The
2015 Fenix Product Catalog lists the
Fenix LD35, a variable-focus flashlight that is slated for release this year. As yet, I do not think it is available. My quick search turned up nothing. According to the specs in the Appendix of the catalog, the LD35 will carry an IPX-8 rating. That's very rare for a zooming flashlight.
Does anybody know about this one? Will it be a cut above your typical zoomie? I believe Fenix has had other variable-focus models in the past. Have they been any good (especially compared to the competition)?
Waterproof in a zoomable? That is quite rare... with good reason. Most zoomable lights work by having the lens attached to the bezel. The bezel then slides in and out to change the focal length. However, this setup changes the internal volume of the light. If the light is air-tight, air pressure won't be able to equalize. Unless the bezel mechanism is VERY stiff air pressure will cause the bezel to return to whatever position it was in when the battery compartment was sealed.
Personally, I love small EDC-sized pocket zoomable flashlights. But I agree, there is a distinct lack of quality when it comes to them. Almost all zoomable lights are budget quality. And even the somewhat "premium" zoomables aren't great (LED Lenser, Poplite, Lenslight).
My favorite zoomable light is one I modded myself. I started with an Aleto N8 I found on Ebay (unfortunately these are no longer available). It's main claim to fame was that it has a nice pocket-friendly tube shape, and at just 107mm long it is the smallest production 18650 zoomie ever made.
I modded a couple of them quite heavily. In both lights I removed the tailcap switch and added an electronic side switch. I replaced the stock driver with a BLF17DD FET driver with Moppydrv firmware from Mountain Electronics. I replaced the gold exterior anodizing with tactical black Duracoat paint. I also replaced the emitters with 5000K neutral tint High-Intensity XPL. One of the lights received a metal switch cover and a glass lens over an acrylic fresnel lens. It is 92mm long and has 25K lux throw. The other light received a rubber switch cover and rubber grip around the body. I replaced the stock 18mm aspheric lens with a 20mm one. At 95mm, it's a bit longer, but the 38K lux throw makes it worthwhile.
Both of these modded pocket zoomies blow the socks off any production zoomie in terms of sheer output and throw for their size.
If you're looking for something high quality right out of the box, you might try the Jax Z1. It's supposed to be quite high quality with a fully coated glass lens. Costs maybe $50 at Mountain Electronics. However, it is definitely not an EDC light. It's much too big for pocket carry.
