Thank you very much, Setting up my new desk, already have a load of bulky gear. Went on Amazon and looked for the Falconeyes RX, remembered why I didn't buy it in the first place and then looking for an alternative I found this video. I'm hoping you have or maybe can do an updated video soon, if you don't quit.
I did buy two of the lights you mentioned in the video. The Falcon Eye RX-18 is particularly impressive. I tested the light against my Diva 400. Interesting results. Just about the same foot candles coming out at equal distance from the respective lights. The color temperature, using an iPhone app I have, measured the Falcon Eye RX-18 at around 5000k and my Diva at about 6000K, not the 5600 I assumed. I used the Falcon Eye RX-18 yesterday in an interview I shot yesterday for a documentary. So easy to set up. Even w/o any diffusion in front of the unit, it seemed sort of OK on the person's face. I had it close to her face as I needed more light to balance against the quantity of daylight coming in the room/wall behind her. I thought the light performed beautifully. I ordered a 2nd one today. I will stack them just to increase the surface area of light to soften it a bit against the interviewee's face. I love the light.
I'm so glad you're covering this type of equipment, I especially love the series you're doing with equipment at different price points. helps me navigate so easily!
Just picked up the Falcon Eyes RX-12T, 6 years after this video still $100 (and that was the less expensive posting). Nice to know it retains resale value!
Thanks for covering these - it's just amazing how small+good+cheap lights have evolved in the last few years. I remember needing to borrow a truck to move a handful of Arri lights back in film school. Today I could use a backpack.
I Told my school to pick up four of these falcon eyes lights. I was in a hurry and didn’t have time to check for the quality. Glad to see that you like them I’m looking forward to using them soon
I purchased two Samtian/Traver 1x1's a while back. I had an issue where some of the LEDs were out. So Samtin sent me a new one for free. In the end, I returned the other two (which I kind of regret a little) because I now use this light on almost every shoot in my studio. I find that they are a great "in studio" alternative if you can't afford a traditional 1x1 panel. Great vid!
Really appreciate your coverage on this. I had imagined them to be more formholding and had no idea how bulky the power supply would be, so I'm glad you posted this.
Dear Mark, it seems the best setup for artwork (Painting) photography, is shooting lights to vflat and bouncing to artwork, and it’s much better than direct lighting through umbrella or soft-boxes from 45 degree sides+ clamshell from top and bottom. In my dark studio I tried this setup by vflat but the light was not bouncing equally to the artwork (specially if it’s in large size) because strobes are in circle shape and hitting the center of white flat. Then I tried shooting in large shade of sunny day- afternoon and the result was very good, clear and sharp with well accurate colours and all details; BUT not rich dynamic range as much as shooting in studio with LED. Natural light in this way makes the artwork some kind of pale! After that I decided to avoid stone flash and use continues LED light. If set from 4 sides, still the center of artwork is not illuminating as sides equally again! Finally, I had to manage my lighting setup by Flexible continuous LED with a unique design. With making a LED-wall in parallel of the artwork. In this way I can be sure that my artwork is illuminating by the lighting-wall corner to corner equally. That’s it. Please advise.
Thanks a lot for the review Caleb! I asked for this one and extremely glad you delivered... though I'm in the middle of a trip just had to find a way to watch and comment a little thanks. Awesome stuff. Will be looking into buying through the links as soon as I'm back.
For shoots I use a variation of ARRI lights and the wescott flex lights. The Wescotts are expensive but come with only one complaint. Although marketed as a bendable light, they do break occasionally when even lightly bending the panels. They always stay in their frame because of this plus I prefer them in the frames. I tend to peel the diffusion back and use a larger silk so I can get softer light. These lights seem like good alternatives if left in the frames.
Didn't even know there are cheap versions of the original flex light. Thanks for covering it. Probably gonna pick some one day. They are perfect for travelling. Just picked a Yongnuo Icelight though.
Thank you, Caleb, for covering these lights. I also think that as good as the Westcott Flex lights are, they are so expensive. I have been using a Diva 400 to key interviews. However, it's one more case to carry when flying to location. I'm going to get probably the Falcon Eye RX-18 unit to try out. I've been waiting for the "flex" light units to come down in price before I jumped in.
keep up the good work man! This kind of videos are fantastic and very informative. Thank you so much, it really helps the aspiring filmmaker w no budget.
