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Enlightened
Review: Nitecore P36, MT-G2, 2 x 18650/4 x CR123A: beamshots, comparison
I'm happy if manufacturers release lights with (not only for me) a MT-G2 led. This led has a lovely tint, a lot of output and gives a nice beam. Nitecore has recently added the P36: For those who are looking for a complete light with stunning output, this can be your choice. I've never had a light that has so much (special) modes…We'll have a look at this one, and compare it to a competitor.
the Nitecore P36
powered by MT-G2 led
The specifications, given by Nitecore:
Operation:
Package:
The P36 comes in a colorful carton box, like most Nitecores (except the Monster-series) Also, no surprises here. Scroll down to see what's in the box…
colorful Nitecore box
this looks promising..
contents the light, user manual, warranty card, spare o-ring and button and holster
Impressions:
First thing I noticed after unboxing the P36: I've seen this kind of light earlier…This shape can be found by other brands too. Just have a look at the Fenix TK35. The light is well anodized, has a clean reflector with a perfect centered led, the engraving is well done. Fits well in your hand, but is little bigger than I expected. It has stable tail stand, but it would be good to have double lanyard holes: like the TM06 has. The tailcap is made of plastic: I hope it withstands some accidentally drop-downs: I can't tell you about my experiences, I always take care of my lights J The threads are well lubed and do their job without scratching. In the light there's a battery magazine: you can insert it in two ways. Overall, this light looks well machined and finished.
a "precise-series" member
unique: modes controlled by a tail-ring
some "winter" pictures
good to handle with
powered by 2 x 18650 or 4 x CR123A
it doesn't matter how you insert the battery holder
but the 18650's need to be placed correct
these leds will inform you about the voltage
some closer looks: inside the tube..
the added lanyard..
the rotary switch
and the lovely MT-G2 led
hidden in the holster
Modes:
About the modes: The P36 has them almost all! Besides 10! brightness levels, also 5 special modes: Slow flash, quick flash, beacon, strobe and SOS. You've also direct access to 3 modes: Instant turbo, instant low and instant strobe. Great job of Nitecore here, no further wishes!
User interface:
This light can be controlled by one hand: the tail-clicky and rotary-switch are placed side by side. Use the clicky for on/off or momentary and the rotary to cycle through the modes. The advantage of this rotary switch is that you can cycle up and down through the modes. If it takes to long to enter turbo or low, you can have it instant: quick rotate for direct turbo or ultra-low. From off you can do this too: First a quick rotate before switching on. When on, press the rotary switch to enter the special modes: simply rotate to choose the desired one. Press and hold the rotary (from off or on) for instant strobe. Into practice, it works fine. Only thing I noticed, that you now and then have to rotate the switch two clicks for the next mode. Personally, I don't mind. For me, this interface was unknown, but I like it: All modes can be controlled by one hand without troubles.
Tint:
The P36 has, as expected because of the MT-G2 led, a nice neutral tint. Compared to the Olight SR Mini that has XM-L2, you can see clearly what I mean. Take a look at the picture below…
the warm MT-G2 and the cool XM-L2
Size comparison:
The P36 is little bigger than its competitor, the Fenix TK35UE, and has a larger reflector. The pictures show differences, but the concept is almost equal. Compared to its brother, the TM06, shows how compact this Tiny Monster is!
slight differences
between these competitors
P36 has a larger reflector
Nitecore P36, Fenix TK35UE and Nitecore TM06.
the heads
and the tails
The beam:
The P36 gives a nice "big" beam. Because of the deeper reflector it has a nice mix of flood and also throw, most useful until max. 50-75 meters. Therefore this light is a real "all-rounder": I can recommend you this one if you can only carry one light
Beamshots:
At first, projected on a white wall. NOTE: I've skipped some modes because it takes much space: For all modes scroll down to the animation picture.
camera settings: 35 mm, ISO 100, WB daylight, F/2.7, 1/125 sec.
animation of all brightness levels
And now, the outdoor pictures of 5 output modes. For all modes, please scroll down to the animation picture. As you can see, there's more difference in low modes than in the higher. After that, also a comparison to the Fenix TK35UE and the TM06.
camera settings: 35 mm, ISO 100, WB daylight, F/2.7, 4 sec.
animation of all brightness levels
Beamshot at location 1, compared to Fenix TK35UE and Nitecore TM06. As earlier in my TM06 review, you can see how floody this light is. All lights on turbo mode.
