When I first started setting up my home security system, I quickly realized the limitations of built-in camera IR, especially in darker, longer-range areas. The inability to clearly identify activity beyond a certain distance was a constant worry. Solving this problem was crucial for true peace of mind; without adequate night illumination, security footage becomes useless precisely when you need it most – in the dark. I knew I needed a dedicated IR illuminator.
The core purpose of an infrared illuminator is to supplement or provide invisible light for security cameras, enabling them to capture clear black-and-white video in low or no-light conditions. Someone looking to buy an IR illuminator is typically dealing with dark blind spots, insufficient range from their camera’s built-in IR, or issues with spiderwebs and insects being attracted to the on-camera IR LEDs. The ideal customer is a homeowner or small business owner who already has security cameras and wants to improve their nighttime performance without upgrading the cameras themselves. Those who shouldn’t buy might be people who don’t have cameras with night vision capabilities (as IR illuminators only work with IR-sensitive cameras), or perhaps those needing visible white light floodlights instead.
Before purchasing an infrared illuminator, you need to think about several key factors: the range you need to cover, the beam angle required (wide for broad areas, narrow for focused long distances), the power source and connectivity (wired is common), weather resistance for outdoor use (IP rating), mounting options, and whether the visible red glow of the LEDs is a concern (some prefer covert lighting). Compatibility with your existing cameras’ IR wavelength (most common is 850nm) is also important.
- Unbelievably Compact and Powerful - Based on our customers' needs on small-sized infrared illuminators for their long range applications, Tendelux nailed it. DI20 is only 1/2 the size of BI18 (our 18W...
- Redefining "Even Illumination" - With the tailored design integrated lens, the IR lights are more efficiently and evenly spread on your camera's field of view. No more "hot-spot" and washed-out...
- EASY Angle Adjustment - With the new style mounting 360-degree swivel and 90 degree tilting bracket, now you no longer have the trouble in adjusting the lighting angle horizontally. It's also made of...
Introducing the Tendelux DI20
The Tendelux DI20 IR Illuminator is a dedicated infrared flood light designed specifically to enhance security camera night vision. It promises long-range, evenly spread infrared illumination in a remarkably compact package. When you purchase the DI20, you get the illuminator unit itself, a 360-degree adjustable stand, a power adapter (110-240Vac to 12VDC 2A), installation screws, a user manual, an 18-month warranty, and what Tendelux describes as lifetime friendly support.
Compared to larger, bulkier IR lights on the market, the DI20 aims to offer powerful performance in a smaller footprint, notably being half the size of their previous 18W model, the BI18, while providing more illumination. This specific Tendelux DI20 is well-suited for users who need significant nighttime range extension for their existing CCTV or IP cameras and value a more discreet and modern-looking unit. It might not be ideal for situations where a completely invisible light source is necessary, as the 850nm LEDs do emit a faint red glow.
Pros:
* Remarkably compact and sleek design
* Provides powerful, long-range illumination
* Tailored lens for even light spread (minimizes hot spots)
* Easy angle adjustment with a versatile mounting bracket
* Durable aluminum housing with effective cooling
* IP65 water resistance rating
* Includes power adapter and mounting hardware
Cons:
* Power adapter cable can be short
* Mounting bracket could be more secure for high winds
* Visible red glow from LEDs
* Limited colour options (primarily white in some regions)
- SPECIAL - Upgraded from the most classic mini 4 LEDs IR illuminator with all-around better materials and first ever in black coating
- Unbelievably Compact and Powerful - Based on our customers' needs on small-sized infrared illuminators for their long range applications, Tendelux nailed it. DI20 is only 1/2 the size of BI18 (our 18W...
- ✔️AUTOMATICALLY ON and OFF：Built-in with photocell sensor, the ir illuminator automatically switch on at dusk and switch off at dawn, it’s energy saving style. Wave length 850nm Infrared...
Delving into the Features and Their Advantages
After using the Tendelux DI20 for an extended period, I’ve come to appreciate how its specific features translate into real-world benefits for enhancing security camera performance at night.
Compact Yet Powerful Illumination
One of the first things you notice about the DI20 is its size. It’s genuinely small, measuring only 10.2 x 10.2 x 3.8 centimetres. This makes it far less obtrusive than many older or higher-wattage infrared lights. The benefit here is discretion; it doesn’t scream “security equipment” and blends in reasonably well, especially with white soffit or trim. However, don’t let the size fool you. Despite being small, the Tendelux DI20 packs a punch. Tendelux states it provides more illumination than their previous 18W model. In practice, this means it casts a significant amount of infrared light over a substantial area. For my setup, which needed to cover a lengthy driveway and part of a backyard, the output was more than adequate to allow my cameras to see clearly, turning what was previously dark void into a well-lit (in black and white) scene. The benefit is gaining usable footage from areas that were previously useless at night due to poor lighting. This directly addresses the core problem of limited night vision range.
Achieving Even Light Distribution
A common issue with many IR illuminators, and indeed with cameras’ built-in IR, is the “hot-spot” effect. This is where the centre of the image is intensely bright, often overexposed, while the edges remain dark or poorly lit. The DI20 features a “tailored design integrated lens” which Tendelux claims helps spread the IR light more efficiently and evenly across the camera’s field of view. I found this to be true in my usage. The illumination is notably consistent across the coverage area, reducing the harsh bright spots and allowing the camera’s sensor to pick up detail more effectively from edge to edge. This even illumination is crucial because it provides uniform visibility, ensuring that objects or people are clearly discernible no matter where they are within the lit zone, avoiding the frustration of a subject being washed out or hidden in shadow. It truly helps in getting crystal clear images at night, as promised.
