I found one feature of the Ledlenser HF8R Core excellent but would prefer to see it in a lighter model.

The Ledlenser HF8R Core is a chunky, heavy headlamp made from aluminium. It’s essentially a bigger more powerful version of the HF6R with one added feature called Adaptive Light Beam Technology. This means the light changes in brightness and focusing depending on where you’re looking, making it a hands free headlamp. It works well and I can’t really see any need to change to the separate light levels. These are more powerful than the ones on the HF6R but work in the same way and have the same control wheel for changing from spot to flood. The control wheel has no effective in Adaptive Light mode.  

Chris Townsend recommends

A chunkier version of the HF6R, I’d like to see this otherwise excellent lamp shed some weight
Pros
  • Auto dimming & focusing
  • Control wheel
  • Battery life
  • Waterproof
Cons
  • Heavy
  • Proprietary charging system
  • Expensive
Quick Specs
Price: £120 | $153.87
Weight: 194g
Power Source: 3700 mAh rechargeable
Battery Life: 3.5 – 90 hours
Brightness: 20 – 1600 lumens / 25 – 210 metres
Features: 4 light levels, red light, dimming, seamless spot to flood focus, lock mode, waterproof (IP68)
www.ledlenser.co.uk

Battery life is good. How long it lasts in the Adaptive Light mode depends on how you use it of course. In a tent you’ll probably get the full 90 hour maximum. Used with the beam far ahead of you when walking and that will shorten rapidly. The last isn’t needed that often. With my usage, a mix of close-up and moderate distance, so far the battery has lasted over 30 hours and still has power left.

The weight is all on the front of the head, and this is noticeable. The headband does have a stretchy double silicone section at the back but I still found the lamp tended to slip down until I attached the supplied over-the-head strap. This stabilises the unit but it still feels a bit too front heavy. At this weight I’d prefer to have the battery pack at the back to balance the lamp.

The HF8R Core has LedLenser’s proprietary charging system so you can only use the supplied cable not a USB one.

The Adaptive Light system is excellent. I would like to see it in a smaller, lighter headlamp.

Testing Notes

Chris tested the Ledlenser HF6R Core on night walks and when camping in the Scottish Highlands, mainly the Cairngorms, throughout 2024. This comparative review was first published in the November 2024 issue of The Great Outdoors. His other reviews in this comparative test can be found in our guide to the best head torches.