Candela vs Lumens: Why It Matters And What You Need To Know!

Many people conflate lumens, candela, and lux. People often say "that's too many lumens for X use" when that statement really makes no sense in context. So, hopefully this video will educate people on what to look for when evaluating a flashlight.
Grunt Style shirts: bit.ly/3mt25Di shirts (use code gsambassador for 10% off)
bit.ly/2JzuVPl
Sign up for my email list here:
www.Mrgunsngear.com
Surefire X300U: amzn.to/2PCuzu3
Surefire XH35: amzn.to/2CbPdPw
Elzetta Bravo: amzn.to/2CdVsCp
Forged From Freedom Shirts:
goo.gl/QsLoK8
1776 United shirts: (use code 1776Mrgunsngear for 10% off):
bit.ly/2rCn5PW
mrgunsngear
Mrgunsngear patches/stickers: patriotpatch.c...
My Amazon store:
www.amazon.com...
t.me/Mrgunsngear
parler.com/pro...
seniorgunsngear
mrgunsngear
Music by Machinima & Epidemic Sound
Disclaimer: These videos are strictly for educational and entertainment purposes only. Imitation or the use of anything demonstrated in my videos is done AT YOUR OWN RISK. All work on firearms should be carried out by a licensed individual and all state and federal rules apply to such. We (including KZbin) will not be held liable for any injury to yourself or damage to your firearms resulting from attempting anything shown in any our videos. I do not endorse any specific product and this video is not an attempt to sell you a good or service. I am not a gun shop and DO NOT sell or deal in Firearms. Such a practice is heavily regulated and subject to applicable laws. I DO NOT sell parts, magazines, or firearms. These videos are free to watch and if anyone attempts to charge for this video notify us immediately. By viewing or flagging this video you are acknowledging the above.
Fair Use: In the rare instance I include someone else’s footage it is covered in Fair Use for Documentary and Educational purposes with intention of driving commentary and allowing freedom of speech.

[@NCrdwlf]

I showed this to my mountain bike friends so they could finally understand how lighting actually works.. We get in to arguments about this all the time. Great vid. One of them triggered cuz this is a gun channel, so that was awesome.

[@Mrgunsngear]

Thank you

[@Mrgunsngear]

🇺🇸

[@jerryjohnsonii4181]

Thanks for teaching me the differences between Candela and Lumens. Great video and thanks for the knowledge Mrgunsngear.

[@Mrgunsngear]

You're welcome 👍🏽

[@TheGunCollective]

ProfessorGunsnGear! Thanks for the video man. I think its important for people to understand this.

[@Mrgunsngear]

😁

[@APedroSanchez]

Slug vs. Birdshot… same lumen, different candela

[@Mrgunsngear]

Indeed

[@ProGunsZach]

That’s a really cool analogy!

[@douglasmilburn3875]

@@ITCHYtriggafinga0 an ounce of shot, one 7.5 weight bs and one a solid ounce slug are certainly the same mass in the shell.

[@douglasmilburn3875]

@@ITCHYtriggafinga0 are you implying that there isn't a massive variety of shotgun loads? Even if you're technically right with some examples of shell loads, the point is to give a simple understanding of the concept that most watching this channel will understand. Oh and there are, believe it or not, flashlights with different levels of lumens as well.

[@douglasmilburn3875]

@@ITCHYtriggafinga0 nah, that be 556 hahaha

[@sootch00]

Great info as always! Thanks Brother

[@Mrgunsngear]

You're welcome 👍🏽

[@sanctusreiki2663]

@@Mrgunsngear im in the security field and I about to train for patrol rifle and im wondering which would be best to definitely see a suspect and whether they are holding a firearm, knife etc. Thanks for sharing the knowledge. Shopping for lights i see the high and low lumens, and the candelas so I had to research what candelas was. Thanks again.

[@aaaaa1957]

The only real way to tell which is the better flashlight for the situation is to actually try them out. Thanks for the technical explanation.

