I’m a laser noob looking to find information and/or recommendations about purchasing a laser as described below. I’ve searched the site for the last few days and discovered lots of valuable information but haven’t found the answers to the questions I have specifically. I’m not sure if this is the proper area on the forum to ask these questions, but I figure if it isn’t someone will let me know.
I’m a photographer (jonblakephotography.com) looking to purchase a laser to aid me in my night landscape photography addiction. The primary use of this will be to allow me in focusing on things in the dark, IE, shining the laser on the subject to focus on the light where it’s beyond flashlight lumination. It’s conceivable that the laser could also get used in some shots as a prop, but I’m not going in on the purchase with this in mind. The distance the subject could be from me is anywhere beyond flashlight (future topic) to infinity which I’m guessing could be as much as a mile or two. Picture being up in the mountains photographing distant peaks.
Based on what I’ve read so far, I assume that green is the way I should be heading as far as color goes since it’s the most visible, but I’m perplexed on the power. I began this effort with a preconceived notion that 50mW was what I needed, but that was based on a friend’s suggestion who bought one on eBay doesn’t know very much about lasers. For example, he wasn’t aware there was any danger in these, other than the obvious of not pointing it at anyone, until I began to research my own purchase. So one major question I have is what power I should be looking at. I’d like to go with as small a power as possible that will fit my needs for both economy and safety reasons.
Besides the power, the other things I’m looking for are in the host design. I’d like it to have an on/off switch so that it can remain on and in-place while I focus on it. I can foresee a situation where I have to have it clamped to another object and beyond arms reach, so I need it to be able to be left in the on position. I’d also like it to be in a waterproof host, in case I’m caught in the rain and gets wet. Beyond that I can’t think of anything else I need or want it to have, but I may not be thinking of everything. Any suggestions are most appreciated.
If anyone has any suggestions on product, or answers to any of my questions I’m most appreciative.
I’m a photographer (jonblakephotography.com) looking to purchase a laser to aid me in my night landscape photography addiction. The primary use of this will be to allow me in focusing on things in the dark, IE, shining the laser on the subject to focus on the light where it’s beyond flashlight lumination. It’s conceivable that the laser could also get used in some shots as a prop, but I’m not going in on the purchase with this in mind. The distance the subject could be from me is anywhere beyond flashlight (future topic) to infinity which I’m guessing could be as much as a mile or two. Picture being up in the mountains photographing distant peaks.
Based on what I’ve read so far, I assume that green is the way I should be heading as far as color goes since it’s the most visible, but I’m perplexed on the power. I began this effort with a preconceived notion that 50mW was what I needed, but that was based on a friend’s suggestion who bought one on eBay doesn’t know very much about lasers. For example, he wasn’t aware there was any danger in these, other than the obvious of not pointing it at anyone, until I began to research my own purchase. So one major question I have is what power I should be looking at. I’d like to go with as small a power as possible that will fit my needs for both economy and safety reasons.
Besides the power, the other things I’m looking for are in the host design. I’d like it to have an on/off switch so that it can remain on and in-place while I focus on it. I can foresee a situation where I have to have it clamped to another object and beyond arms reach, so I need it to be able to be left in the on position. I’d also like it to be in a waterproof host, in case I’m caught in the rain and gets wet. Beyond that I can’t think of anything else I need or want it to have, but I may not be thinking of everything. Any suggestions are most appreciated.
If anyone has any suggestions on product, or answers to any of my questions I’m most appreciative.
