kj75
Enlightened
Recently, my second Manker arrived (after the E11 that I reviewed earlier): the MK34. This palm-sized light has 12! LEDS that give an output up to impressive 8000 lumens for the XP-G3 version. I received the Nichia219B-version, that has max 6500 lumens but also better color rendering. In this review we'll have a look at this "tiny-but-big" Manker; I'll show you the details and share my beamshots with you too.
the new Manker MK34
palm-sized but powerful
powered by 12 Nichia 219B LEDS
compact, pocket-sized
but what a performance!
To start with, the features and specifications here, given by Mankerlight:
• Emitter: 12x Nichia 219B
• Maximum output: / 6500 lumens
• Maximum beam distance: 280M
• Waterproof: IPX-8 (2 meter under water)
• Impact resistance: 1.5meters
• Working voltage: 2.8v - 4.35v (Over discharge protection)
• Driver: Most efficiency constant current circuit
• Material: Aircraft-grade aluminum body
• Surface treatment: Premium Type III hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish
• Lens: Toughened ultra-clear glass lens with anti-reflective coating
• Tail stand
The dimensions:
• Length: 98mm
• Diameter: 55mm
• Weight: 258grams (without battery)
And the output specs:
NOTE: according to Manker the Nichia version has about 0.8 the output of the XP-G3-version and same runtimes; so I edited the chart manually
Unboxing:
The MK34 is shipped in a simple light brown box, the wrap around it shows a print of the light and the main specs. At the box only a sticker that shows what version (cool white or CRI) is inside. Protecting foam with some cut-outs around prevent the MK34 and the parts against damage. It's not a very complete box: Only a manual, spare O-ring and lanyard is there. In my opinion at least a holster could be added. For the rest, the box looks ok, and is a good option to restore or carry the light. The pictures below show the box and what's inside!
a light brown box with wrap around
at the wrap the main specs of the MK34 mentioned
the MK34 and the parts protected by white foam
the contents: MK34, manual, lanyard and spare O-ring
Impressions:
First impression: Surprising compact! I knew that it should be a tiny one, also because of the pictures I checked before it arrived, but in real life it looks more compact. Personally, I like the appearance of the MK34: it has its own style, details and looks. Especially the style and shape of the lights' head and the silver rings around the LEDS and the power button are striking. The MK34 comes in nice military grey color. The light has rather heavy feels and the overall build-quality is good. Same job on the anodizing, but my sample showed some little spots. Good job on laser engraving, with icon above how to insert the cells. The branded and stiff power-button is easy to locate; on the other side there's a tripod connector, which is a handy feature. As expected, the MK34 has an excellent anti-rolling design and also stable tail-stand. Looking at the lights' head, I detected some little chips at the silver rings around the emitters and also the lenses were not completely clean. Not a big issue, but Manker should improve this in future. The Nichia 219B LEDS are well-centered. While unscrewing the head, the threads run smooth, but they need some grease. Looking into the head I detected some glue rests, the finishing of the tube is well-done. My overall impression here is a good one, except the fact that some finishing details could be improved. Please have a look also at a couple of impression pictures below, that show the details of the MK34!
The compact but powerful Manker MK34…
has its own looks and style
comes in nice military-grey color
surprising compact!
a bit thick, but easy to carry
I like the design
12 Nichia 219B LEDS will give a lot of output
a branded power button that is easy to locate
a tripod connector at the other side
a close-up to the tail and the fine knurling
it's very important to use the right cells, those worked fine at my sample
the threads are well-machined, but need some grease
some glue rest in the lights' head
the tube is well-finished
the 12 Nichia 219B LEDS are well-centered
a cut-out in the body to add the lanyard
the lanyard isn't oversized: it just fits my wrist..
a close-up to the engraving
and to the head
the power indicator / breath flash in action
a close-up to the head
a close-up to emitters shows some dirt under the lens
unique: adjustable "10-steps" moonlight mode; only five shown here
easy mounting to a tripod or gorilla-pod
User interface:
The MK34 is surprising compact, but also rather thick (soda can-sized) and little heavy because of the three 18650's. But it fits well in a man's hand and in particular the triangular head provides good grip. Carrying in your coat pocket won't give big problems.
An important case is what cells you should use. Manker recommends high-drain cells, and at their webpage they advise to use Sanyo 18650GA with at least 20A current. As far as I know, these cells can put out 10A. I discussed the "battery-issue" with the manufacturer and they told me that the MK34 needs at least 21A. For me it wasn't an easy job to get the right cells: After some days research, I purchased three Samsung INR 18650 30Q cells (that are 15A); they just fit in my sample and the light can reach turbo. To be honest, lights like these that come without the right cells are not my favorite purchases: Manker should include the right cells with the light to avoid problems and issues with wrong, not powerful enough batteries.
