Which do you prefer: R2-WH or Q3-5A?

Which do you prefer?


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    100

concept0

Enlightened
Joined
Nov 28, 2008
Messages
268
Location
Florida
Trying to choose a new light, and I was curious about people's preferences. I've seen some beamshots of each, just wondering which you prefer in real life and why?
 
The R2 WH is a nice tint compared to the more common WC.
Both look blueish when compared to the 5A.

Don't get the 5A as it will spoil you forever to other tints 🙂
 
Take a look at this post for some beam shots comparing cool, neutral, and warm white Crees. The 5A tint is worlds better than the WH.

Thanks for the link... I've seen the beamshots, I was just wondering whether the difference in tint was worth the loss of lumens in real world use?
 
Thanks for the link... I've seen the beamshots, I was just wondering whether the difference in tint was worth the loss of lumens in real world use?
Overwhelmingly YES. I have doing a LOT of testing lately with different tints and how the eye views them in the real world. What I have found is that the reduction in lumens is balanced by a higher percentage of the light being in the part of the spectrum that you need to see things at. This is especially true outside. The higher output of the R2 WH for example can only really be seen on blue and white surfaces as compared to the Q2/Q3 5A. Outside when shining on wood, grass, and dirt the warmer tints can actually help you see better even though there is "less" light. It all depends what you want your light for. If you need to spot pure white bunnys outside go with the WH as it would make it POP from the surroundings. For most everything though the 5A or similar is far superior.
 
after i received my Lummi Raw NS Q3 5A and compared it with my other lights, i am now quite certain that the tint is easier on the eyes and makes colours stand out better.

At first it was all about pure blazing white light and i am sure it has its uses but i'm now a fan of the Q3-5A tint and am probably going to prefer it over others but to wow non-flashaholics, i would go for an MC-E 😀
 
I voted for the warm white. Even though it's not as bright, the color rendition is way better.
 
I like the 5A better :]
I went to my friend's place the other day, quite far from the city where there were farms and lots of trees. I was surprised that my L2T 2.0 RB80 (140 LED lumens rated, tint is probably close to 5A) throws almost as good as my Romisen RC-G4 that has a much bigger reflector (modded with R2 WG, almost as bright as my P3D Q5 from ceiling bounce tests, maybe 10-15 lumens less).
 
I too have been convinced that tint has just a big impact on visibility at night when outdoors as light output. I would gladly trade the modest hit in efficiency/efficacy going from a R2 to a Q3 emitter for the improved tint and colour perception.

FWIW, the current Rebel LED's also have a nice warm tint that work well in the outdoors.
 
FWIW, the current Rebel LED's also have a nice warm tint that work well in the outdoors.

True but I think their lower forward voltage ranges make them differ from the Cree. Also these Rebels are damn tiny and difficult to work with ><.

Anyone knows where I can get those Q3 5A LEDs without paying too much for postage (to Australia)? Cutter electronics has them but shipping cost is rather pricey for small quantity
 
Q3 5A all the way. I've swapped out plenty of Cree's to it and I'm contemplating doing 1 more.

My Haiku! :faint: Gonna take me awhile to work up the nerve to do it. I've had a good track record so far but what a price for failure!
 
Hah... forgot I had started this thread!

Since posting this thread, I have had all my lights that could be modded swapped to Q3-5A. I sold all the others!
 
I voted for the WH. I bought several 5A emitters recently and swapped one into a light. I didn't care for it too much. I like the WH a lot better.
 
I put it in my Raidfire Spear, which originally had a WC tint.

I took it back out and now the light has a nice hand picked WG tint Cree XR-E in it. No green, except on low, even then it's barely noticeable.
 
To hear you guys talk about swapping emitters as such a casual thing has me really thinking of giving it a try... and I have five Q3 5A's laying here too!
 
I don't know how I missed this thread. It's been awhile since I used my Guider with R2. I've been completely spoiled with the 5A tint. It really makes things easier to see/distinguish, both indoors and out. It is one of *the* determining factors in my buying a light now.

At first, as with many others, it was all about maximum brightnes. No longer. While I would love to see a 5A Q5, the 5A Q3 is great right now.
 
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