Black Diamond Apollo Lantern

Field Notes: Powered by four AA batteries in a removable module (with clear battery direction indicators – well done), the 316g Apollo Lantern continues the Black Diamond tradition of convertible LED camp lanterns. Testers were impressed with the click-to-lock bottom battery access that takes only a single turn (or less) to open and is made more weather-resistant with an integrated gasket. While Activity Junky is a proponent of rechargeables and using them in lanterns including the Apollo, the ability to procure AAs internationally bodes well for reliable lighting access wherever the road (or airport runway) leads. Note also that Black Diamond includes a helpful reminder to “Reduce, Reuse, Recharge” with a compatible-but-optional NRG Rechargeable Battery Kit. 

A covered, round exterior port offers a path to DC power, again through the optional accessory. Once powered up, battery life is estimated at 100hrs at a nominal 10 lumens, 13hrs at max output of 200 lumens. Active Junky’s experience with Black Diamond speaks to the accuracy of their estimates, knowing there’s no substitute for traveling with back-up cells as total, elapsed runtimes are difficult to calculate when camping. 

Next, Apollo’s trio of bent-wire legs deploy quickly and lock into place securely under the LED lantern. Testers made note of the rubberized coating on the feet to protect surfaces as it minimized skidding even on wet tables, car hoods and tree stumps. Adding three inches to the lantern’s height results (with the tripod) in a significant improvement in beam distance as the actual LED is closer to 7” off the surface. 

Controlled by a fingernail-sized, weatherized button on the side, illumination level is determined by first clicking the light on. Then, press-and-hold action allows Apollo to change output continuously (dim or brighten), locking in at a precise level once the press switch is released. Apollo’s memory allows return to the same illumination level after turned off and back on again, a key feature of this capable lantern. Consistent with other Black Diamond camp lanterns previously evaluated, the extendable diffuser’s material strikes the right balance between bright output and glare reduction, as the top inverted-cone deflector concentrates light in a useful, outward direction. For hanging and carrying, split half-rings utilize suitably-thick wire to easily attach to fixed lines, tent handing loops and RV attachment points. 

Tester Comments: “The reliability factor here is through the roof. Despite being tossed around both when collapsed and telescoped open, the lantern’s diffuser didn’t become loose on the body nor get chipped in the process. While we didn’t push it, having the Apollo Lantern rated up to 140-degrees means summer desert camping will be no problem.”

Key Attribute: Portability