Olantern Classic 2 VS Olantern Mini VS Olantern

Beginning of the Summer Sale in July 2022, our camping lights have launched the latest version: Olantern Classic 2 (New Release), this lantern has a major upgrade in performance and aesthetics, with a small and sophisticated retro body that is easy to carry.

Olantern Classic 2 includes the Olantern Classic 2 Lite and the Olantern Classic 2 Pro.

Let's take a look at the previous 2 Olantern versions:

Olantern

The original Olantern also has a removable cover. This feature is great because it allows you to swap out the bulb with the included flicker bulb, giving you a soft yellow flickering light that mimics a candle, adding ambiance to any occasion. Additionally, with the cover removed, you can use one of the many Olight holiday covers for more festive decorating. There are even individuals who have 3D printed numerous Olantern compatible topper designs for a variety of events and holidays. One minor quibble with the original Olantern is the harshness of the bright white light, especially on the highest setting. Since it is not diffused, keeping it at eye level could be an issue, but this is only a minor issue. There are aftermarket distributors available should one desire an original Olantern.

Olantern Mini

Following the successful introduction of the original Olantern, Olight has since released the Olantern Mini, a smaller and more compact edition of the original, as well as a larger, non-rechargeable, Olantern Classic. The Classic was released last year and was a huge hit as the vintage styling really resonated with fans. Powered by three standard AA batteries, the Olantern Classic featured two different LED modules. The first module provided a soft warm glow with a maximum of 60 lumens for up to 9 hours of runtime while the second LED module produced a brighter warm light with a maximum of 190 lumens for up to 4 hours of continuous runtime. The classic retro styling looked great whether it was used inside your home, outside on a patio or deck, or even on a picnic table at a campsite.

Unfortunately, it sold out very quickly and was recently discontinued by Olight since it was only ever intended to be a limited production run. While fans may be disappointed with the discontinuation of the Olantern Classic, that disappointment will be short-lived. Now, Olight is launching an upgraded new generation of Olantern Classic at this moment — Olantern Classic 2 Lite/Pro. Let's take a look at what makes it special.

Olantern Classic 2 Pro / Lite: Retro Styling with Modern Upgrades

The styling and overall size are the exact same regardless of which you decide to purchase. In fact, the only way to visually tell them apart, aside from turning them upside down, is to look at the Olight logo on the rubber strip just below the knob. The Pro edition will include two small pull tabs on either side because that is what is hiding the USB ports. Both the Pro and Lite editions are also being offered in the same two color choices;(beige and green) and the Pro will have the additional option of the vintage copper color.

As for the design, it is simply fantastic. The LED modules are contained within a PC plastic globe-shaped casing that is inverted and hanging from the top of the lantern. The plastic globe is protected by black-coated stainless-steel guards. The lantern also features a two-tiered top with a “peek-a-boo” style of opening at the very top for additional light transmission, adding the overall vintage appearance and feel. It almost gives it a lighthouse-like appearance. It includes a rubber-wrapped carrying handle with the Olight logo and name embossed into it. There is also a small D-ring style hook in the center of the top of the lantern for an easy hanging solution. Attach an OLink and you should be able to hang it from just about any metallic surface, or using some paracord tied directly to the D-link one would be able to hang it from overhead. The vintage copper color paired with the black hardware really gives this lantern a very old-world industrial look.

Finally, the Olight logo and name are again displayed on the base of the lantern on a rubber strip just below the rotary knob. Between the knob and the Olight logo is a battery indicator light. For both the Lite and Pro, a green light indicates between 15% and 100% of available battery power remaining. A solid red light indicates that the available power has dropped to between 5% and 15%. A blinking red light indicates less than 5% of the power is available. In both versions, the majority of the weight is within the base of the lantern, making them very stable. They are also both rated at IPX5 for water resistance.

What’s Olantern Classic 2 included?

The Olantern Classic 2 Pro includes the lantern, a USB C charging cable, and the user manual.

The Olantern Classic 2 Lite includes the lantern, four standard AA batteries, and the user manual.

Olantern Classic 2 Lite/Pro Camping Lantern Comparison Table

Conclusion

Lanterns have been an essential part of outdoor gear for a very long time. They provide 360 degrees of hands-free light, which is useful for performing tasks or just for gathering around a picnic table in the evening with family and friends.

Olight’s original Olantern became popular due to being powered by rechargeable batteries, its whisper-quiet operation, and its compact size. It has become a staple in both outdoor gear as well as in-home emergency supply kits. Following on that success, Olight has now released the next editions of lanterns and they should appeal to a large fan base due to the vintage styling as well as the performance enhancements.

You have two options to choose from: rechargeable or battery operated. The Pro edition is rechargeable and offers significant performance gains over the Lite edition as well as doubling as an emergency power bank for your electronic devices. However, in the event of a lengthy power outage, and without access to alternative power sources, you may be left with nothing to power your Olantern Classic 2 Pro. Conversely, the Olantern Classic 2 Lite edition is powered using four readily available AA batteries. Most have these on hand and if needed they can be found at just about any convenience or drug store, meaning you should always have access to power sources. But you do give up some performance for that convenience. For some, that may be an easy trade off. But you could always grab both and always be prepared!