The Best Spotlights for Long Distance
Does the sun set before the fun is over?
If you’re out hunting, camping, or on an adventure in the outdoors, light is crucial. And when the sun goes out, most people are forced to stay where they are until the sun rises and the way is clear again. But if you have a long-distance spotlight, this won’t be a problem.
For many hunters and adventurers, their spotlight is their most important tool. The right model will give you the ability to see far into the distance, spotting animals and the right trail. On top of that, you can use the lights to see what’s in front of you when you’re working at night.
So, before you head out on your next adventure, you may want to consider packing a spotlight for long distances in your back.
But with all the models on the market, it can sometimes be hard to figure out which model is worth your time and money. That’s why we’re here.
In this article, we’re taking a look at 5 of the best spotlights for long-distance on the market today as well as some of the features and reasons we decided that these were the best models on the market.
And by the end, you’ll know exactly which spotlight you need to keep you ready for anything when out on an adventure.
Best Overall
GOODSMANN Spotlight
GOODSMANN Spotlight
If you want a spotlight you can rely on, this is the one for you. This GOODSMANN model is waterproof, durable, bright, and could be the best light you can buy for hunting, boating, or any other outdoor adventure!
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First up is the best overall long-distance spotlight on the market. This GOODSMANN model is strong, durable, rechargeable, and works great in the outdoors. While it’s primarily designed for boats, you can use this spotlight for hunting or just as a source of light while out camping.
To start, this has an IP67 waterproof rating. So, you won’t have to worry if you accidentally drop it in the pond or lake. And to prevent yourself from wasting the battery of the light, you can lock the trigger switch, which is a neat feature that we found.
This light can run for around 3-4 hours on a single charge. This is pretty long and can beat many other models in its price range. This is why boaters and hunters love taking this out as it can last them a pretty long time.
The downside is recharging the battery. It uses a USB cable, so you need to bring some sort of power supply if you’re going out for a couple of days. But aside from that very minor flaw, this spotlight ticks all the boxes, which is why it made it so high on our list.
Best Premium
GOODSMANN Rechargeable Spotlight
GOODSMANN Rechargeable Spotlight
You won’t find that many things to complain about with this spotlight. Even if it’s pretty expensive, it offers a bunch of premium features and could be your companion for your next nighttime hunting or fishing trip!
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This next option also comes from GOODSMANN and shares a lot of the same features as the previous model. In fact, this spotlight is actually brighter than the previous model. But since the price is a major factor here at OwRatings and this model is fairly expensive, it couldn’t qualify as the best overall pick.
But if you have some extra money to spend on your spotlight, you won’t regret investing in this one. To start, the light is 3,000 lumens strong, which is way brighter than most of the other models on this list. So, even if it’s pitch black, you can use this spotlight and illuminate an area pretty well, even if it’s far away.
This feature comes in handy when hunting or fishing at night. Since it’s so bright, it can give you a lot of visual information. And the more information you have on your surroundings when on an adventure, the safer and more likely you are to catch whatever you’re looking for.
Additionally, this is a waterproof spotlight. You never know when you might accidentally drop the spotlight into the water. And when this happens, you wouldn’t want the spotlight to break, which is why we really appreciated the rechargeable features of this light.
The only real downside to this model is the price. It is a bit more expensive than other models on the market. However, since it has so many cool features and a great build, you won’t regret investing in this model.
Best Affordable
AlpsWolf Rechargeable Flashlight
AlpsWolf Rechargeable Flashlight
This spotlight offers some of the best value for the money on the market today. With a fairly strong light, waterproof build, and decent battery, you won’t regret spending your money on this model.
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This next pick is great for those who are shopping on a budget. Don’t be fooled by the price of this spotlight; while it’s affordable, this is still a very functional spotlight that can be a huge help when exploring the outdoors.
