I recently did a review on a budget priced mini zoomie (TactFire TS-1) using the light re-kindled my interest and fascination with zoomies, and made me more aware of how useful they can be, going from a wide even beam with no hotspot – to a long throw beam with less spill.
Earlier this year I found interest in the UniqueFire 1405, 1406, 1504 and more recently the Brynite B158, but hadn’t bought any of them. I have a few older ones: an SK68, a TrustFire Z8, an Aleto (Zeusfire clone), M-Flare Rebel 90 “The Beast” (7xLEDs) and recently a SurLight XML-2 (Supfire F5)
Although I’ve been interested in the larger ones I’m now exploring all sizes of zoomies and I’ve been looking into some of the more recent models of 18650 and 26650 pocket-able size models. I started this thread to discuss and learn about zooming lights that are good for all-around use, flood and throw, and create a list of popular and interesting models.
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Please relate your experience here (good or bad) with zooming lights, including any modding you have done. Feel free to post photos and links to any currently available lights, including any deals alerts, or any models you feel should be added to the list.
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The List:
I’ve compiled a list of significant, popular and new models that are currently available I’ll try to keep the list and links updated to serve as a reference for purchase options. Models that are no longer available will be noted as such or deleted from the list.
Updates: (2/6/18) I’ve updated the list in the OP and added over 20 newer models, deleted discontinued models and fixed any dead links to clean it up and bring it current.
Due to my interest in the UniqueFire 14xx 15xx series I’ve also added an extensive list of those in a separate section and included two other UniqueFire series.
Of course there are boat loads of low quality zoomies on the market, (G700, Atomic beam etc. etc.) However for the list here I’m mostly trying to include only better quality, popular or new models from trusted brands, plus any budget zoomies that are notable, interesting or a potential host. I’m only listing lights that can run on Li-ion rechargeable cells.
All links are Non-Aff.
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(Newly discovered models will be added at the bottom, above the UniqueFire section)
(Updated 2/6/18)
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SK-68 (various brands)
Unbranded XPE-Q5
Sky Wolf Eye16340
UltraFire UF-6880
UltraFire UF-10
UltraFire SK98
TANK007 TK737
On The Road i3
Convoy BD04 (Biscotti firmware!)
Palight MS600
Palight M900-S
Warsun X50
Brinyte B158
Odepro KL52 (B158 without gun mount or large “nubs”)
Sunwayman T25C
Fenix FD40
JAXMAN Z1
Added after 2/6/18:
UltraFire UF9
Coast HP1
Coast HX5
XTAR WK007 (XP-G3)
UltraFire UF-C11 (XP-G3)
UltraFire UF-C15
Supfire F3
Supfire F5
Supfire F11-T (1×26650)
Solarforce Y2
Brinyte B158B (Small nubs like Odepro KL52 but with XPL-HI)
Anker Bolder LC90
Sunwayman T25CC
Led Lenser MT10
Led Lenser MT14
Led Lenser MT18
Fenix FD30 (XP-L HI) 18650
Fenix FD40 (XPL-HI) 26650 (Discontinued by Fenix, still available on Amazon)
Fenix FD41 (XP-L HI) 18650
Fenix FD45 (XPL-HI) 4×14500 1.5v Li-ion “proprietary” USB cells (or 4AA/NiMh)
Fenix FD65 (3 x XHP35 HI) NW
UltraFire MAX01 (XHP50)
XANES 1401B (XHP50) (appears to be same as UltraFire MAX01)
BRETT 1401-B (XHP50) (appears to be same as UltraFire MAX01)
BRETT Z50 (XHP50) 5500K-5900K
JAXMAN Z1 (XHP50)
JAXMAN Z1 (XHP50/50.2) Shorty 2×26350
JAXMAN Z1 (XHP50) 5000K High CRI 90%
HaikeLite HT35 (XHP35 HD – CW 6500K)
HaikeLite HT35 (XHP35 HD – NW 5000K)
HaikeLite HT08 (NW 5000K)
Fitorch P30Z
Litesam E11 Z (Same as Fitorch P30Z but with diamond knurling, Litesam is Fitorch’s amazon exclusive line)
Wuben LT35 (XP-L2)
Wowtac A3S (XP-L HI)
ThorFire TA13
Sofirn SF30A
Unbranded Wide Flood (“Excellent Flood” Available in black or brown color)
UltraFire UF-1603 (Side Switch /XM-L2/5500K/USB charging)
UltraFire WF502F1 (502B)
XANES 1302 (Ramping UI/side switch/USB charging)
UniqueFire 1603 67mm lens XM-L2 side switch – USB charging
UniqueFire 1603 38mm lens XM-L2 side switch – USB charging
Alonefire G910
AloneFire TK105 (XP-L V6)
Warsun X80 (XHP50)
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UniqueFire
UniqueFire makes an extensive selection of zooming lights in many different sizes and configurations, in addition to white light LEDs there are also Red, Green and IR (Infrared) for use with night vision equipment.
