If you’re the person that likes to hang around in dark places, spend time in nature, and take photos of anything from the scenery to the starry skies, then choosing the right type of lighting for your trip is a must.
This time around, we are taking a look at several different red flashlights, an accessory that any dedicated astrophotographer should carry with them on all of their adventures.
The reason for that being that they will allow you to see in the dark but without interfering with other astronomers or ruining your night vision.
While there are many to choose from, the Weltool M7-RD Red Flashlight tops our list as it offers the best feature set possible out of all the flashlights we’ve covered.
Below you’ll find our guide to the best red flashlights for astronomy to keep your night vision intact.
List of the best red flashlights for astronomy
1. Weltool M7-RD Red Light Even-Beam Flashlight
Best Overall Choice
Dimensions: 6.5 x 3.7 x 2.1 inches | Weight: 6.4 ounces | Battery type: Lithium-ion (2600 mAh, removable) | Max output: 500 Lumens | Zoom: No | Water resistance: Yes | Dual LED color technology: No
Here we have the most powerful red flashlight for astronomy that can be found on this list. It’s the Weltool M7-RD Red Light Flashlight and is by far the best option for anyone looking to get as much Lumens as possible in a rugged body that also offers a removable rechargeable battery pack and weather resistance.
While it is also the most expensive red flashlight on this list, it does include some advanced technologies such as the lead-free circuit board that eliminates flickering issues, over-discharge protection, unibody construction, anti-slip, and anti-roll design as well as the warm amber light color that is very pleasant to the eyes and not as harsh as the traditional red color torches.
Pros
- Very high brightness
- Waterproof design
- Excellent build quality
- Amber light color
Cons
- A little heavy
- Higher price point
2. COAST PX20 Dual Color 315 Lumen LED Flashlight
Best Value For Money
Dimensions: 4.62 x 2.59 x 2.59 inches | Weight: 3.2 ounces | Battery type: AAA (3x, included) | Max output: 315 Lumens | Zoom: No | Water resistance: Yes | Dual LED color technology: Yes
If you’re looking at the perfect balance between price, features, and power, then look no further than the COAST PX20 Dual Color 315 Flashlight, a red flashlight that manages to offer a lot at an incredibly competitive price point. The most impressive thing about it has to be its maximum brightness of 315 Lumens, something rarely seen at its price point.
Other features to consider, such as the water resistance, dual-color technology that will give you the ability to use it as a traditional flashlight.
Also supports AAA batteries, a handy pocket clip, and even a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer itself if you happen to find any imperfections in regards to build quality.
Pros
- Outstanding brightness
- Great value for money
- Waterproof design
- Dual-color mode
Cons
- The red light mode doesn’t provide the most pleasant color out there
- Battery life could be better at higher brightness levels
3. Carson RedSight Red Led Flashlight
Best Budget Option
Dimensions: 3.8 x 1 x 1 inches | Weight: 2.4 ounces | Battery type: AAA (3x, not included) | Max output: N/A | Zoom: No | Water resistance: No | Dual LED color technology: No
The Carson RedSight Red Flashlight is the most affordable red flashlight in this article, but is far from being unappealing and lacking many features. It features a classic rounded design, an excellent grip that glows in the dark, and one that will allow you to hold it safely even with slippery hands.
It also operates on regular AAA batteries, has two brightness settings, and a metal carabiner clip that will allow you to attach to almost any type of backpack, bag, or keychain. We wouldn’t recommend it to any advanced users looking for a red flashlight that’s rugged, weatherproof, or bright.
But anyone who is using it on one or two occasions should be more than happy with it.
Pros
- Extremely low price point
- The use of traditional AAA batteries
- Low weight
- The glow in the dark grip is a nice bonus feature
Cons
- Not waterproof or very rugged
- Not as reliable as more expensive offerings
4. Orion 5768 RedBeam Mini LED Flashlight
Best Compact Option
Dimensions: 2.5 x 3.7 x 0.9 inches | Weight: 1.6 ounces | Battery type: LR44 (3x, included) | Max output: N/A | Zoom: No | Water resistance: No | Dual LED color technology: No
The Orion 5768 RedBeam Flashlight is the smallest and most portable torch on this list, and that is indeed its biggest selling point.
You can literally put this little flashlight anywhere and forget you have it with you until the time you need to light up an area in the dark.
Even though it is light and small, we like the fact that Orion still decided that durability shouldn’t be sacrificed in the process of making such a portable light and has put all the components inside a sleek and durable silver aluminum housing.
It may not be waterproof, and neither does it offer brightness adjustment, but it does require easy to find and cheap LR44 batteries and is affordable in its own right, so it will appeal to anyone looking for stylish and easy to carry around red flashlight that offers dead-simple operation.
