Out of curiosity, what does this mean in layman’s terms? I already have the 12A version, so I’m wondering what changes if you get the 8A. Differences in output or runtime?
The 8A version is more efficient, and is this likely to result in higher sustained brightness, and longer, but not quite as bright turbo.
I’ve just ordered the 8A CC 60 degree 519A 5700k version.
Anyone have beam shots of the various reflector/TIR angles offered?
When/if you order this light, maybe ask for extra lens(es). I’m just guessing here but Simon might give it for a very, very, very low cost. Almost the same as free.
If anyone is interested, this is what the 12A driver looks like.
I don’t see any current limitation, so I don’t understand why it’s labelled as 12A. It is a fully direct drive driver. I don’t like this topology, I certainly wouldn’t have chosen it, I got the lamp as a gift.
It is also interesting that the price is the same as the much more complex 8A version. At low levels it has much worse efficiency than even FET+1 (7135) drivers.
Edit: I was thoughtless, Y2 is just a PNP the other half of the transistor pair controlling the FET.
This stuff rivals the drivers from Boruit and similar manufacturers. Of course, at least this one has thermal protection. This is not what I expected from Convoy .
…Y2 is just a PNP the other half of the transistor pair controlling the FET.
This stuff rivals the drivers from Boruit and similar manufacturers. Of course, at least this one has thermal protection. This is not what I expected from Convoy .
Thanks for the info. There is something unusual about this situation for sure. First 8A Buck became un-available, replaced by 12A FET for just a few weeks, then 8A Buck became available again, together with FET, both as “options” (?!).
I wonder the brief absence of the Buck driver is related to supply-chain problem as a result of the many lock-downs in China a couple months ago.
At least whatever problem there was, seems to have been solved. 8A Buck should remain the one to have.
I remember reading there was some compatibility problem with 8A buck and very low VF of Nichia 519A. His driver engineer needed to fix that. 12A fet driver was just higher output option for it.
I took the 2 lights out for my nature walk tonight and my impression follows. These Convoy’s are bigger/longer than Emisar D4V2 but still fit in pocket pants easily. I have a preference for the small form of D4V2 but then D4V2 has only 18650 battery, and I think maybe the larger and I think maybe the larger space (EDIT: and thermal mass – Convoy being a larger light) at the head of the Convoy dissipates heat better. Both lights turned fairly warm but not too hot to hold. They are as expected very floody with low level throw. I have to leave the lanyard on to keep them from rolling off the table, but wish there is a pocket clip I could use. Will ask Simon about this.
219b: Most of all, continues to impress with its ability to make shades of colors stand out. Light grey vs dark grey of barks, light green vs dark green of leaves. Every color, every shade stands out clearly. The rosemary plant for example: small blue flowers stand out against green leaves more clearly and beautifully. 519a: Clearly brighter than 219b. The warm yellow-golden tone is very soothing to my eyes. This is the light I would use if I am not trying to see the different shades of brown soil and grey barks .
Convoy hit a home run with these lights and I recommend both, without reservation. I believe they are the first 21700 lights with Nichia 219b/519a. Personally I wish they have on-board USB-C charging but then they wouldn’t cost 30 bucks. If you are new to this hobby or don’t have any Nichia light, these 2 and especially the 219b should be very nice addition to the collection, IMHO.
Pic of the metal switch and clip from Convoy (see discussion in post #1 above). For me the metal switch is a must-have for the 12-Groups Convoy UI as it makes both “click” (full press) and “tap” (half press) so much easier to engage. Especially the half press since there is a now a “built-in” FIRM stop at half press, the fixed outer metal ring. They are also VERY pretty.
You know whats funny? I just bought a S21D and asked Simon about the metal waist clip. He said not to buy it because it doesn’t fit. Hmm. I’ll just have to buy another light and buy two clips. Oh well.
You know whats funny? I just bought a S21D and asked Simon about the metal waist clip. He said not to buy it because it doesn’t fit. Hmm. I’ll just have to buy another light and buy two clips. Oh well.
I think that’s what he told me too, but some member here told me to try and I took a chance and bought it, and it fits perfectly.
I believe he’s being cautious because it is not made specifically for S21D, but took me 5 minutes to install and the fit is perfect. BTW I installed with the switch buttons removed and that helped a lot.
