review: Litepanels MicroPro LED On-Camera Light
I’ve been using the Lowel ID-Light whenever I wanted the specific effect that a video light gives when used for stills photography. The not-so-gradual fall-off in the light’s spread gives a dramatic quality to images. However, the Lowel ID-light can feel clumsy with the handle and battery pack that needs to be attached via the thick power cable. So I’ve been looking at various options to replace it … or at least use at times that I need something compact and simple. Enter the Litepanels MicroPro LED video light (B&H) …
This dim-able LED light setup comes in a compact plastic casing, and takes 6 AA batteries. The on-off switch has an interesting feature. As you twist it out of the Off position, the LEDs will briefly flicker to let you know there is batteries and the light is active. And then you can gradually increase the power via the knob. Simplicity itself.
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The unit comes with 2 filters to match it to Tungsten / Incandescent light. A diffuser gel is also included. These clip into the front of the unit. Portable and compact and easy to use. While it comes with an elegant-looking hot-shoe mount, it is best used off-camera as additional light if you choose to use it for stills photography. The LEDs are set for a white balance of 5400K … Daylight white balance. The one gel just warms the color a bit, the other corrects the LEDs for 3200K .. close enough to Tungsten / Incandescent. |
This is how I used it in the photograph at the top – balanced for Tungsten, so that I retain the warmth and feel of the scene I used as background. The Litepanels MicroPro LED video light (B&H), was ideal to use here for some of the romantic portraits of the couple. It easily slips into my trouser pocket, even if bulky. Then I had someone else hold it up for me to light the couple – ironically enough, I put the videographer to work here to help me and hold the light for me.
Summary:
It is simple to use. I like that. It also gives a pleasant spread of light. Not as intense as the 100W video light, and more evenly spread. But I might use it more often than the Lowel ID-light, simply because it is so easy to slip into a camera bag or your pocket. It also doesn’t become hot to touch.
- More articles on using video light for photography.
Thanks Neil. Is this powerful enough to use for outdoor portraits say at sunset or twilight.
Thanks. Don’t you think a very good option (for the same light but not so expensive!) would be a good quality flashlight?
OK so I squeak when I walk. Close to $400 does seem very expensive. I like the light quality Neil a lot, but that price!
Squeak squeak!
I look forward to your thoughts on the dedolight, that looks very nice for what it is.
Hey Paul check out the z96 dimmable led video light it runs for about 70 bucks and it a really good light. Over at cheesycam.com they have a really good review on them.
I agree with Paul. It is priced too high.
@Dragos – Problem with flashlights are that the beam is too narrow and not diffused.
I was thinking at flashlights also with leds, I’ve seen round shape with 100 LED. I have doubts about the power of light and a problem would be attaching gels or a “softbox”, need an improvisation and the look will be… I’m gonna try, maybe next weekend. Neil, I realize you’d never make improvisations… maybe at your beginings?
Since Neil does photography professionally, if these tools get the job done, it’s worth the cost. The tool will pay for itself over time.
Even though most of us will probably not be able to afford most of the equipment Neil uses, it’s nice to see what professionals use. If nothing else, it inspires people to try to find a cheaper alternative. Then, we all win. :-)
Stephen – I understand where you’re coming from and I to make my living from wedding photography. However, I’m struggling to see how a ROI can be recouped quickly. Yes I want great equipment but only equipment that works for me.
Neil, I’m not saying this as an insult to you, but when less expensive alternatives exist I can’t quite fathom how this hand-held light can cost so much.
I love that “what you see is what you get” with the lighting and I’m looking forward to the comparison with the DedoLight Ledzilla mini light.
Cost – expensive
Peace of mind-Priceless
Paul,
Since you are a professional photographer, what equipment do you use for this type of lighting? I expect people to disagree on product selection, so it is good to discuss alternatives.
Stephen,
I’ve never used this form of lighting though it looks wonderful. Going from zero to $400 or more doesn’t make sense but dipping my toe in the water by buying what Sir.Lloyd posted makes a lot of sense. The investment is significantly less and allows me to try and see whether or not this type of lighting works for me.
I’m guessing that the more expensive led light retains colour balance better and would further expect a bomb proof build quality. For the life of me though I still can’t figure why they’re so expensive. This is from a stand point of never having felt or looked at these lights.
Hi Paul,
Thanks for clarifying your position. I didn’t realize you have never used that type of equipment before. Camera accessories have always had high price points, but I’ve noticed that accessories in many other hobbies also have high price points (i.e. sports equipment, etc.). It is likely a marketing strategy. I know there are companies that rent lenses. I wonder if any places rent accessories.
I’ve seen a couple of litepanels products at a french Canon exhibit. Great product, a bit expensive, but really usefull !
Neat little thing to have. I often use my flashlight app on my iphone for lighting people up just a tad. :)
I wanted to get one of these primarily to use as a hair light but couldn’t justify the $400.00 price tag, I was also thinking it may be useful for focusing in extremely low light but not actually as the source of light on the subject, what do you think Neil?
Thanks for the suggestion Neil :)
Niel, 100% agree with you. These video lights will help to capture the dramatic lighting images at wedding. Another advantage is the continueous lighting enable you to see the moments with your vision. I don’t know why the people are wasting their time to talk about the price other than phtographic creativity. Gentlemen, if you pay you will get the quality…
Good info and good to see variations of techniques.Re: video lights. If you do a search on eBay for ‘160 LED Video Light’ you’ll find similar units (made in China obviously) for around $70.
Read an article the other month in Professional photogtraphy?
The writer was getting the same results just by using ten pound led lights from Maplins, why pay a fortune?
cheers Eric
Niel, was wondering if your DedoLight Ledzilla that you mentioned had arrived and if you’d had a chance to use/compare it?
I am interested in the benefits of a compact LED like the Dedo, that can sculpt and shape the light. Havn’t been able to find any info on its light output/strength (particularly in comparison to the Lowel ID) and was curious if you’ve used it yet & what you thought of it.
Cheers
Hi Neil, I am looking to invest in some video lights and from what I am reading you seem to like the litepanels because of their portability (less bulky)…if both were easy to use in that sense, would you choose the Lowel ID-light over the litepanels? My main use for a video, would be for portraits outside in the evening (like with image you have displayed above). I would also like to possibly incorporate video lights into cake cutting & first dance. Not throughout, but to add variety. I currently only use my speedlight (attached to camera and bouncing) for when I need more light. Looking forward to your post on the DedoLight Ledzilla as well. Thank you, Mandy
I have several different LED video lights including the Lightpanel and the Fancier 126 light. The Lightpanel is about $300 and the Fancier is about $60. In terms of the quantity of light output they are about the same. But in terms of quality of light and color balance of the light, the Lightpanel wins, hands down. I’ve been frustrated lately with the green color caste of the Fancier light. When I am working in B&W it doesn’t really matter, but for color work, the Lightpanel is much better.