Hassle-Free Angle Adjustment
Mounting and aiming an IR light can be frustrating if the bracket is rigid or difficult to manipulate. The Tendelux DI20 comes with a mounting bracket that offers 360-degree swivel and 90-degree tilting capabilities. This new style mount makes adjusting the angle incredibly easy. You can fine-tune the direction of the infrared beam precisely where you need it, whether horizontally across a wide area or angled down a path. The benefit here is ease of installation and setup; you’re not fighting with a stiff bracket to get the perfect angle. While the bracket is metal (premium aluminum, according to the description), some users have noted that the ball joint mechanism, specifically the wingnut and threads, can sometimes cross-thread or feel less secure, potentially allowing the light to shift in high winds if not tightened just right or if an alternative mount is used. However, for general positioning, it’s very flexible.
Durable Construction and Effective Cooling
Security equipment, especially if mounted outdoors, needs to withstand the elements. The DI20 infrared light features a unibody design made from cast aluminum. This is a significant plus compared to plastic housings that can degrade rapidly under UV exposure from the sun. The aluminum construction provides durability and also acts as an effective cooling system, dissipating the heat generated by the LEDs. Running at 20 watts, the unit does get warm, but the aluminum body ensures it doesn’t overheat, contributing to the long working life of the unit. The IP65 waterproof rating further assures that it can handle rain, snow, and general outdoor weather conditions. I’ve had mine operating outdoors through different seasons, including freezing temperatures and hot summer days, and it has continued to function reliably. This robust construction ensures the illuminator is a long-term solution for nighttime security needs, providing peace of mind that it won’t fail prematurely due to weather or heat. The sleek look of the unibody design is also a welcome bonus, making it look less utilitarian and more like a modern piece of equipment.
Connectivity and Power
The Tendelux DI20 uses corded electric power and wired connectivity (though connectivity protocol mentions HomePlug, this refers to the power adapter supplying 12V DC via a standard barrel connector, not network connectivity). It includes a 12V DC 2A power adapter. One point raised by users, which I also found to be the case, is that the DC power cable coming directly from the illuminator unit and the cable from the power adapter are relatively short. This means if your power outlet is far from the mounting location, you will likely need to use an extension cable or splice in longer low-voltage wire. While not a dealbreaker, it requires a bit of extra planning or purchasing. The benefit of using a separate power adapter is flexibility in placement, as the adapter itself can be plugged in indoors or in a weatherproof outdoor box, and the low-voltage DC wire run to the unit.
The 850nm Wavelength and Compatibility
Like most consumer-grade security cameras with night vision, the DI20 operates at the 850nm infrared wavelength. This is the standard for achieving night vision with compatible camera sensors. The benefit is broad compatibility with the vast majority of CCTV and IP security cameras on the market that have an IR cut filter. The illuminator essentially provides the “light” that your camera’s night vision mode needs to see. By providing a powerful external source, you can often turn off the camera’s built-in IR (if your camera supports this), which helps mitigate issues like spiders building webs directly in front of the IR LEDs or objects close to the camera being overexposed. This can also improve the accuracy of motion detection and AI features on some camera systems by providing cleaner, more consistent illumination across the scene, reducing motion blur on fast-moving objects. However, note that 850nm does produce a faint red glow from the LEDs, which is visible if you look directly at the unit at night. If covert, invisible IR is absolutely necessary, you would need an illuminator operating at 940nm, but these are less common and typically require cameras specifically sensitive to that wavelength.
What Others Are Saying (User Feedback)
Looking online, I’ve seen a lot of positive feedback from people using the Tendelux DI20. Many users report a dramatic improvement in their security camera’s night vision capability, describing how areas that were previously dark voids are now clearly illuminated. Several mention using it to cover driveways, yards, and streets, significantly extending the range beyond what their cameras’ built-in IR could achieve. People appreciate its powerful light output and how it helps produce clearer, more detailed images at night, even improving motion detection accuracy for faster objects like vehicles. The compact size and metal housing are also frequently praised for their durability and aesthetics.
However, a few common points mirror some of my own observations. Some users note the power cable pigtail is quite short, requiring extensions. The mounting bracket, while flexible, is sometimes described as potentially less secure in high winds or prone to the wingnut binding. The visible red glow from the LEDs is mentioned as a minor drawback for those wanting a completely invisible solution. Despite these points, many users highlight the strong performance for the price and several have praised the quick and helpful response from Tendelux customer support regarding warranty or unit issues, indicating good company backing for the product.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the problem of insufficient night vision range for security cameras is a significant limitation, leaving vulnerable areas unprotected in the dark. The complications of not solving this include missing critical events or getting unusable, dark, or blurry footage when you need it most. The Tendelux DI20 IR Illuminator is a great fit to solve this problem for several reasons. Firstly, it provides powerful, long-range infrared light in a compact, durable, and weather-resistant package. Secondly, its tailored lens design helps distribute this light evenly, avoiding common hot-spot issues. Lastly, the ease of angle adjustment and broad compatibility with standard 850nm cameras makes it a practical addition to most existing security camera setups. If you need to significantly boost your nighttime visibility, Click here to check the Tendelux DI20 out .ca.
Last update on 2025-09-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API