BUDGET LED LIGHTS
OTHER LIGHT OPTIONS
The latest COB lights aren’t the only ones benefiting from the latest technology as other LED fixtures get smarter, more powerful and affordable. Take light panels, one of the first to popularise use of LEDs in lighting as they put out soft, flattering light when used close. These were largely daylight- only flat panels, but now come in bicolour as well as any other RGB or gel colour. Many have app or DMX control, some are all- or cool mood on-set. The dimming range for intensity is 1-100%, giving you the flexibility to fine-tune to suit your set. Just because it’s small, doesn’t mean that it’s inconsistent in light quality as it boasts a high CRI of 96+ and a TLCI of 97+ for good colour reproduction and skin tones. The standard reflector does a good job of producing an even spread of light, and a push-on rubber diffuser cap can be fitted to soften the light and widen its spread. However, the bayonet fitting isn’t the full-size Bowens mount but a small version, which limits the options for fitting large accessories. This isn’t much of a problem, as few would want to use a massive softbox with such a small light. But it would be nice to have a readily available range of smaller accessories. Maybe these will come in the future, but out of the box the light is pretty limited in terms of modifying the output. Use it up close or in small spaces and it’s useful, though. The light
weather IP rated and others can even flash, making them ideal for stills. Some LED panels are soft, flexible mats that can roll away after use. Then there’s been an explosion in tube lights – either round or flat – that offer portable, affordable ways to add light to a set. From single- colour tubes to units that have pixel arrays inside, there is a big choice. Add in practical lights such as bulb lights, and there’s a wide choice of fixtures to help put your creativity into overdrive.
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: Bicolour COB LED light Max power: 60W CRI/TLCI: 96+/97+ Max illumination: 10,500 lux at 0.5m/1.6ft 7500K, 8300 lux at 2700K without reflector; 29,000 lux (7500K), 24,000 lux (2700K) with standard reflector Brightness range: 0-100% Colour temperature: AC 100-240v, 50/60Hz Operating temperature: -10° to 40° Dimensions: 10.2x7.4x6.8cm/4.02x2.9x 2.8in Weight: 250g/0.55lb (with reflector) 2700-7500K Power input: Adjustment is made on the back panel using two rotary dials, with settings displayed on an OLED screen. It’s easy to work out and use, so that gets a big thumbs up. You can even set up to eight specialised lighting effects – which include lightning, flickering screen and candlelight – though, as this is not a full-colour light, don’t expect the red-blue flashes of an American police car, for example. For remote control, the light includes a basic wireless 2.4G control – or you can use an app for Android and iOS to change settings. Build quality is decent, with an aluminium body and a screw-in adapter to fix to light stands. No case is supplied, however, so you might wish to keep it inside its box, which has cut-outs to prevent damage.
is so small, you can always tuck it into the corner of your kitbag so it’s there when you need it – as long as you have access to mains power or a USB-C power bank, which can be plugged into the back of the head. There is no internal battery, though. In use, the light is very bright, with illumination levels reaching up to 29,000 lux at 7500K with the reflector. However, this is at 0.5m/1.6ft, which is half the distance most lights are measured at. Drop down the kelvin range and power does drop a little, but not much.
KITTED UP The Kenro is compact
and comes with a reflector, diffuser safety lead and remote control
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