Sofirn SC33 vs Sofirn LT1S
Quick take: The Sofirn SC33 costs $1 less; the Sofirn SC33 is brighter (5,200 vs 500 lm); the Sofirn SC33 throws farther (297m vs 49m); the Sofirn LT1S runs longer on high (5 vs 1.5 hrs).
Which one to buy
One 21700 each, at $40 and $41, but these Sofirns are a flashlight and a lantern, so the choice is whether you need to see far or see comfortably around you.
The Sofirn SC33 is a big 21700 tube with a Cree XHP70.3 HI rated at 5,200 lumens, and owners say the emitter is efficient: real throw, turbo for about an hour and a half, eco for hundreds of hours, no PWM, and tail USB-C charging that fills it in about three hours. Owners also say it's large for an EDC, the beam has ringing and a pentagon-shaped spill, and it's cool and low-CRI, not what you want lighting dinner.
The Sofirn LT1S is the packable lantern in Sofirn's LT1 family. Owners describe an accordion-style body that collapses flat into a disc, warm-to-cool color mixing at CRI 95, and a balance of brightness, runtime and pack size few lanterns manage. Their complaints: no hanging hook, so pack a carabiner; and runtime much shorter than the four-cell LT1's.
For a tent, a picnic table or a power cut at home, the LT1S gives far nicer light. For walking a property line or finding something in the dark, the SC33 is the tool. A camper will use the LT1S more nights; the SC33 belongs in a car or by the back door.
Sofirn SC33
For anyone who needs a powerful handheld for walking, searching or a vehicle, and doesn't care about tint.
Sofirn LT1S
Best for campers and backpackers who want soft, adjustable warm-to-cool light that packs flat.
| Spec | Sofirn SC33 | Sofirn LT1S |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $40 | $41 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | EDC | Lantern |
| Lumens | 5,200 lm | 500 lm |
| Candela | 22,000 cd | 600 cd |
| Beam distance | 297m | 49m |
| Runtime | 1.5 hrs (high) | 5 hrs (medium) |
| Battery | 21700 | 21700 |
| LED | XHP70.3 HI | Samsung LH351D (mixed CCT) |
| Beam type | Balanced | Flood |
| Modes | Ramping + Stepped | Ramping |
| UI | Sofirn stepped/stepless UI | Anduril 2 |
| IP rating | IPX8 | IPX8 |
| CRI | 70 | 95 |
| Weight | 3.6 oz | 4.5 oz |
| Dimensions | 5.0 x 1.1 in | 4.8 x 1.8 in |
| Warranty | 1 Year | 1 Year |
What owners report
Sofirn SC33
- ✓XHP70.3 HI is efficient — high output without gutting runtime
- ✓5,200 lumens with real throw rather than pure flood
- ✓No PWM on any mode, so no flicker
- ✓Tail-mounted USB-C charging, full in about three hours
- ✓Eco mode runs for hundreds of hours
- ✗Big for its class — not comfortably pocketable
- ✗Beam shows some ringing, and the crenellated bezel gives a pentagonal spill
- ✗Cool colour temperature and low CRI
- ✗Turbo is limited to roughly 1.5 hours
- ✗Weight follows from the 21700 and the head size
Sofirn LT1S
- ✓Collapses flat into a disc — genuinely packable for backpacking
- ✓Keeps the warm-to-cool colour temperature mixing
- ✓Runs on a single cell rather than four
- ✓Good build quality with even anodising and no sharp edges
- ✓Balances brightness, runtime and pack size better than most lanterns
- ✗Dropped Anduril for a Sofirn-designed interface, which enthusiasts consider a downgrade
- ✗No built-in hanging hook — you'll want to add a carabiner
- ✗IPX4 only: fine in rain, not for kayak camping or a real soaking
- ✗Single cell means much shorter runtime than the four-cell LT1
- ✗The later Pro variant was poorly received
Sofirn SC33 vs Sofirn LT1S: common questions
Could the Sofirn SC33 light a campsite instead of the LT1S?▾
It can flood an area, but its owners describe a cool, low-CRI beam with ringing, which is harsh up close. LT1S owners value its warm-to-cool mixing at CRI 95 for cooking and tent use.
Do both use the same battery?▾
Both run a single 21700, so one spare cell can serve either light. Owners say the LT1S's single cell gives much shorter runtime than the four-cell LT1, while SC33 owners say its eco mode runs for hundreds of hours.