I was browsing Simon’s Aliexpress store and ended up on the Z1’s listing. There I found that there is a (more expensive) Osram CULPM1 8 amps version. I was wondering if this version is better than the SST40 (6A) one. Any thoughts? Will the Osram be better than the SST40 or will it just eat batteries (or wallets) faster?
While some zoomy lights can be fun. I’ve found over the years they often aren’t as useful as they might appear. For close up work the aspheric lens will give really nice even flood. Which is great. But as you start to zoom them, the beam becomes narrow and full zoom projects the LED surface. They often look like they have a lot of throw, but a well setup reflector light will normally match them.
The TIR optics tend to offer nicer fatter zoom beams which makes them more useful. The aspheric less so IMO. But it is probably something you need to buy and experience yourself.
The lens in question will have a bearing on how big the beam is. But I suspect the Osram LEDs would look like impressive pointers, but may not be that useful with narrow beams lighting up very small areas.
vs. SST40 Look for Convoy Z1 video reviews, if the throw looks enough then get the SST40, it will be a bit brighter in flood, more lumens, and has better beamshots in flood mode, also available in neutral white.
If you need more throw or just want the idea of maximum zoom range then get one of the Osram white versions. I have neither but I plan on getting one once I get some disposable income.
Interesting… Didn’t know that Simon released an Osram version of the Convoy Z1…
I did compare the Cometa zoomable (XPL-Hi) vs the Convoy Z1 (SST40) here (at most focused):
I recall the Cometa head may be just slightly bigger than the Z1 head.
I suppose an Osram PM1 performs quite similar to an XPL-Hi (Osram PM1 a bit more throwy and higher lumens on max output, compared to XPL-Hi).
So perhaps it would be something similar to the beamshot video.
I’ve just received it. I will make a quick review in the following days. Using a partially charged 21700 battery I can already tell that it is slightly brighter than the cheap “XHP 120” 12-core light but its spill is quite narrower. I’m also experiencing some wierd issues with it (turns off for no reason). Maybe it doesn’t like my Sofirn 21700 battery. I’m charging now a 4000Mah Baseus.