One of our favorite features of this model is its battery. It can remain on standby for up to 20 hours and stay on for a couple of hours with ease. This is more than enough for basic hunting and camping trips, and could even serve as a great emergency tool when things get tough.
On top of that, it can produce up to 1,200 lumens. Now, this isn’t as strong as some of the other models on this list, but it’s more than enough for basic hunting and fishing. If you aren’t in need of a super heavy-duty model, this is a great pick for you.
It may come as a surprise, but this spotlight is also waterproof. It has an IP44 rating, which isn’t as high as the other models on the list but can easily withstand splashes and unexpected drops. However, keep in mind that this may not perform that well if you fully submerge it in water for an extended period of time.
Best for Fishing
YIERBLUE Rechargeable Spotlight
YIERBLUE Rechargeable Spotlight
This rechargeable spotlight has one of the best waterproof ratings and designs on the market. So, whether you’re fishing or hunting, you won’t have to worry about water ruining your gear.
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If you plan on using your spotlight for a fishing trip, then we highly recommend this model. It’s waterproof, bright, easy to use, and even has a couple of emergency applications that might prove very valuable. On top of that, it has a 2,000-lumen capacity, which is strong enough to light things up even if they’re far away.
The reason we chose this spotlight for fishing is its high waterproof rating. This has an IP-67 waterproof rating, meaning it can easily survive being submerged in water. So, while you still need to take care of the spotlight, you won’t have to give it as much attention as other spotlights while fishing.
Additionally, it comes with a red light filter. The reason this is valuable is that red is the easiest color for our eyes to see. So, in the event of an emergency, you can use the red light filter to call for help. Alternatively, red light is also great for hunting, making this a great multi-purpose light.
With that said, this light has a fairly narrow beam. While many fishers and hunters like narrow beams, there are also a lot of people who enjoy wider beams. This isn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s definitely something to consider if you’re thinking of buying this light.
Best for Shining Deer
GKOLED 30Watt Bullet LED Spotlight
GKOLED 30Watt Bullet LED Spotlight
If you plan on attaching a spotlight to your car to improve your hunting game, this is the pick for you. This is a great light for spotlighting deer and could be the tool you need to catch more animals.
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Shining deer, or spotlighting them is a very popular method for hunting. This involves shining light at the deer to make them more visible and give you a better shot. And if you plan on doing this, this bright spotlight is the right option for you.
This is a very strong spotlight that you attach to a car. You can then use it to shine a light on deer while driving and reveal their positions. This is a great way to improve your hunting skills and catch more deer when it’s hunting season.
On top of that, it uses a fairly narrow beam which allows the light to travel further and stay more concentrated.
With that said, make sure to read up on your state’s local rules and regulations on spotlighting and shining deer. Spotlighting is illegal in some areas and could get you into trouble. So, don’t start shining deer in the forest until you’ve read and researched its legality in your state.
What to look for in a good spotlight for long-distance
There are many brands and manufacturers that make long-distance spotlights for outdoor enthusiasts. This is a good thing, as it gives consumers tons of choices so that they can find one that perfectly suits their needs.
But if you don’t know what to look for, all these choices can actually make the process much harder.
So, before you hit the market, we recommend researching and learning about key features and factors that go into long-distances spotlights. That way, you won’t end up with a sub-par model that doesn’t do the job or that will break down after just a couple of uses.
And to help you out, we’ve compiled a quick guide with some of the key factors to consider when buying a spotlight for long distances. Read on to learn more.
Lumens
When it comes to spotlights and flashlights, the number of lumens they can produce is one of the most important factors to consider. Generally, the rule is a higher lumen count means you have a brighter light, as lumens are used to determine how much light you emit.
When finding a spotlight for long distances, you want one that’s pretty bright and can produce a lot of lumens. That way, you can really illuminate different areas even if they are far away.
Distance
Just because the light is bright doesn’t mean it will travel that far. This is why you need to figure out how far the spotlight can cast light. Usually, manufacturers list this down on the box to give you a good idea of what the flashlight can do. The right beam distance for your spotlight depends on your needs.
