kj2
Flashaholic
Reviewers note; This review is based on a prototype sample. It's possible that final shipping product is (slightly)different. Being a prototype, this sample came without packaging and/or accessories.
As many of you know, 2014 was the year of many multi-led flashlight releases. Fenix latest multi-led flashlight, is the LD75C. Besides utilizing four Cree XM-L2 U2 leds, the LD75C also has a Cree XM-L color led.
This color led features green, red, blue and white color. Filters won't be necessary with this light
The packaging:
Normally this sections shows the packaging, where the light comes in. Being a prototype, this light came without a box and accessories.
Fenix does show a info-pic on their website that shows, that the LD75C comes in a cardboard box. Printing on the box features the light and some specification.
Features and Specifications: (given by Fenix)
·Utilizes Cree XM-L2 U2 LEDs and XM-L color LED with a lifespan of 50,000 hours
·Powered by 4 rechargeable Li-ion 18650 batteries or 8 CR123A lithium batteries
·158mm (6.22'') x 52mm (2.04'') x 74mm (2.91'')
·430-gram (15.16oz) excluding batteries
·Digitally regulated output - maintains constant brightness
·Double circuit design for flexible power options and better reliability
·Reverse polarity protection guards against improper battery installation
·Over-heat protection to avoid high-temperature of the surface
·Side switches for ON/OFF and output selection
·Made of durable aircraft-grade aluminum
·Premium Type III hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish
·Toughened ultra-clear glass lens with anti-reflective coating
While Fenix states the max output is 4200 lumens, their spec chart shows Turbo gives you max 4000 lumens. When running the light in Turbo, only four leds light-up. To get the full 4200 lumens, press and hold the C-button to turn On the color led, while the light is in Turbo.
Final packaging should include; a manual, warranty card, holster, lanyard and a spare o-ring.
The LD75C looks similar as the TK75. Later in this review a side-by-side look
Although, with batteries installed, it's a heavy package it does lay comfortable in the hand. Buttons are easy to operate and are different in shape and height.
Knurling is enough to have a decent grip on the light. Besides some flat spots on the tailcap, there isn't really a anti-roll feature.
User Interface:
Because Fenix uses multiple buttons to operate the light, it's a simple to understand UI.
There are three buttons to operate the LD75C. The left button, with the C indication, is for the color led. The right button, with On/Off logo, turns the light On/Off and is used for mode switching.
The lower button, with sun-indication, is for the instant Strobe and instant Turbo. Although Fenix states on the website the instant Turbo is momentary, it wasn't the case on my sample. It was instant but rather continues instead of momentary.
From Off: Press and hold the C button to turn On the color-led. Press once to cycle between the modes, for the color-led. Press twice quickly for a remaining power readout. For three seconds, the light will show if you've enough power or if it's time to charge the batteries. Constant Green shows sufficient power level. Constant Blue is High power level. Constant Red is low power level. Blinking red is critical power level, and batteries should be charged.
The LD75C has a mode memory for the color led.
From Off: Press and hold the On/Off button to turn the light On. The LD75C has a mode memory for the constant output modes. When On, click once to cycle between Eco, Low, Medium, High and Turbo. In any of these modes it's possible to also include the color led with the color white. Just press and hold the C-button.
From Off: Press the Sun-icon once for instant Strobe. Press again to turn Off the Strobe. The Strobe varies between frequency.
Press and hold the Sun-icon to enter instant Turbo. A single click will turn the light Off.
When On: press Sun-icon for instant Strobe or press and hold for instant Turbo. Press button again to return to previous output level.
There is no lock-out mode, on the LD75C.
The LD75C doesn't need battery carrier to accommodate the batteries. On both ends of the battery is a spring to absorb any shocks. The two raised metal pins also feature a spring action. The
pins will line-up the tailcap properly. Four little icons show how to insert the batteries.
The tailcap has two large cut-outs to attach a lanyard. Yes, it does tail stand
A look at head with the leds and reflector.