[@harrycallahan9733]

1:38 "Candela is the amount of light on a give spot", that's actually the definition of Lux, which is 1 lumen of light on a square meter. Candela is actually a measurement of illumination, simlar to lux, but instead of concerning the unit area, it is using the unit of *solid angle* the light projection in a give direction. So the same amount of light (lumens), projected in a 20 degree angle out the front of the light, versus 30 degree out the same light, the narrower angle projection gives higher candela :)

[@user-cy5ol3xl5y]

So the tighter the hot spot the higher the candela?

[@harrycallahan9733]

@@user-cy5ol3xl5y From what I can understand, it's about the angle instead of size of the hot spot :)

[@andyprairiedog]

Mr GnG...Thak you for 'shedding some light' on this for me. For some time, I was in the dark :)

[@Mrgunsngear]

😁

[@spk680]

This is the best Lumen-Candela-Lux explanation video ever !!

[@dali2133]

Also a big difference between watching the video in 240p vs 1080p. The last demo looking across the lake had very little differences at 240p. Realized I was in lower resolution and adjusted to 1080p and the difference between the lights was much more noticeable. Just throwing it out there for anyone who happens to see this and needs to make the adjustment to see the full effect of the lights.

[@dali2133]

Re-watching this video and discovered something else important... the screen you watch this on makes a HUGE difference as well. Apparently (and I suppose unsurprisingly) my 10+ year old Apple laptop isn't modern enough to show anything useful at 1080p. Played around with brightness, resolution, ambient lighting in the room, etc and couldn't see any light at all on the trees across the lake. Switched to my ~2 year old low-end Samsung smartphone and the difference was huge. So, if you're running a mix of "vintage" (aka, outdated) and "modern" (aka, up to date-ish) tech equipment like I am, this is one video where you definitely have to use the newer stuff to get the full effect.

[@johnmclou]

Thank you for making this video. Very nice explanation and demonstration. I think it would be helpful to show the appearance from the receiving end at say 7 yards.

[@AlaskanBallistics]

Good info... Thanks for the clarification!!!

[@Mrgunsngear]

Thank you

[@WitchyWagonReal]

This year I've started to refer to you the "Mr. Guns 'n' Lights" channel 🤣 But this is very important stuff, and I like that you are covering it. Particularly for folks with varieties of "light sensitivities." I got run over by a drunk driver years ago; hit me at 40mph and launched me headfirst into an oak tree. Fast forward brain/eye rehab: The candela, "hot spot," afterimages and "trails" of certain lights make a big difference in how lights perform for me. Thanks. 👍

[@Mrgunsngear]

You're welcome 👍🏽

[@mrmom22]

Great “nerdy” info. Makes tons more sense. 👍🏼

[@Mrgunsngear]

Thank you

[@justinthomas4442]

Thanks for this review! Very helpful. Love your channel and what you’re doing.

[@alphakennyone1011]

Lumens, lux, candela...you forgot photon. The Maxvision stuff does great at spreading out that hot spot

[@Mrgunsngear]

fair enough

[@HillbillyNitroUSA]

I wish these flashlight brands would focus (no pun) on battery life, instead of making 1000-1200+ lumens fit in a small package. More lumens = less battery life. I get 15 - 17 days out of a one cr123 in my surefire e1D with normal daily use. Its usually less than 15 days if I'm using surefire cr123's. The 320 lumens in the TIR lens will do anything you need it to do.

[@K-bob_45]

HillbillyNitro USA that’s a function of the battery type. The 123A has a high discharge rate.

[@Mrgunsngear]

some do

[@Gballer43]

What the hell is that dude in the red shirt doing in the background? Lol

[@staysafe1096]

it took my attention.

[@shojus]

Probably playing with his dog...

[@Mrgunsngear]

fishing

[@johnkeats4181]

He thought he was going to get insta-famous on a mrgunsandgear episode.

[@intrepid1357]

He’s obviously stuck in an invisible doom, about 15’x15’ feet, and he’s going bat5h!+ crazy. Please dial 911 and report so you save the poor guy!

