Review: Telesin C40 Portable Fog Machine
- Stephen Knight
- Sep 12
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 16
There are quite a few portable, battery powered fog machines now available for photographers, videographers, and content creators. After my LensGo Smoke S's battery deceased after just 16 months, I purchased the Telesin C40 based on recommendations by other photographers. This article is a review of this device.
Disclaimer
The Telesin C40 was purchased with my own funds.
There are no affialite links in this review.
Design and Construction
There are quite a few portable battery powered fog machines available. These all vary in design, and could be described as large vapes. Examples include the Lensgo Smoke B/S/K, Ulanzi FM01/FM02, Colbor CF5, and Telesin C40. The TelesinC40 at the smaller and least expensive end of the scale, yet has a relatively high 40W power output. The RRP is US$129.99, but it is possible to purchase the C40 on Aliexpress at much lower prices (I paid AU$100/US$65).
The package includes:
Portable Storage Bag x1
60ml Atomizing Liquid x1
Smoke Machine Main Unit x1
Remote Control x1
Bent Tubes x3
T-shaped Tube x1
Straight Tube x1
Nozzle Cotton Covers x2
Shockproof Oil Tank x1
USB Charging Cable x1
Product specifications are:
Product Dimensions: 61mm x 59mm x 166mm
Product Weight: 276g
Product Power: 40W (Max)
Battery Capacity: 2500mAh / 7.4V, 18650 Battery x2
Charging Method: Type-C Charging
Charging Time: 2.5 hours (5V/2A)
Operating Temperature: 5°C ~ 45°C
Battery Life: 28 minutes (maximum power, cumulative spray time)
Smoke Levels: 36 levels (6 smoke density levels * 6 air volume levels)
Remote Control - Dimensions: 99mm x 26.5mm x 10.5mm, Weight: 24g, Battery Capacity: 200mAh / 3.7V Polymer Battery x1, Charging Method: Charges when connected to the main unit, Display Screen: 1.06-inch TFT Color Screen, Control Method: 2.4G, Control Distance: 10m
Oil Tank - Dimensions: φ30mm x 40mm, Product Weight: 54g, Oil Tank Capacity: 10ml, Single Oil Tank Battery Life: 10 minutes (maximum power continuous spray time), Atomizing Liquid Capacity: 60ml, Atomizing Liquid Ingredients: Vegetable Glycerin + Propylene Glycol (food grade).
The Telesin C40 is relatively compact compared to other handheld fog machines. One of the unique features is the remote control which clicks into the side of the main unit for handheld control, or can be detached used remotely. This charges when attached. The C40 includes a smart temperature control to automatically avoid overheating. The device has 4 preset modes - free, fog, dry ice, and stream, and multiple nozzle attachments.
The base of the C40 has a 1/4"-20 thread, which allows for mounting on a mini-tripod. This allows the base to be raised above wet surfaces - water ingress into the base USB port may have contributed to my old LensGo Smoke S being deceased. The C40's USB port is slightly raised above the base.
The oil tank is relatively small, and this needs to be checked regularly to make sure that fluid levels are not too low. Fluid is easily added via a port with silicone plug. A heat cover screws on over the old tank and atomiser chamber for safety. Multiple attachments are provided which cover most requirements. Some competitor products additionally include a long flexible tube.
The battery (2x2500mAh 18650 Li-ion) is not user replaceable. I hope that the battery lasts longer than some rival products. I would advise not storing the device on high or low charge for long periods of time to maximise battery lifespan.
In Use
The Telesin C40's remote allows for on/off, mode change (timer; concentration; wind speed; preset), and up/down (aforementioned settings). A small display displays the current settings. This is very nifty for the low price. A long press of on/off is required to turn the device on or off. Once on, the user needs to use the mode change and up/down buttons to change the required mode or settings.
Holding the spray button outputs the smoke. A double click starts continuous smoke. A single click starts continuous smoke until the set timer expires. A single click from on stops the spraying.
There are 4 preset smoke modes - free (concentration 1, wind speed 1), steam (concentration 1, wind speed 6), fog (concentration 6, wind speed 6), and dry ice (concentration 6, wind speed 1). These allow for a wide range of smoke effects. The use of the T-shaped tube and diffusers are useful in creating a range of dispersion effects. The body also has a "spare" button in case the remote ceases to work for basic on/off and spray use.
The maximum output is very impressive, estimated to be x4 more than the LensGoSmoke S I previously used. This means that I often only need to run it for a few seconds in fog mode to create enough fog to fill a room or tunnel.
Conclusion
Positives:
Impressive output for the size.
Multiple presets and adjustable settings.
Excellent remote (with internal battery).
USB-C charging.
1/4"-20 thread in base (for tripod mounting).
Good value for money.
Negatives:
Relatively small oil tank - needs refills after a few minutes of use.
Battery is not user replaceable.
The Telesin C40 portable fog machine is a compact and well priced portable fog machine, with impressive output, and a range of different settings.