Ledlenser C5R Classic Flashlight: 240 metres of beam from 420 lumens
The Ledlenser C5R Classic flashlight produces 420 lumens and throws them 240 metres. For comparison, plenty of torches making three times that output do not reach as far. The explanation is optics, and it is the single most useful thing to understand about why this torch performs the way it does at a weight of 75 grams.
Focus beats output
Beam distance depends on how concentrated the light is at the centre of the beam, not on the total quantity leaving the torch. A high output light with a wide unfocused beam illuminates a large area badly at range. A modest output pushed through a proper focusing lens produces a narrow intense column that carries.
The Advanced Focus System is what does that here, and Rapid Focus means the adjustment happens in one movement with one hand rather than by twisting a bezel through several turns. Focus Lock then holds it, so the beam you set is the beam you keep for the rest of the task.
Seventy five grams
With the battery fitted the whole torch weighs 75 grams and measures 117 millimetres, going to about 123 when focused, with a 26 millimetre head and a 19 millimetre tube. That is genuinely pocket sized rather than pocketable in the marketing sense. It disappears into a jacket, a bag or a glovebox and stays there without ever being in the way.
Weight of that order changes the ownership pattern. A 200 gram torch gets carried deliberately. A 75 gram one gets forgotten about until the moment it is needed, which is the behaviour you actually want from it.
Where 420 lumens is enough
There is a tendency to treat lumen figures as a score, and it is worth resisting. Four hundred and twenty lumens will light a room, a garden, a path, an engine bay or a loft perfectly well. What higher output buys is not better performance at those tasks but the ability to reach further and cut through more, which is a real requirement for some people and no requirement at all for most. Against a torch of this size and weight, 420 lumens is generous rather than modest.
Magnetic charging
The Floating Charge System handles power. A wall mounted bracket holds the torch magnetically and charges it while it hangs there, with status indicators on the bracket itself. The internal 14500 Li-ion cell of around 700 mAh reaches full charge in about 2.5 hours, quick enough that a partial top up between tasks is worth bothering with. Gold contacts carry the connection.
Ledlenser C5R Classic flashlight modes
Power gives 420 lumens to 240 metres for around 3 hours. Low Power runs 20 lumens to 50 metres for up to 15 hours. A strobe function is available for emergency signalling. The LED runs 6000 to 8000 K with CRI 75 rendering, and the tail cap switch offers momentary activation for short bursts without switching fully on.
The momentary switch
A light press on the tail cap produces light only while it is held down. On a torch this small that is more useful than it sounds, because most of what a pocket torch does is brief: finding a keyhole, checking a label, looking under a seat. Momentary handles all of it without an on and off sequence, and it stops the torch being left burning at the bottom of a bag.
Rating
The aluminium alloy housing is rated IP54 against dust and splashing water and drop tested to 1 metre. That suits everyday carry, walking, camping, work and household use in ordinary conditions. It is not rated for immersion.
Features
- Compact rechargeable flashlight designed for everyday carry, work and outdoor use.
- Maximum output of 420 lumens with up to 240 metres beam distance.
- Advanced Focus System for seamless flood-to-spot beam adjustment.
- Rapid Focus enables fast one-handed beam adjustment.
- Focus Lock maintains the chosen beam setting.
- Floating Charge System for convenient magnetic charging.
- Wall-mounted charging bracket with charging status indicators.
- Rechargeable 14500 Li-ion battery included.
- Three lighting functions: Power, Low Power and Strobe.
- Up to 15 hours runtime on Low Power.
- Durable aluminium alloy housing with high-quality gold contacts.
- IP54 dust and water resistance.
- 1-metre drop resistance.
- Lightweight design weighing only 75 g with battery.
- Tail-cap switch with momentary activation function.
- Slim pocket-friendly profile ideal for everyday carry.
- Suitable for walking, camping, work, home use and general outdoor activities.
Specifications
- Max Output: 420 lumens (Power mode).
- Beam Distance: Up to 240 meters (Power).
- Runtime (approximate, ANSI/PLATO standards):
- Power: 420 lm / 240 m / ~3 hours
- Low Power: 20 lm / 50 m / ~15 hours
- Strobe available for emergency signaling.
- LED: High-power white LED (color temp 6000-8000 K, CRI 75).
- Battery: Includes one 14500 Li-ion rechargeable (~700 mAh). Full charge in about 150 minutes (2.5 hours).
- Length: 117 mm (defocused) / ~123 mm (focused).
- Head diameter: 26 mm; Tube diameter: 19 mm.
- Weight: 75 g (with battery) / ~2.6 oz, very lightweight for its class.
- Material: Aluminium alloy.
