What Optics for Cree

[outer limits]

Well thanks to Torch Boy for a comprehensive list on drivers. It might be best to move away from my SLA batteries and go for AA, but that only raises 2 more problems.

1 What is there out there in the way of waterproof cases for
4 AA batteries

2 My main question is, I have had several optics from DX and other than a triple which seem to fit the Cree nicely the others I have ended up with are to small or to loose. I have been looking at the optics from ledsupply and was woundering if the small 20mm Optics fit on the Cree's nicely? Or what else is there? The 26mm dia is to large for one of my aplications as I already have a housing for the light.

Thanks

 

[TorchBoy]

Re: What optics for Cree?

:rock:

My favourite would be the 8° one that clips onto the LED very nicely. It's much easier to use that sticky pad ones that don't allow room for wiring. Unfortunately I wouldn't have a clue where it is since they changed their site.

Maybe this? http://www.kaidomain.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductId=1795

Are you thinking total internal reflection (plastic) optic only? I've found that reflectors' better spill is nice when using only one LED.

24mm example: http://www.kaidomain.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductId=1712

 

[VegasF6]

If the 26mm is too large, this may be too large as well, 23.36mm optics, 5 pack.
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.1920
But, I did just receive them and they snap on the cree just like they are made for them (probably because they are )

 

[steve6690]

I am following the same path as you at the moment. The Cree 10-degree optics are too large for my application although they seem to perform well. I'm currently using the DX 18.5mm textured ally reflector which is great but doesn't sit very securely on the led. Next on my list to try is the Fraen 19mm 7-degree reflector which seems to sit very securely. Whatever I use, I have to file down to 17.5mm diameter anyway.

http://www.led-tech.de/en/High-Powe...flector-for-Cree-XR-E-7°-LT-1209_106_110.html

I have no idea how well they perform but I'm sure people on CPF can advise you about that. You can get them in the Marketplace on here too if you're interested.

 

[TorchBoy]

Re: What optics for Cree?

1 What is there out there in the way of waterproof cases for
4 AA batteries

The smallest size of Click-Clack box with a grommet for the wire! :tinfoil:

23.36mm optics, 5 pack.
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.1920

That looks like the same one (and I prefer DX). Does the pic on that product work for you?

 

[VegasF6]

Yes, I am able to see the pics fine. I take it you can't for some reason. I haven't done much with it yet, I popped it on an RC-G2 sans head to compare to another with the stock reflector, and I preferred the reflector. But then, the RC-G2 does have a very nice reflector.

Would you like some measurements or anything?

 

[outer limits]

Well thanks for the input,

Yes these are the ones I have tried, but I have to file the holders
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.1920

The pics look almost the same but the holders are different, but there is probably not much in it.
http://www.kaidomain.com/ProductDeta...ProductId=1795

I got a torch from DX the other week liked it so much for its easy of pulling apart that I got another 2 and thay had changed the way they were put together

I am also trying to find one that has a wider beam

 

[TorchBoy]

Re: What optics for Cree?

Yes, I am able to see the pics fine. I take it you can't for some reason.

There are a whole bunch of optics with a single photo each that DX added around the same time that for me don't bring up the large photo in the pop-up window. The customer-added photo works fine.

outer limits, that KD link doesn't work.

 

[outer limits]

Sorry
So much for my cut and paste, I just edited it and checked it. Worked fine. I filed down the holder and it now fits in well and gives me a good spot. I now need somthing to give a diffused light but with no more bepth

 

[VegasF6]

Wish I had more input. I guess you could always mule it with no reflector or optic at all just a glass window for the widest possible. Or an aspheric defocused gives a nice wide white beam, but focal length may be a concern. But it does give a nice wide even white beam. Or perhaps scotch tape or another diffuser. Probably lose light output with it though.

I bought the 120 degree optics 20mm but the hole seems to small for the cree, or perhaps it is just because they don't have a holder. I am probably going to drill one out and silicone it to a test led. Because they are patterned so to speak they don't give a smooth beam though.

Have you seen this thread on the Sylvania lantern?
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=189628
Some talk about optics there, mostly on 8 and 10 degree stuff. I would think any of the Ledl or Carclo optics designed for the Cree would obviously fit the Cree's well. May give you a few more options I hope.

 

[TorchBoy]

Re: What optics for Cree

The pics look almost the same but the holders are different, but there is probably not much in it.

Nothing in it as far as I can see (apart from price and quantity). They look identical to me.

I wonder if these things will fit in the same holders? The look the same size and shape, and there might be the same lug on one side of the rim.

Edit: Wait a minute... is that the one you're talking about, Vegas? 20mm, 120°. If I'm right in my immediately previous paragraph, then yes, they will need a holder - and might be ideal for wide lighting. Or they might be the same fit as these wide horizontal/narrow vertical diffusers.

 

[yellow]

the best, by far the best, means of focusing a Cree is the Sandwich Shoppe 19 mm reflector
(interestingly the "normal" model is way easier to place and glue in, than the special Cree version of the 19 mm)

expensive, sure, bad for a multiemitter setup, for a good single setup the price is argueable.

 

[LukeA]

If the 26mm is too large, this may be too large as well, 23.36mm optics, 5 pack.
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.1920
But, I did just receive them and they snap on the cree just like they are made for them (probably because they are )

The KDs are better IMO. They're the same size. The holders are better molded and they're still less expensive. Also, they focus tighter.

Here's the 10pk of KD optics. It's the first item in the search results, the item page is broken.

 

[VegasF6]

Re: What optics for Cree

Nothing in it as far as I can see (apart from price and quantity). They look identical to me.

I wonder if these things will fit in the same holders? The look the same size and shape, and there might be the same lug on one side of the rim.

Edit: Wait a minute... is that the one you're talking about, Vegas? 20mm, 120°. If I'm right in my immediately previous paragraph, then yes, they will need a holder - and might be ideal for wide lighting. Or they might be the same fit as these wide horizontal/narrow vertical diffusers.

I don't have any experience with sku 4600, let me know if you experiment with them. Yes, sku 13983 is the other one I have. I just popped the narrow optic out of the holder, and the wide angle ones appear they would fit just fine, but I couldn't get them to pop in. They are the same width and height, the bottom is wider, but that isn't what is stopping me. I would hope a few minutes with a file could make it work, but I wasn't able to just now. Also, it does appear the hole at the bottom is the same, or very close.

 

[TorchBoy]

Re: What optics for Cree

I just popped the narrow optic out of the holder, and the wide angle ones appear they would fit just fine, but I couldn't get them to pop in. They are the same width and height, the bottom is wider, but that isn't what is stopping me.

How strange. What's the difference then?