5つ星のうち4.0The Black Diamond Apollo Lantern is a wonderful light to set on the picnic table or hang ...
2014年9月28日にアメリカ合衆国でレビュー済み
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The Black Diamond Apollo Lantern is a wonderful light to set on the picnic table or hang at the top of the tent. We were able to eat dinner, play cribbage, do dishes, all by the light of this little lantern. In two months of every night use the pack of 4 AA batteries had to be replaced one time. (Note: we both had headlamps so the lantern was not the exclusive source of light.) As advertised it’s about the size of a soup can when closed and easily tucked in between sleeping bags and sleep mats.
A neat, compact, design with an effective dimming system that gives out even light. Whilst the colour temperature of the light is a little cool due to the LED light source the lantern's very effective diffuser ensures that it is not at all harsh in the way some LED lanterns can be. It's good inside a tent but it isn't really a replacement for a big lantern if you want an outdoor light source for a group.
Once folded up it's about the size of a tin and doubles in height as it extends. The legs add another 10cm or so in height. It has a ring on the top to allow it to be hung.
In summary: a good well designed & thought out lantern built to a very high standard but not as big or bright as a coleman or gaz lantern. It's more suited to a hike tent than a big group.
Okay, I admit that I am a flashlight (torch, if you are a Brit) junkie, especially LED types. So that's the bias, but that also qualifies me as somewhat of an expert -- well, somewhat. In any event I am very pleased with the build and design of this LED lantern. It is a quality, durable, functional piece of equipment that will last and serve you well. I may even get another one (his and hers when camping). If you can live with the price tag, then it is a good purchase. Even for seldom needed emergency use, a large package of alkaline AA batteries from Costco and one of these lanterns would be a lot safer and more practical than candles. Also, as noted in the product description, dimmed down the manufacturer says you will get 60 hours of light. It's not the best intensity of light dimmed to that level, but it would be practical and viable for many uses (similar to 'nightlight' intensity). On 'high' you get pretty good light, but only 15 hours of use using the 4 AA alkaline batteries required. But with a large, discount package of batteries on hand that's not a concern for me, because the shelf life of fresh batteries is years and like I said, they are not too expensive if purchased at a place like Costco. Also, there is a plug-in for an adapter accessory (not supplied) if you don't want to use batteries, but that doesn't appeal to me. I might also add that intensity of light is one thing, but the way the light is reflected is another issue. With some LEDs, sure, you have an intense enough light output, but they cast, or reflect the light in a way that makes it uncomfortable to read by. Not so with this lantern. It is very comfortable to read by (at the high intensity level -- 15 hours duration), and that is important for me.
*UPDATE*: We just came back from camping in the Sierra Mountains and this lamp performed wonderfully. It was like having a mini (not as bright of course) Coleman lantern without the fuss, danger, weight, noise, etc. My wife wants her own now. Well worth the price for this product. Maybe I'll get two more!
**SECOND UPDATE**: Still my best choice for a lot of things, HOWEVER: Remove the batteries from the cartridge that holds the four AA batteries if you are not going to use the lantern for a while. I left mine in one of them (I have two) and they leaked and corroded the terminals of the cartridge and made the lantern inoperable. I had to file and clean, file and clean multiple times to get it working again (and it's still not perfect). Also, I fashioned a metal `cap' to fit over the top as a reflector and it's even better for reading by now.
I liked how one reviewer described the size of the lantern as a "soup can with legs"...and it is true! This lantern is very convenient for me when backpacking because it is a lot easier to replace batteries (the batteries are actually pretty easy to change!)rather than carry liquid fuel and spare mantles...and this lantern is very light as well as compact. The light is great for inside a tent and will light about a 15' diameter outside, which is more than adequate for my wife and I; the battery strength indicator is also helpful.
This thing works great and has held up to some abuse. batteries seem to last quite a while too. This is really the only lantern we have and while it doesnt throw out the kind of light a gas one would, it is still very adequate for our camping needs. small and light enough for backpacking too. low battery indicator and dimmer. What more do you really want?
This is a decent product that gives off a nice bright light. My only issue with it is the price. At half the price, the Coleman 3AA MicroPacker LED Lantern is a better deal with nearly the same light intensity. The Black Diamond Apollo is an overall better product. It delivers a more even light and has a variable dimmer capability to allow for a more customizable lighting level.