FalconEyes specification says RX-18T now has 504 leds. And bi-color RX-18TD (despite having half leds) is even brighter than RX-18T because of higher output - more watts, bigger controller unit. Something to consider!
Very thorough review as always. But at 14:09, you say you were able to shoot at "f/4.5 with 0 ISO". Perhaps you meant another value? Unless your GH4 has a special ISO setting my doesn't have. :-)
3rdGorilla I'm really liking them. The real test will be how long they will last. Anything the rolls up like they do can ware on the internal wiring. So far so good.
Just a note for any viewers in Mexico: On Amazon MX the prices on these lights are about double in the U.S. so check EBay first. Prices there are in line with prices mentioned in the video. Shipping is directly from China, whereas the Amazon prices seem to reflect shipping from the U.S. from US based import/export companies that are shipping twice (China to U.S., then U.S. to Mexico). These companies are selling at a huge mark up. With EBay, you’ll still have to pay the Aduana the import fee, which should be around 20%. Amazon US won’t ship these particular lights to Mexico. So yeah, if you’re in Mexico check out Ebay first.
Great helpful video brother, I had my ring light just died on me so now its time to look at options, I was using a 5500K ring light and it was the perfect amount of lighting for my RUclips videos, What would you recommend my best option is to get the same about of light I was getting from the ring light?
Hey Caleb, recently came across your channel. These videos have been very helpful, especially in the lighting area where things are just all over the place. Even having B&H photo nearby, these videos have helped me understand the next steps I want to take in lighting my videos. Have a very tight studio space and had been considering the Aputure 672s or Tri-8s, but after looking into these more it seems like while the feature set isn't as robust, the core function of being big, soft, spacing saving lights is going to work out very well. Will followup with how it ends up working out.
Great review - was very interested in both these brands of LED units. Could you help with 4 quick questions, please: 1. On the Falcon Eyes, does the small velcro panel at bottom (meant for joining lights) fold out and reveal more LED lit area (Thought it might make the light 1-1/2" longer on the long end.) 2. After using both, do you have any preference toward either as far as color balance / skin tones, etc. 3. You seemed to feel that the 1X1 and 1X2 had a little more brightness - is the difference significant, or "just a bit"? 4. Did you ever see flicker from either, especially prevalent in slow-motion? Thanks for your look at these great, cheap lights!!
Another great video! I don't know if it's actually to do with the lights or not, but in the side by side 'interview' scenario, the Travor seemed to allow more vibrant colour? The shirt was a little bluer and seemed to have a more natural skin tone to me.
Caleb, how would you say any of these compare to the yongnuo yn600 air? I bought a pair of those from your past video, but I am always looking to upgrade. Especially in terms of light output and softness.
DSLR Video Shooter hey Caleb. I'm an actor looking to film just some simple showreel scenes/ audition tapes. I've watched your LED under $100. But was wondering what set up you would suggest for me? The main idea would be to focus on lighting my face in the most pleasant way possible.
Nicely reviewed, Caleb. I'm looking to add a flex light to my travel kit and this helps with the decision. I'm guessing that Wescott isn't too happy right now, but there will always be a market for overbuilt/overpriced gear. Sometimes good enough is good enough, especially when you're on a budget.
Yeah... My videos don't make many brands very happy with me... Honestly the Flex lights are worth what they cost if you consider quality and engineering. But if you don't need a crazy tough water proof setup, these lights are great.
Cant wait to get one and create that like stand you made in the other video. That stand alone will put be steps ahead of where I am now in regards to lighting. Thanks for the review Caleb.
Just starting the video now, thanks for this! I'm really intrigued by the westcott flex lights but, like you mentioned, the price is so high. I know you like DIY projects, have you seen DIY Perks build of a flexible led light? Really cool build/video. Thanks!
Watch DIY Perks' video on how to build your own lights if you're into that. I most certainly will do that, and mine will be 12V with portable power supply.
Thank god you made this video lol after watching the luxli viola video I had to purchase one. I REALLY wanted a flex light for their convenience. I was also looking at the Quasar Science RGB X, series but these lights you recommend here look great for cheaper flex lights!
