LitraTorch 2.0 Review
Litra announced the Torch 2.0 last month, and I was so excited about it that I ran right out and got my hands on one as soon as I could.
I’ve been field testing this awesome little light since then, and have found it to be everything the original Torch was and more.
If you need a high-quality light that can go anywhere, this is it.
Now for the review…
LitraTorch 2.0 Specs
The LitraTorch 2.0 uses 16 LEDs (up from 8 in the 1.0 version) and offers three separate lumen settings of 800, 450, and 100. The color temperature is 5700K with a CRI of 90+ and TLCI of 92.
The improved optics of the LitraTorch 2.0 means clean, crisp, flicker-free light with a 70-degree beam angle for ultra-wide coverage. I’ve found that the new optics system projects more light more efficiently, too, and that’s led to a 10-percent increase in battery life (over 35 minutes of run time at maximum output and over four hours of run time on low output).
Other specs include waterproofness up to 60 feet (double that of the original LitraTorch), a built-in magnet for attaching the unit to metallic surfaces, and two ¼-20 mounts that give you flexibility in how you use the light.
At just 1.5” x 1.5” x 1.65” and 3.17 ounces, this little guy certainly packs a punch!
LitraTorch 2.0 Build Quality
The whole point of purchasing something like the LitraTorch 2.0 is to have studio-quality lighting that you can take on any adventure anywhere.
That means that the build quality has to be spot-on to provide the durability and ruggedness that being out in the elements requires.
If you have an original LitraTorch, you know precisely the kind of build quality I’m talking about. The LitraTorch 2.0 certainly carries on in that tradition...
As I mentioned above, the 2.0 version is waterproof up to 60 feet, and though I haven’t tested my LitraTorch at that depth (nor do I have plans to!), I can tell you that this rig has performed beautifully in the rain.
Even the USB port is waterproof, so if you forget to put the cover on (as I have done on more than one occasion), you don’t have to worry about water damaging the unit.
It’s durable, too, so if you need a light that you can put through the paces, the fact that the LitraTorch 2.0 is MIL-SPEC 810 tested should assure you that this thing will last forever.
I haven’t knocked my LitraTorch around by any means, but my son has a fascination with it, and being just a little guy, he has slammed it around a little with no ill-effects.
LitraTorch 2.0 Functionality
Litra has always been keen on making products that are highly functional and easy to use, and the LitraTorch 2.0 is no exception.
As noted earlier, this unit has different mounting options to address different situations.
You can use the built-in magnet to attach it to any metal surface or opt for the cold-shoe mount. There’s a GoPro mount as well as two ¼-20 camera mounts too.
In other words, no matter what your needs might be, there’s a way for you to add beautiful light to the shot.
But don’t think that this light is just for still photography.
I’ve recently gotten into videography and have found my LitraTorch 2.0 to be an ideal companion for that as well.
I’ve used this rig in my home office (which can be a tad dark depending on the time of day) when shooting review videos and I’ve also used it in the field to provide fill light. In either case, it’s provided the light I need with no fuss.
LitraTorch 2.0 Performance
Whether I’m using the LitraTorch 2.0 for still photography or videography, I’ve found that it has performed beautifully.
Its continuous light is flicker-free with no hot spots whatsoever.
You’d be amazed at the sheer output of light this little thing can achieve. Not only that, but the light is crisp and clean and truly gives you studio-quality lighting in a unit that you can literally put in your pocket.
At any of the three lumen settings, the LitraTorch 2.0 will fill the room with ambient light. And when a diffuser is used, that light is gorgeously soft, which is ideal for indoor portraits.
I’ve used the LitraTorch 2.0 outside as well, and it’s more than bright enough to serve as my only fill light for portraits. In fact, I’ve ditched my reflector pack the last couple of times I’ve taken photos of my family and exclusively used this light. The results have been nothing but awesome, and it’s easier to carry around than my reflector pack too!
As I noted earlier, this unit has a run time of over 35 minutes when used at maximum output and over four hours on low output (and about seven hours in strobe).
I’ve not maxed it out yet, but I can tell you that in field testing I was able to get well over four hours of performance out of this thing on the low setting before a recharge was needed. It can also be used with external power if portability is not a necessity.
Something I really appreciate about this light is the option to clip it to a belt (or even a camera strap) for easy carrying and quick access. It’s just a lot easier to carry it on my person as opposed to rummaging through my camera bag trying to find the light when I need it.
LitraTorch 2.0 Review: Final Thoughts
I know what it’s like to be skeptical of the quality of light output from such a small device, but trust me when I say that Litra has made something that any photographer or videographer can use in a multitude of situations.
The quality of the light and the sheer quantity of light this thing puts out is absolutely incredible. In many situations, you can use it as the only artificial light source and still come away with beautifully-lit stills and videos.
If you had the original LitraTorch, you’ll appreciate the fact that all its good features - small form factor, incredible durability, and gorgeous light - are all still present (and improved upon) in the 2.0 version.
There’s a reason why this is an award-winning light - it simply performs well whether you’re in your studio, at the beach, working in the rain or snow, or filming underwater
As I’ve worked with it, my only real “complaint” is that it can get a little hot when using it at full power. It’s certainly not a deal-breaker by any means, but that’s something to be aware of.
Otherwise, I haven’t been able to find anything that I would change about this light. It is simply the best portable light I’ve used. That’s saying something considering this light is just $89.95.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, studio-quality light that can go anywhere, the LitraTorch 2.0 is it!
