New to BLF, Convoy + high CRI request

clip1 · 2019-03-19T16:02:20.000Z

Hi all!

Figured I’d go ahead and make an account as I’m starting to struggle with the addiction. After repeatedly winding up here from Google searches and spending hours reading the great posts, it’s time to seek professional help.

I purchased several lights a few years ago:

-Solarforce L2P with the P60, MPP1 and M3 heads
-Sunwayman V11R neutral
-ArcMania MJP Extreme III

I was doing ok until I recently disassembled the V11R for regreasing a second time and had to start using the MJP for moonlight duty. After waffling on Zebralights (SC64c LE and the SC53Fc), somehow I came across the Convoy S2+.

So much for a budget light. I’ve now got the following in the mail:

-XPL HI, U6 4C, 7135x4
-XPL HI, U3 7A, 7135x4
-SST20, 4000k, 7135x4
-SST20, 4000k, 7135x3 (OP)
-SST20, 2700k, 7135x3
–219C, 4000k, 7135x3 (OP)

Plus a 219(B or C?) Lumintop Tool Ti for good measure, and some metal switches and extra OP reflectors for the Convoys.

My goal is to find my preferred tint/power combo for EDC with an emphasis on high CRI and ML mode. That’s the main reason for the neutral/warm low power choices. I’m also debating whether I should pick up one or more Moonlight Special drivers and a set of TIR lenses to try and diffuse the beam more.

I haven’t been able to find much on the SST20 vs 219C topic, besides the throw/flood difference and maybe something about the SST being slightly more efficient. Does anyone know of good side-by-side shots in the Convoys at lower (or any) levels? I’ll put up some pictures when they arrive, but the hard part is waiting and trying not to preemptively order more combinations.

cetary · 2019-03-19T22:22:14.000Z

I use TIR optics in most my new build lights. They’re more helpful on the XP-L emitter family then the SST-20 family. They tend to be very “ringy” exhibiting a color rainbow in reflector based optics, that color inconsistency fades with decent semi-frosted/faceted optics.

The CCT choices are quite spread out, and may lead to warped perceptions of various CCT’s, like starting at only the 2700K for 15 minutes and then switching the 4000K on, and it will look quite blue. That applies the other way around with staring at the 4000K or a uncalibrated smartphone/computer screen for a while, and the 2700K looks gold-ish. But it’s important to note, that they are all classified by science as “white light”. Our eyes automatically white balance all these sources as white, it just needs a little adaptation time.

That being said, my first Convoy had an ANSI white 7A tint! It was closer to 3400K in person, so more a neutral white. Some might say the 2700K-3300K range is too yellow, but remember that thing about white-balancing adaptations! I have worked with 3000K lights when working on my PC, and it was a very smooth experience. The light rendered all colors accurately with less discomfort from the reduced blue content reflecting back. It was a pleasant experience.

Yokiamy · 2019-03-19T22:30:48.000Z

If you search for sst20 test and 219c test on blf, you will find graphs and test results and find that they are very similar, the nichia might even be more efficient.
Personally, i prefer the Nichia.

cetary · 2019-03-19T22:43:20.000Z

The SST-20 tested with a significantly higher R9 then the 219C, not trying to bash that competent series of emitters.

koziy · 2019-03-20T03:20:12.000Z

I like some Convoy flashlights quite a lot. The C8+ is a really nice mini thrower that’s available with a rare (for a thrower) 4000 K Nichia emitter or a huge variety of other unusual LEDs for throwers. I think it’s fun to have a yellow spotlight.

The S2+ is a nice little utility light, especially for the price, but it fails as an EDC light for me personally because the pocket clips available for it are just really bad. You get to chose between one that pops off when you put the light in your pocket and another one that looks cheap and you have to keep re-bending to maintain tension.

I don’t think there’s anything wrong with buying flashlights just to try out and learn about, but the ZL SC64c LE would probably have saved you a lot of trouble if you’d gone straight to buying one of them. It seems to be what you’re after anyway, and ZL pocket clips are much better, imo.

clip1 · 2019-03-20T09:22:37.000Z

Typically I’ll throw one in my backpack or laptop bag, so while I bought a few clips for kicks, I don’t find myself using them that often.

Your advice on the ZL is just the kind of enabling talk I need at this point in my recovery. I’ve had a SC64c LE in my cart for a few days now along with an SC53Fc, but can’t make up my mind.

clip1 · 2019-03-20T12:19:22.000Z

AAANNND now a couple of SC64c LEs should be making their way to my door. These will be my first ZLs, I hope they’re as good as I’ve read about.