After seeing your review I decided to try the Falconeyes LED mat light. Just finished testing a couple Falconeyes RX-TD18 and they are both 47K-48K + a small green spike when the controller is at 5600K. The slight green is present throughout their color range. I have found other tests online that show the same result. I'm now wondering how you didn't seem to notice or mention this much lower than daylight color temperature during your review, not to mention the green. I agree these are inexpensive lights and actually pretty well built but checking for color accuracy is really a important step when testing LED lighting, especially when posting product reviews.
nidschki Yes. I tested the RX-18TD bi-color. This light has a lot of nice features for the price but really disappointing color rendition, especially at the 56K setting since it fall 600-800 degrees short of what the controller displays, not to mention the green spike. If the RX-18D is actually color accurate that is great but my point is if you don't measure the light quality in the review, how do you know if it is color accurate or not? You're just taking the manufacturers word for it.... 3200-5600K. Buyer beware.
nidschki: BTW: if you notice in the review there is a point where the RX-12T(tungsten) is being compared with windows showing daylight on the left and in the background. If the light is "tungsten" balanced (3200K is warm light) then the supposed "daylight" window (5600K is blue light) should look much bluer than the foreground subject. Not sure if the reviewer's camera is set to Auto White Balance but something here definitely does not compute in standard photographic color science. Daylight & tungsten are not the same color. Reviewer: Please feel free to explain this unusual phenomenon or try presetting your camera's white balance to 3200Kelvin or the little light bulb symbol (aka; tungsten). Do not use the camera's Auto White balance setting. Now reproduce the scene next to a non-tinted window with daylight outside and the RX-12T (T is for tungsten) lighting the opposite side of your face. Expose for the face. The tungsten side should look natural and the daylight window side should look quite blue. The reverse should be the result if the camera is preset to 5600K (or the little sun symbol). If this is not the case, then the question to ask is, of course, why does photographic color science not apply here???
He didn't test the variable colour temperature light, only the daylight model. Also, these aren't priced at people who care about green colour spikes. If you need total colour accuracy, you need to spend the money and get a pro-level light.
Looks like they probably thought they were charging too cheap from the amount of orders so they bumped up the prices. Now they probably don't sell as many. Oh well.
Hi Caleb! Here is Cris from Rio de Janeiro Brazil. I'm a big fan of DSLRVideoshooter.Thank you for the channel, it helped me so much. I'm in a doubt about which light to choose to make interviews and a documentary. YongNuo YN 216 or Trevor Flexible light FL3030. Both I saw in your reviews. Which one has more output ?
Awesome video as always! Great find! The Falcon eyes got me sold. Thinking 2 of the 18T's for a 3-4 group outdoor interview...your thoughts? Also u mentioned the noise when moving the around, how do u think these would hold up in outdoor windy situations? Is there any rigging possibilities to make it sturdier? Thanks!
Thanks again for another useful review Caleb! Could you say how well did these lights roll up / pack away? Specifically if you need the whole big bag that comes with it, and a separate bag for each light? Thinking of replacing the two small 160 LED box lights I've been carrying in my single camera bag, with two of these - but don't want to take extra luggage on shoots. Cheers!
Really enjoy watching your lighting videos. Very informative in a subject that is hard to form an opinion from just advertisements online. Just a question, how does these lights stack up, when it comes to the amount of light it throws in comparison to youngnuo's? Such as the YN600, that is often said to be very bright.
I have now seen five of your videos and you are superb in your research, presentation, and communication of your subject! Question, Almost all of the LED light systems are square or rectangular in shape. I am wondering what ROUND LED systems are available beside the expensive Rotolight systems? I am not doing video, but portrait and prefer round key reflection in eyes.
Hi Caleb I have a quick question. I have been watching your reviews over and over on LED Video lights. Wanted to know your opinion, FL-3030 Daylight vs Yongnuo 300 iii Daylight? I just purchased 3 of the Yongnuo 300 iii lights with cheap umbrellas for diffusion but I just discovered this video on these cheaper flex lights. I do a lot of interviews on site for a salon. Not a ton of room to work. Would it be worth buying these and returning the 300 iii's and maybe upgrade to these FL-3030's with say a 42" large multi disc diffuser for the key? Need some help brother! Darren
Hi Caleb, thank you for this excellent video. Very thorough and I have now watched it a couple of times. I'm thinking of going for the Travors because portability is my main priority. I was just wondering if you could tell me both the size difference/form factor and also weight difference between the smaller Trevor and the slightly larger one?