You know whats funny? I just bought a S21D and asked Simon about the metal waist clip. He said not to buy it because it doesn’t fit. Hmm. I’ll just have to buy another light and buy two clips. Oh well.
I think that’s what he told me too, but some member here told me to try and I took a chance and bought it, and it fits perfectly.
I believe he’s being cautious because it is not made specifically for S21D, but took me 5 minutes to install and the fit is perfect. BTW I installed with the switch buttons removed and that helped a lot.
Just received the S21D with 519a and 10 degree optic. Although I do like the light, the 10 degree part is misleading. I was expecting some hot spot but instead the light spreads more like 180 degrees. I can only imagine how the 60 degree is. Anyone else have this observation?
If you do get Emisar D4V2, I would add a couple comments: I do NOT like the option of raised ring around button (takes away from the smooth feel)
I don’t agree. The raised button is excellent, with it I quickly feel without looking where the button is and it keeps my thumb on the button.
Actually “do NOT like” is not accurate; I hate it . For me, the sharper feel of the edge contradicts the smooth feel of the rest of the light and the raised ring also makes activation more difficult and not as smooth. But of course that’s personal preference, no right or wrong.
Do you have D4V2 with the regular, non-raised, button ring? It is actually also raised (just not as much) so for me, does both of what you mentioned without being as “annoying”. Just want potential buyers to think about it; the raised ring is much more excessive than any other light I have. Again personal preference YMMV.
Since I have nothing better to do today, I did some comparison probably enjoyed only by hard core Nichia people, people like Jon Slider .
This is a comparison of the beams of some other Nichia 219b 4500k lights I have. The secret “gem” is Convoy H2 Headlamp, a light that I have not had time to post my impression on. Also shown is my beloved Reylight Pineapple Copper with its beautiful uncoated aged copper patina, with “naked” beam undisguised because a smooth reflector is used.
The effect of reflectors on beam quality is nothing new, still rather remarkable in this example. Note the look of Reylight beam with a yellow corona, and how an orange peel reflector or TIR optic partially covers up the tint shift “blemish”.
All very pretty. I really like the Emisar host, but LOVE the Reylight Pineapple Copper (check out the aged copper finish).
I have two Convoy H2 headlamps: Nichia 219b 3500k and 219b 4500k. Long story short: beautiful beam, USB-C charging, just buy it. In my wildest dream I could not have fantasized lol 219b sw45k in a headlamp. I have many other headlamps (Fenix, Sofirn, Coast, etc.) and these two Convoys have far and away the most pleasant/attractive beam and of course the highest possible 9080 CRI.
All very pretty. I really like the Emisar host, but LOVE the Reylight Pineapple Copper (check out the aged copper finish).
I have two Convoy H2 headlamps: Nichia 219b 3500k and 219b 4500k. Long story short: beautiful beam, USB-C charging, just buy it. In my wildest dream I could not have fantasized lol 219b sw45k in a headlamp. I have many other headlamps (Fenix, Sofirn, Coast, etc.) and these two Convoys have far and away the most pleasant/attractive beam and of course the highest possible 9080 CRI.
All very pretty. I really like the Emisar host, but LOVE the Reylight Pineapple Copper (check out the aged copper finish).
I have two Convoy H2 headlamps: Nichia 219b 3500k and 219b 4500k. Long story short: beautiful beam, USB-C charging, just buy it. In my wildest dream I could not have fantasized lol 219b sw45k in a headlamp. I have many other headlamps (Fenix, Sofirn, Coast, etc.) and these two Convoys have far and away the most pleasant/attractive beam and of course the highest possible 9080 CRI.
All very pretty. I really like the Emisar host, but LOVE the Reylight Pineapple Copper (check out the aged copper finish).
I have two Convoy H2 headlamps: Nichia 219b 3500k and 219b 4500k. Long story short: beautiful beam, USB-C charging, just buy it. In my wildest dream I could not have fantasized lol 219b sw45k in a headlamp. I have many other headlamps (Fenix, Sofirn, Coast, etc.) and these two Convoys have far and away the most pleasant/attractive beam and of course the highest possible 9080 CRI.
Since I have nothing better to do today, I did some comparison probably enjoyed only by hard core Nichia people, people like Jon Slider .