[@Natural-Causes]

Good review not sure I’m a fan of either one after review

[@mursalot]

The best way i can remember the difference is by associating it with electricity. Amps being equal to lumens (amount/volume) vs voltage to candela (velocity/distance)

[@Mrgunsngear]

Thank you

[@sohailjanjua123]

Hi , I like your lecture . Thanks

[@kaylt.7864]

Appreciate you correcting the community on this.

[@BigCrocAirsoft]

yes, i usually use water hose theory to explain lumen vs candela/intensity. one is the how much water are being pour, one is how much water hurts when it hits you 😂

[@Mrgunsngear]

Indeed

[@vincentc2466]

Great job

[@GaveMeGrace1]

Thank you! Candela was completely new to me.

[@Mrgunsngear]

You're welcome 👍🏽

[@reynaldosanchez9493]

Very good information, I always wondered what was good for home Defense.

[@Mrgunsngear]

Thank you

[@freeze1617]

Always? You mean there wasn’t a moment you didn’t think about? Mrgunsngear just saved your life

[@user-vv7fc4sj1r]

freeze1617 you’re corny bruh

[@joshkellis6499]

Good stuff. Nice video. Thanks for the info. I already had a grasp of the two, but wanted a refresher, and to gain any info I didn't know, or might of had wrong. Correct knowledge is a great thing to have. So many people boasting about Lumens, and if they don't really know, somewhere down the line, whether it's when they get their new light, or someone shows them one with more candela or a beam vs flood, and or a different beam angle.... they end up thinking.....WTF ? Lol. It comes down to having the knowledge, comparing products, and getting the right light for the purpose you intend to use it for. Thanks for spreading the knowledge.... + Thanks again for the info, and keep up the great work.

[@larrytaylor1222]

thanks for the info, I wondered what those terms actually meant and described!

[@Mrgunsngear]

You're welcome 👍🏽

[@TheFacelessMan82]

So far my favorite weapon light for the money (based on your review) is the Elzetta bones. It's great. Does everything you want, is extremely simple and very bright and durable. I've also had great luck with the surefire g2x tactical both the 300 and 600 lumen model. I don't own a ton of lights but both of the ones I mentioned and that you have reviewed I believe are good to go for any tactical application. But wtf do I know really? lol

[@Mrgunsngear]

nice

[@PurpleMusicProductions]

Thanks for explaining this!

[@Mrgunsngear]

You're welcome 👍🏽

[@michaelorlowski2364]

Hey Mr.G&G, how about an up date on your Wilson Combat 1911 ?

[@Mrgunsngear]

no update; going strong

[@EricCouture315]

Excellent video. Thank you

[@Seth-L]

not into hunting or self defense but this helps me understand the terms for my architecture class

[@Mrgunsngear]

nice

[@shaboz100]

Thanks that helps alot

[@Mrgunsngear]

You're welcome 👍🏽

[@magnus5356]

Great info and well made video. Like always!

[@douglasbrmn2]

Off topic but I’ve been meaning to ask a question. When you are shooting a handgun you handle muzzle rise and recoil better than anyone I’ve watched. It always seems your gun barely rises and the only person that may be close is Hickok. My question is, is it a strength training or a technique thing? I’m sure it’s both to some extent but what is it that you feel gives you that edge over others? I was watching your video with Larry Vickers with the BCM 1911 and noticed how much better you handled it than him and it reminded me to ask.

[@Mrgunsngear]

technique. Check out my grip video

[@LYLEWOLD]

in night / low-light shooting can you use the bright spot of a narrow beam light as a quick point and shoot reference? it seems like it would work (within distance), but i haven't had a chance to test it. and yeah, great explanation of the terms and their respective meanings.

[@Mrgunsngear]

sure

[@leatherneckprepper4477]

Useful information and thanks.

