Beams/Tints LF2XT, LD01, D10 R2, Quark, K-106, M60

[DHart]

Someone asked me how the beam tints compared on a couple of my lights, so I though better than words, I'd just grab some similar lights and make some beamshots controlled for daylight color balance to show tint differences. Of course there is some ability to discern central beam characteristics as well, even if spill beams are effectively impossible to discern. The wall is not a perfect neutral white color, but is definitely white and has ever so very slight warmish tone, but the relative differences in beam tint are quite apparent. Camera color balance was set and fixed to daylight. This is not a perfect test, of course, as the spill beams of each lamp will have some effect on the other beams. Here they are:

The next image should give a good representation of artifacts and relative beam differences between some popular flashlights... consistent 400 ISO, Daylight color balance, fixed exposure and aperture, fixed focal length and distances. Ambient light in the room was not controlled, so there will be variation in ambient on the edges, but this doesn't significantly alter the general representation of beam size, shape, artifacts, or coloration.

I was surprised at the tints on the LD01 and Quark as when used individually in the"real world",
they appear relatively neutral in color tone. But relative to other beam tints, it's clear there
are distinct color casts to them all. The Malkoff M60 has what might be described as the most neutral
color of these lamps.

Of course there are some significant output differences among these, but most were on their high
setting anyway. In spite of the output variation, I think these images are fairly indicative of the general
beam characteristics and, to some degree, coloration these lights possess.

 

[NonSenCe]

quark seems suprisingly warm. really suprising. as the tint difference your pictures shows between d10 and akoray seem very close to what i see on my wall. and the quark looks like very warm compared to d10. warm as better color rendition too?

do you confirm that?

maybe i dont have to wait for the 5a version of the 47 q aa t.. hmm.

and i definately am not looking at the lf2xt beam. nope i dont want to look at it. i might want it too.. (covers his ears and keeps looking at the picture, *grin*)

 

[DHart]

Yes, the Quark has a nice beam, not cold or bluish and though it has a greenish tint on the comparison, you would never guess that in use where it looks just right, not cold, not too warm... clean.

As for the LF2XT tint, no you'd better not look at it too long, especially the first picture above, or you will be ordering one. For an indoor or closer-range light it has what Liteflux is well known for with their LF3XT... a magnificently clean, smooth, warm beam and tint.

 

[jblackwood]

I feel it's my duty to point out you can't really judge one line of lights by just one. I don't have pics, but all the fenix lights I own except for my two TK20's have blue tints, not hint, full out blue tints. My LD10 is BLUE. Next up, not as blue but still pretty violet looking is my Nitecore D10 GDP. The Costco/Fenix L1T I have is just slightly less blue than the GDP. I'd say the Quark AA and my Dereelight C2H are the most neutral lights I own (along with the 3sd pills I have from dereelight for my DBS's) then on the green side you've got my Nitecore D10 (Q5).

For those of you who cherish tint, I just got my EZAA in warm, which comes in a 5B. MAN, I know exactly what most people are talking about when they say once you have a warm tint, it's hard to use even just neutral.

Edit: My Fenix LD20 has a nice, non-blue tint. Pretty neutral.

 

[DHart]

Of course, no implication that these tints are universal for all samples. Tint lottery applies! But overall, they will give folks an overall reference point to consider.

That's all, folks!

Take what you wish and leave the rest!

 

[DHart]

I feel it's my duty to point out you can't really judge one line of lights by just one.

For those of you who cherish tint, I just got my EZAA in warm, which comes in a 5B. MAN, I know exactly what most people are talking about when they say once you have a warm tint, it's hard to use even just neutral.

Remember... don't judge a line of lights by just your one sample!

 

[DHart]

I don't have pics, but all the fenix lights I own except for my two TK20's have blue tints, not hint, full out blue tints. My LD10 is BLUE. Next up, not as blue but still pretty violet looking is my Nitecore D10 GDP. The Costco/Fenix L1T I have is just slightly less blue than the GDP. I'd say the Quark AA and my Dereelight C2H are the most neutral lights I own (along with the 3sd pills I have from dereelight for my DBS's) then on the green side you've got my Nitecore D10 (Q5).

Line 'em up against a white wall and take a snapshot/pic... show us what you're describing.

 

[TITAN1833]

I think he's trying to say when comparing lights some do have a hint either of blue,green.pink,yellow and brown,not so noticeable on their own though

 

[Flying Turtle]

Thanks for doing those pics, DHart. Always a fine job. You captured very closely what I see with my LF2XT. I think my L0D may be a bit warmer than your LD01.

Geoff

 

[DHart]

Geoff... thank you. I'm glad you appreciate them. I had hoped the comparison might be of use to someone. Until doing this, I really hadn't realized quite the range of tints my own lights have. As you know, when using a light on it's own in the real world, often you don't really "see" any tint, but tint is there!

 

[Kestrel]

Hey, thanks for the photos. Hotspot size was also interesting. What was your general impression of artifacts through the lineup?

 

[DHart]

Hey, thanks for the photos. Hotspot size was also interesting. What was your general impression of artifacts through the lineup?

This image should give a good representation of artifacts and relative beam differences between some popular flashlights... consistent 400 ISO, Daylight color balance, fixed exposure and aperture, fixed focal length and distances. Ambient light in the room was not controlled, so there will be variation in ambient on the edges, but this doesn't significantly alter the general representation of beam size, shape, artifacts, or coloration.

Obviously, Liteflux has managed to create some of the creamiest, most artifact-free beams I've ever seen. They're not throwers, by any means, but for general use, they have such luxurious beams! Bravo for Liteflux! The Quark with XP-E R2 emitter is relatively artifact free as well.

 

[KuKu427]

Remember... don't judge a line of lights by just your one sample!

+1 Even the same light made from the same batch of LEDs can have tint differences. Just look at my beam shot page. www.expandku.com/bs.html

 

[gunga]

Just checking, the EZAA w is Q3 5B bin right?

ANd the LF2XT is Q4 4C?

 

[DHart]

Just checking, the EZAA w is Q3 5B bin right?

ANd the LF2XT is Q4 4C?

Not sure on the EZAA emitter (and I don't have one). But the LF2XT is an XP-E Q4 4C tint bin... a slightly warm white... an awesome tint in my view. Not too cold, not too warm... just right!