This is a comparison of the beams of some other Nichia 219b 4500k lights I have. The secret “gem” is Convoy H2 Headlamp, a light that I have not had time to post my impression on. Also shown is my beloved Reylight Pineapple Copper with its beautiful uncoated aged copper patina, with “naked” beam undisguised because a smooth reflector is used.
The effect of reflectors on beam quality is nothing new, still rather remarkable in this example. Note the look of Reylight beam with a yellow corona, and how an orange peel reflector or TIR optic partially covers up the tint shift “blemish”.
This review https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMd8lqowzw4? Yes there is a faint outer ring at the periphery, possibly from the bezel but I’m not sure. On white wall you see it as a faint outline, in real life use it’s not as easily noticeable (I’ll take a picture later to show this). My camera was set with exposure for the brighter hotspot, that’s why you don’t see it.
Hot spot and spill, the central field of vision, are pure as expected in my Nichia H2, unlike the H2 in that review, which has Cree LED and what seems to be in world of green hell.
Just received the S21D with 519a and 10 degree optic. Although I do like the light, the 10 degree part is misleading. I was expecting some hot spot but instead the light spreads more like 180 degrees. I can only imagine how the 60 degree is. Anyone else have this observation?
Which 10 degree optic did you get? Clear or frosted?
I just got a package of 10 degree bead (I now realize this means frosted right?) 10 degree flat 30 degree bead lens from Simon.
My current S21D light has stock 60 degree so I could take some beamshot picture comparison when I have time. I accumulate too many things to do for these Nichia lights. Love hurts.
All very pretty. I really like the Emisar host, but LOVE the Reylight Pineapple Copper (check out the aged copper finish).
I have two Convoy H2 headlamps: Nichia 219b 3500k and 219b 4500k. Long story short: beautiful beam, USB-C charging, just buy it. In my wildest dream I could not have fantasized lol 219b sw45k in a headlamp. I have many other headlamps (Fenix, Sofirn, Coast, etc.) and these two Convoys have far and away the most pleasant/attractive beam and of course the highest possible 9080 CRI.
I would’ve jumped on these if I didn’t just pick up another Zebra T_T
Guys just think which other vendor would be dedicated enough to the hobby to put Nichia 219b in a headlamp? It’s nuts, unprecedented, and unlikely to be repeated.
The warm beam color just flat out KILLS my other top headlamps: Sofirn D25L, $$$ Fenix HM65R-T, Coast XPH30R. BTW like nearly all Convoy lamps they run hot and hence remain top-class with respect to prolonged brightness. And at 20 bucks with the present coupon, how could we lose?
Just received the S21D with 519a and 10 degree optic. Although I do like the light, the 10 degree part is misleading. I was expecting some hot spot but instead the light spreads more like 180 degrees. I can only imagine how the 60 degree is. Anyone else have this observation?
Recently I used Yajiamei 10 degree (in different host) and it looks like this:
Looking forward to your tests with the other TIR optics, cannga. I just ordered the light and the optics pack and will be sorely disappointed if the optics don't perform well.
Looking forward to your tests with the other TIR optics, cannga. I just ordered the light and the optics pack and will be sorely disappointed if the optics don’t perform well.
You won’t be disappointed. My S21D with 60° likely has the brightest and most useful beam on the market for a quad 219b light, at least vs D4V2 (which I still love for other reasons). The other optics are just flavors for us hobbyists to tune the light to personal preference and above all, have fun.
I’m sure you already know but 219b lights are not born to be world-class bright thrower. Even the “best” of these quad-LED lights, which IMHO the S21D is, is still only a borderline walk light, and most definitely not a “safety” light wrt brightness and throw. They are simply lights of unique and beautiful color/tint that is simply unmatched, even after all these years, most useful for use around the house etc.
Looking forward to your tests with the other TIR optics, cannga. I just ordered the light and the optics pack and will be sorely disappointed if the optics don't perform well.
You won't be disappointed. My S21D with 60° likely has the brightest and most useful beam on the market for a quad 219b light, at least vs D4V2 (which I still love for other reasons). The other optics are just flavors for us hobbyists to tune the light to personal preference and above all, have fun. I'm sure you already know but 219b lights are not born to be world-class bright thrower. Even the "best" of these quad-LED lights, which IMHO the S21D is, is still only a borderline walk light, and most definitely not a "safety" light wrt brightness and throw. They are simply lights of unique and beautiful color/tint that is simply unmatched, even after all these years, most useful for use around the house etc.
