Fenix Lanterns

The Fenix CL30R measures 136mm high x 93mm in diameter, weighs 412-grams excluding batteries and is waterproof to IPX-7. It offers 5-brightness levels from its LED’s and the lantern is charged via a micro USB cable (supplied) or from any compatible source like a mobile phone charger. It can also be used as a power bank to charge other USB devices from its 7800mAh internal capacity. However, output is limited to 1.35 Amps so it will not charge the latest high capacity phones with fast charge feature. Fenix’s 2600mAh 18650 batteries (supplied) can be replaced with 3500mAh batteries for a greater run time of 6-hours at 650 Lumens. The unit features a last mode memory, a cold-resistant battery compartment and it floats. It has built-in charging and battery level indicators plus a tripod mount and hanging loop.

Power Levels and run times are; Eco-10 Lumens (300hrs), Low-50 Lumens (70hrs), Mid-100 Lumens (38hrs), High-350 Lumens (9hrs), Turbo-650 Lumens (4.5hrs) and Flash-100 Lumens (70hrs).

Middy

Next up measuring 85mm high x 55mm diameter and weighing 140-grams excluding batteries is the CL23. Built to IP66 weatherproofing standards it uses white and red LED’s to give multiple lighting options and impressive run times on alkaline or rechargeable AA batteries. It produces 300 Lumens, covering 360° to a distance of 20m, but also provides forward only illumination of 25 Lumens and downward only lighting of 2 or 25 Lumens. From one set of batteries and hung from a suitable position, the CL23 gives impressive downward lighting run times of 3.3-days at 25 Lumens and 14.5-days at 2 Lumens. It can also operate on 1, 2 or 3x AA batteries, has a white light memory mode, red LED light, plus red flashing modes. It has single switch operation, a hanging loop, keychain attachment, tripod socket and a 5-year Fenix warranty.

Power output and runtimes are; High-300 Lumens (7.5hrs), Med-150 Lumens (13hrs), Low 40 Lumens (45hrs), Front lighting-25 Lumens (80hrs). Bottom lighting-High 25 Lumens (80hrs), Low-2 Lumens (350hrs). Red-1 Lumen (150hrs) and Red Flashing 1 Lumen (300hrs)

Small

Last but not least measuring 50mm high x 72mm long x 41.5mm wide and weighing 91-grams, is the IP66 weather-rated Fenix CL20R. The built-in Li- Poly 1600mAh battery is recharged via a Micro USB cable (supplied) and has a rapid charge time of 1 hour 40 minutes. It’s fitted with 16x Neutral White LED’s for excellent colour rendering, thermal cooling and gives a perfect spread of anti-glare light. It offers 4x white light outputs plus 1x red and red flashing. Each brightness level is digitally regulated to maintain output. Maximum run time is 200-hours in low output mode or 100 in red light mode. Illuminated LED indicators behind the switch show remaining power and charging status. It has a flat magnetic base and hanging loop.

Power output and runtimes are; Turbo-300 Lumens (6hrs), High-130 Lumens (12hrs), Mid-40 Lumens (20hrs), Low-1 Lumen (200hrs), Red-1.5 Lumens (100hrs) and Red Flashing-1.5 Lumens.

Conclusions

Lanterns are more often associated with camping but when they’re as versatile and cleverly designed as the Fenix LED versions, they crossover ideally for hunting use. Whether that be packing up kit after an evening session or processing a bunch of bunnies after a successful hunt.