Again those lights in a direct shout-out at location 2. Those pictures better show the throw of the lights.
against Fenix TK35UE, both lights on turbo mode
against Nitecore TM06, both lights on turbo mode
Conclusion:
I love the P36! Although it is little bigger, it's easy to handle, not that heavy, offers a bunch of (special) modes and has a nice tint. That makes this light an almost perfect all-rounder that you can carry in your coat pocket. I can't tell you about the durability of the tailcap and the rotary switch, but until now, it works without problems. It would be great if Nitecore launches a (compact) Tiny Monster MT-G2 version of this light. We all look forward to it!
* Thanks to Nitecore for providing me this sample! *
I'm happy if manufacturers release lights with (not only for me) a MT-G2 led. This led has a lovely tint, a lot of output and gives a nice beam. Nitecore has recently added the P36: For those who are looking for a complete light with stunning output, this can be your choice. I've never had a light that has so much (special) modes…We'll have a look at this one, and compare it to a competitor.
the Nitecore P36
powered by MT-G2 led
The specifications, given by Nitecore:
- LED: Cree MT-G2
- Maximum 2000 lumens
- Ten selectable brightness plus strobe and SoS brings flexibility in operation
- 2000 lumens (45 min )
- 1500 lumens (1 hr )
- 380 lumens ( 7.4 hr )
- 2 lumens ( 325 hr )
- Beam distance: 300 meters
- Beam intensity: 22,300 cd
- Battery supported: 4x CR123A or 2x 18650
- Dimensions:
- Length: 173mm
- Head diameter: 50mm
- Tail: 28mm x 42mm
- Weight: 252g (without battery)
- Waterproof: IPX-8 (2m submersible)
- Impact resistant to 1.5 meters
- A multi-functional rotary switch offers unprecedented ease of use
- 10 brightness levels and 5 special modes for various applications
- Advanced temperature regulation (ATR) technology ensures stability and longevity
- High efficiency constant current circuitry provides unwavering and dependable output
- Intelligent memory function for easy mode setting
- Features 2 x battery power indicators on the tail
- Direct access to turbo/ultra-low
- Utilizes a micro-textured metal reflector for peripheral illumination
- Stainless steel bezel ring protects core components from damage
- Toughened ultra-clear mineral glass with anti-reflective coating
- Constructed from aerospace grade aluminum alloy
- HAIII military grade hard-anodized
- Waterproof in accordance with IPX-8
- Impact resistant to 1.5 meters
- Tail stand capability
Operation:
- Press tactical forward button to turn the light on and off.
- Turn the rotary switch to adjust brightness level setting. Brightness level is memorized even when the light is turned off.
- Press and hold rotary switch for direct strobe access.
Package:
The P36 comes in a colorful carton box, like most Nitecores (except the Monster-series) Also, no surprises here. Scroll down to see what's in the box…
colorful Nitecore box
this looks promising..
contents the light, user manual, warranty card, spare o-ring and button and holster
Impressions:
First thing I noticed after unboxing the P36: I've seen this kind of light earlier…This shape can be found by other brands too. Just have a look at the Fenix TK35. The light is well anodized, has a clean reflector with a perfect centered led, the engraving is well done. Fits well in your hand, but is little bigger than I expected. It has stable tail stand, but it would be good to have double lanyard holes: like the TM06 has. The tailcap is made of plastic: I hope it withstands some accidentally drop-downs: I can't tell you about my experiences, I always take care of my lights J The threads are well lubed and do their job without scratching. In the light there's a battery magazine: you can insert it in two ways. Overall, this light looks well machined and finished.