I have D4v2s with XPL HIs under 10622, and 219bs and E21As under 10623, so I definitely have higher than average expectations, or should I say hope, for beam quality with TIRs. I ordered my S21D with 4500K 519As. I'm just hoping there won't be bright or dark rings and/or many artifacts in the beams with these Convoy TIRs, and that the differences in beam angles and flat vs beaded are obvious.
BTW Jon is showing orange peel reflector vs TIR, what we will be comparing are TIR optics, frosted vs clear.
For the D4V2 TIR optic that we have (10623 frosted vs 10622 clear), I’ve found frosted optic makes beam more homogenous/beautiful (see pic below), but it cuts brightness at the hotspot by more than half as measured with my Opple.
Below are comparison shots when frosted optic (10623) in E21a is replaced by clear (10622). You could very clearly see how that yellow ring is disguised by the frosted optic. E21a with frosted is nearly identical to 219b like magic. The fun we have with these lights are endless :-).
The 8A version is more efficient, and is this likely to result in higher sustained brightness, and longer, but not quite as bright turbo.
I’ve just ordered the 8A CC 60 degree 519A 5700k version.
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Anyone have beam shots of the various reflector/TIR angles offered?
When/if you order this light, maybe ask for extra lens(es). I’m just guessing here but Simon might give it for a very, very, very low cost. Almost the same as free.
Some favorite LED's: Nichia 219b 4500k, Getian GT-FC40 4500k, Luminus SBT90.2, Chinese LEDs in Budget 20000+lm Lights SFH/SFN
Helpful & extremely fun accessories: Texas Ace Lumen Tube - Opple Meter
4 lights I'd buy were I to start again: Here (IMHO)
So my S21D 519a sm453 is coming home this week. Should I de-dome it? I heard it won’t be as floody
But I do like the rosy tint
If anyone is interested, this is what the 12A driver looks like.
I don’t see any current limitation, so I don’t understand why it’s labelled as 12A. It is a fully direct drive driver. I don’t like this topology, I certainly wouldn’t have chosen it, I got the lamp as a gift.
It is also interesting that the price is the same as the much more complex 8A version. At low levels it has much worse efficiency than even FET+1 (7135) drivers.
Edit: I was thoughtless, Y2 is just a PNP the other half of the transistor pair controlling the FET.
.
This stuff rivals the drivers from Boruit and similar manufacturers. Of course, at least this one has thermal protection. This is not what I expected from Convoy
Thanks for the info. There is something unusual about this situation for sure. First 8A Buck became un-available, replaced by 12A FET for just a few weeks, then 8A Buck became available again, together with FET, both as “options” (?!).
I wonder the brief absence of the Buck driver is related to supply-chain problem as a result of the many lock-downs in China a couple months ago.
At least whatever problem there was, seems to have been solved. 8A Buck should remain the one to have.
Some favorite LED's: Nichia 219b 4500k, Getian GT-FC40 4500k, Luminus SBT90.2, Chinese LEDs in Budget 20000+lm Lights SFH/SFN
Helpful & extremely fun accessories: Texas Ace Lumen Tube - Opple Meter
4 lights I'd buy were I to start again: Here (IMHO)
I remember reading there was some compatibility problem with 8A buck and very low VF of Nichia 519A. His driver engineer needed to fix that. 12A fet driver was just higher output option for it.
You know whats funny? I just bought a S21D and asked Simon about the metal waist clip. He said not to buy it because it doesn’t fit. Hmm. I’ll just have to buy another light and buy two clips. Oh well.
There’s no replacement for displacement.
I think that’s what he told me too, but some member here told me to try and I took a chance and bought it, and it fits perfectly.
I believe he’s being cautious because it is not made specifically for S21D, but took me 5 minutes to install and the fit is perfect. BTW I installed with the switch buttons removed and that helped a lot.
This is the clip I bought. I think I got the 5 pack for about 6 bucks, inexpensive enough to take a chance: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3256802248096951.html?spm=a2g0o.order_li...
And this is how it fits. Hope this helps.
(BTW the post you quoted above had been posted before I found out and bought these metal clips).
Some favorite LED's: Nichia 219b 4500k, Getian GT-FC40 4500k, Luminus SBT90.2, Chinese LEDs in Budget 20000+lm Lights SFH/SFN
Helpful & extremely fun accessories: Texas Ace Lumen Tube - Opple Meter
4 lights I'd buy were I to start again: Here (IMHO)
It looks really awesome. I’ll have to order separately now. Maybe with a lighted switch as well! Thanks.
