are never left in the dark if you forget to replace the batteries. It has been impact tested for up to 2 meters and has an IPX4 water resistance rating, making it a reasonably durable device. It comes with two different straps, one of which is designed specifically for use with a hardhat and the other which is a general-purpose elastic strap.
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Best Predator Hunting Lights
8. Predator Tactics Night Raid
If you are looking for a light that can be used for a variety of tasks other than hunting, you will find that the Predator Tactics Night Raid is exactly what you are looking for. This model is useful for identifying objects and targets in the dark with pinpoint accuracy, which can be required in a variety of different situations and environments.
This model is well-liked by seasoned hunters as well as members of the law enforcement community. One of the most significant advantages provided by this hunting light is the availability of interchangeable bulbs. A red light will aid you in your nighttime hunt for nocturnal animals, but there may be other situations in which a white light is required as well.
The fact that you can change the function of this light to suit your needs is a comforting thought. There are two different mounting options available for attaching this flashlight to the scope of your rifle or shotgun, depending on your preference.
If you mount this light on your weapon of choice, you won’t need to carry a separate hunting headlamp. The fact that you won’t have to worry about holding the flashlight in one hand means that you’ll be able to concentrate more on taking your aim and scoring a hit. The model is waterproof, and the light beam it emits has a range of up to 250 meters.
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9. Orion M30C
The ability to shine brightly is one of the most important characteristics a hunting light should possess, and this particular model does not disappoint in this regard. The Orion M30C has a power output of 700 lumens and can illuminate a large area in the dark, allowing you to confidently take your aim and shoot at your target in the dark.
Such hunting lights are expected to deliver excellent performance, and this model does not fall short of expectations in any way. The unfiltered red light provided by this product will assist you in seeing in the dark without running the risk of alerting your prey to your presence in the area. You can play around with the brightness settings and the amount of light that is delivered by the bulb to see what works best for you.
Whether you’re looking to locate your prey, aim at it, or simply scout the area, this model will prove to be the most effective assistant for the task at hand. With your purchase, you will receive a mounting kit, which will allow you to quickly and easily attach the flashlight to your hunting rifle.
Due to the fact that two sets of rechargeable batteries are included with your purchase, you will never be without the means to keep the lights on for as long as you require them. A car adapter is also included, allowing you to recharge the battery no matter where you are or what you are doing.
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10. Orion Predator H30 Ultimate
Are you looking for a hunting light with a long range that you can use in the field? If you’ve been looking for something to complete your hunting gear collection, the Orion Predator H30 Ultimate might be just what you’ve been looking for. When hunting wild animals at night, the green color of the bulb is an excellent advantage because it allows you to do so without giving away your presence or your location.
When it comes to battery runtime, there isn’t a single model on the market that can compete with the capabilities of this particular model. According to the brightness setting you choose, you can use this flashlight without any problems for several hours at a time. In order to scout the area, you can use a lower brightness setting, which will allow you to get more use out of your battery.
When you need to aim and shoot, on the other hand, you will need to use the highest brightness intensity possible. At 300 lumens, the battery will last for four hours, which will give you plenty of time to track down and capture your quarry.
A large number of useful extras are included with your purchase. You will receive a rechargeable kit that includes two sets of batteries, a smart charger, and a car adapter, which will be sufficient for all of your requirements.
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Buying guide
Finding good hunting lights may not be the simplest task in the world, as there are numerous factors to consider, including the style of item that is best suited to your hunting style, the lighting power, and the battery life. It is possible that your reaction time and device functionality are dictated by the way the light is held, which is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a light.
Handheld lights
These will almost always require the use of one hand and will either have a pistol grip or a more conventional straight design. This may make them less suitable for use with long arms because it will take some time for the user to drop the flashlight and train the gun as a result.
