kj75
Enlightened
Nice to have my hands-on the my first Olight-headlamp this time, the H05 Active. This is a friendly-priced headlight that can be used in several situations because it has besides white also two built-in red LEDS. In this review I'll show you the details of the H05 Active, and we'll take the light outside to see how it performs in the dark, also compared to a competitor. Let's see what this headlamp brings!
the first Olight headlamp that I have my hands-on, the H05 Active
powered by XM-L2 LED
available in attractive colors
lightweight, no problem to wear it longer times
Here are the key features and the specifications, given by Olight:
• Cree XM-L2 LED
• Powered by two AAA batteries, with two Lithium Ion AAA batteries included with the light
• High light transmission rate TIR lens delivers a balanced beam for close-range illumination
• Adjustable light angles: 10, 25, 35 and 50 degrees below the horizontal position
• Two red indicator LEDs to find a user's location
• Controlled by a thermal protection program, the high mode (150 lumens) runs for 10 minutes before the brightness gradually steps down to 60% of the original output
• Four color options available: green, blue, orange and purple
• LED: 1 x Cree XM-L2 + 2 x 3528 Red Led 629nm
• Max Output (lumens): 150
• Low (lumens): 10
• Max Run Time (hours): 40 hours
• Beam Distance: 55 m.
• Peak Beam Intensity (candela units): 750 cd
• Water Resistance: IPX4 (rainproof)
• Impact Resistance: 1 meter
• Head Diameter: 1.34 in. / 34mm
• Length: 2.2 in. / 56 mm
• Weight: 1.5 oz / 43.5 gr
• Battery Type: AAA
And the output and runtime specs:
Unboxing:
Like we're used of Olight, the H05 Active come in the transparent plastic box that has some nice details. This time the headband is "fake"… it is a print at the carton inside. Most info's about runtimes and output and the features are mentioned on the box. Because of the glossy materials of these boxes they often look "used". But personally I don't mind… About the contents: in this package we find all we need; two branded high-drain AAA-batteries are also included. So we are ready to go with the H05 Active! Scroll down for some pictures about the box and the contents..
a transparent box with nice details
almost all features and specifications mentioned
the contents: H05 Active, user manual and two high-drain AAA-cells
Impressions:
Most striking detail to me is the color: this is the first light in my collection that has bright-orange color. Searching for it is not a hard job I think…and above that: it's safe color for runners and walker who are wearing the H05 Active. It is compact and lightweight, and has a full-plastic body and lens. Although the overall built-quality and finishing looks fine, you can see this a light in the "budget-class". The seams close properly, the body and the lens is free of defects, and the big power-button feels durable. Thanks to the big lip the H05 is easy to open. Inside the battery compartment we don't see O-rings, neither gold plated springs or anything like that. No surprise because on a light that is IPX-4 rated. Overall we can say this light is well-constructed and finished for its price, and will last for many years if used the right way. Scroll down to view a couple of impression-pictures!
the Olight H05 Active strikes….
in bright-orange and blue color!
most parts are made of plastic
the TIR-lens offers a smooth beam
compact and lightweight
adjustable angles: the light can be used in four positions
the included high-drain AAA-cells give the H05 better runtimes but same output
easy to add-on
simple head strap of good quality
the big button is easy to locate
no defects or sharp parts
it's clear how to insert the batteries..
I recommend rechargeable Eneloops for this light
no O-rings found
a close-up to the TIR-lens
no springs inside
the bright white-color mode
and flashing or constant-red
the H05 Active with package and some recommended batteries
a friendly "smiley-design"
this kind of lenses offer a smooth beam
User interface:
The H05 Active is to work with: simply open the light at the orange lip at the upper (behind the power button) and insert two AA-alkalines or NIMH-batteries. That's all. The batteries Olight provides in the package will give the light more runtime, but same output. For frequent user, I recommend Eneloops or equal cells. It's an easy job also to adjust the headband to your desired length, so we're ready to go with this light in a couple of seconds.
The H05 has one (big) blue button for all, the switch needs a rather firm press. But it is easy to locate. The H05 Active hasn't memory for last used mode, so this means that you always need more clicks to turn off the light. One click turns on the light in high, next click med, than low and off. Personally, I'm not a big fan of interfaces like this: you can only start in most blinding high-mode and it takes too long to shut the light off. Switch between white / red by a double click (when the light is on). Red starts at constant modes, one click to enter red-flashing, next click to turn off. This is all…and for a lot of users enough. The light operates fine, without defects.
