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

Product Information

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. 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. Built-in Lighting FX: Paparazzi, Lightning, TV, Candle, Fire, Strobe, Explosion, Faulty Bulb, Pulsing 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.

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. Attach the included softbox, one of two strengths of diffusion, and the fabric grid using the integrated hook-and-loop fabric to further finesse your lighting design and add a beautifully controlled soft light to your scene. 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.

Competition

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. 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 Color

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. 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. 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. I’m looking forward to seeing the lantern they will be releasing for the flexible light, as that would increase its usability. Always a good thing. Pricing and AvailabilityBuilt-in Lighting FX: Paparazzi, Lightning, TV, Candle, Fire, Strobe, Explosion, Faulty Bulb, Pulsing, Welding, Cop Car, Color Chase, etc. The kits include a 4″ shallow softbox that attaches with a hook and loop fastener. It fits nicely on the panel and comes with two diffusion fabrics: a 1/2 stop grid cloth and a milky 2.5 stop magic cloth type. I love the heavier diffusion. Since the box isn’t very deep, it softens it up more, and the fixtures have plenty of output so it can handle a stronger fabric in front. When 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.