Stella -- Part 2
I've previewed the Stella before, but this time, I've got one in my hands. Light and Motion sent me the 180-L -- that's the one that uses the 3-cell Li-Ion battery and has their multi-chem charger -- so, naturally, I am letting you guys in on the scoop.
It's a small light, so I thought I'd see how big it was compared to DiNotte's 200L.
First, the Stella alone:
Now, along side of the 200L with it's Li-Ion battery:
As you can see, they are similar in size.
Light output is good -- claimed to be 180 lumens -- and their reflector does a nice job of making a smooth circle of light with a bright hot spot in the middle. There are no dark bands or other aberrations. The reflector is proprietary and it looks like L&M spent quite a bit of time on it. The beam actually reminds me of the MiNewt's, more than anything.
I'll have some beam shots later this week, if all goes well. As usual, hit me up with any questions/requests in the comments section and I'll see what I can do.
11 comments:
You mentioned the Stella had a similar beam shot to the MiNewt. Will you be getting a MiNewt X2 anytime soon?
andre,
Not that I know of... though that can change. I do have a TriNewt coming, though.
I’m not sure if it’s just me or a trick of the camera, but in the last photo it looks like the reflector on the Stella is smooth for the first two thirds of its depth, and a little rougher for the last third close to the emitter?
If so it’s a great idea, the rougher texture would really help smooth out the bean, but the smooth section would help retain a bit of throw that’s often lost with fully textured reflectors.
Dave.
My TriNewt is due to come in this weekend. Can't wait!
dave,
I'll double check that reflector tonight and post another comment about it. I can't recall right now, but part of it at least, is definitely dimpled -- though not as much as their HID reflector.
dave, et al,
The reflector is textured the same over the entire surface. It's kind of like micro-dimples... they are very tiny, not at all like the dimples on the HID reflector.
Thanks for letting us know James!
Light and Motion always seem to make great reflectors. I'll be interested to see the beam shots later on!
Dave.
I'm a commuter and although I have two Light & Motion Vegas (and don't really need a new light) I am wondering the following about the Stella:
- From the photos I saw on the manufacturer's homepage I take it the Stella uses the same base as the Vega. Can you confirm that?
- In terms of quickly removing/attaching the Vega to/from the handlebars I love that I don't have to fiddle with any cables, since the battery pack is inside the reflector case.
Can you tell me how the Stella compares? Does the cable between the reflector and battery pack disconnect at all? What do you all need to do to remove/attach the Stella? Slide off reflector, unwrap cable, remove battery pack?
Georg
schorschi,
The Stella and the Vega (and L&M's other lights) all share the same handlebar mounts.
To remove, it is just like you said: slide the light head off, unstrap the battery and remove the strap holding the cable. The cable disconnects at the battery.
The Stella is brighter than two Vega's. The Vega is comparable to the MiNewt in brightness, and I'll have some beam shots with that one later tonight.
James,
Hows does the stella compare to the Dinotte 200L (wide or spot). I have seen the stella in person and was impressed, but I am wondering if the 200L gives you a little more?
Ed
Ed,
Check out my post titled "Stella, Part 3" it's got what you are looking for.
Post a Comment