Type “rechargeable light south africa” into Google’s search box, and it yields 14 million results. The same search on a well-known retail site returns over 5 000 results. Of these, we’ve tested fewer than 50. However, you’re unlikely to find a better blackout buster than the Energizer Vision 1200 Lumens Rechargeable Lantern, writes Justus Visagie.
That’s high praise indeed. What makes it so good? It’s not as if it is a domestic pebble bed nuclear reactor, or a lightsabre.
Key features of the Energizer Vision 1200 Lumens Rechargeable Lantern
- Charges fully in 8 hours (light must be turned off)
- USB port out for charging other devices
- Dimming feature for customised light output and optimal runtime
- Powerful and bright 360-degree area lighting
- Shatter-proof lens
- Modes: High, Low, Night-light
- Battery: rechargeable lithium-ion
- Battery capacity: 1 810 mAh
- Voltage: 5V and 1A, in and out
Reasons for buying the Energizer Vision Rechargeable Lantern
I own three lamps, for when that guy at Eskom throws the “OFF” switch: A Eurolux torch/lantern, a WakaWaka Power+, and a Campingaz Lumostar Plus PZ gas lantern.
Though brand new, the Eurolux is (more of) an emergency lamp – the overly bright light only shines brightly for about 20 minutes before fading. In turn, the wonderful WakaWaka+ is almost ten years old, so it no longer holds much of a charge. Lastly, the Campingaz lantern creates a nostalgic noise, but emits heat and goes through those gas canisters too quickly.
My laments about the above did not fall on deaf ears, and before you could say “Gwede Mantashe se push,” two beloved family members presented me with an Energizer Vision 1200.
Unboxing and setting up
The Energizer Vision 1200 Lumens Rechargeable Lantern arrived with a factory charge, so I could use it straight away. As shown in the photo(s), the Vision 1200 (doesn’t that sound so delightfully sci-fi?) isn’t packaged in a box. This means you should inspect and test it immediately on arrival, to make sure it suffered no damage. Do the same if you buy in store.
Once the factory charge runs out, plug a USB micro B (mini USB) cable into the corresponding port on the lamp. {SEE PICTURE}. The other end of the cable has to goes into a smartphone charger, or a wall socket with USB output. A full charge takes 8 hours and you can top it up if you’re worried about running out of power. Protect the battery by unplugging the lamp when the battery is fully charged.
Using the Energizer Vision Rechargeable Lantern
This is where the praise-singing begins, because there’s just so much to like about this thing.
First of all, it weighs just 750g and is easy to use, so it’s suitable for toddlers, geriatrics, and everyone in between. Switching it on requires a gentle press of the power switch. Now it’s at its brightest, equal to an old 75W incandescent bulb, more or less. To reduce light output by half, press it again. A third press reduces output to a faint orange glow, making the Vision a useful night light.
But wait; there’s more. You can also choose the exact desired brightness. By holding the button down, the light will progressively turn brighter or fainter. It works just like a digital touch dimmer switch.
The Vision functions as a power bank too.
What we like about the Energizer Vision Rechargeable Lantern
There’s a lot. Its simplest advantage comes down to its shape, which incorporates a carry-handle. It fits large and small hands well, and it has a rubberised non-slip grip.
The base is narrow enough to take up little surface space. However, the weight in its base prevents it from easily tipping over.
Lastly, it casts a very bright white light in all directions and can do so for 5 hours. In its “Low” setting it will shine for 30 hours.
Though it’s not a tactical or industrial lamp, the Vision also quite resistant to manhandling (and probably mansplaining too). Energizer says it will survive a 1-meter drop and is water resistant to level IPX4. The latter means it will survive minor splashes and shouldn’t be submerged.
Where Energiser could improve this product
Although there’s a USB-A to USB Micro B cable supplied, stored in a compartment in the base of the lamp, Energizer doesn’t ship the lamp with a charger.
Perhaps that’s a good thing. Firstly, there’s too much e-waste in the world. Secondly, most consumers have left-over chargers from old smartphones. Thirdly, chargers are sold separately anyway – so buy one if you must or ask a friend for a spare.
Finally, the finish of the rubberised parts could be better, but this is unlikely to concern more than one out of 100 owners.
Conclusion and score
The Vision is one of the best products I own or have owned. Its combination of high output, ease of use, and long battery life make the Vision a dependable ally against power failures.
The Energizer Vision 1200 Lumens Rechargeable Lantern scores 5 out of 5.
5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Title image by Hải-Nguyễn from Pexels.com