In contrast, if you’re hunting with a pistol, especially a low-powered one that doesn’t pose any difficulties when firing with one hand, this will not pose any problems for you. Most good hunting lights of this variety are equipped with a band that allows them to dangle from your wrist, greatly increasing your reaction time when shooting both rifles and pistols at the same time. Alternatively, you can prop the object against the gun with your non-shooting hand, but this will require some dexterity and may increase the likelihood of the object being dropped accidentally.
When choosing handheld lights, the weight, as well as the battery life and durability, will be important considerations. Considering that these are the items that are most likely to be damaged if they are dropped to the ground, it is best to look for something that is sturdy and well-constructed, preferably with some rubber inserts.
Hunters are generally not enthusiastic about carrying a lot of weight around, especially when an item weighs more than 2-3 lb and will tire your arm after a period of time of heavy use. And last but not least, changing batteries in the dark will always be a difficult task; therefore, choose products that can be used for a long period of time on a single charge.
Because the handheld device can be used as a scene lamp, an electric cord that allows it to be powered by a car battery or a generator will be an advantageous feature to consider.
Gun mounted lights
In addition to being able to be mounted on either pistols or rifles, gun lights also provide the fastest response times because they allow you to shoot as soon as the animal is spotted. If you are hunting for predators or varmints, such as hogs or coyotes, it is especially important to use bright lights at night because these animals can learn to associate bright lights with humans and flee as soon as a light is trained on them.
As a drawback, the light will almost always be connected to the weapon, which means you’ll have to point it at whatever needs illumination, which could include maps, campsites, and your hunting companions. This may not be the safest thing you’ve ever done, especially if you enjoy drinking a few beers during or before hunting — but doing so would make the entire hunting or camping experience unsafe in the first place.
These units can be attached to the top or bottom of the barrel, with the first distribution being more commonly used because it makes it easier to carry the rifle on your back without having to worry about an additional item getting in the way of your movement.
Despite the fact that gun lights are relatively light, they will always have an impact on the balance of the rifle, especially if the rifle is weighed down by large C batteries.
Hat or head lights for hunting
These will free up both of your hands and will have no effect on the balance of the gun at all. Simple headlights that attach to your head with straps are available, as well as full hats that have a light built in under the brim or at the brim. A regular flashlight with a clip can sometimes be attached to the edge of a hat or the fold of a beanie, provided the entire setup does not prove to be unreliable in the process of attachment.
These frequently have more than one LED, allowing them to illuminate a larger area in order to cover as much of your field of vision as possible. Aside from the previously mentioned advantages, these will primarily illuminate the area where your head is already pointing, allowing you to make the most of the available beam. Furthermore, you will no longer be required to point your firearm at someone in order to see him or her clearly in the dark.
Weight on your head can quickly become uncomfortable, not to mention contributing to neck cramps over time, so the performance of these devices will generally be limited by their weight, with battery charge being the characteristic that is most adversely affected.
Lighting quality
The majority of hunting lights make use of LEDs as their lighting source because they are compact, extremely bright, and more impact resistant than regular bulbs. The best ones make use of 4C or Cree technology, which provides the best performance while consuming the least amount of energy.
A lot of light is not always desirable, especially if you’re hunting species that are prone to being startled easily. It is therefore preferable to consider your specific requirements when choosing the right specs rather than simply opting for the highest possible.
Hunting lights, even the cheapest models, have low-intensity settings that, when combined with the appropriate filter, make them highly effective devices for hunting fearsome vermin such as coyotes or hogs, as well as providing a longer battery life.
Lighting color
Generally, red light makes the eyes of most animals shine brightly in the dark and is less likely to frighten some animals than the white light would be. When hunting predators such as big cats and canines in the dark, red filters are most effective because they is seen on the prowl at any time of day or night.
In contrast to red, green can be used for the same purposes as red, with some hunters preferring it because it provides a much better view of the surrounding landscape. As a practical tool, it is also widely used for everyday tasks such as reading maps and setting up camp.
Spotlights
If discretion is not a concern, you might want to consider using a spotlight, which provides the greatest amount of illumination. They make the best camping lamps and can be used to assist with a variety of tasks, ranging from cooking and field dressing to repair work and other maintenance.
It’s important to note that these are significantly heavier than LED handheld lights and may not be suitable for long walks because they will exhaust the operator and their bulk may make them difficult to maneuver through dense foliage.
Frequently asked questions about hunting lights
Q: Why use red light for hunting?
White light can be associated with humans by some animals, particularly varmints and predators, and this association can cause them to flee if they come into contact with the beam. Due to the fact that red lights are not commonly seen, the animals will be taken aback. Some species, particularly canines, have difficulty seeing in the red spectrum, allowing the hunter to get close enough to take a shot.
For another thing, most predators’ eyes glow in the dark, and red light, according to some, makes this reflection easier to see from greater distances, up to twice the distance that the beam itself can cover. There is a heated debate over which color of light is best for which species of plant or animal.
Q: Can coyotes see hunting lights?
This is, of course, debatable, but the general consensus appears to be that coyotes can’t see the red light, whereas the green light may alert them more quickly to your presence. In addition, the red light will penetrate more easily through high humidity air and will not be overwhelmed by the ambient white light on nights with a full moon.
Those who hunt coyotes swear by the green light, and their preference has everything to do with the overall clearer picture it provides, as red light tends to be absorbed by vegetation, making it difficult to navigate through.
Q: Should my new hunting light be waterproof?
Because losing one’s light when night hunting can be extremely frustrating, if not downright dangerous, every precaution must be taken to keep it in working order, and this includes waterproofing it when necessary, as described above.
A handheld white lamp with a colored rifle mounted lamp is a good combination for navigating in the dark, which is often the case.
Adding rubber O-rings to the connected areas of the casing and sealing gaskets, such as plastic or metal, even if finely polished can generally allow for small spaces, such as scratches, through which water can seep. Waterproofing is accomplished by adding rubber O-rings to the connected areas of the casing and sealing the gaskets.
Q: How bright do hunting lights have to be?
A good hunting light should be able to cast a focused beam as far as you will need to go in order to properly engage the animal you are attempting to capture. When it comes to range, most models range between 200 and 600 yards, but keep in mind that you won’t really need to see more than half a mile in order to hunt something like a raccoon.
Aside from that, there’s the matter of peripheral vision to consider for scanning and navigating, and a light that’s too bright can scare away certain species, even if it’s colored green or red. Most hunting lights, regardless of their type, can be adjusted to a variety of intensities depending on the application.
Best hunting lights brands
It is an American company that is one of the leading manufacturers of colored night hunting lights, the majority of which are mounted on firearms. They prefer to sell these in kits that can cost between $200 and $300, which aren’t the cheapest prices available but can represent excellent value due to the large number of items included.
There are a variety of attachment options for both civilian and military-style firearms, including the AR-15 series and the widely used Picatinny rail system. Predator Tactics products are generally well-received in terms of quality, and their customers appreciate the amount of effort that goes into customizing each light for a specific task or application.
In addition to safety flashlights for use on oil rigs, Streamlight also manufactures small tactical hunting lights that can be mounted on the undernose rail of a Glock pistol.
Because of the high level of performance offered in such a small package, their 44902 Waypoint line of hand-held spotlights is highly regarded. These are fully equipped with everything a hunter could possibly require, including an extension cord that allows it to be used with a car battery.
The majority of their higher-end products make use of C4 LED technology, which is among the most advanced currently available.
Known for manufacturing some of the most powerful tactical flashlights available on the market, the tactical flashlight manufacturer has earned a reputation for excellence. In spite of the fact that their gun-mounted flashlights, which are generally available in white light, are primarily targeted at the military, they can be extremely useful to hunters, especially on open plains where the long range of their beam can be put to good use.
The rest of their products are built as tough as you would expect them to be given their intended use, with a high level of impact resistance and waterproofing to ensure that they last. A number of cutting-edge technologies, such as magnetic chargers and universal attachment clips, are also employed in this process.