Visible Laser Beam Power Question

[CajunJosh]

Hello all, been lurking around for a while and just about to make a purchase but had a quick question.

I don't really care too much for the burning but do want a high powered laser.  I've poured through the safety concerns involved with one of the higher powered lasers but the question I have hasn't really been strongly touched on.  After looking through all the different brands and models I want to go with the Optotronics RPL series laser.  What I'm trying to decide is on the appropriate power level.  I want something that will have a very bright beam at night when pointing at stars.  For those with experience is there a big difference between a 200mw laser and a 300mw laser when it comes to beam visibility?  I know there are several atmospheric conditions that can impact the visibility but when placed side by side is it worth the extra money or will there not be a noticeable difference.  Again burning is not my interest.  Thanks in advance for advice.

 

[DTMF]

imo a 50mw green is enuff if you just want to point at stars . a 200-300mw might scare ppl

 

[MrViper82]

a general rule of thumb, it takes four times the power for a beam to be twice as bright. With only 1.5 times power increase you will not see much diffence at all. By the way, I have a 125mW laser and it is very bright to point out stars even in town. Super brilliant beam!

 

[CajunJosh]

Yeah I have to admit that part of it is wanting to have the bragging rights but I just wanted to make sure I would be satisfied with the affordable 200mw over the more expensive 300 and up lasers.

 

[milantheone]

i owned a 50mw one and i must to tell you that i can't imagine that a beam could be more visible... i am sure that it of course could be, but what i am trying to say is that 50mw is really amazing... i was able to see wonderfull beam like a string.. i could even pop a balloons... but i didnt care about burning abilities..
yes and i am writing in past tense about my laser because when i was trying to pot mod it i destroyed it... :'(
all i want in future is 100-125mw...  i am sure i will be satisfied and you as well..

here is my beamshot throught the sky... it was not foggy, just normal clear sky...

regards

 

[skylasers.net]

I think this is a misconception that most new laserists have. While the visibility of a laser will increase with the increase in power, it is not at a 1:1 ratio. That is, if you double in power output from say 50mW to 100mW, you will NOT get double the brightness. You will see a noticeable difference between 200mW laser and a 300mW laser, both beams are actually already very bright and I'm sure you will be satisfied with either. Good luck on your purchase and happy new year!

 

[Razako]

The beam from the RPL 300 will appear to be brighter, but it will be a minor difference and you would never even notice unless you had the two lasers right by each other. IMO you should save some cash and get the RPL 200. The only real reason to go higher is if you want burning power.

 

[CajunJosh]

Really appreciate all the information. I have the cash and after looking at the different companies I think I'm going to wait for Jack to get some of the new Silver Body 200RPLs in stock and then give one a new home.