UCL worth price over mineral for 22.6mm size?

[Bimmerboy]

I do realize when I ask this question, that the UCL allows the most light to pass through. I also mean no offense to any sellers regarding prices of their items. Prices are what they are, and I do normally prefer to pay extra for quality.
I have a couple mineral glass lenses, and they already work so much nicer than plastic that I'm just wondering before I buy...
In people's experience, is UCL worthwhile to get over mineral glass for either bright 5mm LED's, or possibly Lux mods in Minimags and Micromags?
For when I eventually do perhaps a 3X Lux III Mag mod, there's no question I'll get the clearest glass (in 52.1 presumably), but I need a few more 22.6 lenses and UCL is approx. 4 1/2 times the price. My wallet is starting to feel the effects of multiple purchases around here lately, and I haven't even gone super crazy.
Thanks for any advice.

 

[KDOG3]

Well I have a UCL lens for my G2 coming so when I get it I'll tell everyone how it works...

 

[BC0311]

Bimmerboy, I feel your pain. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I've put UCLs in just about everything FLL sells them sized for. Another order arrived today with spares for LHs and big Mags (52.1mm).

They're worth it to me, that extra percentage of light making it through the lens and downrange is significant. Paying for a primo, machined aluminum, textured reflector it follows that a lens that'll pass the most light is desirable.

I know it hurts the pocketbook, but order two lenses so you have a spare. That's the only drawback...they're glass.

Britt

 

[chevrofreak]

UCL's seem to be easier to clean in my experience, which alone can be worth the extra cost.

The mineral glass I assume you are talking about is 1mm thick and has excellent light transmittance. If you order the lens alone, then add shipping costs, you are only a few dollars away from the cost of a UCL to start with.

 

[cy]

smaller custom lights seems to use mineral lens. UCL is not available for some sizes and mineral lens is pretty darn good.

if I had a choice I'd go with UCL, but you don't always get that choice. mineral lens come in a dazzling araid of sizes.

 

[emrbrtn]

is the mineral glass you are talking about the borofloat lens? If not, what do you think of the borofloat?

 

[cy]

I've been purchasing all my mineral lens from ottfrie. these lens are for watches and come in lots of sizes.

don't know if they are borofloat or not. I've had excellent luck with all lens flashlighlens sells.

what got me started sourcing mineral lens is UCL was not available for ARC LS's which is 19.8mm. whereas mineral lens was readily available from ottofrei.

 

[NetMage]

I put a 22.6 mineral in my Q3 when my UCL cracked (not sanded down enough maybe). I ordered a replacement UCL because it seemed better than the mineral to me.

 

[Bimmerboy]

Ya'll definitely helped me reach a decision... buy both /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

One of the moderators' sig line (I forget who at the moment) states:
"Go not to the flashaholics for counsel, for they will say buy this and that."

How true, how true.

My big reason for asking about this, is that while looking to get a couple 52.1's, I decided I need 3 or 4 more Minimag lenses. If I get everything in UCL, this starts to pump up the total on what started out as a promise to control myself.

Not seeing the mineral glass offered on FLL's site, but I'll try to contact him. I'd like to make this a one stop purchase. I just noticed he also has potted 1185's so this is awesome. I'll stop buying stuff soon (surrrrre).

Thanks for the responses!

 

[wquiles]

Thanks for the link to http://www.ottofrei.com/ - good to have just in case!

Will