A while back we got an upgrade for our Amaran 528 LED system and replaced them for the Amaran HR672 system. We are still using the old panels when we need more then the lights that we have, but all and all the 672s became our go to panels for almost anything out of the studio.
It is quite fascinating to see how LEDs have evolved over the years and from being a crappy lighting option they are slowly becoming more and more mainstream. The HR672 are the perfect example as they manage to deliver what we want from a lighting systems: a very bright light, with good quality (no green or purple casts), and low power usage. And they do it all at a pretty affordable price (around $280)
Like all their products Aputure delivers great value on this one. (awesome light quality aside). And the package includes 2 batteries, a swivel, a power adapter, a remove and gels if needed. I am not really impressed with goodies, but clearly Aputure went out of their skins to provide good value on this package.
The two main changes vs. the old AL-528 series are brightness (50% more) and CRI or light quality (up to 95 from the previous 85, sunlight is 100, anything under 85 is not really suitable for photography). And of course there is the remote. It’s an RF remote so you can work the lights from quite a distance (Aputure claims 100 meters, but I did not test this). This is a big plus over the take-the-stand-down-adjust-the-light-put-the-stand-back-up method.
There are three variants (or flavors) to the system: straight forward (60°, 45W), narrow beam (25°) which is suitable for interviews where you want to avoid spillage, and a variable color flavor. I personally found the straight on version and the 25° good enough if gelled.
We did have one minor overheating issue, where the panel was flickering after a long use in a particularly hot day. We were never able to recreate it, so it looks like it was a one time thing.
You can get the system on Amazon or B&H for around $280.
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