Sofirn LT1 vs Nitecore LR60
Quick take: The Nitecore LR60 costs $2 less; the Sofirn LT1 is brighter (600 vs 280 lm); the Sofirn LT1 throws farther (57m vs 45m); the Sofirn LT1 runs longer on high (8 vs 6 hrs).
| Spec | Sofirn LT1 | Nitecore LR60 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $42 | $40 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Lantern | Lantern |
| Lumens | 600 lm | 280 lm |
| Candela | 800 cd | 500 cd |
| Beam distance | 57m | 45m |
| Runtime | 8 hrs (medium) | 6 hrs (medium) |
| Battery | 21700 | 18650 |
| LED | Samsung LH351D (mixed CCT) | High CRI LED + UV |
| Beam type | Flood | Flood |
| Modes | Ramping | 4 Stepped |
| UI | Anduril 2 | Simple |
| IP rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| CRI | 95 | 90 |
| Weight | 6.5 oz | 3.8 oz |
| Dimensions | 5.2 x 2.0 in | 4.5 x 2.0 in |
| Warranty | 1 Year | Lifetime |
What owners report
Sofirn LT1
- ✓Continuously variable colour temperature from very warm to cool, plus a red channel
- ✓Full Anduril, which is what makes the CCT mixing worth having
- ✓Four 18650s give genuinely long runtime
- ✓Good build: thick even anodising, no sharp edges
- ✓The warm end preserves dark adaptation far better than a generic cool-white lantern
- ✗The carry bail is squeaky and gritty in use
- ✗The bottom cap is awkward to start on its threads because of a big stiff spring
- ✗Four cells to buy, charge and keep matched
- ✗Bulkier than a collapsible lantern for backpacking
- ✗The later LT1S traded Anduril for an in-house UI — a step back, not forward
Nitecore LR60
- ✓90+ CRI diffused beam — rare in a lantern and immediately noticeable
- ✓Takes two 21700s or 18650s and works as a power bank for phones and tablets
- ✓Powerful magnet holds it vertically or horizontally on steel
- ✓Tilting steel ring for hanging, plus adjustable brightness and direction
- ✓USB-C charging, more durable than micro-USB
- ✗Pricey for a 280-lumen lantern
- ✗IP66 covers rain but not submersion
- ✗280 lumens is modest if you want to light a large area
- ✗Little independent review coverage compared with Nitecore's flashlights
- ✗Two cells to buy and keep matched