Nice work man very helpful I have 2 westcott flex 1x1 but both the dimmers died to replace those is going to be $1000 Australia maybe $800 us unbelievable not worth it So I can just get a few of these falcons I believe you can get a soft box for them too
Hey Caleb. Love the videos. Just a quick comment/question. The flexible LED's look great, bright and lightweight - then it gets ruined by the heavy power supply. Are there not any flexi LED's with battery power? Cheers.
Thank you very much, Setting up my new desk, already have a load of bulky gear. Went on Amazon and looked for the Falconeyes RX, remembered why I didn't buy it in the first place and then looking for an alternative I found this video. I'm hoping you have or maybe can do an updated video soon, if you don't quit.
I think it's time to update the budget lights category! 😁😁😁 Thanks!
I did buy two of the lights you mentioned in the video.
The Falcon Eye RX-18 is particularly impressive. I tested the light against my Diva 400. Interesting results. Just about the same foot candles coming out at equal distance from the respective lights. The color temperature, using an iPhone app I have, measured the Falcon Eye RX-18 at around 5000k and my Diva at about 6000K, not the 5600 I assumed.
I used the Falcon Eye RX-18 yesterday in an interview I shot yesterday for a documentary. So easy to set up. Even w/o any diffusion in front of the unit, it seemed sort of OK on the person's face. I had it close to her face as I needed more light to balance against the quantity of daylight coming in the room/wall behind her. I thought the light performed beautifully.
I ordered a 2nd one today. I will stack them just to increase the surface area of light to soften it a bit against the interviewee's face. I love the light.
Can you please make an updated video with same consept?
I'm so glad you're covering this type of equipment, I especially love the series you're doing with equipment at different price points. helps me navigate so easily!
Just picked up the Falcon Eyes RX-12T, 6 years after this video still $100 (and that was the less expensive posting). Nice to know it retains resale value!
Thanks for covering these - it's just amazing how small+good+cheap lights have evolved in the last few years. I remember needing to borrow a truck to move a handful of Arri lights back in film school. Today I could use a backpack.
I Told my school to pick up four of these falcon eyes lights. I was in a hurry and didn’t have time to check for the quality. Glad to see that you like them I’m looking forward to using them soon
Just bought two 18T's through your link, Caleb! You sold me on them! Great video! Enjoy your summer in Chi-Town!
I purchased two Samtian/Traver 1x1's a while back. I had an issue where some of the LEDs were out. So Samtin sent me a new one for free. In the end, I returned the other two (which I kind of regret a little) because I now use this light on almost every shoot in my studio. I find that they are a great "in studio" alternative if you can't afford a traditional 1x1 panel. Great vid!
Great info Ranger. Yeah, these are super dope lights.
Really appreciate your coverage on this. I had imagined them to be more formholding and had no idea how bulky the power supply would be, so I'm glad you posted this.
would be nice to know the light setup you are using in this video
u look the best in this one
Dear Mark, it seems the best setup for artwork (Painting) photography, is shooting lights to vflat and bouncing to artwork, and it’s much better than direct lighting through umbrella or soft-boxes from 45 degree sides+ clamshell from top and bottom. In my dark studio I tried this setup by vflat but the light was not bouncing equally to the artwork (specially if it’s in large size) because strobes are in circle shape and hitting the center of white flat. Then I tried shooting in large shade of sunny day- afternoon and the result was very good, clear and sharp with well accurate colours and all details; BUT not rich dynamic range as much as shooting in studio with LED. Natural light in this way makes the artwork some kind of pale! After that I decided to avoid stone flash and use continues LED light. If set from 4 sides, still the center of artwork is not illuminating as sides equally again! Finally, I had to manage my lighting setup by Flexible continuous LED with a unique design. With making a LED-wall in parallel of the artwork. In this way I can be sure that my artwork is illuminating by the lighting-wall corner to corner equally. That’s it. Please advise.