Modes:
Three normal white modes on the H05, in order of: HIGH > MED > LOW. Although the light misses a moonlight-mode, the spacing is rather good here. No special white modes like strobe or something like that. Two red modes too: RED CONSTANT > RED FLASHING. No special extra modes on this light like a voltage indicator; neither lockout isn't there, but to me on this light no big issue.
Size comparison:
Next to the Klarus SEO 5 (that runs on three AAA-batteries, but is in the same lumen-range) the pictures below show that the H05 Active is a compact headlight.
Klarus SEO5 and Olight H05 Active
Klarus SEO5 and Olight H05 Active
the fronts: Klarus SEO5 and Olight H05 Active
both lights on a cap
XM-L2 and High Power LED on the Led Lenser
Tint:
A coolwhite tint here with little blue in the spill, but barely noticeable. Compared to the Led Lenser SEO 5, that has a bluish tint, the H05 Active looks much better.
Beamprofile:
The TIR-lens gives the H05 Active a big hotspot and corona and little spill. So best usable at shorter distance. A clean beam, no defects here, and no PWM detected at any mode. Because of the week red light-output, I can't describe this profile.
Beamshots:
Let's have a look at the beamshots right now. Starting by projecting the H05 at a white wall, the distance is about 0,75 meters. Also a picture of the red light, compared to the Led Lenser SEO 5. As you can see at the picture, the red LED is only for very short distance.
Camera-settings: ISO100, F/2.7, WB daylight, 1/125 sec, 35mm
GIF-picture
The red option is barely noticeable at the wand. The LED of the SEO 5 is much brighter, but has a "bite" in the profile because of the shape of the light.
Camera-settings: ISO100, F/2.7, WB daylight, 1/4 sec, 35mm
Going outdoors now! Starting with the three white output modes, followed by a GIF.. Let's see also here how the red LEDS perform.
Camera-settings: ISO100, F/2.7, WB daylight, 4 sec, 35mm
a GIF picture of the white modes
the red LED of the H05
Conclusion:
The H05 Active is a no-nonsense headlight powered by readily available AAA-batteries. The included high-drain cells give more runtimes, but personally I would recommend Eneloops that are the cheaper option. The H05 is compact, lightweight and easy to control. This makes the IPX4-rated H05 a good choice for runners but I tried the light out at my (touring) bike which is also a good option. The red (flash) can also be used at your bike as a backlight, but is (because of the output) only suited as marking or at lighting up at very short distance.
I would like to see an interface that most Olights have and brighter red LEDS. But I'm sure I will pick this light regularly in the upcoming dark season!
Special thanks to Adola and Olightworld for providing me this sample!
the first Olight headlamp that I have my hands-on, the H05 Active
powered by XM-L2 LED
available in attractive colors
lightweight, no problem to wear it longer times
Here are the key features and the specifications, given by Olight:
• Cree XM-L2 LED
• Powered by two AAA batteries, with two Lithium Ion AAA batteries included with the light
• High light transmission rate TIR lens delivers a balanced beam for close-range illumination
• Adjustable light angles: 10, 25, 35 and 50 degrees below the horizontal position
• Two red indicator LEDs to find a user's location
• Controlled by a thermal protection program, the high mode (150 lumens) runs for 10 minutes before the brightness gradually steps down to 60% of the original output
• Four color options available: green, blue, orange and purple
• LED: 1 x Cree XM-L2 + 2 x 3528 Red Led 629nm
• Max Output (lumens): 150
• Low (lumens): 10
• Max Run Time (hours): 40 hours
• Beam Distance: 55 m.
• Peak Beam Intensity (candela units): 750 cd
• Water Resistance: IPX4 (rainproof)
• Impact Resistance: 1 meter
• Head Diameter: 1.34 in. / 34mm
• Length: 2.2 in. / 56 mm
• Weight: 1.5 oz / 43.5 gr
• Battery Type: AAA
And the output and runtime specs:
Unboxing:
Like we're used of Olight, the H05 Active come in the transparent plastic box that has some nice details. This time the headband is "fake"… it is a print at the carton inside. Most info's about runtimes and output and the features are mentioned on the box. Because of the glossy materials of these boxes they often look "used". But personally I don't mind… About the contents: in this package we find all we need; two branded high-drain AAA-batteries are also included. So we are ready to go with the H05 Active! Scroll down for some pictures about the box and the contents..
