The Fenix CL28R outdoor lantern is a multifunctional powerhouse that provides bright illumination and charging capabilities. With a maximum output of 2000 lumens, it can light up large spaces and has a beam distance of 58 meters.
The lantern has two rotary switches that allow for stepless adjustments in brightness and color temperature. There is nothing really like this currently on the market. This means you can change BOTH the brightness and temperature from 2 dials! Essentially, this is a photographer’s dream.
It is also rechargeable, with built-in 5000mAh batteries and USB-C charging and USB-A/USB-C discharging ports.
The 360° rotary magnetic handle allows for all-around lighting and the lantern is equipped with IP66-rated protection and a red flashing alert.
It can be attached to a tripod or hung for convenience, making it ideal for camping, cabin stays, and emergency power outages.
This lantern was just released in January 2023. I have had the chance to play with a prototype and it is THE MOST INTERESTING CAMPING LANTERN I HAVE EVER USED!
Summary of Contents
Key Features:
- A versatile and powerful rechargeable lantern that can produce up to 2000 lumens of light.
- Equipped with two 5000mAh large-capacity batteries built-in.
- The ability to adjust both brightness and color temperature with dual rotary switches.
- 360° rotary magnetic handle providing all-around lighting.
- A tripod socket at the bottom for directional lighting options.
- USB-A and USB-C ports for discharging and using the lantern as a power bank.
Features Explained:
COB LED
The Fenix CL28R is fitted with a COB LED. COB LED stands for Chip-on-Board LED. It is a newer technology that places multiple LED chips in close proximity on a single substrate, which is different from traditional LED where a single chip is placed on a circuit board. This allows for higher light output and more efficient heat dissipation. This type of LED is a great feature for the CL28R as it gives the lantern the ability to produce a high output of light while staying cool.
LED Temperature
The CL28R has a color temperature range of 2700K to 6000K. The color temperature is the measure of the color of light emitted by a source. The lower the number, the warmer or more yellow the light appears and the higher the number, the cooler or more blue the light appears. This range allows users to choose the color temperature that best suits their needs, whether they need a warm light for a cozy atmosphere or a cool light for more detailed work.
USB Type C Rechargeable
The CL28R is rechargeable using a USB Type-C port, which makes it more convenient and easy to charge. This feature ensures that users don’t have to worry about running out of battery power and not being able to recharge the lantern. This feature is particularly useful for outdoor activities, camping, and emergency situations where a reliable source of light is needed.
Overheat Protection
Intelligent Overheat Protection is another important feature of the CL28R. When used on Med or High modes for extended periods, the lantern will accumulate a lot of heat. The lantern will automatically decrease a few lumens every 1 second to reduce the temperature when it reaches 54°C or above. When the temperature drops below 54°C, the lantern will automatically increase a few lumens every 1 second, it will then allow the user the reselection of Med or High modes. This feature protects the lantern from overheating and ensures the longevity of the lantern.
The CL28R also has a low-voltage warning that reminds the user to charge the battery when the voltage level drops below the preset level. The battery level indicator constantly blinks to remind the user. This feature ensures that the user has enough power to continue using the lantern and it will not turn off automatically. This feature is particularly useful for outdoor activities, camping, and emergency situations where a reliable source of light is needed.
Lithium Ion Battery
The CL28R is built-in with 2 x 5000 mAh Li-ion battery which cannot be replaced. This ensures that users don’t have to worry about replacing the batteries and ensures the longevity of the lantern. Additionally, the lantern has the ability to be compatible with a tripod socket making it more versatile for different settings.
Power Bank Function
- Open the dust cover on top of the lantern and connect the charging cable to the USB-A or USB-C port on the lantern, then plug the other end of the cable into your device.
- The indicators will show the discharge status by moving from right to left.
- The lantern will stop discharging when the battery level is low, which is below 2.9V.
Note:
- The lantern can still be used while discharging.
- Fast discharging protocols are supported such as PD3.0/PD2.0, QC3.0/QC2.0.
- The discharge performance is up to 5V/3A (max), 9V/2A (max), 12V/1.5A (max).
- The USB-A and USB-C ports cannot be used for discharging at the same time.
Conclusion:
The Fenix CL28R is a revolutionary new lantern. The Stepless Brightness Regulation feature is not found in nearly any other lantern and opens up a ton of photography/videography possibilities.
With its ultra-long run time, the CL28R is designed to withstand harsh conditions and operating environments. I recommend purchasing the CL28R if you are looking for a state of the art lantern than can be used for camping, industrial uses, or photography.