Need some help deciding on first laser!

[willhemmens]

So I'm going to be picking up a cheap laser.

I'm in the UK and pretty open to options.

Currently I'm looking at picking up this.

But it seems there are multiple options available though and I'm not sure what the differences are.

Here's the one's I'm looking at: 1, 2, 3, 4 and possibly this one.

I quite like the focus-able ones, seems like a good idea.

Also if there's better deals around for similar products I'd be very interested. Possibly even hand built lasers from one of the users on here.

So what do you pro's think?

Thanks, super forum you guys got going here.

 

[Paul0759]

Im in the same boat at the min... have you decided yet? maybe you could help me decide also hehe.

Did you order any yet?

Im in the uk also.

 

[Moebius]

I'm no pro but I would recommend you read through the "Reviews" and "Companies" section.
If it's a cheap Chinese laser your looking for, don't waste your money on DX. Start with O-Like or Rayfoss.
It's refreshing to see that your not looking to start of with an 1 watt laser.
Don't forget to get safety goggles if you want to use it up-close. They aren't expensive.

 

[Fenzir]

Trust me. Buy a 5mw first. They are more safe, meet laws and regulations, not INCREDIBLY BRIGHT, cost less than 10 USD, still have a visible beam. Although having a 200mw green is pretty neat-o, having a low powered one is great too. Plus, the pen builds are pretty small and run off AAA batteries, one of the most commen.

 

[Paul0759]

I just had a read through the reviews and companies section, i don't really see the need for a 1000mw laser that im only going to use maybe once every few months to point at the stars while away camping... but id be lieing if i said i wasnt looking for the strongest i could find for what im willing to pay - $150-ish.

 

[blue bumblebee]

i vote the sd-306 50mw
i have it and it is BRIGHT!
the host is personal preference
they are all around the same quality i think so its up to you to see which host you personally like

 

[Fenzir]

Right, no need for a 200mw laser when 5 will get the job done. 50 is a lot for the application you're looking at, but it will be significantly more bright than a 5mw.