Courtesy by Sofirn, some actual pictures of the new LT1M mini prototype. So far, LT1M mini will be using LH351D 2700K 90CRI and LH351D 5000K 90CRI, same as LT1. The idea to have red light included needs to be postponed as Andúril 2 is not yet capable of tint ramping with three channels (NW + WW + RED). LT1M mini works with 26650, 18650 (via adapter) and unprotected 21700 batteries.
Hmmm, my impression sofar was that the LTmini would be based on a 21700 battery, in fact a modified Sofirn IF25. Although more useful to me would be even smaller, a 18650 lantern would be ideal for me, instead it has grown to 26650 size now. That makes the size advantage over the LT1 quite a bit less, and makes me less interested too.
I won’t cancel my pre-order but I agree with the Raccoon, the mini is now less desirable. 26650 is a dying breed and I don’t like to use adapter. 21700 is the future, I don’t see why we look backward. A slimmer body was the greatest part about an LT1 mini. It is now an LT1 Not-so-mini. The AAA compatibility seem great but let’s face it: I don’t think no one will ever use this feature.
EDIT: I can also see a problem (or danger ?) of someone trying to charge an LT1 mini with AAA in it…
I am not starting a rant or a war on how the LT1 mini should be, I’m trying to criticize a decision that seems strange in a civilized way, without lacking respect to all hard-working folks involved in this project.
26650 is probably going to push me off the interest list. If size and weight aren’t an issue I’ll just use one of my LT1s. For the purpose this was originally intended (backpacking) though, both size and weight are a concern. I think a 26650 light is just going to come in too big for me. 21700 size was already pushing it for my purposes. There are already times when backpacking that I drop to a single cr123a light because I don’t want to carry an 18650.
As a reference, (I posted about it before) here is my take on a mini lantern, based on a 18650 flashlight, a Nichia E21A (2000K R9050) and an optic robbed from an old Philips led bulb. It is about as large as I would like the LTmini to be (the body is wide for an 18650 so a 21700 version of this would not be larger).
I have it in use for two years now and it is quite perfect and has great runtime for the purpose (usually it is a all-night light for my son at less than 10 lumen). It hangs or tailstands.
After some studying the pictures, I assume that the length and width of the IF25 are preserved in this 26650 version? So it is not really bigger than the prototype? Still I think that 21700 battery tube size would be best.
As a (late) suggestion, perhaps the illuminating head could be downsized to make it more compact too. I know that it is tested by Den and he finds that the large surface area of the light source is good for soft illumination, but we are trying a compact LT1, if the head size is halved the “softness” will still be very ok. My lantern above has a very small surface area and it is still a pleasant illumination.
I actually like the idea of the LT1M becoming an 26650 light, given that I already have 26650s, but no 21700s.
The option to use 3×AAA cells in an adaptor for emergencies also appeals, since I have lots of AAA Eneloops. Although you can power the original LT1 from an external battery pack at reduced output, that arrangement isn’t a good plan in damp environments, so the ability to put AAAs inside the LT1M would be superior in that respect.
As Lux-Perpetua said there are a number of pros in the ability to use a 26650 battery. Do they outweigh the larger diameter? That’s of course up to the individual to decide. Better stability against tipping over was discussed at length and for me that’s an important thing. And something to consider is that Sofirn is going to be marketing the mini to people other than us. I suspect that the ability to use AAA batteries in an emergency will be a plus for many non-BLF members.
It’s too bad that 26650 batteries don’t have any more capacity than 21700’s, but that’s a subject for another conversation.
Exactly! in a pinch, a 3-AAA cell holder can run it. Having the LT1M able to use either 21700, 18650, 26650, or a 3-AAA holder even from a dollar store light in an emergency adds to its versatility. (Also being slightly wider at the base makes it more stable. :+1:
Since the head is wider than the base, a circular plate could be unscrewed from the top of the head and screwed on the bottom of the battery tube. Narrow for packing but a wide base when needed. Adds a part you can lose through.