Conventional Lightings are 360 Degree. Although a good quality T8 4ft Fluorescent Tube outputs >3000 lumen, a LED replacement needs only about 1800 - 2000 lumen to replace it. LED T8 tubes are directional usually 100 - 140 degree.

Suggest you use this: PHILIPS T8 Connectable Batten

Size-wise T5 is smaller compared to T8.
Lumen output for T5 usually max out at around 1200-1400 lumen for 4ft while T8 comes in 2000 lumen.That is like a whole 30% brighter.

Application wise, T5 LED are meant for indirect lighting (hence the lower lumen output) eg cove, under cabinet etc. T8 LED Batten are designed for direct lighting use hence they need to perform like a T8 LED Tube (1800 -2100 lumen).

Most T5 LED Batten in the market are rated CRI70 because of this application. The T8 LED Batten is rated CRI80.

If you need to know more about CRI, here is a good article: CRI Explanation

This model is not connectable. Also no mention of the CRI is 70 or 80.

No, normal lighting shop will not be selling these battens. They all sell consumer series (10-15Khrs) only. The professional series are at least 20-30Khrs.

This post has been edited by brutus: Feb 27 2023, 10:41 AM

Lighting is a matter of personal preference. Most consumers are not demanding, as long as there is light, they are OK. Hence you will see many are OK with using <RM10 T8 tubes that the CRI70 for their indoor use.
If you have used CRI80 tubes, you will notice a stark to the color reproduction.

Now you know why photographers prefer to take outdoor photos- because sunlight is CRI100! Professional photo studios all use CRI90.

My own use, only CRI80 and above for all my indoor lighting.

Never mix color temperature. Looks very weird.
Contrary to many people's beliefs, 6500K is not "brighter" than 4000K assuming both tubes are same specifications and from same brand.
There is a scientific way to measure brightness- lux.

For study table the IES recommended is 300-500lx.

My study area uses 3000K but near 450lx. I do not find it not bright despite using warm white.