As the designer of the BLF LT1 series for Sofirn, this is a great review, but the LT1S was a venture attempt they tried on their own, but it has several design flaws i am aware of. Lack of run time for one, & heat issues on the battery compartment that degrade the battery life over time. (the same issue that the Zanflare T1 had with cell failures due to over heating from the LEDs) Our most recent LT1M mini 21700 was designed with campers & compactness in mind, while the original LT1 was designed for those who have no space limitations & preferred longer "all-night" run times. Our Sofirn LT1M Mini is the better solution over the LT1S for a more compact single 21700-powered lantern if you don't need the red LED. I have already designed a LT2-Deluz, that uses four 21700 cells, with red third-channel LED, and can run at 850 lumens for over 11 hours, ( and charge other devices like phones, etc. - DBSAR
I don’t think the blf lt1 is a very good camping light. I do 12 night off grid car camping across the south of England ( obviously with jackery power stations etc) . I prefer the LT1s. Lt1 is too heavy for its output. For the same weight as a lt1 you can carry a LT1s with 5 batteries which obviously destroys the LT1 in terms of run time 😂.
LT1 HELLED ME DURING THE TEXAS POWER OUTAGE Just got power back, the lt1 stayed bright all 4 days! THANK YOU FOR THE LONG LASTING BATTERY! BOUGHT 3 MORE big blt LT1 units
I can deal with the LT1S not being as bright, but the biggest downside for me is that there's no special candle mode like there is on the LT1. That's my favorite part about the LT1... Having a nice warm candle mode for camp or even around the house as ambient light is really calming. Thanks for the thoughtful review!
I wanted to try the LT1S because it has a powerful red light, I was hoping it would allow me to keep the window open and attract less bugs. I verified that it is true, I like those three levels of red light, I wish it had an even weaker fourth level (like moonlight) I liked the LT1S a lot, I also bought a second one a few days ago I always use it at 2700 K. Together with the Fenix CL23 and CL26R it is ready to light up my home in the event of a power failure. But I use the LT1S all days before sleeping, the Warm light relaxes me. Thanks for the video, I subscribed to your channel
@@cheule I come to know today that they made a new LT1S Pro version with Anduril and Nichia led. But the red led is now 660nm. Sorry for this because it will be a less bright dark red, I liked the previous red (probably 630 nm)
For me, the LT1s is almost perfect. I keep one in each vehicle for breakdowns (that bright red mode, which also has 1 hz strobe and SOS modes, is great for warning other drivers) in one of the padded hard cases Sofirn sells for these. It's just a great all-around light to keep in the back of my Jeep and my 4x4 pickup. All it really lacks for my purpose is a magnet. I'd love to see some enterprising person, or Sofirn themselves, offer a magnetic tailcap and/or one with a 1/4-20 tripod mount. Maybe both in one.
There may be a LT1S Pro coming, with nice emitters and Anduril. I think Sofirn is checking whether enough people would like this. There's a topic on BLF about it.
I've held off on buying this because I already have the LT1 and having 2 lanterns would just feel unnecessary to me (have been on a tear trying to reduce my collection 😂) but if they did a v2.0 with lower lows on the red I would be all over that. If they could also add the candle mode that would be sweet. I don't need the other blinkies from A2 but the candle mode is just wonderful
Candle mode is really cool. I have quite a few Anduril handhelds and I guess I can get candle on those if I want. I agree, it would have been nice on this lamp though.
Just got one! Had to run it though a couple change cycles to get it fully charged (so the last LED stopped flashing) but I think we're good now. The ramping is outstanding. This is my first Sofirn. After the 30 day Amazon return policy, not sure what recourse there will be. But on sale, the could be the best deal and one of the nicest wide area lights out there.
My dream UI would have lowers lows, smooth brightness ramping on the red channel, and mixing between all three channels-perhaps a set the white tint, then ramping between that and the red.