a "precise-series" member
unique: modes controlled by a tail-ring
some "winter" pictures
good to handle with
powered by 2 x 18650 or 4 x CR123A
it doesn't matter how you insert the battery holder
but the 18650's need to be placed correct
these leds will inform you about the voltage
some closer looks: inside the tube..
the added lanyard..
the rotary switch
and the lovely MT-G2 led
hidden in the holster
Modes:
About the modes: The P36 has them almost all! Besides 10! brightness levels, also 5 special modes: Slow flash, quick flash, beacon, strobe and SOS. You've also direct access to 3 modes: Instant turbo, instant low and instant strobe. Great job of Nitecore here, no further wishes!
User interface:
This light can be controlled by one hand: the tail-clicky and rotary-switch are placed side by side. Use the clicky for on/off or momentary and the rotary to cycle through the modes. The advantage of this rotary switch is that you can cycle up and down through the modes. If it takes to long to enter turbo or low, you can have it instant: quick rotate for direct turbo or ultra-low. From off you can do this too: First a quick rotate before switching on. When on, press the rotary switch to enter the special modes: simply rotate to choose the desired one. Press and hold the rotary (from off or on) for instant strobe. Into practice, it works fine. Only thing I noticed, that you now and then have to rotate the switch two clicks for the next mode. Personally, I don't mind. For me, this interface was unknown, but I like it: All modes can be controlled by one hand without troubles.
Tint:
The P36 has, as expected because of the MT-G2 led, a nice neutral tint. Compared to the Olight SR Mini that has XM-L2, you can see clearly what I mean. Take a look at the picture below…
the warm MT-G2 and the cool XM-L2
Size comparison:
The P36 is little bigger than its competitor, the Fenix TK35UE, and has a larger reflector. The pictures show differences, but the concept is almost equal. Compared to its brother, the TM06, shows how compact this Tiny Monster is!
slight differences
between these competitors
P36 has a larger reflector
Nitecore P36, Fenix TK35UE and Nitecore TM06.
the heads
and the tails
The beam:
The P36 gives a nice "big" beam. Because of the deeper reflector it has a nice mix of flood and also throw, most useful until max. 50-75 meters. Therefore this light is a real "all-rounder": I can recommend you this one if you can only carry one light
Beamshots:
At first, projected on a white wall. NOTE: I've skipped some modes because it takes much space: For all modes scroll down to the animation picture.
camera settings: 35 mm, ISO 100, WB daylight, F/2.7, 1/125 sec.
animation of all brightness levels
And now, the outdoor pictures of 5 output modes. For all modes, please scroll down to the animation picture. As you can see, there's more difference in low modes than in the higher. After that, also a comparison to the Fenix TK35UE and the TM06.
camera settings: 35 mm, ISO 100, WB daylight, F/2.7, 4 sec.
animation of all brightness levels
Beamshot at location 1, compared to Fenix TK35UE and Nitecore TM06. As earlier in my TM06 review, you can see how floody this light is. All lights on turbo mode.
Again those lights in a direct shout-out at location 2. Those pictures better show the throw of the lights.
against Fenix TK35UE, both lights on turbo mode
against Nitecore TM06, both lights on turbo mode
Conclusion:
I love the P36! Although it is little bigger, it's easy to handle, not that heavy, offers a bunch of (special) modes and has a nice tint. That makes this light an almost perfect all-rounder that you can carry in your coat pocket. I can't tell you about the durability of the tailcap and the rotary switch, but until now, it works without problems. It would be great if Nitecore launches a (compact) Tiny Monster MT-G2 version of this light. We all look forward to it!
* Thanks to Nitecore for providing me this sample! *
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