As you can see, the reflector part for the color-led has been textured for a smoother beam. When using the color-led you don't have a smooth round shaped beam. Mainly because you've one reflector and four leds. (i.e. led doesn't line-up precisely with the reflector). The bezel is made out of stainless steel and has a nice (dark)gray color.
The leds were quite good centered in my sample.
Being a prototype there are a few machining marks on the light.
It looks like there is enough metal around the head area to manage heat. A test run on my desk, at room temperature showed the following result: Before start-up three batteries where at 4.16V, one at 4.15V.
After 5 minutes there was no step down. Light was hot at the head but only warm at the battery compartment. After 10 minutes the light still didn't step down. At this point the light was to hot to hold comfortably.
I also turned-Off the light at that point. Battery readout was; 2x 3.97V, 1x 3.98V and 1x 3.99V (measured with a Voltcraft VC175 multimeter).
Size comparison:
From left to right; Olight SR52vn, Fenix LD75C, Fenix TK75.
LD75C and TK75 next to each other
Indoor Beamshots:
ISO100, 1/100 sec, f/4.0 - Canon 500D. Light approx 0.25m / Camera 0.75m away from wall. Eagletac 18650 (3100mAh) batteries were used.
Don't know why or how it happened, but in the photo of the Blue-color, there is also red visible. During the use of the Blue-led I didn't see any Red at all.
Outdoor Beamshots:
ISO400, 0.8 sec, f/4 - Turbo mode. Path about 80 meters deep. Picture isn't sharply focused.
Conclusion:
The LD75C packs quite a punch in that little package. Although it's not that throwy as the TK75, it does provide a nice wide bright beam. Built quality speaks for it self, as it is a Fenix light.
UI will be simply to understand for most. Some may prefer a single-button UI, but that would make this light way too complicated in my opinion. The color-led is a nice feature to have, and I used it more
than I expected when I received this sample. Colors are brighter than the known 5mm leds and are useful enough for a 3-6 meters in front of you.
The battery power indication is a feature what most will appreciate, but a lockout mode still isn't present. With the tailcap loosened two and a half turns, my sample still stays On.
All in all, the LD75C is another great addition in the Fenix line-up.
LD75C was supplied by KATO Group for review, on behalf of Fenix.
As many of you know, 2014 was the year of many multi-led flashlight releases. Fenix latest multi-led flashlight, is the LD75C. Besides utilizing four Cree XM-L2 U2 leds, the LD75C also has a Cree XM-L color led.
This color led features green, red, blue and white color. Filters won't be necessary with this light
The packaging:
Normally this sections shows the packaging, where the light comes in. Being a prototype, this light came without a box and accessories.
Fenix does show a info-pic on their website that shows, that the LD75C comes in a cardboard box. Printing on the box features the light and some specification.
Features and Specifications: (given by Fenix)
·Utilizes Cree XM-L2 U2 LEDs and XM-L color LED with a lifespan of 50,000 hours
·Powered by 4 rechargeable Li-ion 18650 batteries or 8 CR123A lithium batteries
·158mm (6.22'') x 52mm (2.04'') x 74mm (2.91'')
·430-gram (15.16oz) excluding batteries
·Digitally regulated output - maintains constant brightness
·Double circuit design for flexible power options and better reliability
·Reverse polarity protection guards against improper battery installation
·Over-heat protection to avoid high-temperature of the surface
·Side switches for ON/OFF and output selection
·Made of durable aircraft-grade aluminum
·Premium Type III hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish
·Toughened ultra-clear glass lens with anti-reflective coating
While Fenix states the max output is 4200 lumens, their spec chart shows Turbo gives you max 4000 lumens. When running the light in Turbo, only four leds light-up. To get the full 4200 lumens, press and hold the C-button to turn On the color led, while the light is in Turbo.
Final packaging should include; a manual, warranty card, holster, lanyard and a spare o-ring.
The LD75C looks similar as the TK75. Later in this review a side-by-side look
Although, with batteries installed, it's a heavy package it does lay comfortable in the hand. Buttons are easy to operate and are different in shape and height.
Knurling is enough to have a decent grip on the light. Besides some flat spots on the tailcap, there isn't really a anti-roll feature.
