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.
Hi Caleb, if you want a more objective way to compare the lights, use lumens/watt instead of just the wattage. That's what we are using in the commercial lighting world. The reason for that is that there are still some crappy LEDs out there with poor efficacy so they can draw high current but won't translate that into light output.
Doesn't lumens measure the brightness of the source rather than the brightness that it creates the in the environment? Which is ultimately what matters right? how the photons are moving through space? Isn't that why we measure in Lux and Footcandles?
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.
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!
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!
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!
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
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!!
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 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. :-)
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hi Caleb, thanks for such a great review on these lights. I know a couple of people with the Falcon Eyes lights and they seem really happy with them. I would be keen to find out more info on the CRI and TLCI ratings and even maybe do a comparison with the Aputure Tri8's (they seem to be a great light but the price difference compared to the Falcon Eyes is just too big to ignore!). Keep up the great work!
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 ?
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.
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!
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?
You doing a excellent job. I was looking for an and expensive alternative and you my friend had answered my concern. That was brilliant-great tutorial. Please do more... Also can you do a tutorial on Liv mic-like RODE VIDEO wireless Lav and the RODE wireless NEWS MIC for video on camera. Thanks
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
I also wonder how different is the result with that 18T, thanks to its bigger size... The built-in diffusion is SO GOOD and so helpful. You always need a huge diffusion box to [like the D-Fuse by Kamerar] to achieve good results. Hate harsh lights...
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.
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.
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'd be great for location shooting when you have to pack them in the car or in airplane luggage, or for the odd shoots where you don't have room to stick anything, but I think those dangling power packs/controllers are annoying enough to keep me from using this on a normal set. Subbed! 👍
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.
I mostly have interview setups. So I’m thinking of buying 1 Falconeyes 18td as my key light. Then purchasing 2 falcon eyes 12td for hair light and fill. Most of the time we shoot in different locations so portability is a must. What do you think?
Can you review the YN900? After watching your videos I've invested in the YN 300 AIR, YN 300, YN 600, YN 216, YN 600 AIR. They've been incredible lights, and work so well together, so thank you so much for your reviews!
Thanks for the review, decent lighting equipment is so expensive... as an amateur filmmaker I don't know how I'm supposed to correctly light my sets, maybe I should think more practical lighting, hopefully there are acceptable "cheap" solutions out there and people like you to seriously test them, thanks again!
A used Arri kit (or similar), or used Lowel lights, and even the humble open-face redheads are a great way to start. LED panels are good for specific uses, but a solid 650w fresnel has hundreds of uses. There is no way to get a good hard 'cut' of these 1x1 lights, so you're stuck with a wide spread and lots of spill. If you're making a drama, that's pretty much useless.
![OhGeesy x Lefty Gunplay - What It Iz [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/L0yzW9t2ixk/mqdefault.jpg)
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.
Hi Caleb, if you want a more objective way to compare the lights, use lumens/watt instead of just the wattage. That's what we are using in the commercial lighting world. The reason for that is that there are still some crappy LEDs out there with poor efficacy so they can draw high current but won't translate that into light output.
I agree with him. lumens/watt is more informative than just the wattage. love your video though. Thanks for all the effort to showing us options!
@@ShinjoTV so Lumens translates into actual *_brightness_* whereas Watts is simply the power consumption?
Doesn't lumens measure the brightness of the source rather than the brightness that it creates the in the environment? Which is ultimately what matters right? how the photons are moving through space? Isn't that why we measure in Lux and Footcandles?
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 think it's time to update the budget lights category! 😁😁😁 Thanks!
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!
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!
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.
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
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.
Just bought two 18T's through your link, Caleb! You sold me on them! Great video! Enjoy your summer in Chi-Town!
Great review. Helps me make a really informed decision. Keep them coming. The only draw back to these, no barn doors.
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.
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.
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!
Jeez, Falcon Eyes has bumped up their pricing considerably on these panels...not much of a deal any more :(
After one year... I now say thank you for this review!
Flex lights are the one thing on my kit list that I have yet to get. These look like great choices. Great finds. Thanks.
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
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 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!!!
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!
would be nice to know the light setup you are using in this video
u look the best in this one
This video is just what I wanted. I like your presenting style as well.
Brilliant in depth analysis as usual! Will have to pick me up one of these sometime. Keep up the great work!
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.
Finally a review comparison for flex lights!! Thanks so much for this video
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.
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.
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 yes yes. Thank you for keeping up with all of these comparisons and what not. The vids are awesome.
Exactly what I wanted to know. More reviews of cheap lights would be awesome. Thanks!
Great review. Really appreciate the color comparisons and interview footage at the end!
Man, i've been watching your videos for a while. And they're all consistantly awesome! Keep up!
