Aputure Amaran F22x 200W Flexible LED Studio Continuous Photo Lighting 2500k-7500k Supports APP Control DMX 9 Built-in Lighting FX

Product Information

Ultimate flexibility. Install the included foldable softbox, one of two strengths of diffusion, or the fabric light control grid to instantly turn this flexible mat into an ultra-thin soft light that will make any subject shine. The controller is equipped with either a V-Mount or Gold Mount plate and has the Aputure QR plate on the side. However, the clamp to mount it isn’t included in the kit. As an ultra-light, ultra-thin fabric light, the F22x is compatible with a wide variety of use cases and excels in on-the-go travel and tight spaces. And as a simple, soft light that can fold compactly, it is the perfect close-up key light. Its traditional 2’x2’ square form factor allows the F22x to provide ample surface area for an innately soft light, while still producing enough intensity to impact the scene.

Users who need a compact and portable design will appreciate the single multi-voltage V-Mount battery plate that allows for full output without the need for a dual plate system, and allows them to use fewer, higher voltage batteries. And when combined with the long head cable and optional lantern accessory, users can extend the fixture out as a portable & mobile follow-light.

Competition

The control box is outfitted with a multi-voltage battery plate. You can use a 14.4V battery to achieve half power or max out the intensity with full power when using compatible 26V or 28.8V batteries. You can also achieve full output when using the AC power supply. Colour LED Mat from amaran is powerful, versatile, and flexible bi- Colour LED mat that measures 2 x 2'. It offers outstanding light output and Colour rendering suitable for a variety of users, from filmmakers to videographers, content creators, and still photographers. Providing 200W of power, this ultralight fixture's high-output bi- Colour chipset can be tuned from 2500K to 7500K, and features nine customizable lighting FX. It has stellar CRI and TLCI scores of 95+ and 98+, and stepless dimming from 0 to 100%. An included folding X-frame stretches the mat to a rigid panel that can be attached directly to a C-stand grip head using the straight Baby Pin adapter, or onto any standard light stand with the included right angle Baby Pin and tilting stand mount. The included foldable softbox has two strengths of diffusion, and a fabric grid that uses using an integrated hook-and-loop fabric to instantly turn this flexible mat into an ultrathin soft light that will add beautifully controlled soft light to a scene. The F22x and F22c have a fan to keep them cool. I found the F22x is a touch louder than the F22c. It’s a bit odd the two controllers have different fan noises. I wish the tone was deeper; however, it’s a little bit on the higher end, and that is a little concerning if the light is close to sensitive microphones. Overall the fans are too loud for my liking, and I would have to move them away as far as possible from the microphones. It’s something to be aware of. The F21 fixtures have a passive cooling system, so no fan is used inside the controller. F22c Kelvin Color Temperature Accuracy & Color Rendering Scores

The fixture’s design and frame are well designed, I like that it doesn’t use a hook and loop for attaching to a frame. The eyelets can come in handy for mounting to a custom frame or nails to a surface. I do wish it included the controller mounting clamp as I like the feature with other Aputure lights that have controllers. I’m sure it comes down to keeping the cost lower. The natural design of the flex light results in a medium-sized source with ample surface area for an innately soft light while still producing enough intensity to impact the scene. Users who want a 200W chipset in a traditional 2’ x 2’ form factor but still need output need look no further than the F22x, which outpaces all other 2’ x 2’ bi-color light mats.

Bi-color flexible panel. The F22x’s high-output bi-color chipset gives you unmatched strength, and can be tuned and controlled over a wide, expanded CCT range from 2,500K to 7,500K to match a variety of white light environments. The F22x also comes equipped with 9 different Lighting FX. Aputure & amaran’s ecosystem and Sidus Link App integration also make the amaran F22x perfect for users who prefer to adjust their lights remotely so they can spend more time behind or in front of their camera. With the Source Match, and Custom FX control functions, matching or creating the perfect lighting for your scene has never been easier. Even users who need DMX control can use the F22x with the USB-C to DMX512 Adapter cable, for professional-level control. With an integrated 3-meter long head cable and the included 3-meter long extension, the F22x can reach out 6 meters away from its compact control box. Engineered from the ground up for the perfect balance of size, weight, and intensity, the F22x’s LED and heat dissipation design results in a heavy-weight punch from a flexible feather-weight design.

As I mentioned earlier, setting up flexible LED panels is a little more work than traditional lights. They come in a few pieces, and to be used as a conventional light, you use the included frame with light stand receiver. I like the design of the frame as it’s sturdy and doesn’t use hook and loop fabric to attach to the frame. So now that we have seen the color rendering scores and the Kelvin color temperature accuracy, let’s have a look at the output. The control box is a multi-voltage AC power supply that also features a V-Mount battery plate for use with compatible 14.4V, 26V, or 28.8V batteries. Full output can be achieved when using the AC power supply, using batteries allows the F22x to be used at either half-power or full-power, depending on battery strength. You can also swap out the softbox for an amaran F22 lantern modifier*, allowing you to replicate a volumetric lantern or pancake light with an ultra-light full-color fixture. We are a credit broker and not a lender. Finance is offered subject to application, financial circumstances and borrowing history. Minimum amounts and eligibility criteria applies.

What’s Included

The amaran flexible lights are well built with plenty of output for their wattage. I’m a bit surprised by the release since these styles of lights have somewhat cooled off over the years. Clearly, amaran feels there is interest in them as Aputure does listen to its customers and does a good job creating products they want. With that, the F22 fixtures are brighter than other 200W 2’x2′ models, so I see these as an advancement of the flexible panels at a lower price.

Built-in Lighting FX: Paparazzi, Lightning, TV, Candle, Fire, Strobe, Explosion, Faulty Bulb, Pulsing, Welding, Cop Car, Color Chase, etc. The 200 watts F22 model is basically two 100W F21 panels combined. Therefore you can expect half the output with the F21 model. Bare LEDs tend to cast multiple shadows. I highly recommend using the included modifier with at least the 1/2 Grid Cloth to smooth it out. Bouncing is also an option. Competition To get an idea of the output when in HSI color mode, I took readings in the primary six colors from 1-meter / 3.3′. HSI ColorWhen it comes to soft light, you want to get the diffusion farther away from the light. 4″ is not a lot. It’s nice to have a softbox included, and I appreciate the simplicity. However, I would punch it through a 4×4 or 6×6 frame to get a more pleasing look. Again. These are tools, and you have an included option that will work well in many situations. For creators looking for a compact and portable lighting solution with a seamless user experience, the F22x control box features a multi-voltage V-Mount or Gold-Mount battery plate compatible with 14.4V/26V/28.8V/48V batteries. Full output can also be achieved using the AC power supply. The X-Type Frame ends inserts into reinforced corners of the panel and pulls it out a little. It holds sturdy and won’t slip off easily, making it a good option for overhead use. Some of the Velcro-style frames tend to sag a little and are much more prone to falling off the frame over time. To add a beautifully controlled soft light to your scene, attach the included softbox, one of two strengths of diffusion cloths, or the included light control grid using the integrated hook-and-loop fabric to further finesse your lighting design. The F22x can also be combined with the Amaran F22 Lantern with light control skirt to extend the fixture as a volumetric lantern or pancake light.` Full color control. The F22c features RGBWW LEDs for complete color control, as well as tunable CCT from 2,500K to 7,500K, providing endless possibilities for creative lighting decisions through 360° HSI control, 46 color gel presets, or even up to 15 unique lighting effects.