Bright Idea: SureFire Kroma LED Flashlight

You may think that a bright, white flashlight is a trivial accessory for amateur astronomers, but you’ll likely change your mind if you ever drop a critical screw or bolt in the grass while setting up your telescope in the dark. The new Kroma LED Flashlight from SureFire ($299) delivers two levels of dependable white light (one so bright it can “temporarily blind and disorient a person”) in addition to high and low levels of red and blue light. Any of the six settings can be activated with a momentary-on pushbutton or locked on for hands-free operation. Furthermore, the 5½-inch-long, machined-aluminum body with weatherproof O-ring seals is nearly indestructible in normal use. It’s not cheap, but it just might be the last flashlight you’ll ever need for astronomy.

Contact: SureFire, 18300 Mt. Baldy Circle, Fountain Valley, CA 92708; 714-545-9444; www.surefire.com

Every year the editors of Sky & Telescope present their selection of the most intriguing new products to enter the marketplace. "Hot New Products for 2007" appeared in the January 2007 issue, page 100. For further information about a specific product, contact the manufacturer or distributor. To alert the editors of Sky & Telescope to the introduction of a new product, please send e-mail to [email protected].