Pros
- Very compact
- Beautiful design
- Nice build quality
- Small enough to be put on a keychain, so you’ll be able to carry it with you at all times
Cons
- The brightness output could be a little brighter
- No water resistance
- No brightness adjustment
5. Orion 5756 DualBeam LED Astronomy Flashlight
Best Compact Dual Color Option
Dimensions: 5.6 x 2.5 x 2.5 inches | Weight: 4.8 ounces | Battery type: 9V (included) | Max output: N/A | Zoom: No | Water resistance: No | Dual LED color technology: Yes
If you’re looking for something compact, relatively inexpensive, and simple to use, then the Orion 5756 DualBeam Astronomy Flashlight will certainly be the best choice for you.
It offers the useful dual LED color technology in a compact package that is easy to carry around and can be placed on most surfaces and remain in a stable position.
While it isn’t as powerful as other more professional-oriented options, it does offer the flexibility of being a regular white light and a red night light in one package, offers brightness adjustment for both of those modes, and uses a common type of 9V battery that conveniently comes included in the package.
Pros
- Dual-color mode
- Easy brightness level adjustment thanks to the built-in thumbwheel
- Good battery life
- Rectangular design is useful for keeping the flashlight fixed in place on uneven surfaces
Cons
- High price point
- No water resistance
6. Rigel Systems Skylite Switchable 2-Red / 2-White LED Flashlight
Best Budget Dual Color Option
Dimensions: 5.9 x 2.8 x 1.4 inches | Weight: 4 ounces | Battery type: 9V (included) | Max output: N/A | Zoom: No | Water resistance: Yes | Dual LED color technology: Yes
Those that want a portable and red flashlight, but also want the dual-color functionality that will allow them to use it as a traditional LED flashlight as well should certainly find the Rigel Systems Skylite Switchable LED Flashlight to be an interesting offering.
It’s not the brightest tool around, but that’s the tradeoff you’ll have to accept to get the dual-color functionality. You will be able to easily adjust the light intensity with its thumbwheel, use it under less than ideal weather thanks to its water resistance and also keep it secure on your body thanks to the attached lanyard.
We also like that it’s quite efficient and will give you a runtime of up to 320 hours on its lowest setting from a single 9V battery. If you like its ergonomics and features, but you don’t necessarily need the dual-color functionality, then you should take a look at the red-only version called the Rigel Systems Starlite 2-RED LED Flashlight.
Pros
- Dual-color mode
- Water-resistance is a nice feature to see at this price point
- Adjusting the brightness output is very easy and intuitive
- Great battery life
Cons
- Build quality isn’t the best
- Could be priced lower
7. Celestron – PowerTank Glow 5000 – Portable USB Rechargeable Power Bank + Red Flashlight
Best Option for Heavy Users of USB Powered Devices
Dimensions: 6.4 x 4.05 x 2.35 inches | Weight: 6.4 ounces | Battery type: Lithium-ion (5000 mAh, integrated) | Max output: N/A | Zoom: No | Water resistance: No | Dual LED color technology: No
The Celestron Power Tank Glow 5000 Portable Flashlight is certainly one of the most unique flashlights on our list, being that its built-in 5000 mAh battery bank powers both the flashlight itself and other USB compatible devices that operate at up to 5V DC.
It also offers three brightness levels, a moderate amount of protection from dust thanks to the covers that protect its ports, and can be mounted on many things thanks to the inclusion of two silicone straps and one wrist strap. It may not be the best bang for the buck red flashlight for astronomy around, but its battery bank feature alone will be worth it for many people.
Pros
- Good build quality
- Power bank functionality is a handy thing to have at night
- Can be easily attached to a telescope thanks to the included mounts
Cons
- No water resistance
- Doesn’t offer brightness level adjustments
8. UltraFire WF-502R Zoomable Red Light Flashlight
Best Budget Rugged Option
Dimensions: 5.24 x 1.3 x 10.0 inches | Weight: 3.67 ounces | Battery type: 3.6/3.7V (rechargeable, included) or CR123A (2x, not included) | Max output: N/A | Zoom: Yes | Water resistance: Yes | Dual LED color technology: No
The UltraFire WF-502R Zoomable Flashlight presents itself as the best choice for those budget conscious astrophotographers primarily looking for a very rugged red flashlight for astronomy. It offers both water resistance and skid proofing and can even work properly under heavy rain flow.
It can also be powered by either a single rechargeable 3.7V battery or two CR123A batteries, has a useful zoom function that will make the flashlight act as a floodlight when zoomed in and spotlight when zoomed out and even with all of those functions, its overall weight doesn’t surpass a total of 3.67 ounces.
Pros
- Nice ergonomic design and great build quality
- Water resistance
- The zoom function is a nice extra feature to have
- The option for two different types of batteries adds a lot to the flexibility of the flashlight
Cons
- Its brightness output could be higher
- There’s no way to adjust the light intensity
9. X.YSINE LED Hunting Flashlight
The Second Overall Best Choice
Dimensions: 6.93 x 1.81 x 1.1 inches | Weight: 8.25 ounces | Battery type: 3.6/3.7V (rechargeable, included) | Max output: 350 Lumens | Zoom: No | Water resistance: Yes | Dual LED color technology: No
Since it’s customary to pick a runner up for the overall best choice for the best red flashlight for astronomy, the honor for that title had to go to the X.YSINE LED Hunting Flashlight. It manages to offer an impressive brightness of 350 Lumens with a high-quality bulb that provides a minimum working life of up to 100,000 hours.
