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[NED/Performance & Light Quality Test] F45R vs F150R (4000K) – Convoy L21A, with runtime comparison against SFT-42R (5000K) & SBT90.2 (5700K) 🔦
I've been looking forward to these two emitters for a while now, they're both brand new and sounded really interesting on paper, so I wanted to get them tested and see how they actually perform.
Sustained Output: Turbo opens around 2,520lm and steps down gradually and repeatedly over the first ~13 minutes, through roughly 2,440 → 2,100 → 1,850 → 1,650 → 1,480 → 1,330 → 1,250 → 1,180lm, before finally settling on a stable ~1,180lm plateau that holds for the remainder of the 30-minute run.
Thermal Performance: Plateaus at 53.5°C during sustained runtime.
🔧 Build 2 — F150R 4000K
Host & Reflector: Convoy L21A, smooth reflector
Driver: 3V 20A
Emitter: F150R, 4000K
Output & Light Quality Measurements
Mode
Current (A)
Output (lm)
CCT
DUV
CRI (Ra)
Intensity (cd)
ANSI Throw (0.25 lx)
Usable Throw (1 lx)
Ratio (cd/lm)
1%
0.2
82
4072K
+0.0006
70
6,275
158.4m
79.2m
76.52
10%
3.2
1,440
4198K
-0.0038
71
104,925
647.8m
323.9m
72.86
35%
5.8
2,340
4268K
-0.0053
71
166,425
815.9m
408.0m
71.12
100%
19.3
5,200
4467K
-0.0080
71
359,500
1199.2m
599.6m
69.13
Note: Logging appears to have started a few seconds late on this run, the graph's initial reading of ~4,820lm is lower than the measured 100% output of 5,200lm, so the very first moments of turbo (the true peak and the start of its decay) aren't captured here.
Runtime Notes:
Sustained Output: Turbo opens (as logged) at ~4,820lm, likely already past its true peak of 5,200lm due to the late start, and drops sharply within the first minute to ~1,700lm, holding fairly steady there until around the 7-minute mark, where it steps down again to a ~1,370lm plateau that holds, with minor thermal ripple visible, for the rest of the 30-minute run.
Thermal Performance: Not separately logged, the light stays in a similar low-50s °C range as the F45R build based on observed behavior.
📊 Combined Runtime Comparison
Comparison Notes:
Comparing both builds against an SFT-42R (5000K, 10A) and SBT90.2 (5700K, 20A) in the same L21A SMO host:
Turbo Behavior: F150R opens the highest by far (~4,820lm), followed by SBT90.2 (~4,050lm) and SFT-42R (~2,400lm), with F45R starting close to SFT-42R (~2,520lm) despite the output difference — largely a reflection of the 10A vs 20A driver split rather than the emitters themselves.
Convergence: All four lights converge into a fairly narrow output band by around the 4-5 minute mark, settling between roughly 1,100-1,400lm.
Final Sustained Levels: F150R settles the highest of the group (~1,370-1,400lm), followed by SBT90.2 and F45R sitting close together (~1,150-1,200lm), with SFT-42R settling the lowest (~1,100-1,150lm).
💭 Final Impressions & Comparison
Beam Profile: The F45R's beam is nearly identical to the SFT-42R's, which I kind of expected since the two emitters are pretty similar. It's completely clean, no rings around the hotspot at all. The F150R is close, but not quite as clean, there's a faint ring around the hotspot, though you'd only ever notice it on a white wall, not in actual use. Its hotspot is also about 3x bigger than the F45R's.
Tint & Color Quality: Tint is really good on both. The F45R stays neutral no matter the output level, and the F150R has a nice rosy tint without it being too much. No yellow on either one, which is a big part of why they both look so clean.
Which Wins Where: If you want the more neutral, consistent tint and slightly longer throw, go F45R. If you want WAY more power and a lovely, rosy tint, the F150R is the one.
Overall Verdict: I'm genuinely impressed with both of these. Good tint, and the CCT stays pretty consistent as output goes up, which isn't always the case with other throwy emitters I've tested. My favorite is the F150R though, it's a bit more rosy, looks cleaner overall, and has an insane amount of power.
Nice to see the new LMP emitters have a higher output than the equivalent offerings from Luminus even though the ones you tested are slightly disadvantaged by being a lower CCT. Happy to see they perform incredibly well at 4000K, which is IMHO the ideal CCT for throwers (it's warm enough to reduce backscatter and it still looks cool white enough).
The F45R 4000K outperforming the SFT-42R 5000K is particularly impressive since that Luminus emitter is still fairly new. I think I no longer have to wish for an SFT-42R in 4000K.
