Thanks to recently finding this forum, I guess I take some solance in knowing that I’m not alone in my frustration over the quality of readily available bulbs. Ideally, what I’m looking for is below.
Ideal Bulb
- BR30 / E26
- CCT of around 4000k to around 2000k, dim to warm
- Warms faster than it dims (Therefore, the bulb is initially brighter at warmer CCTs)
CRI 90+ High R9 through-out (most of) the CCT range
I’m not holding my breath that such a product exists, but I wonder if this is even technically possible?
So far, the closest I’ve found is the LTF SunLight2 Par30. CCT is 3000k to 1800k. To my eye, the color rendering is awesome through-out the CCT range. But, the CCT is not quite high enough and the PAR form factor is just too harsh as general lighting.
I’m aware that CCT of “Smart” bulbs can be tuned, and I’ve tried Hue (and various compatible brands), and Ketra (prior to the Lutron purchase, who subsequently disabled the open API and now requires Lutron controls.) I personally am not opposed to wireless tunable bulbs, but I have to think about other people in the household who don’t want the trouble of pairing bulbs to zones.
I’ve also tested Globe Electric DuoBrights. They check many of the boxes, but the color rendering of CCTs below 5000k is awful (not even tolerable.)
@uketonDa Did you ever find a solution? I’m looking for exactly what you’re talking about. I learned that there’s an LTF for 4000K down to 2200K, but I want flicker-free, and Ketra is just way too expensive.
I haven’t searched deeply in some time, but not optimistic there has been any improvement.
Using the Sunlight2 in a few locations: high ceilings, accenting wall textures, etc. If there is any flicker, I don’t notice it. Still recommend for its incredible warmth if you can tolerate the harshness of PAR30 (I don’t recommend for general down lighting)
RAB has decent warm-dim bulbs in various form factors, but not the ideal we’re looking for. I’m using their A19 filament in a few locations. TCP has (had?) a warm-dim that sucked for direct lighting, but wasn’t bad for indirect behind a shade or frosted glass. Using some Hues in a few locations were I want more control.
Most general lighting I’m using RAB ceiling wafers, dimable but they are single color set to 4000k. When mixed with lamps with RAB or TCP, can be a nice effect when the room is dimmed.
I would stay away from ketra. Not only expensive, but you’re rewarded with lutron lock-in & their ancient tech.
I can’t help much on bulbs, but welcome back to BLF for the pair of you; don’t think I’ve ever seen a thread like this- 3 year old thread bumped and replied to by the OP! Respect for having notifications turned on
I’m using the LTF Sunlight2 GU10 bulbs that dim from 3000k to 1800k. They are the absolute best. I use 3000k in the evening and dim down to 1800k before bed time. The CRI and R values are all 97-99!!! DUV is also slightly negative! Just perfect.
