Sofirn/Headlamp

Sofirn HS40

Name: Sofirn HS40
Brand: Sofirn
Price: 28 USD
Availability: InStock

Budget headlamp from Sofirn with good output. The HS40 is a solid camping headlamp that gets the job done without the frills at a very accessible price.

Beam profile

Flood, about 31° wide. Wide and even — light where you are, not where you're pointing.

Estimated from 2,000 lm ÷ 8,500 cd — how this works

$28

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Specifications

Output: 2000lm
Peak intensity: 8500cd
Beam distance: 184m
Emitter: SST-40 5000K
Colour rendering: 70 CRI
Beam type: Flood
Cell: 18650
Runtime: 2 hrs (high)
Modes: 4 Stepped
Interface: Simple
Water/dust: IPX8
Dimensions: 4.2 x 1.1 in
Weight: 2.5 oz
Warranty: 1 Year

Manufacturer figures, measured to ANSI FL1 where the brand states it.

Features

USB-C Charging Waterproof (IP67+)

What owners report

Sofirn HS40/3 sources reviewed

A right-angle 18650 headlamp that also ships with an 18350 tube, so you can run it short and light on your head or long for runtime. The USB-C port sits opposite the reflector under a plug that finishes nearly flush with the body. Reviewers note a simple interface and what appears to be a more efficient buck driver with better regulation than earlier Sofirn headlamps.

Right-angle lamps of this kind work reasonably on a headband and well as utility and work lights, which is the shape's main advantage. The one ergonomic note from reviewers is switch placement: the button is on the end rather than the side, so you can't activate it with a pinching motion — it works, but a side button would suit the format better. Independent coverage of this model is thinner than for Sofirn's headline headlamps.

Consistently praised

Ships with both 18650 and 18350 tubes — long runtime or light on the head
Buck driver with better regulation than earlier Sofirn headlamps
USB-C port sits nearly flush under its plug
Simple interface with nothing to learn
Right-angle body works as a headlamp and as a work light

Common complaints

The button is on the end rather than the side, so no pinch activation
Less independently reviewed than Sofirn's headline headlamps
No high-CRI option in the standard configuration
18350 tube trades most of the runtime for the weight saving
Basic feature set with no secondary emitter

Questions people ask

Why does it come with two tubes?: The 18350 makes a much lighter, shorter headlamp for tasks where runtime doesn't matter; the 18650 gives the endurance. Getting both included is unusual at this price.
Is the end-mounted button a problem?: It works, but reviewers prefer a side button on a right-angle light because you can pinch the head to activate it with one hand. Minor, but noticeable in use.
What does the buck driver improve?: Regulation — output holds steadier as the cell drains instead of gradually dimming. It's the main technical improvement over older Sofirn headlamps.
HS40 or HS20?: The HS20 is the twin-emitter 21700 headlamp with independent flood and spot buttons; the HS40 is a simpler single-emitter right-angle light. The HS40 is smaller and lighter, the HS20 far more capable.

Sources (3)