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Astera introduced the QuikBeam at BSC Expo 2026, a battery-powered Fresnel fixture weighing under 2kg (4.4 lbs) and positioned as a 200W Tungsten equivalent. The light uses Astera’s Titan LED engine with RGB, Mint, and Amber emitters, and supports swappable QuikBrick batteries with Power over Ethernet (PoE) capability. We spoke with Ben Diaz at the Astera booth about how it fits into the company’s lineup.
We previously covered the QuikBeam when it was announced, and you can read the full overview here. Astera’s QuikPunch, another compact spotlight with a Fresnel lens, also explored this portable spot-lighting approach. In this interview, Ben clarified pricing, confirmed that the fixture is already shipping, and expanded on how QuikBeam is positioned for real-world production use.
Ben described the QuikBeam as an attempt to bring small Fresnel spotlights back into contemporary LED workflows. While COB fixtures paired with Fresnel attachments are common, they often add bulk and complexity. The QuikBeam takes a more integrated approach, keeping the Fresnel format compact while building in Astera’s battery and wireless control systems from the start.
The QuikBeam uses a Fresnel lens with a 13° to 60° zoom range. Beyond the standard zoom, it includes a “HotBeam” mode that narrows the beam further for more concentrated output. In this setting, the beam becomes slightly more defined, which can be useful for uplighting or accent applications where spill control matters. At under 2 kg (4.4 lb), it’s intended to replicate the behavior of a small tungsten spotlight in a lighter format.
Astera positions the fixture as roughly equivalent to a 200W Tungsten Fresnel, depending on runtime and power configuration. It uses the company’s Titan LED engine, combining RGB, Mint, and Amber emitters to maintain consistent color control across the range. TLCI is rated around 96–97.
The QuikBeam runs on Astera’s swappable QuikBrick battery system, so fixtures can remain in place while batteries are exchanged. For film workflows where lights are repositioned frequently, this keeps setups moving without waiting on charge cycles. Batteries can be charged on a dedicated dock, up to four at a time, or directly through the fixture. The light also supports USB-C charging and can function as a power bank for external devices.
For wired setups, the QuikBeam includes an Ethercon connector with PoE support. Charging and data transmission run through a single cable, with support for Ethernet-based protocols including streaming ACN and RNET. This is particularly useful in networked setups.
On the wireless side, the fixture integrates into Astera’s existing control system, including CRMX, UHF, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and infrared.
The QuikBeam is offered in multiple kit options. A two-unit backpack kit includes two fixtures, batteries, accessories, and power injectors. The backpack is designed for portability and can accommodate small tripods mounted externally.
A four-unit kit includes four fixtures along with Astera’s NetBox. The NetBox enables charging and fixture preparation over Ethernet and allows remote configuration. Ben noted that a standard PoE switch can also be used in place of Astera’s unit.
Depending on the configuration, kits include mounting accessories, filters, and airline track adapters.
The QuikBeam is already shipping to distributors and is available now. Pricing is expected to be close to €500 (or $590), including the QuikBrick battery, depending on the market. For more information, please see the Astera website.
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A camera was put in my hands at 16, and I’ve been taking photographs ever since. Before moving to Vienna, I worked as a photographer on film sets, telling stories as they unfolded behind the scenes. Since then, I’ve focused on immersive theater, both as a photographer and an actor. I am the photographer for the award-winning Nesterval ensemble, documenting the energy and atmosphere of their performances. I’m a teller of stories. Stories hold my interest. I’ll take on any project with a story to tell.