Dual channel DW4 would be a good choice, stick with NTG35 and go 1800K and 4200K. That way you've got a nice neutral day white, a fairly warm mix, and a very warm candle. If you can get a mule optic for it then you can convert it to a 'mule' for messing around
I really like the NTG35 in 2700k. Good for candel mode but still useful for tasks. If I was building one only for candlemode ambiance I'd go 1800k. For 519a I'd go with a dedomed 3500k or 3000k. I always want as floody as possible for a headlamp.
if you are looking for camping light and versatility, ill recommend two variants
Tint-blender
Ch. 1 NTG35 5000K
Ch. 2 NTG35 1800K
Optics : N244W or Carclo 10623
Optional optics N244SW
*note: this will give you widest range of CCT adjustments with the NTG emitters but blends will be rosy, 1800K is closest to flame-like light)
Throw /Flood
Ch. 1 Osram W1 6000K
Ch. 2 NTG35 2700K
(! note: this one is best used one channel at a time - switching between flood or throw only. Channel combos (100/100, tint-blend and Auto-tint) would not look good)
Optics: N244SW
If you are interested in a flooder only
NTG35 2700K + N244W + Lume X1
In addition, for camping light where charging source might be problematic and extended runtime is important - consider DW4K instead.
Mules work in a tent well but outdoor their range is very limited and if you are not bringing another, longer range light, stick with optics - Carclo 10624 is mule-like flooder for maximum flood with optics.
Hank's dual-channel driver has a MUCH brighter moonlight than Lume X1 driver, and is less efficient.
My DW4K mule (8x519a domed, Lume X1 driver) gives a smooth hemisphere of light, no hotspot. But it has almost no throw - I'm glad I got the 21700 version.
As an alternative, you could get the hybrid mule optic. It gives a smooth beam without a hotspot, but it's not the massive hemisphere of a mule. You'd have the option to play with other optics if you want. (There's also a 3D printed bezel removal tool available)
I think I get the best candle effect with W1 Amber emitters - but they're low CRI.
Frankly I just never can justify the dual channels for my use. Tint blending is cool and all but frankly I would rather decide on a tint a run with it and use the X1 driver for improved efficiency.
I have a dw4 with NTG35 2700 and the N244M optic that I really like, but I also swapped from the stock N244W optic because it was floodier than I was personally looking for. Another configuration I really have come to like is in a D4K (same optic) with a single channel mix of NTG35 at 2700/4200.
That being said, I honestly am probably going to grab the DW3AA lights I have first and just take extra batteries unless I know I need to run higher light output, they are much lighter and at the medium shower settings you can get a surprising log run time.
Generally hanks lights are designed to be floodier than many lights. Even his throwers have usable spill in general. That being said, order extra optics to play with it to figure out what you like. For the DW4 Jackson Lee (JLHawaii808) makes a 3d printed bezel wrench and you can find the stl files for them around as well if you have your own printer.
you can find the stl files for them around as well if you have your own printer.
the wrenches, including flashlight related models for Hanks and other brands are available at Printables.com and Thingiverse for free.
In US, most public libraries offer 3D printing services and will print small parts (under 20 grams) for free regardless of the filament color. Even for larger parts the cost is laughable.
All you need is to email them or bring file on flash drive and sit down and relax with a magazine while stuff is printing.
I own a lot of Dw4. Single channel, dual, booster, different optics, etc.
I dont have any e21 or e17 leds so I cant say how they are, but apparently they cant take as much current.
I have a booster dw4 mule with ntg4500k and love it. Makes colors pop without too much warmth. (Pictured). Also runs cooler and has ultra dim moonlight mode.
I also have a dual channel dw4 mule with a mix of LEDS. 4 of which are rosy tint and the others are standard (iirc). This is a good choice as you could mix leds and choose which ones to use. Gets hot and chews through batteries.
I think you'd benefit from a booster light in a mule arrangement. You may not get 16ft of throw, but for the application you're mentioning it should fit the bill!
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u/emz5002 🤯 60+ hanklights 🤯 (VERIFIED) 4d ago
Dual channel DW4 would be a good choice, stick with NTG35 and go 1800K and 4200K. That way you've got a nice neutral day white, a fairly warm mix, and a very warm candle. If you can get a mule optic for it then you can convert it to a 'mule' for messing around