There’s no replacement for displacement.
Just received the S21D with 519a and 10 degree optic. Although I do like the light, the 10 degree part is misleading. I was expecting some hot spot but instead the light spreads more like 180 degrees. I can only imagine how the 60 degree is. Anyone else have this observation?
I don’t agree. The raised button is excellent, with it I quickly feel without looking where the button is and it keeps my thumb on the button.
Actually “do NOT like” is not accurate; I hate it
. For me, the sharper feel of the edge contradicts the smooth feel of the rest of the light and the raised ring also makes activation more difficult and not as smooth. But of course that’s personal preference, no right or wrong.
Do you have D4V2 with the regular, non-raised, button ring? It is actually also raised (just not as much) so for me, does both of what you mentioned without being as “annoying”. Just want potential buyers to think about it; the raised ring is much more excessive than any other light I have. Again personal preference YMMV.
Some favorite LED's: Nichia 219b 4500k, Getian GT-FC40 4500k, Luminus SBT90.2, Chinese LEDs in Budget 20000+lm Lights SFH/SFN
Helpful & extremely fun accessories: Texas Ace Lumen Tube - Opple Meter
4 lights I'd buy were I to start again: Here (IMHO)
Since I have nothing better to do today, I did some comparison probably enjoyed only by hard core Nichia people, people like Jon Slider
.
This is a comparison of the beams of some other Nichia 219b 4500k lights I have. The secret “gem” is Convoy H2 Headlamp, a light that I have not had time to post my impression on. Also shown is my beloved Reylight Pineapple Copper with its beautiful uncoated aged copper patina, with “naked” beam undisguised because a smooth reflector is used.
The effect of reflectors on beam quality is nothing new, still rather remarkable in this example. Note the look of Reylight beam with a yellow corona, and how an orange peel reflector or TIR optic partially covers up the tint shift “blemish”.
Some favorite LED's: Nichia 219b 4500k, Getian GT-FC40 4500k, Luminus SBT90.2, Chinese LEDs in Budget 20000+lm Lights SFH/SFN
Helpful & extremely fun accessories: Texas Ace Lumen Tube - Opple Meter
4 lights I'd buy were I to start again: Here (IMHO)
All very pretty. I really like the Emisar host, but LOVE the Reylight Pineapple Copper (check out the aged copper finish).
I have two Convoy H2 headlamps: Nichia 219b 3500k and 219b 4500k. Long story short: beautiful beam, USB-C charging, just buy it. In my wildest dream I could not have fantasized lol 219b sw45k in a headlamp. I have many other headlamps (Fenix, Sofirn, Coast, etc.) and these two Convoys have far and away the most pleasant/attractive beam and of course the highest possible 9080 CRI.
Buy before stock runs out
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3256803395084090.html?spm=a2g0o.productl...
Some favorite LED's: Nichia 219b 4500k, Getian GT-FC40 4500k, Luminus SBT90.2, Chinese LEDs in Budget 20000+lm Lights SFH/SFN
Helpful & extremely fun accessories: Texas Ace Lumen Tube - Opple Meter
4 lights I'd buy were I to start again: Here (IMHO)
I’m very tempted to buy the H2 but I shouldnt lol
That was the last straw for me – I bought 2
LOL, I love it!!
I would’ve jumped on these if I didn’t just pick up another Zebra T_T
I’ve seen reviews saying the bezel on the H2 creates a weird beam, I don’t see it in your pic however.
Did you noticed anything?
This review https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMd8lqowzw4? Yes there is a faint outer ring at the periphery, possibly from the bezel but I’m not sure. On white wall you see it as a faint outline, in real life use it’s not as easily noticeable (I’ll take a picture later to show this). My camera was set with exposure for the brighter hotspot, that’s why you don’t see it.
Hot spot and spill, the central field of vision, are pure as expected in my Nichia H2, unlike the H2 in that review, which has Cree LED and what seems to be in world of green hell.
Some favorite LED's: Nichia 219b 4500k, Getian GT-FC40 4500k, Luminus SBT90.2, Chinese LEDs in Budget 20000+lm Lights SFH/SFN
Helpful & extremely fun accessories: Texas Ace Lumen Tube - Opple Meter
4 lights I'd buy were I to start again: Here (IMHO)
Which 10 degree optic did you get? Clear or frosted?
