
Review of the Fenix CL26R Pro Lantern: Power, Performance, and Portability Perfected
Welcome to our comprehensive review of the Fenix CL26R PRO Rechargeable Lantern. This versatile piece of outdoor equipment is a must-have for anyone embarking on a night camping trip or needing a reliable source of light during a blackout.
I should come clean from the start: I am a Fenix fanboy. This is only half of the Fenix stuff we have, there are multiple headlamps, lanterns, and torches in our vehicles not pictured here - oh and bike lights on all our bikes...!

So when I got the chance to try out the new CL26R Lantern you know I was all over it, because, perhaps, I like lights too much.
And when you're done reading this review be sure to also check out the Fenix CL28R - it is still one of my all time favorite lanterns.
Dec 2024 Update: It's official. BOBB Jr has stolen this lamp from me and refuses to give it back. He uses it constantly and I gotta say it's held up to the abuse and also speaks to its ease of use and use case flexibilty.
TLDR; What to Expect of the CL26R Pro
- Outstanding Brightness: It boasts a powerful maximum output of 650 lumens, making it capable of lighting up a room or campsite efficiently.
- Long-lasting Battery: With a single 21700 rechargeable battery with 5000 mAh, it guarantees you prolonged light supply.
- Versatile Use: It comes with options for both hanging and magnetic positioning, offering a high degree of flexibility in its use. It has 9 lighting modes, including red light.
- User-friendly Design: It boasts an easy-to-use one-switch design, making operation simple and straightforward. Twist the dial or push the button. Easy!
Whether you need a reliable light source for your next camping trip or you're planning an outdoor event, the Fenix CL26R PRO could be just the device you need. (Spoiler: it is!)
Functionality
I don't usually start with how a product works when I do a review, but the ease of which this lamp is operated really stood out to me.
I know what you are saying "It's a flashlight dude, just hit the button." Yes, that is true...however we have lots of lights and many of them have multiple functions per button: tap, long tap, multiple tap, tap and hold. Sometimes it's not so simple.
But the CL26R Pro changes all that. The knob and button combo is perfect. Turn the knob to the right and the lantern cycles through its modes. Turn it to the left and it cycles through the down-facing "flashlight." Press and hold the middle button and it turns both on at the same time. Button taps cycle through the lamp or flashlight modes.
When the lamp is off completely, press and hold the button and the red lamp turns on. Tap again for the blinking red light (great for warning signals, i.e. car on the side of the road.)
Freaking brilliant.
CL26R Lighting Modes
OK so what does this thing actually do from, you know, a light perspective?
Glad you asked.
The Fenix CL26R has nine lighting modes: three 360° brightness levels, a forward facing light, three down facing levels, a red light, and red flashing light.
That enough for you?
Here' this should help:
What about output to time ratios?
Here you go!
Design
The CL26R isn't a big honkin' lamp. It's slightly taller than a standard sized coffee mug and about half the width.
It has a powerful magnet along the top, which makes it really handy when working on the truck or wherever you have metal around.
Theres a carabiner like hook and clip which runs along the top too. It feels sturdy enough, but I wouldn't beat on it - I think it's made of plastic and the spring in the clip is pretty small. Still it will do the job.
The top screws on and off and the battery slides right down the middle. Easy.
The USB C charge port lives behind a little rubber door, as does the USB A charge out. Yes, the CL26R can function as a backup battery for your other electronics if you need it to.
Battery
My preferred battery type is replaceable / rechargeable batteries. That's why I love the 18650 batteries, many of which come with their own micro-USB charge-in connections right on them.
The CL26R comes with the slightly larger ARB-L21-5000 V2.0 battery, i.e. the 21700 style. If like me, you are married to the 18650 batteries, you can grab an 18650 to 21700 adapter from Fenix which converts the 18650 to the 21700 size.
BTW If you buy anything with the links we provide on this page we might get a small percentage of the sale from the manufacturer. For more info click here.
Wish It Had
I really like the lamp, and the only thing missing which would make it the perfect lamp is a variable color option for the LED's. The CL28R lantern has a separate switch to turn the color temperature from white to amber.
The CL26R doesn't have this feature. I'm not a huge fan of really white lights, especially around the campsite.
It's a minor quibble but it changes the lamp from a use all-night lamp like the CL28R lamp to a use when necessary lamp, that's all.
Where To Get One
BTW If you buy anything with the links we provide on this page we might get a small percentage of the sale from the manufacturers end. For more info click here.
Fenix CL26R Pro Rechargeable Lantern
The Fenix CL26R PRO Lantern allows you to dial in the perfect amount of light. Rotate the dial to choose between nine different lighting modes including a maximum 500 lumen High mode that can illuminate 360° for up to 50 feet away.
Use the retractable hook and the down-facing light to illuminate the inside of a tent. Use the magnetic top and the forward-facing light to light up a workbench. Use the red light to save your night vision.
USB-C rechargeable with a battery level indicator, the CL26R PRO can also be used as a 5000mAh power bank to charge other devices. When you need the best lantern, trust the PRO.