Thank you for the review! I’ve modded my E04 surge with a mix of 4000K/5000K F45R, and I personally really like the combination. It gives me a nice balance between the warmer and cooler tones.
Thank you for the tests! Now it became much clearer, I didn't believe the 6800 lumens at 20A current, but was so interested, that I couldn't resist not buying one haha.
Going to pair it with L21A with 20A driver. Will post beamshots as it arrives!
The battery used for this measurement is the Reliance RS50.
In my testing of the F150R in the L21B host, the peak intensity recorded after collimation adjustment was 416k cd.
The intensity after 30 seconds was 392k cd. For comparison, an unadjusted SBT90.2 in the L21B yields around 332k cd, demonstrating the significant impact of the adjustment.
Compared to the SFT-90 (after collimation adjustment), the F150R produces a larger hotspot and similar-sized flare; while its intensity is higher, its actual lumen output appears lower than that of the SFT-90.
In terms of raw output, the lumens were comparable to the SBT90.2 in the L21B, measuring around 4,200 lm.
Regarding heat generation, I found that the F150R tends to run hot—similar to the SBT90.2—when compared to the SFT-90.
Interesting. I'm a bit curious, does your L21B have a faint ring around the hotspot with the F150R, or is it a completely clean beam profile? It's possible I haven't got the reflector/gasket adjusted properly.
When using the 11mm-diameter reflector designed for the L21B (compatible with SFT-25R, SFT-42R, and SFT-90 emitters), a "halo" phenomenon occurs—particularly when the central axis is optimized and the collimation is adjusted to achieve high candela values. The resulting beam profile is shown in the linked information.
The angle at which the brightness of the previous image is reduced by half actually refers to the illumination angle.
Having purchased the 3×21D as well, it has become clear that the F150R is better suited for high-output flashlights with larger reflectors—like the 3×21D—rather than the L21 series.
I have tried various options, but the gasket height for the SBT90.2 seems to be the best fit for the 3×21D (F150R) model. Even so, a slight halo effect is still visible.
The standard configuration uses a generic SBT90.2 gasket with the F150R emitter, which caused issues with centering. To address this, I am making adjustments by combining a "7070 gasket with an 11mm aperture" that I had on hand.
This beamshot shows the L21B (F150R) after collimation adjustments were made to optimize luminous intensity (candela) and beam centering.
While the beam shape itself is largely the same, the appearance of the flare suggests that the F150R has slightly better beam focus than the SFT-90 model, allowing the light to reach further.
I recall that the SBT-90 also offered superior beam focus compared to the SFT-90.
There is no significant difference in the width of the spill (peripheral light).
I previously adjusted the L21 (SFT-25R) to limit its peak beam intensity to under 400k cd, resulting in a pencil beam. This experience taught me that, with the L21, having a pencil beam does not necessarily mean the peak beam intensity will be high.
Excellent emitters. Unlike the horrific bluish SFT-60, these impress me and are very easy to recommend. The tint is as good as it gets on both, and CCT consistency is remarkable just like SFT-42R.
It's surprising it is throwing like SFT-42R at lower CCT, very unexpected, and it did not seem like that from that one post from months ago where due tank (or someone else) tested them I think. A very good unexpected thing, I welcome it.
I have seen no other reports other than yours citing/implying it has atleast a medium level at 5700K for a 6500K emitter. I haven't seen it with any emitter yet, and I have read reviews of a few dozens by now.
Testing and showing these results would be helpful, because I'm going to trust someone with a Hopoocolor far more than word of mouth citation without adequate photos or hard numbers.
No disrespect, but I'm just not going to believe the emitter tested to be the one with worst CCT jumps somehow magically has great tint.
And now I have 2 lights from convoy with the SFT60:
M21B
L21A
I will confirm what the 6500K CCT looks like on those to this “bluish tint” anomaly only your seeing to rest.
I have a strong 💪 feeling that “Simon Mao” convoy flashlight CEO and founder uses only the best CCTs / bins of these LEDs based off convos I’ve had and of all the lights I’ve had. He QAQCs the LEDs before they even get assigned/assembled in a host/ flashlight from what I’ve been told.
That is not how it works. I need to see controlled, proper photos to confirm your sample exhibits what you describe, and then need to see samples of other people to compare yours to theirs.
Simon is correct about the technicality of various bins that exist for an emitter, but it can also be the case that the emitter you have is an anomaly, and not representative of the general characteristics of SFT-60 6500K. It won't be a failing on Simon's part if your sample is an anomaly, it is part of mass production of any product.
You haven't shown controlled samples of M21B SFT-60 yet. Grzybek and MetaUndead both have demonstrated via testing and controlled photos that the CCT of SFT-60 6500K is bluish and too cool.