[@Mrgunsngear]

You're welcome 👍🏽

[@eddiearchuleta615]

I have found to favor the tlr1hl out of any of the other lights out now 800 lumens but 15000 candela perfect amount of throw for out door and still doesn’t blind you indoors! People that say you don’t need more than 300 lumens for home defense don’t know what they are talking about

[@Mrgunsngear]

thanks for the report

[@cz1always608]

Cool great video. Thank you . Definitely did not know this info .....

[@Mrgunsngear]

You're welcome 👍🏽

[@semichiganandy2127]

Nice explanation, thank you.

[@Mrgunsngear]

Thank you

[@kenhelmers2603]

Thanks for the info!

[@Mrgunsngear]

You're welcome 👍🏽

[@theguuchful]

Great stuff as always!

[@Mrgunsngear]

Thank you

[@MrNicoJac]

Hey man, thanks for the vid! Question though: you didn't state it explicitly, but am I safe to assume you put the camera on manual mode, and didn't change any of the settings between recording the different lights? (and, bonus question: it would seem like a high-lumen, low-candela light is better for close quarters home defense, since it doesn't have a central spot that can blind you; whereas for a more rural area where you have bigger distances, candela becomes way way more important. would you agree with that impression?)

[@walterminer4990]

Thank-you I looked this up a while back but your practical demonstration really did well! (Guess your neighbors love you)! Lol!

[@Mrgunsngear]

Indeed

[@meat2dawad]

Is candela the same as candlepower? I haven’t heard the term in years but I remember people always using candlepower when talking about spotlights when I was a kid.

[@shockwavemikey64]

A good example of what you have demonstrated is the streamlight super tac x at 200lm but almost 75000 candela.

[@Mrgunsngear]

Indeed

[@brandonchapin1728]

As always , great content !

[@Mrgunsngear]

Thank you

[@hambone7777777]

Hope I didn't confuse anyone. I was talking about max candela for hot spot intensity and best throw. In light(pun) of LED beam angle, reflector angle/dispersion , measured candle power(candela), etc.

[@Mrgunsngear]

Indeed

[@ericdavidson5011]

In an environment where fire arms cannot be carried, do you feel a very bright like could serve as a disorienting tool to get the advantage back from an attacker. I do carry a Foursevens quark w/750 lumens on strobe mode and personally feel that it could provide help getting a jump on a bad guy?

[@Mrgunsngear]

it could I suppose but I wouldn't rely on it doing so.

[@FluttuantChicken]

so which one is better to blind a person at close distance, 1300 lumens throw (with more candela) or 1800 lumens flood (with less candela) ?

[@yourfilipinotv6477]

Definitely higher candela means more blinding capability. For the base numbers, all you need is at least 150 lumens with at least 1000 candela.

[@shawndrake1164]

Still very infomative vidz great work as always

[@Mrgunsngear]

Thank you

[@SurlyMontanan]

That was an illuminating video...

[@Mrgunsngear]

😁

[@piercebronson2469]

Did you ever figure out if the firing pin was too short on the ruger leading for it having thoes two malfunctions.

[@Mrgunsngear]

No

[@loser4cent]

Hey mrgunsandgear I have a few questions. I’m a brand new shooter. So I’m building an Ar-15 and I’m going with BCM. Was wondering what’s a good and reliable cheap red dot? Price range 300-450 ish. Another question is should I get my girlfriend a smith and Wesson m&p compact? I personally have a glock 19.

[@Mrgunsngear]

Shoot me a message on facebook and I'll send you some good optic deals

[@loser4cent]

Mrgunsngear Channel I’ll be using my girlfriends facebook. I don’t have one.

[@skeptikul270]

Word yo ☀️

[@yourfilipinotv6477]

Higher Candela, Higher Lux = Can Blind someone. I have a 400lms with 36,000 candela, It is brighter than my 1800 lumens light with lower candela when directly shined into the eyes.

[@pizzapimp8128]

Every time you do a video on your deck, all I can think about is going fishing on that lake behind you.