There are many emitter choices for these such as XPG-XPE-XRE-XML-XPL-IR but I’ve linked only the XM-L2 versions; as this thread is intended to be more about all-around use flood and throw, rather than just for throw. The links below are all at Aliexpress which is a good source to find all of the models in the UniqueFire lineup. (Non-Aff links)
UniqueFire models:
UF-T20> 38mm lens XM-L2 1×18650
UF-1505 38mm lens XM-L2 1×18650 (C8 style)
UF-1407 38mm lens XM-L2 1×18650
UF-1502 38mm lens XM-L2 2×18650
UF-1503 50mm lens XM-L2 1×18650
UF-1406 50mm lens XM-L2 2×18650
UF-1504 67mm lens XM-L2 1×26650
UF-1405 67mm lens XM-L2 2×26650
UF-1508 Available in 4 lens sizes: 38mm/50mm/67mm/75mm (1x or 2×18650)
UF-1508 38mm lens XM-L2
UF-1508 50mm lens XM-L2
UF-1508 67mm lens XM-L2
UF-1508 75mm lens XM-L2
UF-1508 Kit Includes all 4 different size heads (comes with an IR emitter but a pill with XPL LED can be purchased separately)
XPL Pill for UF-1508 White, Green or Red
UF-1605 Available in 4 lens sizes: 38mm/50mm/67mm/75mm
This flashlight appears to be suited specifically for night hunting more than all-around use, it’s mostly sold with an IR or XPE LED, but for all-around use it may work with XM-L2 if you like this style. A kit with the flashlight and all 4 heads is also available, but I didn’t list it here.
Here’s a few examples of UF-1605 with white XML/XM-L2 emitter:
UF-1605-38 38mm lens XM-L2 1×18650
UF-1605-67 67mm lens XM-L 1×18650
UniqueFire 1603 Available in 3 lens sizes: 38mm/50mm/67mm
This appears to be UniqueFires latest model aspheric with side switch and built-in USB charging, I mostly could find these with IR or Red or Green emitters, a few Q5 and XRE white. https://www.aliexpress.com/af/uniquefire%25252d1603.html?SearchText=uniq...
Here’s 2 sizes with white XM-L2: (I also listed these 2 in the main list above)
UniqueFire 1603 67mm lens XM-L2 side switch – USB charging
UniqueFire 1603 38mm lens XM-L2 side switch – USB charging
I got the Brynite B158 in the GB with the XPL HI after the Cometa was a massive failure.
Not particularly happy with it, still wish the Cometa had been done right.
Latest is the On The Road i3
Looks like a little Olight
Zoomed out it has about the same output too
But then because of the zoom it is also possible to look further
I really like it.
It is done when it is done
How my BLF Specials generally work, please read before asking Qs
The Q8, Exciting a groupbuy for a Premium BLF special high lumens soda can light!
The GT, A BLF special GIGA thrower
The FW3A, a TLF BLF special small, elegant, powerful triple
Lithium Ion safety 101 important read
Sorry grammarlovers, I am a real King Typo.
How does the zoom function operate, push-pull or twist?
Same emitter but rated 300lm less than the M3, I wonder if that’s whats lost through the aspheric or if the driver supplies less amperage (in consideration of its compromised ability for heat dissipation) Looks like it would be easy to swap out the driver though.
I have to check on the led think xml2
It is sliding zoom via push pull and feels very smooth and sturdy.
Have not taken it apart but will do eventually
It is done when it is done
How my BLF Specials generally work, please read before asking Qs
The Q8, Exciting a groupbuy for a Premium BLF special high lumens soda can light!
The GT, A BLF special GIGA thrower
The FW3A, a TLF BLF special small, elegant, powerful triple
Lithium Ion safety 101 important read
Sorry grammarlovers, I am a real King Typo.
Found this in another thread about the i3, very interesting light…
I’d love to know what emitter and battery it’s using.
Liking this little UltraFire more now, just found out it has a magnetic tail (magnet ring around the switch)
http://www.gearbest.com/led-flashlights/pp_423439.html
Will measure it later
And oh yeah about recent zoomies
Got a Jaxman Z1 XML2 NW when it seemed the groupbuy for hosts would fall apart
Love it!
Love it so much I do not want to take it apart so ordered a host with extension tube for another led.
It is done when it is done
How my BLF Specials generally work, please read before asking Qs
The Q8, Exciting a groupbuy for a Premium BLF special high lumens soda can light!
The GT, A BLF special GIGA thrower
The FW3A, a TLF BLF special small, elegant, powerful triple
Lithium Ion safety 101 important read
Sorry grammarlovers, I am a real King Typo.
I’m really tempted to buy this UltraFire UF-10…anyone tried it?
If you can swap in the Cometa driver into your B158 you’ll be very happy (if the B158’s emitter sits on a DTP MCPCB).
I get 830 meters from my B158 and 737 meters from my modded Cometa (20 guage leads, spring bypasss).
Nitenumen TA02 Review
Starrylight DXM Review
Eagle Eye X5R Review
ThorFire S50 Review
Eagle Eye X5 Review
Fenix FD40 added to the list, seems like a nice option as well:
http://budgetlightforum.com/node/42376
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Looks kinda like a Nitecore EA11!
I got a cheapy little Coast hp1 for my dad. It’s the only cheapy zoomie I’ve seen that isn’t terrible to look at. When its zoomed out its got a decent beam pattern with no extra rings of light. It only zooms so far so you never see the shape of the led.
I’ve thought about finding a way to do a mod to resolve this so they don’t quite zoom in all the way.
Are there any that dont show that square pattern of the led?
I love BIG MACS!!
Lights that use a lens will show the square image of the die when focused, though as mentioned if defocused slightly the square turns into more of a circle. Lights that use a TIR type optic will look more like a reflector beam.
LED Lensers don’t project the LED as they have a more sophisticated optical system. I’ll try and post a review of the P7.2 in the next few days.
Recent Reviews: Light Flashlight Painting Buying Guide 2020 // LumeCube 2.0 // Lumintop FW1A // Light Painting Paradise Lightpainter // KDLITKER E6 // Sofirn SP31V2.0 // Convoy S2+
Affiliate links: Neal's Gadgets
Instagram: @stephenk_lightart
“#3 zoomie”
and
DealMetic ZeusRay
search here will find them
Doesnt led lenser= coast?
http://www.gearbest.com/led-flashlights/pp_360839.html?wid=21
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Here’s a review: http://budgetlightforum.com/node/47293
Yep, and if you saw or file off the bit described in the comments, it will allow you to get a fully wide flood.
Not for many years. The optics are slightly different, with at full zoom the Coasts having a bullseye hotspot (hotspot and spill) and LED Lensers having a hotspot with no spill.
Recent Reviews: Light Flashlight Painting Buying Guide 2020 // LumeCube 2.0 // Lumintop FW1A // Light Painting Paradise Lightpainter // KDLITKER E6 // Sofirn SP31V2.0 // Convoy S2+
Affiliate links: Neal's Gadgets
Instagram: @stephenk_lightart
I like mine, feels very solid and high quality. I’m planning on getting an empty pill and fitting a fet driver and dedomed spg2 with springs bypassed just for the hell of it and seeing how far it’ll throw.
Heard that set up is a bit of a monster, albeit with a narrow beam.
I will have an Ultrafire U-F10 here next week
Ordered the first day it arrived on Gearbest !
- George
My Reviews : KDlight C8 / ThruNite Archer 1A V3 / Thorfire C8s / ThruNite TN12 (2016) / Utorch UT01 / Utorch UT02 / Jetbeam WL-S2 (xp-l) / ThruNite TC12 V2 / Massdrop Brass AAA / Manker LAD / Lumintop SD26 / ThruNite Mini TN30 (3x xm-l2) / Qualilite D81 / Nitecore MH20GT / Odepro TM30 / Klarus XT30R / Nitecore NU20 CRI / Ultrafire XM-L2 / Foursevens Mini MK II / Manker E02 / Manker E14 II / Teekland Flashlights / Lumintop Elfin / Thorfire S70S / ThruNite Neutron 2C / Jaxman M8 / KDLITKER C8.2 / Zanflare F1 / Nitecore Concept 1 / Emisar D4 / Astrolux MF-01 / ThruNite TC10 V3 / Amutorch JM70 (xpl hi)
Haha, sounds about as useless as a laser without the cool lighting stuff on fire. And dull flood…
I think these lights with larger lens fitted with dedomed XPG2s are best as dedicated throwers. They have narrow beams, but when you are looking 300+m out, the beam is 10+m wide, wide enough IMO to be useful.
Better to fit them with de domed XP-L’s or even better with dd XM-L2 emitters cause they’ll have same performance as “new and improved” dd XP-G2 emitters and they have larger die which can be useful.
Please tell us it comes with solid pill!
@1theDeals
Answering previous queries about the LED Lensers … they do have the nice round hot spot with no spill but I’ve been disappointing with the step down and run time of every one I’ve had … I’d never buy one again.
Coast’s hot spots depends on the model, some of them have just the hot spot and some the hot spot and spill, if you have a look on Coast’s website they show which each torch has ….. scroll down the page a bit to the video and on the right hand side it shows the type of beam
https://coastportland.com/product/hp5r/
I’ve very recently bought the Coast HP5R which has the tight hot spot and no spill …. I haven’t tested run times that extensively but I have to say so far I’m very impressed with the torch although one of the batteries wouldn’t hold a charge and the retailer have immediately replaced ….
Whilst I wanted a small light torch the retailer said the HP7R for not much more money was an awful lot of torch but obviously slightly bigger.
Has anyone got either the Ultrafire UF 10 or the Palight M” 600 Palight the OP provided links to at the beginning if the thread and if so what do you think of them???
I’m guessing with both if you zoom right in you’d bet the square rather than a round hot spot ??
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