15mW, 35mW or 55mW?

Hi,
I'm aware there are probably many posts about this over the forum, but I have some specific requirements, and being new to lasers I thought I'd ask here.

A few years ago I got a red laser (1mW) at a french market, and got really interested in lasers, but (at the time) didn't have the time or money to look into getting one. That laser broke and I got another one a couple of months ago, getting me interested again.

Since I looked the prices have come down quite a bit and i've found wickedlasers isn't the only company selling lasers

I'd like a green laser that:
-Has a very clear beam at night (for stargazing, etc)
-Has (at least from the right angle) a beam in the day
-Can touch skin for at least few seconds before *any* pain or burning feeling.
-Can shine a dot several hundred meters, at least, in daylight.

How much power would be required to pop a balloon?

I've done some research and found the following, and would like to know your opinions of which is the best for reliabilty, my needs, good companies, quality, etc.

Price Shipping Price in GBP Power URL
$89.99 $24.99 £69 15mW Powerful Green Laser Pointer Pen | Infiniti 15mW
$99.99 $20.00 £72 15mW Astronomical Laser Pointer, Green Laser Pointer - Starphaser.com
$99.99 $21.99 £73 15mW Green Laser Pointer from Wicked Lasers - Executive Series
$109.99 $18.00 £77 35mW Viper Series 35mW :: Green Laser Pointer 532nm Viper Series 5mW to 125mW :: Handheld Lasers :: Dragon Lasers
$109.99 $24.99 £81 35mW Powerful Green Laser Pointer Pen | Infiniti 15mW
$119.99 $18.00 £83 55mW Viper Series 55mW :: Green Laser Pointer 532nm Viper Series 5mW to 125mW :: Handheld Lasers :: Dragon Lasers
$119.99 $20.00 £84 35mw Astronomical Laser Pointer, Green Laser Pointer - Starphaser.com
$119.99 $24.99 £87 55mW Powerful Green Laser Pointer Pen | Infiniti 15mW
$139.99 $21.99 £97 35mW Green Laser Pointer from Wicked Lasers - Executive Series


Thanks.

1) for stargazing a 5 mw green works well
2) a beam in daylight good luck my rpl 375 cant even do that it cost over 1,000 usd
3) under 50 mw wont usually burn skin that fast but will definatly damage your eyes
4) a 30 mw unit can be seen for several miles usually
as for companies i would use optotronics or nova period

http://optotronics.com/
[/url]http://www.novalasers.com/

Thanks John.

Optotronics seems to be very competitive on the price front, and youtubers seem to like them. I'm tempted to go for the 40mW laser (Optotronics Product Details) for £51. Would this be a good move?

Yes i have purchased several lasers from Jack a very good person -optotronics owner
I was going to do a group buy with them but seems as though that fell in
his username is bootleg2go on this forum contact him through his website he's usually quick to answer any questions

A nother quick question; on optronics do they sell any lenses which screw onto the laser (I can't tell if they screw on or not), and if so which one do I want for the 30mW? Will this then be able to pop balloons, etc?

Does the wicked lasers cap set fit to optronics 30/40mW lasers?

Thanks.

Bump

Do optotronics sell any 'laser lens caps' that fit to the end of a laser to enhance power, like the wicked laser ones?

Bottom of this page perhaps? Optotronics Lenses

The wicked cap set will not fit.
A lens does not increase power, it just focuses the beam to a small point so power density is higher. This makes burning easier at the focal point.
30mW will not burn much. It will only pop balloons when focused.
You can use any convex lens (aka magnifying glass) to do this.

Thanks RA_Pierce, a lens that focuses it is what I want (just got the technical side mixed up )

What I want to know though, is there a 'screw on cap' lens so I don't have to hold a seperate lens?

For the optotronics lasers, I am pretty sure No. I tried to take off my cap, (for fun) and I broke it.. (a good learning experience.... )

i have a 164mW pen from optotronics... it was a premium pen
anyway, it is a very solid build and the tip is unable to be removed. i believe it is pressed onto the upper body of the laser. if you want to pop balloons and do cool stuff go with an optotronics pen that is over 100mW.
compared to most of the ebay lasers the beam is much tighter and better for burning... compared to any other good laser brand, optotronics pens are much cheaper!
please let me know wen u get one, kcomptonjr@gmail.com