Comparison Console
Nitecore LA30 vs Sofirn SD05
EDC Flashlights comparison. Compare price, weight, specifications, materials, and real-world use case.
Command Brief
Recommended read
Nitecore LA30 stands out as the lightest option for weight, with about a 3% gap from the closest alternative. Sofirn SD05 stands out as the cheapest option for retail price, with about a 10% gap from the closest alternative. Sofirn SD05 stands out as the highest output option for max lumens, with about a 1100% gap from the closest alternative.
Decision Signals
What stands out
Sofirn SD05 stands out as the cheapest option for retail price, with about a 10% gap from the closest alternative.
Nitecore LA30 stands out as the most expensive option for retail price, with about a 11% gap from the closest alternative.
Nitecore LA30 stands out as the lightest option for weight, with about a 3% gap from the closest alternative.
Sofirn SD05 stands out as the heaviest option for weight, with about a 3% gap from the closest alternative.
Nitecore LA30 stands out as the lowest output option for max lumens, with about a 92% gap from the closest alternative.
Sofirn SD05 stands out as the highest output option for max lumens, with about a 1100% gap from the closest alternative.
Sofirn SD05 stands out as the shortest runtime option for max runtime, with about a 97% gap from the closest alternative.
Nitecore LA30 stands out as the longest runtime option for max runtime, with about a 3329% gap from the closest alternative.
Specification Profile
Relative dimensions at a glance
Each axis is normalized against the largest raw value among the products in this comparison. Farther outward means a larger value, not necessarily a better result. Axes with an unverified value are omitted.
Price & carry
Retail price
US$39.95Most expensive
US$35.99Cheapest
Weight
117 g (4.13 oz)Lightest
120 g (4.23 oz)Heaviest
Length
75.2 mm (2.96 in)Shortest
119 mm (4.69 in)Longest
Output
Max lumens
250 lmLowest output
3000 lmHighest output
Max candela
96 cdLowest candela
36225 cdHighest candela
Beam distance
19.6 m (64 ft)Lowest
271 m (889 ft)Highest
Max runtime
3360 minLongest runtime
98 minShortest runtime
Power & durability
Battery type
Built-in 3.7V 1800mAh Li-ion rechargeable battery or 2 AA batteries (alkaline or NiMH)
21700 rechargeable lithium-ion
Charging type
Micro-USB charging
External charger via micro-USB
Rechargeable
Yes
Yes
IP rating
IP66
IP68
Impact resistance
1 m (3 ft)
Unknown
Material
Polycarbonate (body)
Aircraft-grade aluminum alloy with hard anodized finish
Use case profile
Best for
CampingFishingEmergency lightingGeneral outdoor useHands-free lighting
Scuba diving up to 100 metersCampingHuntingGeneral outdoor use
Common praise
Dual power options provide versatility and reliable backupHigh CRI LEDs offer good color rendering and reduce eye strainLong runtime up to 56 hours on lowIP66 rating provides good water and dust resistanceCompact size with magnetic base and hanging loop for versatile placementGood battery charge indication and advanced power cut-off for battery preservation
High output brightness up to 3000 lumensGood build quality and anodization finishSolid waterproofing confirmed to 100 metersStable runtime and no PWM detectedEasy and intuitive rotary dial interfaceIncludes battery, charger, and lanyard in package
Common complaints
Size and weight not ideal for backpackingCharging port does not charge AA batteries if installedNo way to disable bright green charge complete indicator light
Lack of grip on body tubeNo pocket clip or magnet for carryNo SOS or strobe modesSome desire for wider tint optionCharging is external only, not built-in
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