LED Torches and Camping Lamps
The latest and best torches tested and reviewed by Fred-in-the-shed
Updated 10th May 2022
LED torch technology is racing ahead and I here at Fredshed I have been testing the best since 1999.
The latest developments are Chip on Board (COB) Led panels and super powerful mini torches with rechargeable batteries.
Prices have fallen as a result of technological improvements but many of the "bargain torches" are VERY low quality.
I will attempt to show you the best of the best and some acceptable quality alternatives.
On This Page
Hand Size and Zoomable LED Torches
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Best LED Torch Reviews Hand Size and Zoomable LED Torches Also Known as Tactical Torches Years ago my metal bodied Maglite was my favorite torch because it was solid, reliable and didn't fall apart just when you needed it like many plastic torches. The other attractive thing about the Maglite was its "geek appeal". It felt hi-tech and cutting edge. Sadly Maglite didn't move with the times and other companies developed the new technology bulbs and reflectors that enable torches to be significantly brighter AND last longer! German company LED Lensor introduced the LED Police Tech Torch. It was only 5 inches long and 148g but is bright enough to dazzle any mugger. It gave out 115 Lumens which was quite a lot back then for a small torch. I have used my Police tech torch for more than 10 years and it has been 100% reliable. It has been replaced with the more powerful P7 model, that I also have and totally love. Led Lensor torches make fantastic gifts and you never see one in a charity shop along with the foot spas, electric steamers and other unwanted gifts. If you register your torch with Led Lensor you will get a 7 year guarantee, (from a company likely to still be around in 7 years).
The image above shows the Led Lenser P7 tactical torch and the Police tech model that preceded it. The P7 is only slightly larger but twice as bright! This incredible torch uses 4 AAA batteries to give 320 Lumens . It comes with a sturdy case and presentation box if you want to give it as a present. I think using 4 AAA batteries instead of 3 is a great idea as they tend to come in packs of 4 anyway. Use the links below to buy this tried and tested LED torch and also help my work testing products.
The battery cartridges use gold connectors that will not rust and cannot corrode. There are similar, cheaper torches like the one from Vansky that come with rechargeable batteries and accessories. There are all made in China and most of the cheap ones fail after a few months. My Vansky torch seems well made and has performed well and has lasted a year so far with no issues.
Ledlenser P7 Professional LED Torch
Vansky 800 Lumen ,LED
Torch, 3 x AAA Batteries Included
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Latest and Best Small Torches - With Rechargeable Batteries
The on/off switch also lights up to show you the level of battery power. This torch is waterproof at 2 metres and only weights 51g! It is top quality and has a 5 year warranty.
My Orange coloured torch shown is a limited edition model which may not be available. The standard model is black, and equally beautiful. This superb Olight S1R Baton II is a 3 inch Torch powered by a rechargeable Li-ion battery. The IMR16340 battery is charged using a magnetic clip and USB port for extra convenience. The 2nd generation of this amazing torch is IXP 8 rated waterproof and throws its light up to 145m. I am so impressed with this torch that I am happy to call it SIR !
It has 4 levels of power and the brightest (turbo mode) gives 1000 Lumens and lights my garden and houses in the next street as if they were in daylight! OLIGHT Baton 3 Premium Edition Pocket Torch 1200 Lumen Buy Olight Baton 3 direct from manufacturer
Best 3 Olight, Police and Military Tactical Torches Compared
Olight Freyr, Seeker 3 Pro and Warrior X3 Tactical Torches tested and reviewed
Olight Freyr - 1750 Lumens and Colour Signalling Functions. This incredible torch has so many functions and new features that I don't know where to start! Firstly, it has 4 LED bulbs in the head, for white, red, green and blue light.
The choice of coloured light is for use in different environments and for signalling. To aid signalling and to turn the torch into a lantern it comes with a silicon cone to diffuse the light.
A new and unique feature is having 2 switches to access different functions The end cap switch is for the white light
modes and doubles up as a charging point The
front/side switch does the colours and white moonlight modes
This is a top quality torch that can survive a 1.5m drop and 2m
immersion in water It is powered by a 3.6v 5000ma Lithium ion rechargeable battery New Olight models have the superb magnetic USB charging system as shown above with the S1R baton model. The 3 white light modes are moonlight 5 lumen, low 300 and turbo 1750, dropping to 850.
The turbo mode will only last 2 minutes and then drop to 850 Lumens.
Buy Olight Freyr direct from manufacturer
It has a maximum throw of 360m which I can believe from my use on the beach. The head also contains a proximity sensor so the light level will drop if it senses something close. The torch comes with a superb holster with a magnetic catch. The performance of this small torch is fantastic and is so well made. It took me a while to master the 2 switches but this is just a matter of practice makes perfect. Olight make many other tactical torches including weapon lights with laser guiding The Freyr is the most innovative torch I have seen and covers many uses.
Olight Seeker Pro, Police and Military Tactical Torch If you prefer a similar size, simpler torch with a wider beam the new Olight Seeker 3 Pro has a max 250m throw but 4800 Lumens!
It has 4 LED's and a side button with small green lights that tell you the battery level and power settings.
The body has a rubber grip and on the turbo setting the torch will automatically dim if you come close to an object. The Beam angle is wider than the Freyr which is why it produces more lumens.