Anyone know if the Falcon Eyes RX-12TD is the same as Linkstar RX-11TD ?
Thanks a lot for the review Caleb! I asked for this one and extremely glad you delivered... though I'm in the middle of a trip just had to find a way to watch and comment a little thanks. Awesome stuff. Will be looking into buying through the links as soon as I'm back.
After one year... I now say thank you for this review!
Jeez, Falcon Eyes has bumped up their pricing considerably on these panels...not much of a deal any more :(
If I bought every light I wanted to buy after watching your videos I would be a poor man. But that 2x1 is so tempting
Excellent video as ever thanks!
I really appreciate you doing the hard part by digging through all the BS to find these amazing and affordable products! Keep it up, man!!
Thanks Alex!!!
Great review. Helps me make a really informed decision. Keep them coming. The only draw back to these, no barn doors.
I would love an Update on flexible LED panels in 2021. I kind of lost track at this point.
Great review. Really appreciate the color comparisons and interview footage at the end!
For shoots I use a variation of ARRI lights and the wescott flex lights. The Wescotts are expensive but come with only one complaint. Although marketed as a bendable light, they do break occasionally when even lightly bending the panels. They always stay in their frame because of this plus I prefer them in the frames. I tend to peel the diffusion back and use a larger silk so I can get softer light. These lights seem like good alternatives if left in the frames.
Flex lights are the one thing on my kit list that I have yet to get. These look like great choices. Great finds. Thanks.
This video is just what I wanted. I like your presenting style as well.
Wow Falcon Eyes really raised their prices since this video
Didn't even know there are cheap versions of the original flex light. Thanks for covering it. Probably gonna pick some one day. They are perfect for travelling. Just picked a Yongnuo Icelight though.
Thanks Yannis!
That Falcon Eyes 18T light also has a Soft Box/China Ball-esque add on as well. I have two. They're nice.
Dope! Yeah I forgot to mention all the slick modifiers they have.
Brilliant in depth analysis as usual! Will have to pick me up one of these sometime. Keep up the great work!
Yes yes yes. Thank you for keeping up with all of these comparisons and what not. The vids are awesome.
Thank you, Caleb, for covering these lights. I also think that as good as the Westcott Flex lights are, they are so expensive. I have been using a Diva 400 to key interviews. However, it's one more case to carry when flying to location. I'm going to get probably the Falcon Eye RX-18 unit to try out. I've been waiting for the "flex" light units to come down in price before I jumped in.
Man, i've been watching your videos for a while. And they're all consistantly awesome! Keep up!
For the light mattes you can tape pliable wire to the lights, then they hold their form ; )
keep up the good work man! This kind of videos are fantastic and very informative. Thank you so much, it really helps the aspiring filmmaker w no budget.
Yes light output comparison is very important either by lux or lumens.
FalconEyes specification says RX-18T now has 504 leds. And bi-color RX-18TD (despite having half leds) is even brighter than RX-18T because of higher output - more watts, bigger controller unit. Something to consider!
Very thorough review as always. But at 14:09, you say you were able to shoot at "f/4.5 with 0 ISO". Perhaps you meant another value? Unless your GH4 has a special ISO setting my doesn't have. :-)
Scott Vanderbilt 0 most likely meaning the minimum, so probably 100 or 50. I don't have a GH4 but I'm assuming it's either 100 or 50.
Good save! I mean't to say 200 or whatever the lowest value is on the GH4.
Scott Vanderbilt 1
Ok Thank you for clarifying that !
Sold... I just brought 2 Falcon Eyes RX-18T because of your review. Thanks for this video and all of your videos.
Mike how do you like the lights? Thinking about getting a set
3rdGorilla I'm really liking them. The real test will be how long they will last. Anything the rolls up like they do can ware on the internal wiring. So far so good.
Hi, what batteries are the running on?
Great video as always and I'm tempted to buy some of this, I've been kicking around the idea of making my own diy version
Just a note for any viewers in Mexico:
On Amazon MX the prices on these lights are about double in the U.S. so check EBay first. Prices there are in line with prices mentioned in the video. Shipping is directly from China, whereas the Amazon prices seem to reflect shipping from the U.S. from US based import/export companies that are shipping twice (China to U.S., then U.S. to Mexico). These companies are selling at a huge mark up. With EBay, you’ll still have to pay the Aduana the import fee, which should be around 20%.