The interface needs less practice than the diagram in the manual shows. From off, you can put on the light at three ways: One short click (always) puts on the MK34 in moonlight mode, it's possible to cycle through the other output mode (except turbo) when you start at this one. A longer press from off (about a second or slightly longer) will enter one the four memorized mode. Out of this mode you can cycle through the other modes (including moonlight); nice fact is that the MK34 cycles in order of UP > DOWN > UP and so on. A double short click brings turbo (both from on or off). From turbo, you can cycle through the special modes by short clicks, again two short clicks will bring you back in last used normal mode. Press and hold in any mode to shut the light off.
A great option that I never met before on a light is the adjustable moonlight mode: when you shut off the light and hold the button until the power indicator lights up, you can program your desired moonlight mode. In total you can choose out of 10 levels: from extremely low (almost invisible) until 25 lumens. If you've found your favorite level, press long to store. Great option! I wish that all flashlights came with this nice feature! So, I'd say to Manker: Please add this very nice feature to all your lights in future!
The MK34 has an impressive output, and I love the nice color rendering. The turbo mode could be used for less than one minute, so to me it is only a nice feature to impress. Maybe cells with higher amps will give turbo for some longer time, but the light gets hot quickly in very short time too. The medium and high modes are better for constant use; although the light gets hot at high, it can be used for longer times without problems. So we can conclude the MK34 has impressive output; can be used best at medium or high modes; the interface works fine and the adjustable moonlight mode is a winner to me.
Modes:
The Manker MK34 has in total 6 normal output modes: MOONLIGHT > LOW > MED1 > MED2 > HIGH > TURBO. MOONLIGHT and TURBO are two direct-modes. The MOONLIGHT-mode can be adjusted at total 10 levels. The mode spacing is very good, the MK34 has for almost every situation a matching output mode. Three special modes on the MK34: STROBE > SOS > BEACON. The POWER INDICATOR in the button can be used as LOCATION BEACON too. About voltage indication: Blue means above 75% power, purple around 50% and red less than 20% power. You can LOCK-OUT the light at two ways: by a one click/two clicks/three clicks quick press and by releasing the lights head a little. Same way to unlock; I prefer unscrewing the head because this takes too much effort.
Size comparison:
Because I don't own a light that has about the same dimensions and output, I had to make another choice. I picked the Nitecore TM06 because that was my most compact big-output light until now. I'll show you the lights side by side here; later in this review I'll use both for my beamshots too!
18650-cell, Manker MK34 and Nitecore TM06
Manker MK34 and Nitecore TM06
Manker MK34 and Nitecore TM06
the heads: Manker MK34 and Nitecore TM06
12 x Nichia 219B and four XM-L2 U2 LEDS
the tails: Manker MK34 and Nitecore TM06
Tint:
The MK34 has a nice warm tint. Maybe a bit pinkish in the spill but to me ok. Look at the picture below that shows that the Nitecore TM06 has green and blue next to the MK34.
Beamprofile:
Not surprising that these 12 LEDS give a big spot and corona and little spill. This results in a wide beam; you can light up a very big area at short until medium distance using the MK34! Combined with the good color rendering this is a good light for searching jobs. I couldn't detect defects in the beam, neither PWM could be found. Good job of Manker on the beamprofile here!
Beamshots:
Let's see what the MK34 shows when we shine at a white wall. The six output modes shown here, followed by a GIF. The distance to the wall is about 1 meter. The lowest level is barely noticeable here.
NOTE: I used the fifth level of the moonlight mode during taking my beamshots, the mentioned 3 lumens may vary a little, because Manker doesn't give exact parameters.
Camera-settings: ISO100, F/2.7, WB daylight, 1/125 sec, 35mm
GIF-picture:
Let's see now how the Manker MK34 performs outside! I took some beamshots at two locations, we'll start in the forest. Beginning with the six output modes, followed by a GIF. After that a shoot-out against the Nitecore TM06.
Camera-settings: ISO100, F/2.7, WB daylight, 4 sec, 35mm
GIF-picture:
the MK34 against the Nitecore TM06, both at turbo
Another location here, a road with trees and a wall at right side. Again the six output modes of the MK34 and a GIF here; after that a comparison to the Nitecore TM06.
Camera-settings: ISO100, F/2.7, WB daylight, 4 sec, 35mm
GIF-picture
the MK34 against the Nitecore TM06, both at Turbo
Conclusion:
It impressive that a compact light like the Manker MK34 can have such a big output. The light is also well-built, and except some details at finishing it looks ok. The interface works well, the adjustable moonlight is a great feature. Because the step between high and turbo is a big one, why not an adjustable turbo-mode too? To me, this would be a step forwards, because the light can stand the turbo mode for that long, neither with 20A cells. So, best way to use this light at medium or high mode, and only the turbo for quick-search or to impress Therefore it should be a great option if Manker comes with a kit-version of the MK34, including the cells they recommend.