However, we recommend always getting spotlights with a long beam distance. That way, you can illuminate things very far away.
Light quality
Another thing to consider is the type of light that the spotlight produces. There are some spotlights that shine really bright and travel far. However, they don’t do a good job of illuminating the target because the light quality itself is pretty subpar.
For the best results, we recommend getting a sharp light that can really focus on what you’re aiming at.
Adjustability
When you’re out in nature, there’s a high chance you’re going to need the spotlight for different purposes. So, we recommend getting a model that you can adjust. This means you won’t have a hard time tilting the light and moving it to another position or angle.
Power source
Most of the modern spotlights on the market use rechargeable batteries. This is nice, but keep in mind that you need to practice proper battery maintenance to ensure it lasts you a long time. Additionally, you might want to get models that have a really long battery life since you don’t want to end up charging and recharging the battery frequently.
If the spotlight needs single-use batteries, then make sure to bring a lot of them with you during the trip. You never know what can happen to you on your adventures, and it’s always best to stay prepared.
Durability
Long-distance spotlights are meant for outdoor and rugged use. So, if you want a good model, you need to make sure it’s durable. A durable spotlight will last you many adventures and it won’t let you down when times get tough. So, make sure to check out the material and build the quality of the spotlight before buying.
Weight
Lastly, recommend looking for a lightweight spotlight. Ideally, you want a light spotlight so that it won’t weigh you down during adventures. With that said, before buying the lightest model on the market, you need to make sure it still comes with the essential features you need in a functioning long-distance spotlight.
The benefits of a long-distance spotlight for hunting
The biggest benefit of using a long-distance spotlight when hunting is visibility. When you’re out hunting, the more you can see your targets, the better. This is true whether you’re stalking an animal or looking for animals in the wild.
However, you may not know that there are many other benefits that come with bringing a long-distance spotlight on your hunting trip. And in this section, we’re taking a look at these lesser-known benefits.
Time-saving
To start, having a spotlight can save you a lot of time. Let’s say your hunting trip extended into the evening and you need to camp out. With a spotlight, you can illuminate the camping grounds for some time and make it easier for you to set up camp. If you didn’t have a spotlight, you’d have to look for a place that receives enough moonlight to let you see, which can waste a lot of your precious time.
Security
Having a spotlight allows you to secure a certain area. Since you never know what can happen to you when in a forest or similar environment, having a spotlight that you can use to keep an eye on everything even if it’s dark is incredibly valuable.
Safety
When you’re walking or driving around at night, a long-distance spotlight allows you to traverse safely. Driving and walking around in the dark isn’t just hard, it’s dangerous. And when outdoors, you don’t want to expose yourself to unnecessary danger, which is why spotlights are such handy tools.
A great help in emergency situations
Even if you don’t plan on hunting at night, we still highly suggest bringing a spotlight with you on your adventures. This is because you never know what can happen to you out there, and having a spotlight can be a gamechanger in certain situations. For example, it can light you up while you repair your car, find shelter, or find your way when you’re lost. You can also use it to signal for help in the worst-case scenarios.
FAQ
How many lumens should a good spotlight have?
Ideally, you would need at least 1,000 lumens for hunting. These spotlights may cost you some money, but they are more than worth the investment. But if you can, we recommend getting spotlights with even higher lumens for even more visibility.
What’s the difference between candlepower and lumens?
Candlepower is an old unit of measurement used to measure light’s intensity. However, it’s now been replaced by the unit “candela”. Lumens are for measuring brightness, and 1 candlepower equals 12.75 lumens.
How far can a spotlight shine?
This depends on how strong and bright the spotlight is. However, if you have a spotlight of at least 1,000 lumens, you can focus the light on an area 1000 yards away and illuminate that area fairly well, especially when it’s dark.
