Fenix LD45R: Flashlight with "digital" zoom and OLED display

Fenix has introduced a new 6,500K LED flashlight that has a status display and a rotary control, which can be used to switch between spotlight and floodlight. Fenix calls this a "digitally focusable torch". However, Fenix does not explain exactly how this works inside the torch, i.e., whether a reflector or an optic is used.

The rotary control has a rotational range of 270° with which the maximum 2,800 lumens can be set, according to requirements. Fenix specifies the maximum range as 480 meters. Information about the settings is also available via the small built-in OLED display, where battery status and lumen values are also displayed.

There are a total of five levels plus strobe and SOS down to 20 lumens. According to Fenix, the replaceable 21700 rechargeable battery with its 18 watt hours lasts for 65 hours. In high mode, this is reduced to 2:50 hours at 1,000 lumens. Turbo mode is somewhat more complex.

According to Fenix, turbo mode with its 2,800 lumens lasts for 2:40 hours. But there is a catch here, as this total runtime includes dimming after a certain period of time. The graph below (red line) illustrates the actual runtime of turbo mode, which falls slightly below the 1,000 lumen mode after just a few minutes. So if you want to use turbo mode, it is best to always take the torch fully charged.

The 21700 rechargeable battery can be left in the torch for charging thanks to a USB-C port. However, Fenix has issued an unusual warning about replacing the battery, stating that the use of the Fenix ARB-L21-5000, Fenix ARB-L21-5000U and other small models is strictly prohibited. The reason for this is that the flashlight needs up to 15 amps while other batteries only deliver 14 amps, as Fenix states. Only the ARB-L21-5000 V2.0 can be used, as stated on the overview page. Further down, however, Fenix contradicts itself and also recommends the ARB-L21-6000 and ARB-L21-4000P models.

The flashlight, which is around 16 cm long and weighs 300 grams, is expected to be available in the next few days and costs just under $160 on the Fenix Store.