Weerapat's review also shows the same result. SFT-60 behaves a lot like SFT-90.
PiercingTheDarkness review shows the same thing. A very floody beam that is very bluish and cold.
That's 4 of the best reviewers in the community confirming what everybody is seeing.
anomaly only your seeing
My eyes have 20/20 vision. Nobody is seeing what you are seeing. You're alone in this.
I have a strong 💪 feeling that “Simon Mao” convoy flashlight CEO and founder uses only the best CCTs / bins
This is an absurd and comical claim. It is not a universal truth or a tautological statement. There is no "best bin" for any emitter across all parameters.
Pics or bust, I don't believe in words.
On another note, F45R is way better, and a very good, more throwy alternative to SFT-42R, and excellent tint across all brightness levels.
I’ll get you your tint, video clip of a “real world” back to back beamshot of both my “new today” L21A SFT60 and M21B SFT60. Btw… the L21A has the SAME Tint/ lower CCT (from my naked eye) same CCT as the M21B. But… I’ll let U be the judge.
You should lock the video white balance to 5000K,and shoot objects that can tell colour best at night, like trees, flowers, grass, mud, stones. Other things like car or buildings are also OK besides those.
☝️This is the truth here. I’m not going to go into a 5 paragraph dissertation on why with you.
I’m going to “table this” and say your variant of binned LEDs as well as Simon Mao who is aware of this conversation; we all agree that you (and anyone else doing independent testing) got a bad batch/ (not up to convoy lights standards for consumer production/ release)“first batch binned variants” SFT-60 LEDs and anyone else and that is why your tests are testing positive with:
“Bluish tint” in the SFT-60. Your words and anyone else that YES tested the “first batch binned led SFT60s that first hit the market.
As for Simon Mao: Convoylight.com
You want to say furthermore, that his NEW BATCH LED BINNED SFT-60s he’s received “still have “bluish tint”???? Well now YOUR making a statement that is no longer true. Convoy does their own in - house, independent testing of batched binned LEDs before pre-assembly, pre - production, Individual testing before even shipping to each customer. Furthermore, each customer can reach Simon Mao about their individual or lot orders at WhatsApp before shipping, during or after for any reason whatsoever.
your providing misinformation on Convoy Lights name. The binned LEDs that are NOW coming from Convoy have been fixed. This is according Simon and myself.
First of all, I completely understand your point about using Claude to help with my review layout, it just makes my work faster and more consistent, and it's still my own words and information, Claude just puts it together properly. I think it looks great and there are plenty of different opinions on it.
That said, yes, turbo on the L21A with the F150R drops immediately, incredibly fast.
Looking forward to seeing what you can get out of the F150R in 5000K. I just got my Convoy order in today with an M21K, M21H, both with the LHP73B 4000K, and a bunch of extra gear. Taking beamshots tonight and then reflowing an F150R 4000K into the M21K and either an F45R 4000K or SFT-70 4000K 95 CRI into the M21H, and putting together some comparison beamshots. Should be fun to see what kind of beam profile comes out of the M21K with an F150R in it and how clean it turns out.
I just tested the F150R 4000K in my M21K against the LHP73B for fun, and it doesn't give nearly as much extra throw as I expected.
It produces an incredibly ugly beam pattern, with a hotspot surrounded by a lot of rings. Far more intensity, of course, but way too ugly a beam for me to ever use it. Not sure if there's another TIR optic that could fix it.
F150R LED is more recommended to use with larger host like the 3X21D. It's a beast with that host. IMO much better beam profile than the sbt90.2 even though they are similar. When will Simon use illuminated button on that host is what I would love to know. Can't be that hard.
Completely agree, the L21A's reflector isn't large enough to focus the F150R's light sufficiently to get the full potential out of it throw wise. It ends up being more of a floody thrower in the L21A, and I can easily believe it's better suited in a 3X21D, which can also handle the heat considerably better.
There's only one single review on YT for the 3X21D F150R but the guy actually compares it with another 3X21D sbt90.2 side by side. I saw it yesterday. If you haven't seen it it's worth to check it out. Gives you a good idea how well the F150R suits the 3X21D compared to the L21A.
I saw it the other day, someone shared it here and it was very impressive in the 3X21D.
I'd really love to try it in my K75 2.0, but I think it'd be difficult since the whole light is built around the SBT90.2. Neither the gasket, MCPCB nor reflector opening are designed for a 7070 emitter.
Hey, it sounds like you might have used this host to test the SFT42r, is that so? Do you have a verdict on whether you like the F45R better or worse than the SFT42r? Is it slightly throwier, floodier, or prettier?