If they could pack 4-5 batteries in for longer run times I'd buy one immediately. For me, in a lantern, run time is what I'm looking for the most, past 1-1.5k lumens.
The batteries sofirn supplies are 3000mah for the 18650's unless you were jibbed by a reseller on the lt1 which are still kinda meh but high capacity low drain 18650's are usually 3500-3600 so nearly 3x run time with the lt1 if you supply your own. I love the anduril driver thing on it too, so easy to remember across other flashlights like astrolux etc. I like the battery indicator though on this compact version so no having guess or click click click if your a stickler for topping out recharging around 4v for longevity of batteries , although apparently they stuffed up on the pro version with bright blue indicators. I ordered this one as well on sale recently.
Hmmm. I ordered 3 more of the big version just went through a blackout here in texas... if the big ones last twice as longer still worth it.. but you got me kinda considering the smaller versions but may stick with the larger longer running versions.
Damn. When you said it didn't have Anduril, I was like "welp, dealbreaker." Then you showed its built in "shade" effect de-activating half the LEDS.... *sighs and unzips wallet*
Do you find the moonlight too bright? Every time I turn mine on I find myself wishing it would go lower. Also, when I turn on the directional mode, the emitters get brighter on the side that stays on, so I can't make it any dimmer using that. Love everything else about this little lantern, though!
I have just been reminded by a foreign friend to choose Sofirn LT1S better than Nitecore LR60, but it seems that the LR60 can use 2 21700 batteries compared to 1 21700 5000mah battery of Sofirn LT1S so which one is better? And please recommend the best battery charger for their 21700 battery.
It's perfect. The PRO is shit. I regret ordering one. It's pinkish or too white. Duhhhhh.... :( So I re-order two LT1S (not pro). Like yours. Perfect lamp for 50$.
All the bells and whistles in the world don't make up for a much shorter runtime, which is the single most important feature for a lantern that you'll be using in power outages and other emergencies. Four 18650s destroy a single 21700 for capacity. It's 14,400 mAh vs 5600mAh if you use the highest capacity cell for each format (3600 mAh and 5600 mAh respectively.) I also find it weird that anyone finds the LT1 to be too big. It's quite small compared to every other lantern I've ever owned.
As the designer of the BLF LT1 series for Sofirn, this is a great review, but the LT1S was a venture attempt they tried on their own, but it has several design flaws i am aware of. Lack of run time for one, & heat issues on the battery compartment that degrade the battery life over time. (the same issue that the Zanflare T1 had with cell failures due to over heating from the LEDs) Our most recent LT1M mini 21700 was designed with campers & compactness in mind, while the original LT1 was designed for those who have no space limitations & preferred longer "all-night" run times. Our Sofirn LT1M Mini is the better solution over the LT1S for a more compact single 21700-powered lantern if you don't need the red LED. I have already designed a LT2-Deluz, that uses four 21700 cells, with red third-channel LED, and can run at 850 lumens for over 11 hours, ( and charge other devices like phones, etc. - DBSAR
Thanks for your expertise!
I don’t think the blf lt1 is a very good camping light. I do 12 night off grid car camping across the south of England ( obviously with jackery power stations etc) . I prefer the LT1s. Lt1 is too heavy for its output. For the same weight as a lt1 you can carry a LT1s with 5 batteries which obviously destroys the LT1 in terms of run time 😂.
LT1 HELLED ME DURING THE TEXAS POWER OUTAGE Just got power back, the lt1 stayed bright all 4 days! THANK YOU FOR THE LONG LASTING BATTERY! BOUGHT 3 MORE big blt LT1 units
DBSAR i emailed you for design inquiry, hopefully it gets to you. Cheule thank you for the review.
Well, these comments are akward...When do you think they will release the LT2? 2024?
I can deal with the LT1S not being as bright, but the biggest downside for me is that there's no special candle mode like there is on the LT1. That's my favorite part about the LT1... Having a nice warm candle mode for camp or even around the house as ambient light is really calming. Thanks for the thoughtful review!