Of these two Olight tactical torches I slightly prefer the Freyr due to its lamp and colour options. The Freyr and Seeker 3 Pro both have 3.6v 5000ma batteries with magnetic chargers Buy Olight Seeker 3 Pro direct from manufacturer
NEW ! Olight Warrior X3 Police and Military Tactical Torch
The warrior X3 is the latest version of the very popular Olight Warrior. The Beam angle is narrower than the Freyr but it produces more lumens and has a longer (560m) range. The Warrior X3 is simple to operate with its dual modes operated by its end switch . A new feature is the O ring that gives you a comfortable secure grip (but can also be removed).
The other new feature is the 3 Zirconium balls on the bevel edge that are for breaking glass. For emergency and rescue services this could be an important feature. My favorite feature of the Warrior has to be its 560m range.
This is truly impressive but the energy required will actually heat the torch so it will power down to a lower setting after a couple of minutes. The lower setting is still brighter than a lot of torches so this is not a problem to worry about. All 3 Olight Tactical torches featured here have 3.6v 5000ma batteries with magnetic chargers.
Buy the new Olight Warrior X3 direct from manufacturer
Best Key Ring Torch
Having a little torch on your key ring is so useful but most of them will only just about light up a keyhole and often fall apart after a few knocks. I used a LED Lenser K3 for over 3 years but found it a little bit large at 7cm. I have now moved on to the much smaller and brighter new Olight 1R2 EOS. The new model is 4cms long, weighs only 12gms, and has a rechargeable Li-ion battery. The battery is charged in the torch by a USB cable so no need to fiddle about with those little button batteries. Another great mini torch is the Coast model powered by 1 AAA battery and its clear beam is shown below. Coast G19 54 Lumens/3.25 Hours Run Time Pen Torch, Black
Coast G19 54 Lumens/3.25 Hours Run Time Pen Torch Olight
i1R 2 EOS Rechargeable LED Keychain Torch 150 Lumens Ledlenser K3 Key-Ring LED Torch (Black) - Gift Box
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Coming Soon - Headlamp with hand wave on/off function! |
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Best Ultra Violet Forensics Torch
Ultra Violet Forensics Torch
This clever torch shows up all hidden organic
substances and some artificial ones too. I showed this to a real forensic scientist who was
amazed at it's performance and low price. It's 51 LEDS powered by 3 AAA's makes this torch
is powerful enough to show everything! It is scary to use this on your kitchen and even more so when staying in hotel rooms. Now available - mixed function LED torch with UV option! This superb rechargeable torch has 7 functions all controlled by a top switch that illuminates green. It has a zoomable head and the side of the torch has a bank of COB LEDs that will light a room. The end of the torch is magnetic so ideal for sticking to broken down cars. The 4th click of the switch activates the Purple UV bulb which is very good for detecting organic matter. USB Rechargeable Torches,
3 in 1 UV Torch with 7 Modes [2 Pack]
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Head Torches
Being a keen gardener, DIYer and a
wheelchair user I use a head torch a lot as it keeps my hands free to
push the wheelchair, use my tools and crucially - hunt snails at
night! For so many jobs a head torch is
more useful than a normal hand torch and you don't have to worry
about dropping it. Petzl is
one of the leading brands and its Pixa model was designed to survive explosions! Over the years I have tried many
makes head torch, which thanks to LED bulbs are now much brighter. The latest development is hand wave control
for the different brightness levels
I am currently testing the new Olight Array 2S. It
has 3 LED bulbs for spot, flood and also red light. The battery is recharged by USB C cable and is
housed in watertight box at
the back of the headband. The whole lot weights only 131g and the build
quality is exceptional It has a simple, easy to access on/off
switch and the lamp can be tilted up or down to throw the light beam
exactly where you need it. Once the lamp is on you can change the brightness
by waving your hand up for bright and down for dimmer. Buy the Array 2S headtorch
from Olight Direct
Best Lantern Torch - Great For Cars and Camping
This
moderately priced lantern torch is ideal to keep in your car or
bedside table. It has a standard end beam from an LED bulb and a separate
lantern beam on the side from a COB LED panel.
The torch is 6 1/2 inches long and made from tough plastic.
It runs off 3 AAA batteries and has a pocket clip and a magnetic
base to hold it to your car.
I bought a couple of these in March 2019 and I use them frequently and they both work very well.
I have now found a similar, but metal bodied 7 function model that also has a purple UV option!
I purchased 4 of these to try (shown left) and am TOTALLY
Impressed.
Improvements on the previous model are a USB rechargeable
battery and illuminated switch.
The new model is more robust, brighter (1200 lumens) and has
Zoom focus!
For the money this is easily the best torch I can find and
packed with features.
HeroBeam
Emergency Torch - 2 pack
USB Rechargeable 7 function Torch with UV Option [2 Pack]
If you would like a camping lantern with the option of flickering flames, then the Olantern from Olight is superb.
OLIGHT Olantern
Rechargeable (Moss Green) It charges by magnetic USB like most Olight torches and is robust and waterproof. It can be uses in warm white tone flickering flame mode or you can switch the bulb
to cold white for brighter modes. The flickering flame is fantastic in a room or tent but not bright enough outside to do much apart from look pretty. If you switch to the other bulb you have 3 brightness settings for 30, 120 and 360 lumens!
The 360 lumen setting is bright enough to light my medium size garden. I also really like the motion sensor that
illuminates the on/off switch as soon as you touch the lamp.
The Olantern is solid and has a heavy base and hanging hook and is available in 3 colours. I like the flickering flame effect so much I use it in my bedroom as a night light! OLIGHT Olantern
Red Colour Camping Lantern
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