Red filters for night-time viewing

[muscardinus]

Does anyone know where I can buy a cheap red gel/filter to stick on the front of my torch? It is primarily going to be for badger-watching.

Alana Ecology sell pop-on filters for £16 but they are designed to fit their range of Cluson torches - I just want a simple, cheapo sheet of heatproof transparent red plastic, basically.

I've heard of a product called RubyLith that used to be used in the printing industry, but I don't know if that is still on the market and available in the UK.

Any advice much appreciated!!

[rogpow]

Try your local art/craft shop. I bought an A4 sheet of red acetate for the same purpose last week. Cost 65p! Works a treat.

[muscardinus]

Thank you - useful suggestion.

There aren't many craft shops near me in Somerset but next time I'm in town I'll try to find some acetate.

[salukiwhippet]

Be aware that it will reduce output by about 66%. We use one on a Lightforce 170 for foxing, and it reduces shootable range from 400 yards plus to 175ish.

Amber is better.

James

[stripee]

Originally Posted by muscardinus

Does anyone know where I can buy a cheap red gel/filter to stick on the front of my torch? It is primarily going to be for badger-watching.

Alana Ecology sell pop-on filters for £16 but they are designed to fit their range of Cluson torches - I just want a simple, cheapo sheet of heatproof transparent red plastic, basically.

I've heard of a product called RubyLith that used to be used in the printing industry, but I don't know if that is still on the market and available in the UK.

Any advice much appreciated!!

Just to add, that the badgers I watch don't like the red light from my gen 1 scope, and react to it. I believed they weren't aware of red light, it's not the case. I didn't realise at first that the red light can be seen at quite a distance from some angles. So I use it sparingly and try not to shine it into their eyes. But I have found using a scope infinitely better than putting red over a torch.