Opinons on UCL w/LDF vs. OP/Stippled reflector?

[pbs357]

Hey gang,

I have a 3D MagLED (boo, Luxeon, I know - give me a few paychecks to get a Malkoff!) which is my car light. Love the runtime, throw is awesome, but I'd really like to improve the spill/flood. My goal is to be able to cast a strong flood beam (not so much wall of light, but more of a really wide hotspot) out to 50yds. So, it looks like my choices are either getting an OP reflector or a UCL with LDF from flashlightlens.com. I'm thinking that using a film will really reduce the overall output, but I have zero experience with diffuser film so I'd really like to hear your opinions (those who have used both or either) on the matter. Thanks!

 

[MSaxatilus]

Go with the MOP reflector. You won't have any hotspot with the LDF.

MSax

 

[scottaw]

Yea, the LDF kills the throw, if you want to give it a try, use some glad press and seal on the stock lens. Not quite as good, but makes a nice flood for free.

 

[LumenHound]

You can't go wrong with a UCL but perhaps you might want to try stippling the stock plastic reflector yourself?

It's a good one evening DIY project.

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=97000

 

[redledz]

I just had to try the LDF /UCL from flashlight lens myself also. It does a decent job of flooding, but does really kill throw. With a 4d mag and terralux dropin, there's still a bit of a hotspot , but at 50yard I don't think it would do well as my backyard is about 30. Lighting up the inside of a room is decent though.

 

[2xTrinity]

I personally prefer the LDF for flood lights meant to work up close. While stippling a reflector does manage to soften the hot-spot, and eliminate the "donut hole" effect when refocusing the light, the problem I have with it is that the spill still represents a direct line-of-sight to the LED, which causes glare when working around other people, or around reflective surfaces. This direct line-of-sight also creates harsh shadows when working with things up close.

The LDF softens everything, not just the hotspot, so when using the light to look at things up close, all the light is much more diffused and pleasant. I have a couple maglites equipped with LDFs in order to operate as "candles" for tail-stand use.

 

[arty]

The LDF lens works great for a light for walking the dog. It gives a useful light pattern, and you may have plenty of light for your needs. It is worth it, and gives you a long-lasting light with a good beam. You can get some throw with the light - whether or not it is enough depends on the application.
With a Maglite led or an everled, the UCL/ldf lens works great. I prefer the stippled reflector with a Malkoff drop in.