The integrated flashlight on smartphones often reaches its limits. Therefore, I was looking for a dedicated flashlight. The selection is huge. During my search, I came across the brand Wurkkos. More specifically, the models Wurkkos HD02 and HD03, which I will take a closer look at here.
Wurkkos HD02
Upon first contact with the Wurkkos HD02, it becomes immediately clear that this is not a lightweight for your pocket. Made of solid aluminum, the casing conveys a robust and durable impression. The craftsmanship is impeccable.
With a weight of around 255 grams including the battery and a length of just under 12.6 centimeters, it fits well in the hand. This flashlight is meant to be taken outdoors, on long tours, where things can get rough.
The scope of delivery is functional and complete. In addition to the flashlight itself, you’ll find a Wurkkos branded lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 5000 milliampere-hours, a USB C charging cable, a wrist strap, spare O-rings, and an instruction manual.
A special feature is the possibility to remove the battery. At first glance, this might sound obvious, but it’s no longer the case with today’s permanently installed components.
While the 21700 type is not a common battery type like AA or AAA batteries, you can find it very easily online. They cost between 5 and 15 Euros. So, if you’re out and about for a very long time without a power source, you can get a spare. Even if the battery loses performance after years, it can be easily replaced here.
The HD02 can also be used as a power bank.
Changing it is very simple, you just need to unscrew the bottom. This is also necessary for the first use to remove a protective sheet from the battery.
While charging, a small LED in the center of the operating button glows red. A practical detail is that the flashlight can be charged and used at the same time.
The operation of the HD02 is refreshingly logical and intuitive even in complete darkness. A central control wheel on the top allows selection of different main functions, while a button below serves to turn it on and off and to regulate brightness. However, here lies a minor criticism. The control wheel unfortunately has no dedicated off position.
In terms of performance, the main spotlight of the HD02 delivers up to 3200 lumens in turbo mode. This provides considerable brightness and a long range. In this mode, the runtime is naturally limited. In low mode, however, the runtime is around 140 hours.
The true strengths of the HD02, however, are revealed in its versatility. It is far more than a simple flashlight. In addition to the main spotlight, which offers remarkable luminosity, it features a green laser and a UV light function.
For me, however, the two foldable side wings are the most interesting feature. These “Wings” house additional LEDs and can be unfolded at an angle of up to 145 degrees. They produce a soft, diffused light, the color temperature of which can be continuously adjusted from a warm 3000 Kelvin to a cooler 6000 Kelvin.
Setting it up with the unfolded wings is also practical when you need to load a new film into the camera in the dark and need both hands free. In this mode, it can also be used well as a table lamp, for example, when camping.
A strong magnet is also built into the underside. This is strong enough to hold the flashlight even when hanging upside down from a metal surface. There is also a tripod thread on the underside.
The only real weakness I could find is the lack of a clear, multi-level display for the battery charge status.
Wurkkos HD03
The Wurkkos HD03 presents itself quite differently. It is the antithesis of the mighty HD02. With its tiny dimensions of only 60 by 28 millimeters and a feather-light weight of 49 grams, it is barely noticeable in a jacket pocket.
Despite its compactness, it feels very well-made thanks to its aluminum housing. It is clearly designed as an “Everyday Carry”, a flashlight that you can always have with you without it being a burden.
The scope of delivery of the HD03 is also minimalist, including the flashlight, a USB C charging cable, and two different types of lanyards.
The flashlight itself is a multifunctional unit that offers surprisingly many features despite its size. It has a central spot beam, a ring of nine LEDs for a soft floodlight with a high color rendering index, and additionally an RGB mode for colored light.
Operation is via a single button on the side and a small slider to switch between spot and floodlight. Here lies a small weakness in the concept. An additional button, perhaps one for modes and one for brightness, would make operation a little easier.
When it comes to brightness settings, there’s a quirk that’s a bit cumbersome in practice. Pressing the button cycles the flashlight through brightness levels from dark to bright. Once the brightest level is reached, the next click jumps back to the darkest. It would be more sensible if the cycle would gradually lead back from bright to dark. This way, you have to count the levels to avoid accidentally missing the desired brightness and having to start over.
Despite these minor operational weaknesses, the HD03 is an extremely useful tool, especially for photographers who spend a lot of time outdoors at night.
Thanks to the strong clip and the integrated magnet, it can be attached almost anywhere. You can clip it to the strap of your backpack, the brim of a hat, or simply to a t-shirt.
This way, you have your hands free to make all the settings for a long exposure with good lighting without having to wear a heavy headlamp.
The lock mode, activated by quickly pressing the button four times, is useful. It prevents the flashlight from accidentally turning on in your pocket and the battery from running down unnoticed.
In the higher brightness levels, the small flashlight develops noticeable warmth, which is not surprising given its compact design. Similar to its big sister, the HD03 also lacks a precise display for the battery charge status. The runtime, of course, also depends on the mode here. It ranges from 36 hours down to about 1 hour.
Conclusion
Let’s return to the original question. Can the Wurkkos HD02 and HD03 meet the demands of a photographer in the field? The answer is a clear yes, albeit in completely different ways.
The two flashlights are like two unequal sisters who complement each other perfectly. The HD03 is the ideal companion for everyday life and for photographic excursions where every gram counts. Its compactness, good workmanship, and versatile attachment options make it an inconspicuous but always ready helper. It is the flashlight you always have with you to bring light into the darkness at the right moment.
The HD02, on the other hand, is the workhorse. Due to its weight and size, it is less suitable for everyday use. It shows its strengths when you consciously venture into nature to take photos, or when you simply need enormous light output and maximum flexibility.
The foldable wings with adjustable color temperature, the powerful battery, and the robust construction make it a reliable tool for demanding situations in landscape and night photography.
Both flashlights are very well-made and offer a convincing price-performance ratio. Which one is the right choice ultimately depends not on the quality, but solely on the intended use. In my camera bag, both have found their permanent place.
Buy Wurkkos Flashlights
You can buy the flashlights through the manufacturer’s online shop. There you will find the HD02 and the HD03.
The HD03 looks like a solid little EDC light. I’ve been looking for something small enough to clip onto a baseball cap for late-night walks where I need to stay visible. The fact that it has a lock mode is a huge plus for me because my current light always accidentally turns on in my bag and drains the battery.
It’s refreshing to see a brand still using replaceable 21700 batteries. So many electronics are moving toward built-in cells these days, which basically makes the whole device disposable once the battery loses its capacity. Even if the HD02 is a bit heavier, I’ll take that trade-off for better longevity and sustainability.
Great brand
Maybe something for my wishlist :))
The folding wings on the HD02 seem like a game changer for camping. I usually carry a separate lantern for the table, but if this can handle both spot lighting and diffused light, it would definitely save some space in my pack.