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 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!!
Yes light output comparison is very important either by lux or lumens.
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 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 !
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.
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.
I would love an Update on flexible LED panels in 2021. I kind of lost track at this point.
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.
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!
Love the lighting on the video. Soft shadows. How did you light yourself?
Could you light a green screen with two of these? Do you have any LED Green Screen lighting video's or tips?
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 :)
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.
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/
damn! Been waiting for this video! I got to upgrade my setup! thank you seriously!
This was just what I needed. Thank you for this over the top awesome video.
Thank you for this review man! I love the Westcotts but have been holding out for cheaper yet reliable alternatives. Excellent info.
For the light mattes you can tape pliable wire to the lights, then they hold their form ; )
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.
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.
Hi Caleb, thanks for such a great review on these lights. I know a couple of people with the Falcon Eyes lights and they seem really happy with them.
I would be keen to find out more info on the CRI and TLCI ratings and even maybe do a comparison with the Aputure Tri8's (they seem to be a great light but the price difference compared to the Falcon Eyes is just too big to ignore!).
Keep up the great work!
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 ?
Wow Falcon Eyes really raised their prices since this video
Looks like some quite cool LED lights. Trying to find some for my work here. I think i have to look at them.
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.
Anyone know if the Falcon Eyes RX-12TD is the same as Linkstar RX-11TD ?
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!
Thank you ! I'm looking for led panel, and this video help me to make the right choice !
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?
W-O-W! Great review and excellent budget saving finds for indie, vloggers, & production co's.
For the 1x1 smaller light what kind of soft box and or grid could I use?
Very cool, really liked this one Caleb!
Which one should I buy, Falcon Eyes SO-48TD or one of these? I want portability and soft light for interviews. Cheers
Very nice. Would love to change my setup to those kind of led lights
You doing a excellent job.
I was looking for an and expensive alternative and you my friend had answered my concern.
That was brilliant-great tutorial.
Please do more...
Also can you do a tutorial on Liv mic-like RODE VIDEO wireless Lav and the RODE wireless NEWS MIC for video on camera.
Thanks
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!
Amazon must have really liked your review...they jacked up the Falcon prices $30-40 more now.
Big thumbs up! Been debating whether to get the more expensive Wescott.
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!
Great review. Needs an update since fewer manufacturers make these flexible lights now - sad since they are so travel worthy.
Love your work man, these videos are just excellent!
Thanks Ian!
SWEET!
On the 12T test. How far was it placed from you? + And at what %-power was it set at?
I also wonder how different is the result with that 18T, thanks to its bigger size...
The built-in diffusion is SO GOOD and so helpful. You always need a huge diffusion box to [like the D-Fuse by Kamerar] to achieve good results. Hate harsh lights...
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
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.
Great man! Amazing how much light you get for 100 bucks and it's not the end ;)
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.
Great review! I like your videos, I got myself the camera cage/rig from SmallRig, following your video :D
What would you recomend to light up a white background ? could these be used for this ? Really apreciate your videos !
Looks like they'd be great for location shooting when you have to pack them in the car or in airplane luggage, or for the odd shoots where you don't have room to stick anything, but I think those dangling power packs/controllers are annoying enough to keep me from using this on a normal set.
Subbed! 👍
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.
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.
Just some advice, to avoid misleading people, you should have put 'each' at the end of the video title.
I mostly have interview setups. So I’m thinking of buying 1 Falconeyes 18td as my key light. Then purchasing 2 falcon eyes 12td for hair light and fill. Most of the time we shoot in different locations so portability is a must. What do you think?
Awesome and useful review. Thanks. Keep finding cool lights.
Thanks Dana!
Awesome video for falcon eyes
Can you review the YN900? After watching your videos I've invested in the YN 300 AIR, YN 300, YN 600, YN 216, YN 600 AIR. They've been incredible lights, and work so well together, so thank you so much for your reviews!
Thanks Weigthless! I probably won't in the near future. I'm sure it is just as good though!
I just saw your Q$A section. Which combination of Flexlights do you recommend to create a solid $500 lighting kit?
Thanks for the review, decent lighting equipment is so expensive... as an amateur filmmaker I don't know how I'm supposed to correctly light my sets, maybe I should think more practical lighting, hopefully there are acceptable "cheap" solutions out there and people like you to seriously test them, thanks again!
Thanks Zealot!
A used Arri kit (or similar), or used Lowel lights, and even the humble open-face redheads are a great way to start. LED panels are good for specific uses, but a solid 650w fresnel has hundreds of uses. There is no way to get a good hard 'cut' of these 1x1 lights, so you're stuck with a wide spread and lots of spill. If you're making a drama, that's pretty much useless.
Hey Caleb, can you do an updated version of this video?