Sundrop or Sundrop XR-U?

[dpharmd07]

I have recently purchased my first two McGizmos. A standard Haiku XP-G and a BB Haiku XP-G warm. These lights are incredible, I can't figure out which one I like more.
I am considering getting a Sundrop but, can't figure out which one. Any thoughts, suggestions? I understand the differences between the two lights but, what have your experiences been? Thanks.

 

[maxspeeds]

I have handled both, and I prefer the Sundrop to the Sundrop XR-U. My uses mainly involve close-up area lighting and the Sundrop excels in this a tiny bit more than the XR-U.

If I were you, you need to determine the future uses you will utilize the Sundrop for. If you will be lighting up distances of 10' or further, I'd pick the XR-U as it is slightly more collimated at a reduction in the diameter of the spill. If you'll be using it at distances under 10', I'd get the original Sundrop as it has a slightly larger diameter of spill (very closely resembling the Don's original Mule). Either way, you can't go wrong. If you decide you don't like either one of them, put it up for sale on the marketplace and purchase the other.

 

[run4jc]

I have handled both, and I prefer the Sundrop to the Sundrop XR-U. My uses mainly involve close-up area lighting and the Sundrop excels in this a tiny bit more than the XR-U.

If I were you, you need to determine the future uses you will utilize the Sundrop for. If you will be lighting up distances of 10' or further, I'd pick the XR-U as it is slightly more collimated at a reduction in the diameter of the spill. If you'll be using it at distances under 10', I'd get the original Sundrop as it has a slightly larger diameter of spill (very closely resembling the Don's original Mule). Either way, you can't go wrong. If you decide you don't like either one of them, put it up for sale on the marketplace and purchase the other.

+1. Joel gives great advice here. I've owned each - and now have just the XRU. It's fantastic for color rendition and lighting from a bit farther out, but for doing tasks like lighting objects for photography, the Sundrop seems to excel even more. I've missed my Sundrop when doing some close up photography work.

 

[maxspeeds]

:wave: Dan, your old Sundrop XP is getting some great mileage. I'm looking forward to my next camping trip to see how it performs out in the wild.

 

[kaichu dento]

I have handled both, and I prefer the Sundrop to the Sundrop XR-U. My uses mainly involve close-up area lighting and the Sundrop excels in this a tiny bit more than the XR-U.

If I were you, you need to determine the future uses you will utilize the Sundrop for. If you will be lighting up distances of 10' or further, I'd pick the XR-U as it is slightly more collimated at a reduction in the diameter of the spill. If you'll be using it at distances under 10', I'd get the original Sundrop as it has a slightly larger diameter of spill (very closely resembling the Don's original Mule). Either way, you can't go wrong. If you decide you don't like either one of them, put it up for sale on the marketplace and purchase the other.

Although I've only had an XR-U, this is the advice I was going to try to give. He pretty well nailed it and it's largely distance oriented as to which of the two you'd probably be more happy with. If I were to get another Sundrop it would be the original with wider beam.

 

[RIDE]

Great thread!

I have my eyes on a Sundrop (after I pick up a Makai ) and could not decide at first. But now I know for sure that it will be the standard Sundrop as I have other lights I can use when I need more throw.

I really like the balance of the Sundrop from an appearance standpoint, and love the idea of having something that excels under closer conditions.

The Sundrop IMHO is one of Don's best looking lights too!

RIDE

 

[ibcj]

I have owned both and my preference is the XR-U. The regular version was just a little too wide. The XR-U was the 083-b which was a little brighter, but in the end it was the beam pattern that I preferred. I'm just happy that we have so many options these days.