[@Mrgunsngear]

😁

[@nyk3334]

Ok, you’ve now done two videos I’ve searched.

[@nyk3334]

Auto sub

[@ruzzellp]

Thanks.

[@Mrgunsngear]

You're welcome 👍🏽

[@marzcapone9939]

Thanks for the info. Did not know Surefire had a 1,000 lumen x300. In your opinion, what light does one need to get positive ID at 200 yards, is that possible in a weapon light? I have the DF Scout, but it's 1,500 lumens has too much flood to see well at 200 yards. I like the flood, but maybe more of the light could be more in the hot spot.

[@harpjason208]

Marz Capone What are you identifying/ shooting at, at 200 yards? You have acerage?

[@marzcapone9939]

Mostly humble 1, I do live in the country, we're on 5 acres but have farms all around. I can see well over 1,000 yards, maybe close to a mile in one direction. But, I saw a video of the Hellfighter from Surefire, a 3,000 lumen light that mounts to a Mini Gun. In that video they said you could see 200 yards. Just trying to understand the limitations of what a light can achieve. I can see the horses at 200 yards, but I can't tell which one, with 1,500 lumen DF Scout. The other factor is scope magnification and quality. I shoot 22lr at 120 yards in my yard. I could do the same at night with 1,500 lumens with 9x magnification. OTOH, it's a SWFA 3-9x HD and it's not illuminated. Using the 3rd mil down, I can hit a nickle. Past that, IDK. End of the world comes, I guess the same 1,500 lumens would limit any rifle to not much more. Add smoke, fog, pollen, and it is way less.

[@Mrgunsngear]

generally something with a beam rating of 400 yards

[@h-towncc1588]

A great video addressing an often misunderstood topic. I have to say though I had to pop some Adderall to stay focused , away from the guy in the red shirt haha.

[@Mrgunsngear]

😁

[@TeddyJSmooth]

When hunting avoid using any bright light, it will scare the prey off, a greenlight, works better, with animals , like deer because it represents nature.

[@WallyMerc06]

Of all the "tactical" lights you've tested or know about, what light has the most powerful throw/hotspot/candela?

[@Mrgunsngear]

no idea, sorry

[@Harper2014Crain]

Walmer06 the stream light pro tac HLX has 750 lumens on high offers a strobe feature and is built like a tank. Best tactical lights on the planet as far as I’m concerned and I own several expensive surefires that can hold a candle to them.

[@waneran]

Actually, the definition of candela is the light output of a candle. So 1 candela =1 lit candle. There is an exact formula to convert lumens to and from candela (and vice versa) . They are both measurements of total light output. Everyone used to advertise candela instead of lumens because it is an older standard of measurement and somewhat easier to understand imo. . But, your explanation of what to look for in a flashlight (dispursion, hot spot, throw, etc.) is very good.

[@jonnybgoode7742]

i'm curious, have you seen what triarc systems is doing with their barrels? people say they're be more accurate with their rifling but no one does a grouping test like you or even shows a target.

[@Mrgunsngear]

No

[@jonnybgoode7742]

seen them pop up everywhere but nothing as far as grouping just wondering if you'd give them a look

[@fwhiteification]

I could have sworn you’ve mentioned this in other light reviews 🤣

[@Mrgunsngear]

😁

[@jacefoulk8107]

New information video, Ye!

[@Mrgunsngear]

😁

[@nightfury6836]

Well done Mike!!! Now I’m even MORE confused!!! Just kidding 😜

[@Mrgunsngear]

😁

[@lifeisgood070]

I tested the too much light indoors bullshit. Non-issue unless it's a mirror or white wall 3ft from your face. Set an alarm or have your friend set a panic alarm for you at whatever time 3:30am. Jump out of bed and clear your house. I actually enjoyed 1500 lumens way more than 300-600 lumens. Takes the eye a split second to get used to more light. Edit: I'd rather have more light to see an object in someone's hand. Life and death depend on judgement calls like that.