User Interface:
Because Fenix uses multiple buttons to operate the light, it's a simple to understand UI.
There are three buttons to operate the LD75C. The left button, with the C indication, is for the color led. The right button, with On/Off logo, turns the light On/Off and is used for mode switching.
The lower button, with sun-indication, is for the instant Strobe and instant Turbo. Although Fenix states on the website the instant Turbo is momentary, it wasn't the case on my sample. It was instant but rather continues instead of momentary.
From Off: Press and hold the C button to turn On the color-led. Press once to cycle between the modes, for the color-led. Press twice quickly for a remaining power readout. For three seconds, the light will show if you've enough power or if it's time to charge the batteries. Constant Green shows sufficient power level. Constant Blue is High power level. Constant Red is low power level. Blinking red is critical power level, and batteries should be charged.
The LD75C has a mode memory for the color led.
From Off: Press and hold the On/Off button to turn the light On. The LD75C has a mode memory for the constant output modes. When On, click once to cycle between Eco, Low, Medium, High and Turbo. In any of these modes it's possible to also include the color led with the color white. Just press and hold the C-button.
From Off: Press the Sun-icon once for instant Strobe. Press again to turn Off the Strobe. The Strobe varies between frequency.
Press and hold the Sun-icon to enter instant Turbo. A single click will turn the light Off.
When On: press Sun-icon for instant Strobe or press and hold for instant Turbo. Press button again to return to previous output level.
There is no lock-out mode, on the LD75C.
The LD75C doesn't need battery carrier to accommodate the batteries. On both ends of the battery is a spring to absorb any shocks. The two raised metal pins also feature a spring action. The
pins will line-up the tailcap properly. Four little icons show how to insert the batteries.
The tailcap has two large cut-outs to attach a lanyard. Yes, it does tail stand
A look at head with the leds and reflector.
As you can see, the reflector part for the color-led has been textured for a smoother beam. When using the color-led you don't have a smooth round shaped beam. Mainly because you've one reflector and four leds. (i.e. led doesn't line-up precisely with the reflector). The bezel is made out of stainless steel and has a nice (dark)gray color.
The leds were quite good centered in my sample.
Being a prototype there are a few machining marks on the light.
It looks like there is enough metal around the head area to manage heat. A test run on my desk, at room temperature showed the following result: Before start-up three batteries where at 4.16V, one at 4.15V.
After 5 minutes there was no step down. Light was hot at the head but only warm at the battery compartment. After 10 minutes the light still didn't step down. At this point the light was to hot to hold comfortably.
I also turned-Off the light at that point. Battery readout was; 2x 3.97V, 1x 3.98V and 1x 3.99V (measured with a Voltcraft VC175 multimeter).
Size comparison:
From left to right; Olight SR52vn, Fenix LD75C, Fenix TK75.
LD75C and TK75 next to each other
Indoor Beamshots:
ISO100, 1/100 sec, f/4.0 - Canon 500D. Light approx 0.25m / Camera 0.75m away from wall. Eagletac 18650 (3100mAh) batteries were used.
Don't know why or how it happened, but in the photo of the Blue-color, there is also red visible. During the use of the Blue-led I didn't see any Red at all.
Outdoor Beamshots:
ISO400, 0.8 sec, f/4 - Turbo mode. Path about 80 meters deep. Picture isn't sharply focused.
Conclusion:
The LD75C packs quite a punch in that little package. Although it's not that throwy as the TK75, it does provide a nice wide bright beam. Built quality speaks for it self, as it is a Fenix light.
UI will be simply to understand for most. Some may prefer a single-button UI, but that would make this light way too complicated in my opinion. The color-led is a nice feature to have, and I used it more
than I expected when I received this sample. Colors are brighter than the known 5mm leds and are useful enough for a 3-6 meters in front of you.
The battery power indication is a feature what most will appreciate, but a lockout mode still isn't present. With the tailcap loosened two and a half turns, my sample still stays On.
All in all, the LD75C is another great addition in the Fenix line-up.
LD75C was supplied by KATO Group for review, on behalf of Fenix.
Last edited:
