Buyers’ guide
Pixapro › essentialphoto.co.uk
If it’s choice you’re after, check out the range of flash and LED lights from Essential Photo. Prices are reasonable, so they’re ideal for the studio newcomer or an experienced photographer wanting to upgrade their kit. Pixapro’s entry-level mains flash monolight system is called the Lumi. Available in two outputs, 200Ws and 400Ws, the price for each head is £128.99 and £159.99 respectively, with two- and four-head kits available. Each Lumi head has a 6EV power range from full to 1/32 power in 0.1EV steps, a 150W modelling bulb, a user-friendly LCD info panel and flash duration up to 1/2000sec. There’s a built-in 2.4GHz receiver, so it’s compatible with a range of Pixapro triggers – such as the Pro ST-III, which costs £36.99. If you want more power, the Storm III family is the place to go – heads are available with
400Ws, 600Ws and 1200Ws outputs, priced at £587.99, £637.99 and £825.99 respectively. Two-, three- and four-head kits are available with different modifiers to suit specific needs. The Storm III series features IGBT technology (as found in speedlights) for very short flash durations – the 400 model has a flash duration as brief as 1/29,600sec – and ultra-fast recycling, so shooting up to 20fps is possible. A stroboscopic mode, rear-curtain sync, high-speed sync up to 1/8000sec and built in 2.4GHz Pixapro One receiver are also notable features.
Rotolight › rotolight.com
Designed and made in Britain, Rotolight is a leading LED brand producing top-grade, innovative kit. The AEOS 2 was introduced in early 2021 as an ultra-thin, advanced RGBWW light. It’s a great choice for both stills and video, and can be mains or battery powered for either studio or location shooting. A versatile unit with a lightweight body that can produce a very effective amount of light, the AEOS 2 offers 16.7 million colours or a total of 2500 digital filters. Used at 4600K and 2m from the subject, you get an aperture of f/7.1 at ISO 400. With the Rotolight HSS transmitter (£238.77), the AEOS 2 becomes a versatile flash with high- speed sync, shutter speeds up to 1/8000sec and instant recycling. The AEOS 2 base kit is £1200, and includes the light, diffuser dome and a power supply unit. An updated AEOS 2 is due out this February (see our review on page 46). The
AEOS 2 Pro has a brightness boost of 25% and hosts tons of extra features, including four new special effects, Master of Light packs with over 100 presets from leading photographers and filmmakers, plus True Aperture Dimming (FDIM), which enables output to be calculated and shown as an f/stop. This unit will go on sale for £1299.
Interfit › interfitphoto.co.uk
with the popular S-type modified mount, these units are incredibly good value. Interfit markets the F121 100Ws head, softbox and stand for £119.99 and two 200Ws head kits start from £259.99. Just add the F121 radio remote at £19.99 and you’re good to go. For power, the Honey Badger 320Ws head costs £219.99, and this compact unit has an integral radio receiver, 60W LED modelling lamp and 7EV working range. For more power and versatility, the S1 is the one to go for. It has an output of 500Ws controllable over a 9EV power range in 0.1EV steps, with options for mains or battery power. It costs £649.99, but you can enjoy the same feature set and save money with the mains-only S1a at £399.99. For all the S1/S1a’s features, you need the £85 S1 TTL remote, available for Canon, Nikon and Sony.
A long-established brand, Interfit has extensive ranges of studio flash and LED lighting for budgets and users of all levels. The F121 series comprises 100Ws and 200Ws models, priced £79.99 and £89.99 respectively. Easy to use, they have a 6EV working range controllable in 0.1EV steps, recycle in two seconds at full power – and,
Issue 103 | Photography News 39
photographynews.co.uk
Powered by FlippingBook