I thought I’d write a quick review as I just got this diffuser from FastTech.
First impressions:
+ nice smooth diffusion, turns beam into full flood with no hotspot
- good value for price paid (5.56 USD)
- rubber is soft, making diffuser easy to fit and remove
- has a handy lanyard attachment hole
- diffuser lens is not glass, as described on packaging
- noticeable loss of lumens
- has a faint rubbery smell (not really noticeable unless up very close)
- rubber attracts “bits” very quickly
I really like this diffuser. It’s like having a whole new light. I’ve always found the EA4W far too bright for indoor use, unless using it pointed at the ceiling. The diffuser transforms the light into a more friendly beam for indoor use.
On the back of the packaging, it says “toughened ultra-clear glass lens”. I think if I had saw this in a shop and bought it partly on this basis I might have been unhappy. Since I bought it online I did not expect a glass lens. It does make me wonder how a glass lens would perform in comparison.
Lens pops out:
The two retaining lips can be seen:
Fitted to light:
Now, some beam shots.
Sipik SK-68 clone, beam shot for comparison:
EA4W, turbo mode, no diffuser:
EA4W, turbo mode, with diffuser:
Lastly, a note about sheath and storage. Whilst the flap of the sheath that came with the EA4W is thick and padded, it only provides protection to the lens if you store the light in upright position. With the diffuser fitted the light will only fit into the sheath upright.
A snug fit:
Here you can see, with some force the light can be pushed sideways, exposing the edge to possible knocks and scrapes:
If you are really concerned about possible damage whilst in sheath, the filter provides additional protection: