Fraen \"NX\" Optic Replacements are AWESOME!!
Since I've first tested the Luxeon collimator offerings from Fraen, I've been a big fan. Their products are simply a cut above everything else I've ever tested..
Well, the rumored Fraen "NX05" replacement does exist! And it ROCKS! My only gripe about Fraens I've tested in the past is that they're too big to fit into AA lights like the NX01's & 5's do.. Anyways, if I seem excited about this optic, it's because I AM! It doesn't look a lot different but don't let that fool ya.. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif It's actually a tad bit shorter from the "mounting rim" forwards. This can be a crucial measurement where bezels need to thread down as far as possible to stuff that doggone converter in there /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
There's even a rim to permit retro-fitting into existing LS/o holders. The lens material is very clear, whereas the last batch of NX01's I got were a bit more "milky" by comparison. These are every bit (maybe even more so) as clear as Lumileds optics supplied in their LS/o's..
So how does it perform??? Well that's why I like this thing SO much! I absolutely detest the NX05 optic for most applications and tend to favor the NX01 as a substitute.. Well, I just found a replacement that works even better than the 01 does..
The following beam shotz were done using my red/orange Lambertian bench test rig. I chose it because the red/orange is notorius for beam artifacts and other defects.. A white Luxeon's phosphor will smooth out a beam too much for a photo to capture any difference.. Check em' out->
Sorry the beamshotz are "backwards" from the photo "line-up".. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/twak.gif
The 05 has a HUGE amount of wasted corona light that is too dim and uneven to be usefull. The 01 is a bit better at "tightening" the beam, but exibits horrible rings and artifacts (that you can't see in these photos). By contrast, the Fraen has the least corona spill (less waste) and accurately focuses almost all of the light into a narrow pattern. Beam artifacts & defects are greatly reduced with all of the light landing in such a tight area.
Suffice to say, I won't be buying anymore NX01 or NX05 type optics! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif I rate these optics as superior to anything else of this size. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif
Since I've first tested the Luxeon collimator offerings from Fraen, I've been a big fan. Their products are simply a cut above everything else I've ever tested..
Well, the rumored Fraen "NX05" replacement does exist! And it ROCKS! My only gripe about Fraens I've tested in the past is that they're too big to fit into AA lights like the NX01's & 5's do.. Anyways, if I seem excited about this optic, it's because I AM! It doesn't look a lot different but don't let that fool ya.. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif It's actually a tad bit shorter from the "mounting rim" forwards. This can be a crucial measurement where bezels need to thread down as far as possible to stuff that doggone converter in there /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
There's even a rim to permit retro-fitting into existing LS/o holders. The lens material is very clear, whereas the last batch of NX01's I got were a bit more "milky" by comparison. These are every bit (maybe even more so) as clear as Lumileds optics supplied in their LS/o's..
So how does it perform??? Well that's why I like this thing SO much! I absolutely detest the NX05 optic for most applications and tend to favor the NX01 as a substitute.. Well, I just found a replacement that works even better than the 01 does..
The following beam shotz were done using my red/orange Lambertian bench test rig. I chose it because the red/orange is notorius for beam artifacts and other defects.. A white Luxeon's phosphor will smooth out a beam too much for a photo to capture any difference.. Check em' out->
Sorry the beamshotz are "backwards" from the photo "line-up".. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/twak.gif
The 05 has a HUGE amount of wasted corona light that is too dim and uneven to be usefull. The 01 is a bit better at "tightening" the beam, but exibits horrible rings and artifacts (that you can't see in these photos). By contrast, the Fraen has the least corona spill (less waste) and accurately focuses almost all of the light into a narrow pattern. Beam artifacts & defects are greatly reduced with all of the light landing in such a tight area.
Suffice to say, I won't be buying anymore NX01 or NX05 type optics! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif I rate these optics as superior to anything else of this size. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif