So I’ve been dying to get myself a smaller version of the LT1 since I got mine in December.
Don’t get me wrong, the LT1 is absolutely amazing, however when I’m packing lightweight for an overnight camping trip, it takes up too much space and weight.
So I went at it last night and looked at the ideas from DBSAR himself:
Looking through my inventory I found some canisters bought from eBay, and they were the perfect size.
Then I started experimenting while using some info that DBSAR had found out.
For example the mirror in the top reflecting down to increase light output and reduce glare.
First revision, added electrical tape to hide the ugly glue marks from gluing the container cap up in the container itself. The cap also acts as a first diffuser:
Kitchen testing, ~25% brightness @2700K. Looks great!
Living room testing, 100% brightness and lowered ISO on the camera to prevent overexposure.
It’s plenty bright, but it gets hot and ramps down in this state.
Designed and printed a cap and bottom for it, and glued them on. Here it is compared to the LT1.
The diffuser is tightly press-fit onto the top of the IF25, so no modification of the light required and it’s still water resistant.
The original lanyard makes it hangable in the tent, or outdoors in a tree. I didn’t want to hang it from the diffuser in case the press-fit wasn’t tight enough, but it’s plenty tight (for now).
Tint ramping!
I hope this is inspiring to others, and it is by no means a competitor to DBSAR’s project.
His final one will be miles better than this one with better LEDs, better looking finish, higher quality etc.
I’m still buying two of his LT1M whenever they’re available