GEAR MINI TESTS
A pair of the latest full-colour Nanlite Pavotubes, compact tripod head and free iPhone app from Blackmagic are put through the wringer
WORDS ADAM DUCKWORTH
NANLITE PAVOTUBE II 30XR DUAL KIT £1095/$1099 nanlite.co.uk
system allows for a better connection. We never had any issues in our tests, which were conducted in the studio with various lights, or on location in a car restoration garage with lots of electrical equipment around. Available in 2ft 15XR, 4ft 30XR and 8ft 60XR, we used a pair of 30XRs included in a dual kit. This has separate mains power supplies for each light, capable of both charging the internal batteries and providing continuous power when plugged into the mains. We used the lights on battery charger for over 90 minutes on full power before running out of juice. Then, it’s simple to plug them into the mains to keep them going or give a recharge. The kits for the smaller lights are provided in a padded carrying case, while the flagship 60XR comes in a flight case complete with foam cut- outs, swivel casters, recessed hand grips, wheel plates for stacking and other accessories. Due to their length, the lights are less practical in smaller spaces. We find the 4ft version ideal, as it’s easily mounted on standard light stands using the 1/4in-20 threads at either end, or via the clip-on plastic clamps that also feature a mounting thread. The standard T12 diameter is compatible with a wide range of mounts, and the lights are equipped with eyelets for hanging from cables. During our car shoot, we incorporated a Pavotube into a shot by replacing a standard fluorescent tube with one set to white in the background, while positioning a second tube under a car body in blue to give a cool effect. In a second shxot, both Pavotubes were set to blue, highlighting the
Nanlite has enhanced its popular Pavotube II lights by adding DMX compatibility with built-in CRMX – and improving the app control. Remote control is also possible via the separately available WS-RC-C2 unit. It’s a handy addition for those who need multiple lights around a set and use a DMX system. For those not yet embracing DMX, the original models without built-in radio control remain available and come slightly cheaper. However, for those considering an upgrade in the future, the new XR versions make sense. Whichever version you end up going for, the Nanlite Pavotube II XRs cater to both filmmakers and photographers, offering animated pixel effects alongside bicolour and RGB hues. These lights can be cranked up to serve as a key light or dimmed to function as a practical in-frame light – all wirelessly via the Nanlink app or other remote-control options. While the previous X-series tubes were durable, these XR versions are more rugged, featuring a metal body for better durability suitable for on- location use. With improved stability in remote control, the XR tubes sweep frequencies to find the best possible transmission – and the wireless mesh
curvy bodywork of the E-Type Jaguars being filmed. The hexagonal shape of the tube ends prevents rolling on flat surfaces. With accurate colours and no flicker or noise, they proved ideal and didn’t impact recorded audio. Our shoot employed them as regular LEDs, allowing a full range of RGBWW colours as well as tunable white. This provided a lovely soft output ideal for close-up shots from its 4.3cm/1.7in diameter tube. Beyond this, their versatility extends to creating funky patterns in various colours, pulsating like a moving rainbow. This allows for flashy effects in shots, perfect for enhancing set dressing on location or featuring in pop videos, even held by performers such as dancers.
TUBE TIME Basic controls are on the unit (below). The colours can be changed on a per-pixel basis (above)
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