Aspherical lens in a Surefire G2

[flip]

I got a 28mm aspherical (DX calls it an optical) lens from DX and installed it in a Surefire nitrolen bezel. The lens was too large so I had to sand down the outside edge with a Dremel tool. Once the lens would start past the 1st threads in the bezel, I pushed it all the way in. I did not use a retaining ring. The tight fit against the threads seems to hold it fine.

I also used an R2 drop-in from DX. I removed the reflector and sprayed several coats of flat black high temperature grill paint.

The hot spot seems to be a little tighter. There is no spill at all.

The comparison shots are of this light and another Surefire with a stock DX R2 drop-in.

 

[RobertM]

I got a 28mm aspherical (DX calls it an optical) lens from DX and installed it in a Surefire nitrolen bezel. The lens was too large so I had to sand down the outside edge with a Dremel tool. Once the lens would start past the 1st threads in the bezel, I pushed it all the way in. I did not use a retaining ring. The tight fit against the threads seems to hold it fine.

I also used an R2 drop-in from DX. I removed the reflector and sprayed several coats of flat black high temperature grill paint.

The hot spot seems to be a little tighter. There is no spill at all.

The comparison shots are of this light and another Surefire with a stock DX R2 drop-in.

Pretty cool...good work! Out of curiosity, how does the DX aspherical lens perform with a P60 incan. lamp assembly? Does it create a tight incan. beam?

-Robert

 

[flip]

I didn't try it with a P60, just the DX R2. I'm not sure I even have one left. I've switched about everything but my Magchargers over to LEDs.

You have to eliminate or put a matte finish on the reflector or you get a very strange pattern in the spill.

 

[ehallspqr]

Thats great work Flip. These Aspherical lenses are really catching on with the flashlight community. The before and after photos speak for themselves. The throw looks much improved. Where did you get yours? I see them sourced from optical suppliers but they are spendy. Is DX a source and how are their prices? I want to try a couple in some smaller flashlights much like you did. Thanks for posting.

 

[old4570]

I ordered one from KD , since they seem to ship faster .

DealExtreme / KaiDomain

Have you tried it outside , to see what sort throw you get ?

 

[flip]

I got the lens from Deal Extreme. It was less than $3.00. I assume Kaidoman has the same thing.

The throw seems a little farther than stock. I'm not sure if that is just an illusion caused by the way the light stops at the outer edge of the hot spot giving no spill. The beam seems to have more of a blue tint than stock.

I may put together a few more of these to see if I can find a way to change the distance from the led to the lens. I suspect the focus isn't as good as it could be but I'm not sure how to change it.

 

[shahzh]

By loosening the head can you get it to focus untill the image of the led die is visible. Very interesting mod actually.

 

[flip]

The relationship of the die to the lens wouldn't change unless some type of spacer was put between the reflector and the ledge in the bezel that it butts up against.

 

[Kestrel]

I'd be interested to see some outdoor beamshots to see what the throw is like now.

That's a pretty neat mod, please keep us posted.:thumbsup:

 

[steveG]

Will the Surefire diffuser fit with this lens?

 

[gallonoffuel]

Pretty cool...good work! Out of curiosity, how does the DX aspherical lens perform with a P60 incan. lamp assembly? Does it create a tight incan. beam?

-Robert

Aspheric lenses on Incans tend to make a gigantic, yet dim, donut pattern. A huge hole in the middle of an ugly dim yellow circle. Icandescents just have too big of an emitting surface to properly focus and project. To get the same effect with an incan you'd probably need a multiple-lens system and a very tiny bulb.

 

[Ice]

I don't want to be rude, but a few outdoor comparison shots would be reeeally nice...

 

[flip]

I agree that outdoor beam shots are in order. It will be a few days before I can take care of it.

 

[bigchelis]

I don't want to be rude, but a few outdoor comparison shots would be reeeally nice...

I want outdoor beamshoots too. I placed an order at DX after seing this thread. Ideally in a month I should be able to post some outdoor pictures, but DX has taken up to 4 months on some of my orders.:sick2:

 

[Shorty66]

Very nice mod. I am currently thinking about making a 14500 Thrower which is really small - no way around asph. lens i think.
Do you use a glass lens?

 

[pOkiE]

WOW flip that is a cool looking mod! Im pretty new to modding flashlights so I hope I dont get flamed too hard for my questions. Do aspherical lenses allow the light to throw farther since all the light is focused into a tight hotspot? Ive got a R2 conversion on my 6P (DX11836) and I absolutely love it! I do, however, wanna configure a 6P with better throw. We had an islandwide power outtage a few months back and I was able to light up this condo 2 blocks away from mines with my 6P-R2...it got me wanting more light and more throw...haha. is that lens DX5297? for the price of the R2 conversion and that lens, its definitely worth a try! You get to try it outdoors yet? How does the throw compare to your standard R2? and does painting the reflector make it less efficient since some light will be absorbed instead of reflected...?

 

[bigchelis]

WOW flip that is a cool looking mod! Im pretty new to modding flashlights so I hope I dont get flamed too hard for my questions. Do aspherical lenses allow the light to throw farther since all the light is focused into a tight hotspot? Ive got a R2 conversion on my 6P (DX11836) and I absolutely love it! I do, however, wanna configure a 6P with better throw. We had an islandwide power outtage a few months back and I was able to light up this condo 2 blocks away from mines with my 6P-R2...it got me wanting more light and more throw...haha. is that lens DX5297? for the price of the R2 conversion and that lens, its definitely worth a try! You get to try it outdoors yet? How does the throw compare to your standard R2? and does painting the reflector make it less efficient since some light will be absorbed instead of reflected...?

They are suppose to offer more throw.

 

[steveG]

I agree that outdoor beam shots are in order. It will be a few days before I can take care of it.

Have you taken any pics?

 

[flip]

I'm sorry but I haven't taken any photos. A friend that I no longer run to often because of our work schedules saw the light and had to have it.

I ordered more lenses from DX but guess what, they didn't send the same size even though I ordered the same part number. I'm trying to get some mores lenses.