I used to like Lenser (have got a T7 and an H7.2) but I just find that they can keep up - I specifically chopped in my H7.2 for the HC30.
Despite liking torches I've not found the pocket money spare for an option with reactive lighting but it does sound worth exploring. But my second option for picking out said tussock might be worth considering from what you're describing - the Manker T01 is a little pocket rocket, it'll comfortably pick out specifics at 250m plus. Combine that with whatever headtorch does the close range stuff comfortably and you're sorted.
Is your existing setup an eBay special with a kazillion Chinese lumens, or a more respectable brand (Nitefighter etc) geared up towards MTB'ers etc? That's the most common setup for HT's with an external pack.