Flashlight or Lantern: Which is Better?



One thing we’ve learned in a crisis, now that we’re all still embroiled in pandemic hysteria, is how essential emergency lighting is. Toss in the recent rolling blackouts in California, and the need for emergency lighting is even more crucial. Construction sites, campgrounds, crime scenes, mines, garages, and workshops used to be the domains of flashlights and lanterns. They are now staples in every household, but for those who have yet to stock up on mobile lighting, which is the better option?To get more news about SupFire Flashlight, you can visit flashlightbrand.com official website.

The choice between a flashlight and a lantern depends on your circumstances. If you want to focus on a specific area, are constantly on the go, and don’t have room for bulky gear, get a flashlight. If you want to light up a large area and have space to store, pack, and use the light source, go for a lantern.
Flashlights shine in one direction (the traditional ones, at least). They are designed to cast a focused beam of light over a long distance. They utilize cone-shaped reflectors or specially designed lenses to focus all of the light emitted from the light source (bulb or LED) and project it in one direction. This creates a long beam of light, also called a hotspot of light.

Traditional flashlights are usually handheld devices. However, many flashlight accessory mounts have been developed to allow users to mount their traditional flashlights to their head, helmet, chest, arms, hands, etc.. They also come in clip-on formats that can be attached to packs, walls, and various structures. Magnetic ones can be attached to any metallic surface. Flashlights were invented after the electric bulb and have evolved to really powerful and essential tools.

Lanterns cast light in all directions. Unlike a traditional flashlight that focuses 100% of the light emitted by the bulb or LED in one direction, lanterns are designed to allow the light emitted from the bulb or LED to immerse the entire surrounding area in light. Conventional types have handles on top for easy grasping. A candle in a glass enclosure is still considered a lantern today, as it was centuries ago. Lanterns existed way before the electric bulb was conceptualized.

Lanterns’ power sources were formerly fuel-based, but now, like flashlights, are also powered by batteries, electricity, or even solar energy. Modern lanterns, like their flashlight equivalents, are now designed to emit light from an incandescent or LED source.

So, the primary difference between a lantern and a traditional flashlight is how the light is emitted from the bulb or LED. The power or intensity of that light is the determining factor in how bright the light truly is. In the past, luminous intensity was measured in candelas (candlepower). Now, it is measured in lumens. A flashlight and lantern can have the same lumen intensity, yet the visual output of the light will be much different. A 300-lumen lantern compared to a 300-lumen flashlight will be very different. However, how the light is used and the benefits of both are also much different.