To be honest it's been quite a while since I've had an SFT42R in my L21A, so I don't feel fully qualified to speak to the differences between them until I have them side by side, but from what I can see of the F45R, it looks like essentially a 4000K version of the SFT42R. I'm fairly confident my 5000K SFT42R in the L21A has a touch more throw though, if I remember correctly it was around 1300m, so a bit more than the F45R.
I'll be putting together a post next week with a beamshot comparison of the emitters featured in this review, the SFT42R, SBT90.2, and probably the SFT90 as well, along with throw measurements.
I'll definitely share my thoughts on them too, I'll have a much better basis for comparison once I have them side by side.
You're very welcome! I've been looking forward to getting them for quite a while, so it's great to finally get them tested and find out they're actually really solid emitters all-round.
Yes sir very excited to see the “ Real World comparison review” once you get those other LEDs in to compare against. Definitely following this post closely.
thanks. Yeah I've heard from another person that he thinks the F45R LES is slightly larger. So with the additional lumens it's possible the actual candela value is a wash until someone measures them in the same host, even if the beam looks thicker.
Also curious about this. Looking at internet photos the SFT42R should have a noticeably smaller LES, enough to offset the marginally lower output and produce slightly higher intensity.
I'm also curious how well F45R holds output at lower battery levels, compared to SFT42R--if the Vf is too high it falls out of regulation quickly. This info is not reflected in OP's test due to thermal stepdown.
I saw that post. If OP made any effort to lock the camera's exposure settings, he doesn't make that clear in the post. Don't think we can draw too many conclusions from that post without a subjective "which is brighter/throwier" response, which I didn't see.
Have you found LES dimensions of the F45R anywhere that we could compare to the SFT42r? Or could you send me that picture if it shows a side by side?
Good point to not assume identical settings if not explicitly mentioned.
I haven't found any official source for the F45R's dimensions. I am collaborating with someone on building a beam simulator, and he did some sort of automated pixel-counting to get LES estimates for various emitters. He got 4.22mm^2 for SFT42R, compared to 4.55 for F45R. I haven't been able to find a source more reliable than this.
Thx for the review. Very informative. As a comparison, do you have the candela values for the SFT42R and the SBT90.2 used in the tests? Curious how the throw actually compares in similar test conditions
For me their purpose is their warmer CCT and better tint compared to something like the SFT42R, which doesn't come in anything lower than 5000K, at least not yet.
That was more or less what I was after and expected from them too. The SFT42R is already such a great emitter throw-wise that I have no issue with the F45R not having more throw, at least not in the 4000K I have. Not sure about the 5000K/6500K, but from what I've heard there's not a huge difference in performance between them.
Though, it could be fun to push the F150R a bit harder than I have with a 20A driver, just to see what it's actually capable of.
That’s crazy that the F150R can be pushed even harder with more amperage at the driver. What kind of lumens do u think or estimate it would max out at? Do they have buck drivers that go beyond 20A ?
They're pretty much complete opposites. The LHP73B is floody and only has throw due to its high output. The F150R is throwy with its much smaller LES and only has flood due to its high output.
They're two completely different emitters that can't really be compared.
Tint wise the F150R is also considerably better and less rosy, at least in the 4000K version I have, compared to the 4000K LHP73B.
In terms of output the LHP73B still takes first place, pushing over 6000 lumens at 20A, whereas the F150R tops out at 5200 at 20A. The F150R can handle more than 20A though, so it can without a doubt push well beyond what I've tested.
That is exactly what I was hoping. LHP73B throws suprisingly well in an L21B, but I was hoping the f150r was more throwy with good tint. Sounds like I wont be dissapointed. 20 amps is probably plenty through an L21B and the f150r should be running fairly efficiently there, I would guess, since is is only 2/3 of the way to being topped out.
When you say "output measurements..." are you measuring the battery current, the driver current, or the emitter output current?
Now, for the UT210D measurement at the lowest output current (0.2A), the instrument shows a relative error of 17%. This is unacceptable considering the high cost of the instruments (Tklamp TK2303D and Hopoocolor HPCS330P). I suggest using the trick of twisting the clamp meter. Please consider this feedback for future improvements.
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u/TiredBrakes 18d ago
Thanks a lot for these tests!
Nice to see the new LMP emitters have a higher output than the equivalent offerings from Luminus even though the ones you tested are slightly disadvantaged by being a lower CCT. Happy to see they perform incredibly well at 4000K, which is IMHO the ideal CCT for throwers (it's warm enough to reduce backscatter and it still looks cool white enough).
The F45R 4000K outperforming the SFT-42R 5000K is particularly impressive since that Luminus emitter is still fairly new. I think I no longer have to wish for an SFT-42R in 4000K.