[@Mrgunsngear]

thanks for the report

[@MrDanielWP]

Lumens = total output. Candela = relative brightness of the hot spot, right? Those scenes intended to show throw were not good. Can't really see the high Candela light at all.

[@Mrgunsngear]

fair enough

[@MrDanielWP]

@@Mrgunsngear could be the phone I was watching on.

[@braxtonamour]

*Aaron Cowan raises brow and nods head*

[@Mrgunsngear]

😁

[@bigbluemsp]

People just need to learn how to use their light indoors. Learning to use your light properly avoids the "it's to bright for blah blah blah." Those are people who know everything about nothing and never train with their equipment.

[@Mrgunsngear]

fair enough

[@DocsInTheDesert]

Lumen = Cd*sr Candela = lm/sr Sr being the square radian or solid angle.

[@Blockhead369]

So why don't they just call candela & lumens ...spot/flood ? Like they do with house lights/bulbs. When you buy bulbs they say flood or spot. Why are flashlights different ... I'm probably way out in left field with this question.

[@Mrgunsngear]

because each beam pattern is different and many, particularly defensive oriented lights, are hybrids

[@Blockhead369]

Mrgunsngear Channel ok thanks for the info

[@yupyup4209]

More informational videos! :D

[@Mrgunsngear]

Duly noted

[@Harper2014Crain]

Kinda off topic, but what kind of knife do you like? ZERO TOLERANCE, spyderco, benchmade, ESEE, TOPS??? Just wondering because I never see a video of knife reviews and was wondering if you were a knife guy? I would love to see you do knife reviews. By the way, you were the one that convinced me to buy a BCM REESE 14 Lol.

[@Mrgunsngear]

I have all of the above and multiples of many. Depends on the specs/design of the knife and task at hand.

[@Murphy82nd]

Companies always advertise based on lumens, when I find candela is even more important. I have 100 lumen lights that have more intense bright spots than 400 lumen lights.

[@Mrgunsngear]

Indeed

[@yankee1985524]

Looking way better without the Beard....

[@Mrgunsngear]

fair enough

[@hogsrmylifetbj]

candela and lumens are the same type of measurement one is SI unit (lumens) while the other is the Imperial unit (candela) of total light output. In short they don't mean different thins its just a different unit of measurement for the measurement. What you should be talking about is Lumens and Lux (SI) or Candela and Foot-candles (Imperial).

[@MahardikaMatika]

Candela is SI

[@Ken-fh8iv]

Great...MORE shtuff to get confused about :-P I'd love to see you over at REAL.VIDEO. Miss your vids, but rarely watch KZbin, anymore.

[@Mrgunsngear]

duly noted, thanks

[@cleetismcdougall5425]

*MORE GUNS LESS GEAR!!!!* 🔦🤔👎👎 🔫😁👍👍 Still gave the video a thumbs up though, it was informative.

[@Mrgunsngear]

Duly noted

[@cleetismcdougall5425]

@@Mrgunsngear *Indeed.*

[@yourfilipinotv6477]

If you use your light for self defense, at least 150 lumens with at least 1000 candela will do the job, 150 lumens + 1000 candela is the minimum requirement to temporarily blind someone.

[@MrAaronSanchez1]

Bruh, order your GS shirts 1 size smaller. Whether you believe it or not, I promise, you can pull it off!

[@nemisous83]

Candela is largely a term used to justify low lumen output lights. For night time use having a wider field of view is more beneficial that how far out you can see because generally the candela isn't so much that you would be able to see things in to great of detail anyway plus you have the added con of decreasing your field of view.

[@my3sons386]

I’m more confused 😐 🤣

[@joey-cn6mt]

Why would you do a video about flash lights when it's a foolmoon??? W T F were you in that big of a herv you could have wated I don't know 2 weeks or something like that

[@donjuan4925]

Miss the og porno music intro

[@muddog1561]

From what I have read I'm more confused now than I was. Or I'm just not rembering what I have read in the past correctly.

[@Mrgunsngear]

fair enough