If someone want to have minimal or much less spill compared to a reflector flashlight, TIRs could be a good option. I think, it cannot replace a Convoy L2, but could be very useful - it is just a different beam shape.
I tried an S2+ with 10 degree beaded TIR lens with XP-L HI and Luminus SST-20 high CRI emitters, and it is very spectacular. XP-L HI (and probably other domeless emitters as well) was even better with narrower TIR lens. An S2+ with 5 degree clear TIR lens is even more spectacular in this regard.
Could you please have a look at LEDiL TIRs (I don’t know your possibilities about how to find a good retailer for their optics, but it might worth a try)?
The Gaggione LLC49U is the narrowest throwiest optic I have found in the size range. If you can put this in a flashlight, you will have a very unique hand held spotlight. I like how optics can concentrate all the lumens into the hotspot instead of “wasting” half of the lumens as spill. Putting a Oslon CLSNM1.TG will achieve 175kcd or more with a larger more usable hotspot in a Emisar D1S size light.
Since I already have enough floody/spill lights now, intensed focused hotspot is what interest me.
Honestly, are such TIR lenses as good as you seem to believe? I bought some narrow beam (5°) inexpensive TIRs for S2+ flashlights, but didn't liked too much the end result. Compared to a wider angle set bought from FastTech their ceiling bounce lux figures were noticeably :!!!: lower.
At SKV89
Do you know if it is possible to fit the Gaggione LLC49U inside a C8+?
At Simon Mao
Will it be possible to buy the M1 SMO reflector in your store. I ordered another M1 Host a few days back at BG. But it would be nice to be able to buy the SMO reflector for it.
I highly doubt it because optics are usually shorter than reflectors. Also the optic must not be resting flat on the mcpcb and not on the positive/negative leads in order to focus the emitter so the mcpcb might not even be suitable. I think it will be hard to just use these optics in an existing flashlight unless you are really skilled and can machine or 3D print your own parts. I think in order to use these successfully, a manufacturer will need to design the flashlight around these optics.
I downloaded the 3D files for the LLC49U. The outer diameter is the first problem. It is a little bit to big. And you would have to grind it to far down to fit. So this would be the first problem.
To raise the MCPCB /LED would not be a problem. But i do not know if a usual MCPCB would fit. Have not checked yet if they offer a special design for this.
For sure a interesting project. But not something for the C8+. Will look further into the optic and what they recommend regarding the MCPCB.
I did the same with the same results. But there’s a difference between a cheap Ali lens and a Gaggione one.
One could ask Gaggione to provide cd/lm on this lens/LED combo. They once run a simulation for me, they would likely do the same to a prospect buyer.
The CLSNM1.TG may work very well with Led Lenser imitation type TIR optics.
They have a relatively large aspheric in the centre so it can focus the light into a narrow beam, unlike most other TIR optics.
You find these optics in cheap 3xAAA lights too, sometimes.
But maybe the diameter is too large for an S2+
But then again, i’ve seen smaller diameter versions too.
With typical 20mm TIR optics, the 5° ones often have no aspheric lens in the centre. They’re just flat in the centre.
Then they act like a normal reflector: beam from the cup and spill from the centre.