📅 July 25, 2026 · ⏱ 6 min read
Torch marketing has turned into a lumens arms race. Every product shouts a bigger number than the last, as if 2,000 lumens is automatically better than 500. It isn't — not for most jobs. A blindingly bright torch with a two-hour runtime is worse than a modest one that lasts all night, if what you actually needed was to find the dunny at a campsite.
So here's lumens explained in plain English: what the number means, how much you actually need for the job, and the specs that matter just as much.
In this guide
What is a lumen?
A lumen is a measure of total light output — how much light a torch throws out in every direction combined. More lumens means more light, but it says nothing about how far the beam reaches or how long the torch lasts. A floodlight and a spotlight can have identical lumens and behave completely differently. Lumens is the headline number; it's just not the whole story.
Key takeaway: Buy for the job, not the number. Most people are better served by 300–1,000 lumens with good runtime than by a 2,000-lumen torch that flattens its battery in an hour.
The lumen scale (with real examples)
| Lumens | What it's good for |
|---|---|
| 50–150 | Everyday carry, keyring, finding things in a bag or under the car seat |
| 300–600 | Camping, dog walks, around the house, headlamp work — the everyday sweet spot |
| 1,000 | Lighting a backyard or campsite, serious outdoor and work use |
| 2,000+ | Search-and-rescue territory: long-range spotting, emergencies, big open spaces |
In real terms: the pocket-sized Nebo Columbo (100 lumens) is plenty for everyday carry; the Nebo Franklin (300 lumens) and Mycro headlamp (550 lumens) cover camping and everyday jobs; the Big Larry 3 (600 lumens) floods a campsite; and the Torchy 2K (2,000 lumens) is genuine search-and-spot power out of something the size of a marker.
It's not just lumens
Three other numbers matter as much as brightness. Beam distance (throw) — measured in metres, this is how far the useful light reaches; a spotlight like the Nebo Luxtreme (1,200m beam) throws far further than a floodlight of the same lumens. Runtime — how long it lasts on a charge, which usually drops sharply at maximum brightness, so check the runtime at the level you'll actually use. And beam type — flood (wide, close-up work) versus spot (narrow, long-range). A good torch lets you switch between them.
IP & IPX ratings explained
The other spec worth reading is water and dust resistance, shown as an IP rating. IPX4 handles splashes and rain from any direction — fine for camping and everyday weather. IP67 means fully dust-tight and submersible to 1 metre for 30 minutes — the one you want if it might end up in a puddle, a creek or a toolbox full of grime. For most Australians, IPX4 is enough; if you're near water or on worksites, look for IP67.
"The right torch isn't the brightest one — it's the one that's bright enough for the job and still running when you need it an hour later."
Our picks by use
Everyday carry: the Columbo — pocketable, cheap, plenty of light for daily jobs. Camping and around the house: the Mycro headlamp for hands-free, or the Big Larry 3 for a floodlight. Serious outdoor or emergency: the Torchy 2K. Compare the whole Nebo torch range to match brightness to your use.
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Shop Now →Frequently Asked Questions
How many lumens is a good torch?
For most people, 300–600 lumens is the everyday sweet spot — enough for camping, dog walks and jobs around the house. Everyday carry needs only 50–150; serious outdoor or emergency use is where 1,000–2,000+ earns its place.
Is 2000 lumens too bright?
For everyday use, often yes — and it drains the battery faster. 2,000+ lumens is built for long-range spotting, emergencies and big open spaces. Good high-output torches let you dial down to a lower, longer-lasting level for normal use.
Do more lumens mean a longer beam?
Not necessarily. Lumens measure total output; beam distance (throw) depends on how the light is focused. A tight-beam spotlight reaches much further than a wide floodlight with the same lumens.
What does IPX4 mean on a torch?
IPX4 means the torch is protected against splashing water from any direction — rain and splashes are fine, but it shouldn't be submerged. For full waterproofing look for IP67, which is dust-tight and submersible to 1 metre for 30 minutes.
How many lumens do I need for camping?
Around 300–600 lumens covers most camping — enough to set up in the dark, walk a trail and light a campsite, without flattening the battery. A headlamp in that range is the most useful single light to pack.
Charging by USB or feeding it batteries? Read our rechargeable vs battery torches guide next.