These critique is totally valid.
Candle light mode is nice. God bless. Jesus loves you!
My wallet disapproves of this channel lol . But I absolutely love it. Thank you for the great review! ill be picking one of these up very soon!
I wanted to try the LT1S because it has a powerful red light, I was hoping it would allow me to keep the window open and attract less bugs.
I verified that it is true, I like those three levels of red light, I wish it had an even weaker fourth level (like moonlight)
I liked the LT1S a lot, I also bought a second one a few days ago I always use it at 2700 K.
Together with the Fenix CL23 and CL26R it is ready to light up my home in the event of a power failure.
But I use the LT1S all days before sleeping, the Warm light relaxes me.
Thanks for the video, I subscribed to your channel
Good info!
@@cheule I come to know today that they made a new LT1S Pro version with Anduril and Nichia led.
But the red led is now 660nm.
Sorry for this because it will be a less bright dark red, I liked the previous red (probably 630 nm)
For me, the LT1s is almost perfect. I keep one in each vehicle for breakdowns (that bright red mode, which also has 1 hz strobe and SOS modes, is great for warning other drivers) in one of the padded hard cases Sofirn sells for these. It's just a great all-around light to keep in the back of my Jeep and my 4x4 pickup. All it really lacks for my purpose is a magnet. I'd love to see some enterprising person, or Sofirn themselves, offer a magnetic tailcap and/or one with a 1/4-20 tripod mount. Maybe both in one.
There may be a LT1S Pro coming, with nice emitters and Anduril. I think Sofirn is checking whether enough people would like this. There's a topic on BLF about it.
I'd like one with FOUR 217000 Batteries in the bigger configuration for home use.
I very much agree with this. The runtime of the LT1 is pretty amazing already, but imagine how long you'd be able to run it with 4x21700..
Just ordered this. Great deal with discount and the coupon, impossible to pass up. Thank you!
Nobody wants Anduril. Flashlight nerds _think_ they need 1,000 different mode groups and sub menus, but they don't.
I tend to agree. But there are sure enough Anduril fanboys that I can’t ignore the UI.
I've held off on buying this because I already have the LT1 and having 2 lanterns would just feel unnecessary to me (have been on a tear trying to reduce my collection 😂) but if they did a v2.0 with lower lows on the red I would be all over that. If they could also add the candle mode that would be sweet. I don't need the other blinkies from A2 but the candle mode is just wonderful
Candle mode is really cool. I have quite a few Anduril handhelds and I guess I can get candle on those if I want. I agree, it would have been nice on this lamp though.
Just got one! Had to run it though a couple change cycles to get it fully charged (so the last LED stopped flashing) but I think we're good now. The ramping is outstanding. This is my first Sofirn. After the 30 day Amazon return policy, not sure what recourse there will be. But on sale, the could be the best deal and one of the nicest wide area lights out there.
Great LANTERN but the REDLEDs are to Bright and the base could use a small tripod mount to get it up off the table .
💯
My dream UI would have lowers lows, smooth brightness ramping on the red channel, and mixing between all three channels-perhaps a set the white tint, then ramping between that and the red.
Hank/Emisar/Noctigon needs to make a lantern. I'm sure he could manage all that.
This sounds amazing. I’d buy one.
If they could pack 4-5 batteries in for longer run times I'd buy one immediately. For me, in a lantern, run time is what I'm looking for the most, past 1-1.5k lumens.
It can also be used plugged in without a battery in it.
Great point!
Great video, super useful info about the tint duv and mixing.. thanks!
Glad you enjoyed it!