Amazon US won’t ship these particular lights to Mexico.
So yeah, if you’re in Mexico check out Ebay first.
Great helpful video brother, I had my ring light just died on me so now its time to look at options, I was using a 5500K ring light and it was the perfect amount of lighting for my RUclips videos, What would you recommend my best option is to get the same about of light I was getting from the ring light?
I bought the 12T daylight. I love it, nice build quality and got here really fast. Great channel!
Thanks Daniel!
Loving the reviews! I know I gave you a hard time at NAB but that's just because I'm playing catchup. I'm learning a lot! Keep up the good work.
Exactly what I wanted to know. More reviews of cheap lights would be awesome. Thanks!
Have you tested for flickering in slow motion?
leds wont flickker
Nathan Ribau yes they do.
I have the Travor and they don’t flicker
damn! Been waiting for this video! I got to upgrade my setup! thank you seriously!
Hey Caleb, recently came across your channel. These videos have been very helpful, especially in the lighting area where things are just all over the place. Even having B&H photo nearby, these videos have helped me understand the next steps I want to take in lighting my videos. Have a very tight studio space and had been considering the Aputure 672s or Tri-8s, but after looking into these more it seems like while the feature set isn't as robust, the core function of being big, soft, spacing saving lights is going to work out very well. Will followup with how it ends up working out.
Great review - was very interested in both these brands of LED units.
Could you help with 4 quick questions, please:
1. On the Falcon Eyes, does the small velcro panel at bottom (meant for joining lights) fold out and reveal more LED lit area
(Thought it might make the light 1-1/2" longer on the long end.)
2. After using both, do you have any preference toward either as far as color balance / skin tones, etc.
3. You seemed to feel that the 1X1 and 1X2 had a little more brightness - is the difference significant, or "just a bit"?
4. Did you ever see flicker from either, especially prevalent in slow-motion?
Thanks for your look at these great, cheap lights!!
Finally a review comparison for flex lights!! Thanks so much for this video
Love the lighting on the video. Soft shadows. How did you light yourself?
Hey Caleb, can you do an updated version of this video?
Another great video! I don't know if it's actually to do with the lights or not, but in the side by side 'interview' scenario, the Travor seemed to allow more vibrant colour? The shirt was a little bluer and seemed to have a more natural skin tone to me.
This was just what I needed. Thank you for this over the top awesome video.
Awesome. Been waiting on you to cover some of these.
Thanks Todd! Was pretty unsure of these when I first ordered them, but man are they good!
Caleb, how would you say any of these compare to the yongnuo yn600 air? I bought a pair of those from your past video, but I am always looking to upgrade. Especially in terms of light output and softness.
For output, each of these will out perform the air. If you still want a semi soft light, the Falcon Eyes RX-18T is your best bet.
DSLR Video Shooter hey Caleb. I'm an actor looking to film just some simple showreel scenes/ audition tapes. I've watched your LED under $100. But was wondering what set up you would suggest for me? The main idea would be to focus on lighting my face in the most pleasant way possible.
Excellent video as always！www.novsights.com/
My god the prices have skyrocketed on the falcons. Your video hyped em up, lol. I’ll wait til they go back under 300, 200.
Nicely reviewed, Caleb. I'm looking to add a flex light to my travel kit and this helps with the decision. I'm guessing that Wescott isn't too happy right now, but there will always be a market for overbuilt/overpriced gear. Sometimes good enough is good enough, especially when you're on a budget.
Yeah... My videos don't make many brands very happy with me... Honestly the Flex lights are worth what they cost if you consider quality and engineering. But if you don't need a crazy tough water proof setup, these lights are great.
Very cool, really liked this one Caleb!
Waiting for when they start making them with NP-F batteries as a power source.
You can connect Sony batteries to Falcon Eyes with Vmount converter ;)
Great review. Needs an update since fewer manufacturers make these flexible lights now - sad since they are so travel worthy.
Cant wait to get one and create that like stand you made in the other video. That stand alone will put be steps ahead of where I am now in regards to lighting. Thanks for the review Caleb.
