GEAR
COB LED LIGHTS
POWERFUL BEAST The most powerful COB Forza lights are the daylight-balanced 720
“This is a very high-powered unit. You won’t get away with mini V-Locks”
and bicolour 720B, with a range of 2700-6500K. We recently tested the daylight-only LED, which typically puts out the most power – roughly a 20% increase on the bicolour version – with a colour rendition score of CRI 95 and TLCI 96. This time, we tried the more expensive 720B, which offers a better colour spec of CRI 96 and TLCI 97, but costs £1844/$1849, compared to £1745/$1649 for the single-colour version. In reality, both lights are immensely powerful – equivalent to more expensive HMIs that would run very hot.
feature. A fan can be turned down or off if you need to record. All settings can be controlled and adjusted from the large onboard screen, control buttons and dial – or via the free Nanlink app, thanks to dual built-in 2.4G and Bluetooth modules. A small antenna booster on the control box makes wireless connection more reliable. There is built-in DMX/RDM functionality for remote control. SFX features include flash, pulse, storm, paparazzi, TV, welding and more. But no police car or disco lights to be found – this is just a bicolour fixture. At 3m, the standard 720 puts out a maximum of 3777 lux with no reflector. But add the included high-performance reflector and you get an impressive 10,200 lux. The 720B pumps out 3074 and 7886 lux, respectively, under the same conditions. Either way, both are bright; you have to ask yourself how much power is enough. Light output offers consistent colour temperature as you go through the range – with zero flickering. Use it inside with large modifiers, or outside with a bare reflector and V-Mount batteries, for the ultimate flexibility. It’s one light that can pretty much do it all – apart from colour.
Forza’s 720B is rated at 800W, so needs a separate ballast unit to run. This comes with a special custom clamp to fasten it to a light stand or tripod, or can be left free-standing on the floor. This means – as well as mains – the light can be powered by a pair of large V-Mount batteries that clip directly onto either side of the ballast box. You must remember, though, this is a very high-powered unit that takes a lot of battery power. You won’t be getting away with mini V-Locks for any length of time. With a pair of 14.8v batteries, maximum intensity is just 40% of full. Switching them for 26v cells gives you 65%. In comparison, similarly strong lights from other brands only reach 50% on battery, so Nanlite should be applauded. The Forza has a full-size standard Bowens mount and an umbrella mount, and comes as a kit in a custom-fitted, padded case. Its head and control box have metal frames, but this adds to the heft. The light is a biggie at 475x231x142mm/18.7x9.09x5.59in and weighs 4.8kg/10.58lb. You’ll need a solid stand with a large pin fitting at the top. Click-in fasteners are useful, and the cables are long enough – a nice
CHARGED UP The 720B has a separate power pack you can mount to a stand – it takes V-Mount cells
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