Something for all you torch addicts...

I am looking for a torch mostly for light painting for photos as the X-Tar I currently have has a cold light which makes all my pictures blue.

So what I would like is a reasonably powerful, warm, single 18650 torch that can withstand the usual rigours of underground life. I'm mostly in Nenthead so not too bothered about being able to light up slate caverns but being able to adjust the focus to cope with the odd stope or two would be handy.

Any suggestions?

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There are a lot of very effective & not expensive torches from China. Quite a few are avaliable from UK stockists if you look around. (search for Cree or XP-L torches)
I have found that they are not water resistant, the switches pack up if they see any damp.
They also tell fibs about the power output, but we all know that.
Either buy cheap and treat as disposable or pay extra for Fenrix type lights.
I do not even include Petzl in the conversation!

Just fiddle about with the white balance settings on your camera, that will save you a few quid!

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The important thing is good value rather than cheap!
Better to spend more on a Fenix or the like and it work than having to buy several cheap torches that need to be replaced.

My biggest concern is the colour temperature, information that is obviously of little interest to the average user since I don't seem to be able to find it out, hence this query.

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My biggest concern is the colour temperature, information that is obviously of little interest to the average user since I don't seem to be able to find it out, hence this query.

If you find out the emmitter used in the torch then you can usually find the colour temp on the manufacturers web site.
For example Cree publish this for all their leds.

I've had the same Fenix TK11 for five years or more now. Its obviously not quite as bright as the modern versions but other than that I wouldn't change it for the world. Normally lives in my chest pocket so has spent plenty time underwater & getting generally banged around in all the usual Nent places.

Never noticed it particularly giving a blue tint to any of my pictures, just tend to find it very neutral. Have never really bothered trying to do arty stuff with it. Doesn't have the overly orange glow that some other lights do nowadays but each to there own. Used it with various cheapo Canon's and Nikons and the output always looks pretty much the same.

Vanoord tends to flog them off cheaply on here every now and then, one of the recent models he had up is absolutely top notch. No idea what.

The eBay stuff might be fine for large chunks of Wales & places like that but it doesn't really last long at Nent.

I've had a Zebralight H600W for a couple of years which I use as a backup light and for photos.

The "W" being the Neutral White version which I personally prefer for photos.

Not cheap compared to a general '****fire' off eBay but i've never had any issues with it.
Runs off a single 18650, no focusing though.

Single 18650?

Fenix PD35 Ultimate


Double 18650?

Fenix TK35 Ultimate


Both about 960 lumens, but a much wider spread from the TK35. But, it's a much bigger bit of kit.

Colour temp on the PD35 is on the whiter end of the scale, the TK35 is a bit more 'natural' which I don't generally like as much, but having used it underground for the first time last weekend, I rather like it.

Need to have a look at the photos in Photoshop and see what colour temperature the camera decided they were...

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Single 18650?

Fenix PD35 Ultimate


Double 18650?

Fenix TK35 Ultimate

Yep, agree. Hard to beat. :thumbup:

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Single 18650?
Fenix PD35 Ultimate

Double 18650?
Fenix TK35 Ultimate

Fenrix list both of these with an XM-L (U2) Emmitter
Cree rates these at "cool white" 5000k - 8300k depending on the driver conditions.
So the it seems that harder they are driven the whiter they get.

PD35UE uses XM-L2 (U2) emitter which is described some places as 'cool white', others as 'neutral white'.

TK35UE uses an MT-G2 emitter described as 'neutral white'.

I've had a comparison of both and stand by the TK35UE being a 'warmer' light than the PD35UE.

If my memory serves me correctly, it's also possible to get the same emitter with different colour temperatures - depends what the lamp-builder wants.

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Whenever you shoot underground take a test shot with something white or a neutral grey in the shot. Then you can click on it to set the true white balance when you edit your pictures if you use a program like Lightroom or Photoshop. If you use multiple light sources this only works if they're all of the same temperature.

If you can't be arsed with that then just turn the temp. up when you're editing.

I was looking at the PD35, presumably what is now called the 2014 edition used to be the Ultimate?

Any sellers people could recommend?

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Yes...

Me :smartass:

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Yes...

Me :smartass:

Price? Hugely undercutting all others of course :devil:

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Shall drop you a PM in the morning 🙂

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The TK35 has a much warmer light than my usual 5000-6000K builds. I'd put it around 3500K.

It's also highly recommended.

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Van's definitely the man.

Excellent price and delivery - I am now happily Fenixed ;D:thumbsup:

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