I’d like to solicit advice on the BLF Q8 vs. the Astrolux MF01 Mini. Some aspects of these lights that I don’t know.
Which has more throw (although they both seem pretty floody)?
Does a parallel multi-battery configuration like the BLF Q8 mean that you can use batteries that have lower continuous current capability? So, can I use four Panasonic NCR18650B instead of fancier 18650’s for the BLF Q8? I don’t have any 26650 lights, so the Astrolux would be my first and only one that uses that type of battery.
Any other advice you have about either light? Any other bright lights in the 5000 lumen range I should consider? I considered the fireflies E07 too, but I think it’s too small and doesn’t have enough metal to disperse heat.
Edit: Thanks all for the info and other things to consider.
I don’t own the MF01, so I can’t compare the two, but as to your second question, as long as it’s a button top or solder-blobbed 18650, you can use it in a Q8. If you have sensitive measuring equipment, you might be able to detect a slight drop in brightness, but you are correct, they are in parallel, so the current adds, and that’s unlikely.
The higher internal resistance of the lower current cells might generate more heat in the battery, and could reduce the lifetime of your 18650. But if you always run 4, even that seems unlikely to me. Never run it on just one Panasonic B, if at all possible. I would never run a Q8 on one 30Q unless my life depended on it.
I suspect the Q8 will dissipate heat a lot better than the MF01 just by virtue of it’s larger surface area. So, it likely has longer sustained output in high and turbo modes. And it has more battery capacity, so it should have longer runtime in general.
The MF01 will fit in more pockets, and Anduril does have some cool features.
The Q8 is my favorite flashlight that I never use.
I find it just too big and bulky for most uses.
If the power goes out, it would be my tail stander of choice. Way long run times on lower settings.
manithree is likely right about the heat dissipation and the Q8 holding turbo for longer.
All the Best,
Jeff
I am in agreement with Jeff51. My Q8 is my power outage light with diffuser. Maybe if I knew I needed extreme run times outdoors I would take it. I find the Sp36 more suited to carry.
q8 has a bit more throw due to deeper reflectors, but they are different lights really… one is bigger one is smaller almost u can have in your pocket or something. the mini is a fun light if u want to use that type of battery.
Make sure you read the thread about MF01 mini problems before purchase.
The Q8 is, at this point, an older design. It’s also pretty rock-solid and great for mods if you ever get into that. But, as mentioned, it is quite the chunky light, and not convenient to carry. For this reason, the slightly smaller Sofirn SP36 has become popular as well. The Q8 is also available with Anduril.
I love my q8 walks on the beach is great . Amd here in north Carolina hurricanes are always a threat . So i definitely use it . With it runs on 1to 4 batteries is a great feature. You cam always get a belt holder .
The BLF Q8 and Astrolux MF-01 Mini are two different lights although their output is similar.
The Q8 is a couple years older and based on the SRK/soda can form factor in a 4S 18650 configuration. It is a somewhat heavy and robust piece of a light that can pack up to 12-14Ah capacity for more then 40A continuous current. Beam is quite balanced with a satisfying throw nonetheless. Can run on 1, 2, 3 or 4 cells but you need to open up the light, take out the cells, use an appropriate charger to refuel, replace the cells as they should be and reassemble the light when you’re out of power. IU is Narsil which is a ramping UI precursor of Andùril.
The MF-01 Mini is noticeably smaller and lighter as it is a single 26650 format. Less heat handling capacity, less cell capacity/current thus less runtime and less throw. Yet it’s output is impressive and the onboard USB C charging capability, multicolored aux leds that double as a battery level indicator make it a very fun and remarkable easier to carry general purpose light not only aimed at the enthusiast audience.
Not sure what’s best for you. Hint: get one of each?
As mentioned above, the Sofirm SP36 is a nice evolution of the Q8. Thinner 3x18650 design with USB charging - which is just about right IMO.
Then there is the Fireflies ROT66 Gen II… or the Emisar D18…
After seeing the suggestion for the sofirn sp36, I’m actually now leaning towards that over the astrolux and BLF Q8. I like the battery flexibility a lot. I don’t have any fancy high current 18650. I think the 3 battery in parallel allows me to use 3 of my similar batteries together to hit the turbo current levels.
