The second part of your post (why the white-light Photon II?) didn't get much discussion, so I'll throw my comment in. I believe that choice was made because it gives so much light output for the size. The battery consumption is the obvious trade-off, but it is still respectable at about 12 hours followed by a lengthy period of lower illumination. The other colors are great for many uses, but their beams just don't have the same reach, which would be useful for signalling, lighting the ground ahead while walking, and other tasks that are not close-up. I have one myself and I love it.<br><br>Now with the introduction of the Photon III, you can "have it all" with the bright white LED or lower output levels that can extend battery life and would also be less damaging to night-vision for close-up uses. It's also water resistant. (no, I'm not affiliated with LRI). <br><br>