Another nice video, just taken a punt on the Falcon Eyes 18T to add to my travel kit, hopefully the build quality will hold up enough.
Just starting the video now, thanks for this! I'm really intrigued by the westcott flex lights but, like you mentioned, the price is so high. I know you like DIY projects, have you seen DIY Perks build of a flexible led light? Really cool build/video. Thanks!
I have seen it. Very very cool stuff. Only problem I see with his light is the time it would take to make.
Amazon must have really liked your review...they jacked up the Falcon prices $30-40 more now.
On 2021 non of those cost under 200€ :/ better to buy a hgh CRI strip led light and make my own fot under 50€
Watch DIY Perks' video on how to build your own lights if you're into that. I most certainly will do that, and mine will be 12V with portable power supply.
since these don't come with batteries and their website does not carry v-mount batteries. what is the battery of choice for this light?
Could you light a green screen with two of these? Do you have any LED Green Screen lighting video's or tips?
Thank god you made this video lol after watching the luxli viola video I had to purchase one. I REALLY wanted a flex light for their convenience. I was also looking at the Quasar Science RGB X, series but these lights you recommend here look great for cheaper flex lights!
Ha! Glad you dig em! Super dank lights for sure.
Thank you for your video! It helped me make a decision on a light. I can't wait to start using it! I went with the Travor due to its affordability :)
Velcro a couple of sam splints to the back and you can bend them to any shape you want
That would do it!
After seeing your review I decided to try the Falconeyes LED mat light. Just finished testing a couple Falconeyes RX-TD18 and they are both 47K-48K + a small green spike when the controller is at 5600K. The slight green is present throughout their color range. I have found other tests online that show the same result. I'm now wondering how you didn't seem to notice or mention this much lower than daylight color temperature during your review, not to mention the green. I agree these are inexpensive lights and actually pretty well built but checking for color accuracy is really a important step when testing LED lighting, especially when posting product reviews.
Did you test the Bi-Color version? The only daylight version Caleb tested does not seem to have this problem.
nidschki
Yes. I tested the RX-18TD bi-color. This light has a lot of nice features for the price but really disappointing color rendition, especially at the 56K setting since it fall 600-800 degrees short of what the controller displays, not to mention the green spike. If the RX-18D is actually color accurate that is great but my point is if you don't measure the light quality in the review, how do you know if it is color accurate or not? You're just taking the manufacturers word for it.... 3200-5600K. Buyer beware.
nidschki:
BTW: if you notice in the review there is a point where the RX-12T(tungsten) is being compared with windows showing daylight on the left and in the background. If the light is "tungsten" balanced (3200K is warm light) then the supposed "daylight" window (5600K is blue light) should look much bluer than the foreground subject. Not sure if the reviewer's camera is set to Auto White Balance but something here definitely does not compute in standard photographic color science. Daylight & tungsten are not the same color.
Reviewer:
Please feel free to explain this unusual phenomenon or try presetting your camera's white balance to 3200Kelvin or the little light bulb symbol (aka; tungsten). Do not use the camera's Auto White balance setting.
Now reproduce the scene next to a non-tinted window with daylight outside and the RX-12T (T is for tungsten) lighting the opposite side of your face. Expose for the face. The tungsten side should look natural and the daylight window side should look quite blue. The reverse should be the result if the camera is preset to 5600K (or the little sun symbol). If this is not the case, then the question to ask is, of course, why does photographic color science not apply here???
I know it's confusing, but the "12T'" model is the daylight version - the bi color is "TD" and I'm not sure sure if there's a pure tungsten model...
He didn't test the variable colour temperature light, only the daylight model.
Also, these aren't priced at people who care about green colour spikes. If you need total colour accuracy, you need to spend the money and get a pro-level light.
Falconeyes prices went up to like 400-500$ for some reason...
eladbari true, I noticed that too. Bought a 12T last time for a cheap price and now I’m planning to get another unit but prices increased crazily.
Looks like they probably thought they were charging too cheap from the amount of orders so they bumped up the prices. Now they probably don't sell as many. Oh well.
None of these lights has a color adjustment feature?
Love your work man, these videos are just excellent!
Thanks Ian!
14:04 How are you able to shoot at 0 ISO?
