Fenix LR flashlight collection | Expert Review by Koen van der Jagt
Looking for a powerful and robust flashlight? Have you ever considered the Fenix LR collection? This quartet of amazing spotlights has at least one thing in common: a maximum output of 10000 lumens or even more. And yet they are all different, which makes the choice perhaps not the easiest. In this topic each model will be featured, supported by comparison photographs of both the lights and the light they produce. Why don't you join me?
The LR35R: the only one that fits in your (jacket)pocket
The Fenix LR35R is surprisingly small for a flashlight with so much power! Feels great in hand thanks to the flat body and can be stored in your (jacket)pocket. The one-button control is very effective and you can directly charge the batteries in the light via the USB-C port.
The LR40R: unique thanks to the double light profile
The Fenix LR40R is a compact light with, as a unique feature, you can choose between a narrow or broad beam, or both at the same time. As such you can choose from a narrow beam that reaches far or a broad beam that will illuminate a broad area up close. The two-button control works as you might expect and the LR40R has a practical power bank function!
The LR50R: practical light canon
This Fenix LR50R spotlight is also easy to use, but is clearly heavier and larger than the LR35R and the LR40R. The included shoulder strap ensures that you can easily take it with you without it becoming tiresome. Luminosity and range are impressive and the light is enhanced with a practical button with which you always have immediate access to the turbo mode. No power bank on the LR50R, but a built-in sensor that dims the light when you hit an object from too close. A great safety feature!
The LP80R: the superlative
This 'hulk' surpasses all before mentioned lights in all aspects: in terms of size, luminosity, reach and equipment. The handle of the Fenix LR80R provides enough comfort during transport and use. Is enhanced with four low and four high light modes and a quick switch to the highest light mode. Power bank and proximity sensor are standard on this spotlight which, in terms of range and output, rises above the rest of the Fenix family in terms of range and output.
In use; the beamshots!
For me the best, and often most surprising, part is testing the lights. That is when you can truly see what a light is capable of and how they differ from each other. I will take you to a gently sloping hay meadow that borders a forest.
The first comparison is while holding the camera close to the light. It namely enables you to clearly see the construction of the light profiles. With the LR35R we see a broad but still, far-reaching, beam; the LR40R has a combination of a very narrow and very broad beam, and the LR50R and the LR80R both have a broad beam that reaches very far.
Once again the lights with the camera located a little further behind the light This way you can see which light is broader or shines further.
To highlight once more what these light canons are capable of, I will show another comparison with the camera located a little further away and while holding the lights in hand. Here you can also clearly see that the LR35R and the LR40R light up the largest surface close by and that the LR50R clearly wins when it comes to reach. To indicate: the treetops I am aiming at are located at 300 metres away.
Conclusion:
Each light has its own specific qualities. The LR35R is an absolute miracle because it produces so much light but still fits inside your pocket. A nice and even beam that also has a lot of reach. With the LR40R you have two different light profiles which you can use separately or combined. Choose from a real 'wall of light' for up close or a narrow beam for far away. The LR50R has a powerful, broad and far reaching beam. These types of lights impress and remind me of the first time I used the TK75. The LR80R is a class of its own and by far the most powerful Fenix light I ever tried. The output and reach is massive! It is, however, not the most modest light to walk down the street with..
Koen van der Jagt
Ever since he could walk Koen has been interested in lights, wires and batteries. As a child he was always working with dyno torches, bike lights and electrical boxes. The krypton and halogen lights were replaced by LED lights. A couple of years ago he discovered the ‘professional’ stuff. His first brands were Led Lenser and Fenix. Photography is also one of his hobbies. In addition to nature and meteorology Koen loves to show others what a light can do and what its beam looks like at night. Koen’s reviews can often be found on forums such as candlepowerforums.com and taschenlampen-forum.de. Throughout the years Koen has collected lights in practically any category: from small and compact to enormous powerhouses.