The batteries sofirn supplies are 3000mah for the 18650's unless you were jibbed by a reseller on the lt1 which are still kinda meh but high capacity low drain 18650's are usually 3500-3600 so nearly 3x run time with the lt1 if you supply your own. I love the anduril driver thing on it too, so easy to remember across other flashlights like astrolux etc. I like the battery indicator though on this compact version so no having guess or click click click if your a stickler for topping out recharging around 4v for longevity of batteries , although apparently they stuffed up on the pro version with bright blue indicators. I ordered this one as well on sale recently.
Click 4 times when on, and will switch to ramping UI.
Yes, I neglected to mention it, but I also kind of like it stepped, so that I know what kind of runtime to expect.
@@cheule me too, just thought I’d mention it for those who might like that feature.
Неймовірний світильник, зараз ще й з'явилися різні кольори корпусу. Дякую за відео
I got the LT1S because i needed red light, but its really let down by the battery life, only being able to hold 1x 21700.
The red is especially inefficient. But the main light will get 4 hours on high, longer if a mid ramp is used.
Just bought an SP36. I don't need another big light... do I? They're completely different use cases, so it makes sense that I do need it..
Sold!
I need to stop watching your videos. My wallet hates me.
Hmmm. I ordered 3 more of the big version just went through a blackout here in texas... if the big ones last twice as longer still worth it.. but you got me kinda considering the smaller versions but may stick with the larger longer running versions.
Damn. When you said it didn't have Anduril, I was like "welp, dealbreaker." Then you showed its built in "shade" effect de-activating half the LEDS....
*sighs and unzips wallet*
Haha so true.
Do you find the moonlight too bright? Every time I turn mine on I find myself wishing it would go lower. Also, when I turn on the directional mode, the emitters get brighter on the side that stays on, so I can't make it any dimmer using that. Love everything else about this little lantern, though!
I absolutely do. Especially the low red which is like 5x brighter than I want.
I have just been reminded by a foreign friend to choose Sofirn LT1S better than Nitecore LR60, but it seems that the LR60 can use 2 21700 batteries compared to 1 21700 5000mah battery of Sofirn LT1S so which one is better? And please recommend the best battery charger for their 21700 battery.
Kinda wish it had a remote…and for $90 retail it should.
r9 of 92.6 is crazy, isn't it?
I thought Fenix CL26R is the standard lantern (except usb, not type C)..
Here I go.. spending money again. Thaaaaaanks Cheule 😒
Lol on a serious note, what CRI we're these rating? Specifically r9 values.
I showed the CRI value on camera mid ramp! It was 92.6 r9! With a CRI of 97.4!
@@cheule you're totally right! I'm blind 🤦😅
Lol thank you for entertaining me and providing the stats 💪
Couldn't agree more
I don't get it. Any flashlight is a lantern if you just have a simple (and likely free) diffuser
Lanterns have emitters facing outwards horizontally. They throw better light on your campsite than a “ceiling bounce” diffuser can.
It's perfect. The PRO is shit. I regret ordering one. It's pinkish or too white. Duhhhhh.... :( So I re-order two LT1S (not pro). Like yours. Perfect lamp for 50$.
All the bells and whistles in the world don't make up for a much shorter runtime, which is the single most important feature for a lantern that you'll be using in power outages and other emergencies. Four 18650s destroy a single 21700 for capacity. It's 14,400 mAh vs 5600mAh if you use the highest capacity cell for each format (3600 mAh and 5600 mAh respectively.)
I also find it weird that anyone finds the LT1 to be too big. It's quite small compared to every other lantern I've ever owned.
This is why I went with the LT1 as well. The capacity and compared to lanterns you find in the camping aisle it's really quite small
I have lots of 18650 batteries…Would this work with an 18650 and an adapter sleeve?
It will!
What’s the runtime looking like??
Over 4 hour on high. 20+ on a mid ramp
Oh, well, I thought the rosy E07 SW45k you received will cover all my needs, but then I saw this.. thanks. :')
I think the Streamlights are better. Coming from a guy who had no power for 2 days.
maybe i missed it but does the lt1s have a power bank feature?
yes