I just got a package of
10 degree bead (I now realize this means frosted right?)
10 degree flat
30 degree bead lens from Simon.
My current S21D light has stock 60 degree so I could take some beamshot picture comparison when I have time. I accumulate too many things to do for these Nichia lights. Love hurts.
Some favorite LED's: Nichia 219b 4500k, Getian GT-FC40 4500k, Luminus SBT90.2, Chinese LEDs in Budget 20000+lm Lights SFH/SFN
Helpful & extremely fun accessories: Texas Ace Lumen Tube - Opple Meter
4 lights I'd buy were I to start again: Here (IMHO)
Guys just think which other vendor would be dedicated enough to the hobby to put Nichia 219b in a headlamp? It’s nuts, unprecedented, and unlikely to be repeated.
The warm beam color just flat out KILLS my other top headlamps: Sofirn D25L, $$$ Fenix HM65R-T, Coast XPH30R. BTW like nearly all Convoy lamps they run hot and hence remain top-class with respect to prolonged brightness. And at 20 bucks with the present coupon, how could we lose?
Some favorite LED's: Nichia 219b 4500k, Getian GT-FC40 4500k, Luminus SBT90.2, Chinese LEDs in Budget 20000+lm Lights SFH/SFN
Helpful & extremely fun accessories: Texas Ace Lumen Tube - Opple Meter
4 lights I'd buy were I to start again: Here (IMHO)
Recently I used Yajiamei 10 degree (in different host) and it looks like this:
Details are in this post
Looking forward to your tests with the other TIR optics, cannga. I just ordered the light and the optics pack and will be sorely disappointed if the optics don't perform well.
You won’t be disappointed. My S21D with 60° likely has the brightest and most useful beam on the market for a quad 219b light, at least vs D4V2 (which I still love for other reasons). The other optics are just flavors for us hobbyists to tune the light to personal preference and above all, have fun.
I’m sure you already know but 219b lights are not born to be world-class bright thrower. Even the “best” of these quad-LED lights, which IMHO the S21D is, is still only a borderline walk light, and most definitely not a “safety” light wrt brightness and throw. They are simply lights of unique and beautiful color/tint that is simply unmatched, even after all these years, most useful for use around the house etc.
Some favorite LED's: Nichia 219b 4500k, Getian GT-FC40 4500k, Luminus SBT90.2, Chinese LEDs in Budget 20000+lm Lights SFH/SFN
Helpful & extremely fun accessories: Texas Ace Lumen Tube - Opple Meter
4 lights I'd buy were I to start again: Here (IMHO)
I have D4v2s with XPL HIs under 10622, and 219bs and E21As under 10623, so I definitely have higher than average expectations, or should I say hope, for beam quality with TIRs. I ordered my S21D with 4500K 519As. I'm just hoping there won't be bright or dark rings and/or many artifacts in the beams with these Convoy TIRs, and that the differences in beam angles and flat vs beaded are obvious.
(but I dont have your light, those are Lumintop AAA Tools w 219b LEDs)
imo, here is an example of how NOT to compare beams:
.
and how I think that beamshot looks better:
.
Thanks, Jon.
BTW Jon is showing orange peel reflector vs TIR, what we will be comparing are TIR optics, frosted vs clear.
For the D4V2 TIR optic that we have (10623 frosted vs 10622 clear), I’ve found frosted optic makes beam more homogenous/beautiful (see pic below), but it cuts brightness at the hotspot by more than half as measured with my Opple.
Below are comparison shots when frosted optic (10623) in E21a is replaced by clear (10622). You could very clearly see how that yellow ring is disguised by the frosted optic. E21a with frosted is nearly identical to 219b like magic. The fun we have with these lights are endless :-).
Some favorite LED's: Nichia 219b 4500k, Getian GT-FC40 4500k, Luminus SBT90.2, Chinese LEDs in Budget 20000+lm Lights SFH/SFN
Helpful & extremely fun accessories: Texas Ace Lumen Tube - Opple Meter
4 lights I'd buy were I to start again: Here (IMHO)
I agree also with your observation that frosted optics are less bright than clear optics
also true for wide angle optics, they are less bright on target, than narrow angle optics
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