The flashlight itself is also water-resistant, runs on a single rechargeable 3.7V battery, has a 250-yard working distance, and can also be attached safely to your wrist thanks to the included lanyard attachment.
The most important features for astrophotographers will certainly be the brightness and water resistance this flashlight offers.
Pros
- Very good maximum brightness output
- Long-lasting light bulb adds to the longevity of the flashlight
- Waterproof and durable housing
- Fair price point
Cons
- Quite heavy
- Doesn’t offer brightness adjustment
10. Celestron 93588 Astro Night Vision Flashlight
A Runner Up Compact Option
Dimensions: 5.7 x 2.6 x 2.4 inches | Weight: 3.2 ounces | Battery type: 9V (included) | Max output: 25 Lumens | Zoom: No | Water resistance: No | Dual LED color technology: No
The Celestron 93588 Astro Night Vision Flashlight is an affordable and relatively compact option for anyone looking for a simple solution to their night photography problems that won’t break the bank and will fit in any bag or pocket.
It has one dial for brightness adjustment, is powered by a single 9V battery, has a useful square shape so it can be put down on almost any surface without moving around, and also comes with a lanyard that will allow you to put it around your wrist or a neck.
It may not be the toughest and most feature packed flashlight around, but you can’t ask much more considering its low price point and small size.
Pros
- The compact design of the flashlight will allow you to store it anywhere you want
- Competitive price point
- Rectangular design will be useful to some photographers
- Easy brightness level adjustment
Cons
- No water resistance
- Doesn’t feel like the sturdiest thing in the world due to its plastic body
Buying Guide To Selecting The Best Red Flashlight For Astronomy
Why should I use a red flashlight at night?
The main reason would be because it will preserve your night vision, unlike traditional white light flashlights do. A flashlight and also a headlamp will easily fit in your bag or backpack and will help you to enjoy and see during your night adventures better.
It also gives you increased peripheral vision, allowing you to see everything that’s illuminated by your flashlight and other light sources like the moon or a campfire.
Things to look for in a red flashlight?
Brightness
This holds true for any kind of lighting equipment, and red flashlights are no different. The more powerful the light, the better to see the area around you.
But having the ability to adjust the intensity and bring it right down is also just as important in a well-designed red flashlight, so you either don’t disturb fellow astronomers around you and also retain your night vision as much as possible when looking close up at objects like star maps.
Ruggedness
Every photographer out there is working in a different environment but having a rugged flashlight is especially important to many astrophotographers since they are often the ones that have to traverse long distances and less than ideal paths to reach their destination, but also battle with the elements like the snow or the rain.
Weight, size, and shape
It’s up to each individual night or astrophotographer to decide how much room they can spare for each type of item they carry with them, and for that reason, the red flashlights themselves also vary in size and weight. You will always be able to find the right balance between performance and portability.
Switchable color or red-only flashlight?
If you aren’t in need for a very high brightness, a lot of different modes, and you’re on a tighter budget, then you may find switchable color flashlights to be a more compelling option and something that will prove very useful to you.
Other people that are interested in flashlights that will mainly be used for astrophotography purposes, camping, or in any different situations that require a more discreet lighting solution will find the red-only flashlights to be a more suitable choice.
Battery type
Red flashlights come in many different battery configurations and again, it is up to you to decide what you’re looking for.
There are generally three types of configurations to choose from.
Regular 9V or AAA batteries that are cheap to obtain but aren’t rechargeable.
3.7V rechargeable batteries that can also be replaced and integrated.
Lithium-ion batteries that are usually built into the flashlights but tend to offer the biggest capacity and can even act as a power bank and charge other low-power USB devices like smartphones or smartwatches.
Quick Recap Of the 10 best red flashlights for astronomy For 2024
- Weltool M7-RD Red Flashlight
- COAST PX20
- Carson Flashlight
- Orion Mini LED Flashlight
- Orion DualBeam Astronomy
- Rigel Systems “Skylite” Flashlight
- Celestron PowerTank Flashlight
- UltraFire WF-502R Zoomable
- X.YSINE Flashlight
- Celestron Astro Night Vision Flashlight
Conclusion
As always, we’ve done our very best to provide you with the best possible list of red flashlights for astronomy and night vision.
We believe that we’ve managed to cover as many different types of astrophotographers out there, no matter what their needs and the budgets that are available to them.
Out of all the red flashlights listed, the Weltool M7-RD Red Flashlight quickly became our top pick thanks to its unbeatable feature set and excellent build quality.
Anyone looking for a perfectly balanced flashlight and is still unsure of which one to choose, we wholeheartedly recommend the M7-RD as a great pick.