Hes kinda like a wizard of sorts
Hi Caleb! Here is Cris from Rio de Janeiro Brazil. I'm a big fan of DSLRVideoshooter.Thank you for the channel, it helped me so much. I'm in a doubt about which light to choose to make interviews and a documentary. YongNuo YN 216 or Trevor Flexible light FL3030. Both I saw in your reviews. Which one has more output ?
Just some advice, to avoid misleading people, you should have put 'each' at the end of the video title.
Cool video. I would have loved to see how these lights line up for color and skin tone on a vectorscope. They look good to the eye though.
I had other tests planned but the video was already so long!
Big thumbs up! Been debating whether to get the more expensive Wescott.
Awesome video as always! Great find! The Falcon eyes got me sold. Thinking 2 of the 18T's for a 3-4 group outdoor interview...your thoughts? Also u mentioned the noise when moving the around, how do u think these would hold up in outdoor windy situations? Is there any rigging possibilities to make it sturdier? Thanks!
W-O-W! Great review and excellent budget saving finds for indie, vloggers, & production co's.
Awesome video,Keep it up!
Thanks again for another useful review Caleb! Could you say how well did these lights roll up / pack away? Specifically if you need the whole big bag that comes with it, and a separate bag for each light? Thinking of replacing the two small 160 LED box lights I've been carrying in my single camera bag, with two of these - but don't want to take extra luggage on shoots. Cheers!
Looks like some quite cool LED lights. Trying to find some for my work here. I think i have to look at them.
What light would you recommend to attach to a boom arm attached to wall . I’m looking for a strong light for my clinic over the clinic for cool light
Really enjoy watching your lighting videos. Very informative in a subject that is hard to form an opinion from just advertisements online. Just a question, how does these lights stack up, when it comes to the amount of light it throws in comparison to youngnuo's? Such as the YN600, that is often said to be very bright.
Great stuff Caleb! Super helpful.
Thank you Sam!
I have now seen five of your videos and you are superb in your research, presentation, and communication of your subject! Question, Almost all of the LED light systems are square or rectangular in shape. I am wondering what ROUND LED systems are available beside the expensive Rotolight systems? I am not doing video, but portrait and prefer round key reflection in eyes.
you can put flex into a beauty dish or softbox to have shapes that you want. Or cover square corners to have round shape
Do you have links for batteries for any of these lights?
Very nice. Would love to change my setup to those kind of led lights
Thank you for this review man! I love the Westcotts but have been holding out for cheaper yet reliable alternatives. Excellent info.
Hi Caleb I have a quick question. I have been watching your reviews over and over on LED Video lights. Wanted to know your opinion, FL-3030 Daylight vs Yongnuo 300 iii Daylight? I just purchased 3 of the Yongnuo 300 iii lights with cheap umbrellas for diffusion but I just discovered this video on these cheaper flex lights. I do a lot of interviews on site for a salon. Not a ton of room to work. Would it be worth buying these and returning the 300 iii's and maybe upgrade to these FL-3030's with say a 42" large multi disc diffuser for the key? Need some help brother! Darren
thank you for the amazing work on the channel, really helpful as always!
Hi Caleb, thank you for this excellent video. Very thorough and I have now watched it a couple of times. I'm thinking of going for the Travors because portability is my main priority. I was just wondering if you could tell me both the size difference/form factor and also weight difference between the smaller Trevor and the slightly larger one?
Great man! Amazing how much light you get for 100 bucks and it's not the end ;)
Nice work man very helpful I have 2 westcott flex 1x1 but both the dimmers died to replace those is going to be $1000 Australia maybe $800 us unbelievable not worth it
So I can just get a few of these falcons I believe you can get a soft box for them too
Which one should I buy, Falcon Eyes SO-48TD or one of these? I want portability and soft light for interviews. Cheers
Hey Caleb. Love the videos. Just a quick comment/question. The flexible LED's look great, bright and lightweight - then it gets ruined by the heavy power supply. Are there not any flexi LED's with battery power? Cheers.
These lights can't be used with a small battery?
Just a point, WATTS is a measurement of power consumption. I would like to see you do a light meter comparison for the Travor and the Wescott.
That's a good point, Adrian. I think you're asking for LUMENS performance (light output) rather than WATTS consumption?