Sugestions for a house lantern

Its not unusual for the power to go out in my area and I would like to get a couple of led lanterns to replace candles for these situations.

What would you advise to get?

I would think the BLF LT1 or the upcoming BLF LT1M-Mini, depending on how large of a lantern you want.

The old Zanflare T1 was nice (got 2), but they were discontinued then resurrected under another name.

Maybe someone has more info about those…

I think a small portable lantern that could light a medium size room that could last for hours would be fine.

If it’s indoors with rooms painted in light colours, you could also get away with ceiling bouncing a normal flashlight to light up a room instead of getting something more specialized like a lantern.
Something that runs on a 26650 like the Sofirn SP33 would be my choice in that case - it was invaluable during my last power outage.

If indoors just use a flashlight with ceiling bounce. If it won’t tail stand place in a mug. For outside, need to use a lantern because there is no ceiling. I prefer the ceiling bounce to a lantern. For that reason, I only have two lanterns, whereas I have many more flashlights.

Get a combination of slip on diffusers for lights you already own and a blf LT1 lantern.

Keep in mind that small lights running on high brightness setting will get super hot.

Head lamps are most efficient as they only put light where you need it, but also most inconvenient/uncomfortable.

For home aesthetic and backup power outage lighting, I really like battery powered fairy light strings, most have simple user interface, OK runtime between battery changes and the distributed nature of the light causes less glare than a single point source.

By the way, on AliExpress, there are a bunch of cheap diffusers that fit the Convoy S series and the BLF A6.

There are lots of simple light strings using 3mm LEDs that operate off 3 AAA cells. You could power them with 18650 Li-ion batteries instead if you are into simple DIY. A single 18650 cell or several cells in parallel will light the light string for many hours. I know this works because I retrofitted some Christmas decorations that relied on 3AAA cells to operate on a Li-ion battery.

The electricity almost never goes out because we have underground utilities. I have a couple of tent lights and three of those small collapsible lanterns (3 COB strip type) for emergency lights. You would want to put a diffuser inside globe of the collapsible lanterns to reduce the harshness of the light. They are so cheap ($5 on eBay) as to be considered throw away lights. The tent light shown below runs on a single 18650 battery or 3 AAA batteries, has 3 brightness levels, and 60 LEDs for the brightest. I looked at the current price from eBay sellers in China and it costs $5 with shipping. It will light a large tent so would light a small room quite well.

I second that, as long as you have enough flashlights.

Diffuers are not great, though they are the most budget-friendly option.
LT1 is great but quite expensive, especially if you need several.

LT1 in the living room with flashlights elsewhere would be a fine and moderately priced choice.

If you have a powerbank and would like to use it for illumination,
string lights like Page Not Found - Aliexpress.com are a good option.

I have quite a few LED lanterns which I’ve bought over the years. Sadly, some of my favorites (Fenix CL20) aren’t made anymore. I’m a fan of the Mr. Beams MB480 lanterns. Runs for 30 hours (high) on 3 D cells. It’s best attribute is the lovely 4000K neutral white light it puts out. It feels far more cozy than the cheap, nasty blue-white lanterns you’ll find everywhere else. And when the price is right, they’re under $20.

I did order the BLF LT1s, but I haven’t received them yet…and for the occasional user they’re overkill.

@FollowspotDude
The LT1 is a bit overkill BUT they are very nice :frowning: :frowning:

if you have other flashlights and the ceiling reflection is not enough use translucent white plastic/paper/yogurt cup/… to diffuse the light

I am familiar with your problem. There is often a power outage in my area. Our power grids are very vulnerable, primarily due to natural phenomena. Only recently, I found the President’s National Infrastructure Advisory Council’s report on “Surviving a Catastrophic Power Outage” (released in December 2018). The information doesn’t provide new explanations but only highlights the problems. I put all the necessary things in a box in case of a power outage. I’m happy with my led lanterns by Vont. These lights hold a reasonable charge and run on batteries. If you put it in the house, it illuminates the whole room. They are safe and solid, a good option.

2000k Fireflies Nov-MU with its diffusion lampshade on is basically a candle. You can even program anduril into candle mode for that subtle candle flicker effect. Very efficient buck driver, especially with the 21x e21a array.

You need 1 lantern for each room of the house, and at least 2 flashlights per room as backups. If you don’t have this many, you are not a flashaholic. :smiley:

My BLF Q8 makes a fabulous ceiling bouncer at about 1/2 power. The Sofirn SP36 will do nicely, too.

here is a diffuser link:

it is what i use.

I use my sp36 with something like: Amazon.com

I use this setup when fishing to make a makeshift lantern. Works pretty good actually.

I have been using 3D printed diffusers/stands.

I’ve got an LT1 and usually buy a diffuser if I get a higher power light. Figure it will run longer on lower modes, for longer outages.
Got a Sofirn SP36pro with diffuser and getting an Astrolux MF01 with diffuser soon.

Now just need the power to go out…….

Not!!!