TweakMDS
Enlightened
I recently returned my own Fenix MC11 because it wasn't really what I was looking for in build quality, and the mode switch gave me blisters (literally).
While I still love the cr123 and single AA lights, I'm in the market for a light with a bit longer runtime on medium, power equal to a regular cr123 light on max, but preferably with double the runtime, and a bit longer so it'll sit nicely in the hand to aim. Here's what I'm looking for...
Must have:
- 2 x AA battery type (4 x could work, but preferably 2)
- LED preferably XP-G S2. I'm looking at lightpainting, so a bit throwy is a bonus. XM-L is an option, but only with a decent sized reflector.
- Absolutely no PWM flickering, it might show up in photo's as dotted lines.
- Solid build, don't die on me when I drop it once.
Should have:
- Moonlight mode or lowest mode maximum 2 lumens.
- 100+ hours battery life on the low mode
- IPX-8 or better rating
- A bit of throw. I like to do light painting with it, so a beam with as little spill as possible would be nice. However, I will probably grid the light anyway, so any spill the light has will be eliminated.
Would be nice:
- Instantly accessible strobe from off. This would serve as a bit of personal protection only. SOS or what not I don't need.
- Ideal modes (+ runtime): 250lm turbo (2.5h), 100lm high (5h), 40 lumen medium (10+h), 15 lumen (20+h), 1 lumen (200+h)
- Magnetic control ring is ideal (doesn't have to be a variable setting, just to switch modes).
- Mode memory (in case no physical setting for the power like a magnetic ring).
- Being able to set the power level before turning it on, or being
- Lego-ing extra tubes, so I could use it as 1xAA or 2xAA, like getting an XM-L 1xAA version + XP-G 2xAA and being able to switch these around.
Lights I've been considering:
4Sevens Quark AA2. Especially with the clearance sale. Unfortunately, this store would charge me ~$35 for shipping to the Netherlands which is a bit steep. They have nice lego-ing abilities, but I'm not sure about their build quality.
Sunwayman M20a. Looks like a fantastic light. I love the ability to set the mode BEFORE turning the light on. Instant strobe is also nice, and inmo, the only way it's useful. Battery life looks ok, much more efficient than the V-version though.
Just one thing, I'm likely to also buy a V11R and/or M11R. Is the M20A's head lego-able with those?
The M20A seems quite dated by now, so I'm also tempted to wait and see if they update it to a M11 series equivalent (M21A or M22A maybe).
EagleTac D25A2 mini or clicky:
Lack a very low mode it seems, but still nice lights. I like the clicky interface, but the twisty could work for me if it has mode memory.
Fenix LD20 or 22: could work for me, not too sure about the "higher up" fenix models.
While I still love the cr123 and single AA lights, I'm in the market for a light with a bit longer runtime on medium, power equal to a regular cr123 light on max, but preferably with double the runtime, and a bit longer so it'll sit nicely in the hand to aim. Here's what I'm looking for...
Must have:
- 2 x AA battery type (4 x could work, but preferably 2)
- LED preferably XP-G S2. I'm looking at lightpainting, so a bit throwy is a bonus. XM-L is an option, but only with a decent sized reflector.
- Absolutely no PWM flickering, it might show up in photo's as dotted lines.
- Solid build, don't die on me when I drop it once.
Should have:
- Moonlight mode or lowest mode maximum 2 lumens.
- 100+ hours battery life on the low mode
- IPX-8 or better rating
- A bit of throw. I like to do light painting with it, so a beam with as little spill as possible would be nice. However, I will probably grid the light anyway, so any spill the light has will be eliminated.
Would be nice:
- Instantly accessible strobe from off. This would serve as a bit of personal protection only. SOS or what not I don't need.
- Ideal modes (+ runtime): 250lm turbo (2.5h), 100lm high (5h), 40 lumen medium (10+h), 15 lumen (20+h), 1 lumen (200+h)
- Magnetic control ring is ideal (doesn't have to be a variable setting, just to switch modes).
- Mode memory (in case no physical setting for the power like a magnetic ring).
- Being able to set the power level before turning it on, or being
- Lego-ing extra tubes, so I could use it as 1xAA or 2xAA, like getting an XM-L 1xAA version + XP-G 2xAA and being able to switch these around.
Lights I've been considering:
4Sevens Quark AA2. Especially with the clearance sale. Unfortunately, this store would charge me ~$35 for shipping to the Netherlands which is a bit steep. They have nice lego-ing abilities, but I'm not sure about their build quality.
Sunwayman M20a. Looks like a fantastic light. I love the ability to set the mode BEFORE turning the light on. Instant strobe is also nice, and inmo, the only way it's useful. Battery life looks ok, much more efficient than the V-version though.
Just one thing, I'm likely to also buy a V11R and/or M11R. Is the M20A's head lego-able with those?
The M20A seems quite dated by now, so I'm also tempted to wait and see if they update it to a M11 series equivalent (M21A or M22A maybe).
EagleTac D25A2 mini or clicky:
Lack a very low mode it seems, but still nice lights. I like the clicky interface, but the twisty could work for me if it has mode memory.
Fenix LD20 or 22: could work for me, not too sure about the "higher up" fenix models.