We'll wait for more interesting lights of this brand!
Special thanks to Mankerlight for providing me the light!
the MK34 in the forest
the new Manker MK34
palm-sized but powerful
powered by 12 Nichia 219B LEDS
compact, pocket-sized
but what a performance!
To start with, the features and specifications here, given by Mankerlight:
• Emitter: 12x Nichia 219B
• Maximum output: / 6500 lumens
• Maximum beam distance: 280M
• Waterproof: IPX-8 (2 meter under water)
• Impact resistance: 1.5meters
• Working voltage: 2.8v - 4.35v (Over discharge protection)
• Driver: Most efficiency constant current circuit
• Material: Aircraft-grade aluminum body
• Surface treatment: Premium Type III hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish
• Lens: Toughened ultra-clear glass lens with anti-reflective coating
• Tail stand
The dimensions:
• Length: 98mm
• Diameter: 55mm
• Weight: 258grams (without battery)
And the output specs:
NOTE: according to Manker the Nichia version has about 0.8 the output of the XP-G3-version and same runtimes; so I edited the chart manually
Unboxing:
The MK34 is shipped in a simple light brown box, the wrap around it shows a print of the light and the main specs. At the box only a sticker that shows what version (cool white or CRI) is inside. Protecting foam with some cut-outs around prevent the MK34 and the parts against damage. It's not a very complete box: Only a manual, spare O-ring and lanyard is there. In my opinion at least a holster could be added. For the rest, the box looks ok, and is a good option to restore or carry the light. The pictures below show the box and what's inside!
a light brown box with wrap around
at the wrap the main specs of the MK34 mentioned
the MK34 and the parts protected by white foam
the contents: MK34, manual, lanyard and spare O-ring
Impressions:
First impression: Surprising compact! I knew that it should be a tiny one, also because of the pictures I checked before it arrived, but in real life it looks more compact. Personally, I like the appearance of the MK34: it has its own style, details and looks. Especially the style and shape of the lights' head and the silver rings around the LEDS and the power button are striking. The MK34 comes in nice military grey color. The light has rather heavy feels and the overall build-quality is good. Same job on the anodizing, but my sample showed some little spots. Good job on laser engraving, with icon above how to insert the cells. The branded and stiff power-button is easy to locate; on the other side there's a tripod connector, which is a handy feature. As expected, the MK34 has an excellent anti-rolling design and also stable tail-stand. Looking at the lights' head, I detected some little chips at the silver rings around the emitters and also the lenses were not completely clean. Not a big issue, but Manker should improve this in future. The Nichia 219B LEDS are well-centered. While unscrewing the head, the threads run smooth, but they need some grease. Looking into the head I detected some glue rests, the finishing of the tube is well-done. My overall impression here is a good one, except the fact that some finishing details could be improved. Please have a look also at a couple of impression pictures below, that show the details of the MK34!
The compact but powerful Manker MK34…
has its own looks and style
comes in nice military-grey color
surprising compact!
a bit thick, but easy to carry
I like the design
12 Nichia 219B LEDS will give a lot of output
a branded power button that is easy to locate
a tripod connector at the other side
a close-up to the tail and the fine knurling
it's very important to use the right cells, those worked fine at my sample
the threads are well-machined, but need some grease
some glue rest in the lights' head
the tube is well-finished
the 12 Nichia 219B LEDS are well-centered
a cut-out in the body to add the lanyard
the lanyard isn't oversized: it just fits my wrist..
a close-up to the engraving
and to the head
the power indicator / breath flash in action
a close-up to the head
a close-up to emitters shows some dirt under the lens
unique: adjustable "10-steps" moonlight mode; only five shown here
easy mounting to a tripod or gorilla-pod
User interface:
The MK34 is surprising compact, but also rather thick (soda can-sized) and little heavy because of the three 18650's. But it fits well in a man's hand and in particular the triangular head provides good grip. Carrying in your coat pocket won't give big problems.
An important case is what cells you should use. Manker recommends high-drain cells, and at their webpage they advise to use Sanyo 18650GA with at least 20A current. As far as I know, these cells can put out 10A. I discussed the "battery-issue" with the manufacturer and they told me that the MK34 needs at least 21A. For me it wasn't an easy job to get the right cells: After some days research, I purchased three Samsung INR 18650 30Q cells (that are 15A); they just fit in my sample and the light can reach turbo. To be honest, lights like these that come without the right cells are not my favorite purchases: Manker should include the right cells with the light to avoid problems and issues with wrong, not powerful enough batteries.
The interface needs less practice than the diagram in the manual shows. From off, you can put on the light at three ways: One short click (always) puts on the MK34 in moonlight mode, it's possible to cycle through the other output mode (except turbo) when you start at this one. A longer press from off (about a second or slightly longer) will enter one the four memorized mode. Out of this mode you can cycle through the other modes (including moonlight); nice fact is that the MK34 cycles in order of UP > DOWN > UP and so on. A double short click brings turbo (both from on or off). From turbo, you can cycle through the special modes by short clicks, again two short clicks will bring you back in last used normal mode. Press and hold in any mode to shut the light off.
A great option that I never met before on a light is the adjustable moonlight mode: when you shut off the light and hold the button until the power indicator lights up, you can program your desired moonlight mode. In total you can choose out of 10 levels: from extremely low (almost invisible) until 25 lumens. If you've found your favorite level, press long to store. Great option! I wish that all flashlights came with this nice feature! So, I'd say to Manker: Please add this very nice feature to all your lights in future!
The MK34 has an impressive output, and I love the nice color rendering. The turbo mode could be used for less than one minute, so to me it is only a nice feature to impress. Maybe cells with higher amps will give turbo for some longer time, but the light gets hot quickly in very short time too. The medium and high modes are better for constant use; although the light gets hot at high, it can be used for longer times without problems. So we can conclude the MK34 has impressive output; can be used best at medium or high modes; the interface works fine and the adjustable moonlight mode is a winner to me.
Modes:
The Manker MK34 has in total 6 normal output modes: MOONLIGHT > LOW > MED1 > MED2 > HIGH > TURBO. MOONLIGHT and TURBO are two direct-modes. The MOONLIGHT-mode can be adjusted at total 10 levels. The mode spacing is very good, the MK34 has for almost every situation a matching output mode. Three special modes on the MK34: STROBE > SOS > BEACON. The POWER INDICATOR in the button can be used as LOCATION BEACON too. About voltage indication: Blue means above 75% power, purple around 50% and red less than 20% power. You can LOCK-OUT the light at two ways: by a one click/two clicks/three clicks quick press and by releasing the lights head a little. Same way to unlock; I prefer unscrewing the head because this takes too much effort.
Size comparison:
Because I don't own a light that has about the same dimensions and output, I had to make another choice. I picked the Nitecore TM06 because that was my most compact big-output light until now. I'll show you the lights side by side here; later in this review I'll use both for my beamshots too!
18650-cell, Manker MK34 and Nitecore TM06
Manker MK34 and Nitecore TM06
Manker MK34 and Nitecore TM06
the heads: Manker MK34 and Nitecore TM06
12 x Nichia 219B and four XM-L2 U2 LEDS
the tails: Manker MK34 and Nitecore TM06
Tint:
The MK34 has a nice warm tint. Maybe a bit pinkish in the spill but to me ok. Look at the picture below that shows that the Nitecore TM06 has green and blue next to the MK34.
Beamprofile:
Not surprising that these 12 LEDS give a big spot and corona and little spill. This results in a wide beam; you can light up a very big area at short until medium distance using the MK34! Combined with the good color rendering this is a good light for searching jobs. I couldn't detect defects in the beam, neither PWM could be found. Good job of Manker on the beamprofile here!
Beamshots:
Let's see what the MK34 shows when we shine at a white wall. The six output modes shown here, followed by a GIF. The distance to the wall is about 1 meter. The lowest level is barely noticeable here.
NOTE: I used the fifth level of the moonlight mode during taking my beamshots, the mentioned 3 lumens may vary a little, because Manker doesn't give exact parameters.
Camera-settings: ISO100, F/2.7, WB daylight, 1/125 sec, 35mm
GIF-picture:
Let's see now how the Manker MK34 performs outside! I took some beamshots at two locations, we'll start in the forest. Beginning with the six output modes, followed by a GIF. After that a shoot-out against the Nitecore TM06.
Camera-settings: ISO100, F/2.7, WB daylight, 4 sec, 35mm
GIF-picture:
the MK34 against the Nitecore TM06, both at turbo
Another location here, a road with trees and a wall at right side. Again the six output modes of the MK34 and a GIF here; after that a comparison to the Nitecore TM06.
Camera-settings: ISO100, F/2.7, WB daylight, 4 sec, 35mm
GIF-picture
the MK34 against the Nitecore TM06, both at Turbo
Conclusion:
It impressive that a compact light like the Manker MK34 can have such a big output. The light is also well-built, and except some details at finishing it looks ok. The interface works well, the adjustable moonlight is a great feature. Because the step between high and turbo is a big one, why not an adjustable turbo-mode too? To me, this would be a step forwards, because the light can stand the turbo mode for that long, neither with 20A cells. So, best way to use this light at medium or high mode, and only the turbo for quick-search or to impress Therefore it should be a great option if Manker comes with a kit-version of the MK34, including the cells they recommend.
We'll wait for more interesting lights of this brand!
Special thanks to Mankerlight for providing me the light!
the MK34 in the forest
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