a transparent box with nice details
almost all features and specifications mentioned
the contents: H05 Active, user manual and two high-drain AAA-cells
Impressions:
Most striking detail to me is the color: this is the first light in my collection that has bright-orange color. Searching for it is not a hard job I think…and above that: it's safe color for runners and walker who are wearing the H05 Active. It is compact and lightweight, and has a full-plastic body and lens. Although the overall built-quality and finishing looks fine, you can see this a light in the "budget-class". The seams close properly, the body and the lens is free of defects, and the big power-button feels durable. Thanks to the big lip the H05 is easy to open. Inside the battery compartment we don't see O-rings, neither gold plated springs or anything like that. No surprise because on a light that is IPX-4 rated. Overall we can say this light is well-constructed and finished for its price, and will last for many years if used the right way. Scroll down to view a couple of impression-pictures!
the Olight H05 Active strikes….
in bright-orange and blue color!
most parts are made of plastic
the TIR-lens offers a smooth beam
compact and lightweight
adjustable angles: the light can be used in four positions
the included high-drain AAA-cells give the H05 better runtimes but same output
easy to add-on
simple head strap of good quality
the big button is easy to locate
no defects or sharp parts
it's clear how to insert the batteries..
I recommend rechargeable Eneloops for this light
no O-rings found
a close-up to the TIR-lens
no springs inside
the bright white-color mode
and flashing or constant-red
the H05 Active with package and some recommended batteries
a friendly "smiley-design"
this kind of lenses offer a smooth beam
User interface:
The H05 Active is to work with: simply open the light at the orange lip at the upper (behind the power button) and insert two AA-alkalines or NIMH-batteries. That's all. The batteries Olight provides in the package will give the light more runtime, but same output. For frequent user, I recommend Eneloops or equal cells. It's an easy job also to adjust the headband to your desired length, so we're ready to go with this light in a couple of seconds.
The H05 has one (big) blue button for all, the switch needs a rather firm press. But it is easy to locate. The H05 Active hasn't memory for last used mode, so this means that you always need more clicks to turn off the light. One click turns on the light in high, next click med, than low and off. Personally, I'm not a big fan of interfaces like this: you can only start in most blinding high-mode and it takes too long to shut the light off. Switch between white / red by a double click (when the light is on). Red starts at constant modes, one click to enter red-flashing, next click to turn off. This is all…and for a lot of users enough. The light operates fine, without defects.
Modes:
Three normal white modes on the H05, in order of: HIGH > MED > LOW. Although the light misses a moonlight-mode, the spacing is rather good here. No special white modes like strobe or something like that. Two red modes too: RED CONSTANT > RED FLASHING. No special extra modes on this light like a voltage indicator; neither lockout isn't there, but to me on this light no big issue.
Size comparison:
Next to the Klarus SEO 5 (that runs on three AAA-batteries, but is in the same lumen-range) the pictures below show that the H05 Active is a compact headlight.
Klarus SEO5 and Olight H05 Active
Klarus SEO5 and Olight H05 Active
the fronts: Klarus SEO5 and Olight H05 Active
both lights on a cap
XM-L2 and High Power LED on the Led Lenser
Tint:
A coolwhite tint here with little blue in the spill, but barely noticeable. Compared to the Led Lenser SEO 5, that has a bluish tint, the H05 Active looks much better.
Beamprofile:
The TIR-lens gives the H05 Active a big hotspot and corona and little spill. So best usable at shorter distance. A clean beam, no defects here, and no PWM detected at any mode. Because of the week red light-output, I can't describe this profile.
Beamshots:
Let's have a look at the beamshots right now. Starting by projecting the H05 at a white wall, the distance is about 0,75 meters. Also a picture of the red light, compared to the Led Lenser SEO 5. As you can see at the picture, the red LED is only for very short distance.
Camera-settings: ISO100, F/2.7, WB daylight, 1/125 sec, 35mm
GIF-picture
The red option is barely noticeable at the wand. The LED of the SEO 5 is much brighter, but has a "bite" in the profile because of the shape of the light.
Camera-settings: ISO100, F/2.7, WB daylight, 1/4 sec, 35mm
Going outdoors now! Starting with the three white output modes, followed by a GIF.. Let's see also here how the red LEDS perform.
Camera-settings: ISO100, F/2.7, WB daylight, 4 sec, 35mm
a GIF picture of the white modes
the red LED of the H05
Conclusion:
The H05 Active is a no-nonsense headlight powered by readily available AAA-batteries. The included high-drain cells give more runtimes, but personally I would recommend Eneloops that are the cheaper option. The H05 is compact, lightweight and easy to control. This makes the IPX4-rated H05 a good choice for runners but I tried the light out at my (touring) bike which is also a good option. The red (flash) can also be used at your bike as a backlight, but is (because of the output) only suited as marking or at lighting up at very short distance.
I would like to see an interface that most Olights have and brighter red LEDS. But I'm sure I will pick this light regularly in the upcoming dark season!
Special thanks to Adola and Olightworld for providing me this sample!
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