NANLITE FS-300B Announced – Bi-Color COB LED Spotlight

Lighting News

by Francesco AndreolaJune 15^th, 2022

NANLITE has just introduced a new bi-color COB LED spotlight fixture, the FS-300B. It can output 38,720 lux at 1 meter using its reflector. The light has a variable color temperature (2,7000-6,500K), Bowens-mount, built-in effects, as well as Bluetooth and 2.4G connectivity.

NANLITE has released so many new lighting products this year that is easy to lose track. These include the powerful Forza 720 and 720B, the compact Forza 60C, the PavoTube T8-7X, and the PavoBulb 10C.

Now, the company is introducing the new NANLITE FS-300B, which joins its daylight-balanced FS-300, FS-200, and FS-150 siblings and can be a great alternative to the company’s Forza 300B. Let’s take a closer look.

NANLITE FS-300B: overview

The NANLITE FS-300B is a COB LED spotlight built on the legacy of the original FS-300. This new bi-color version is 100% dimmable and features an adjustable color temperature range that goes from 2,700 up to 6,500K. This is a little limited in my opinion, but still a nice-to-have creative option.

According to the company, with CRI and TCLI ratings of 96 and 97 respectively, this new fixture is pretty color accurate. Moreover, NANLITE claims the bare bulb has a maximum output of 11,130 lux at a distance of 1 meter when set at 5,600K, which drops to 9,220 lux at 2,700K. A brighter output of 38,720 lux (5,600K) can be achieved using the included reflector.

In order to obtain this level of brightness, the lamp head is equipped with a cooling fan. This can be turned off so that it doesn’t interfere with sound recording. However, this option comes at a cost, since the output is then reduced to only 25%.

Operating modes and effects

The light features two different operating modes, Constant Output and Maximum Output. The former ensures a uniform level of brightness across the whole CCT range, while the latter maximizes power for each color temperature value.

Like most LED lights these days, the NANLITE FS-300B comes with a series of 12 built-in lighting effects (CCT loop, INT loop, flash, pulse, storm, TV, paparazzi, candle/fire, bad bulb, firework, explosion, welding). Each effect supports of a set of adjustable parameters, including intensity, color temperature, and speed.

Power, control, and design

The NANLITE FS-300B doesn’t require a ballast to work. Hence, it features a lightweight (3.03kg/6.68lb.) and compact (346x233x123mm/13.62×9.17×4.48”) construction overall. The light can be fired up by connecting the included 4.5m power cable to the AC socket (100-240VAC) on the back of the unit.

The rear side of the lamp head offers on-board controls, consisting in two knobs for intensity and CCT adjustments accompanied by a 1.3” OLED screen. However, users can also choose to control the main settings remotely via Bluetooth and 2.4G. The fixture is compatible with the Nanlink APP (iOS/Android) and the optional WS-RC-C2 remote controller.

The front of the light can accept Bowens-mount accessories, which are a standard in the industry. This provides users with a vast range of lighting modifiers to choose from, since it opens support fro third-party accessories.

FS-300B vs Forza 300B

The NANLITE FS-300B is an extremely competitive product, even against fixtures from the same manufacturer. In fact, when it comes to output, the FS-300B performs very similarly to the NANLITE Forza 300B, at least on paper. Moreover, its all-in-one design is much more travel-friendly, as the Forza 300B requires a ballast to work. On the other hand, the Forza 300B lamp head is slightly more compact and lightweight and can also be powered using V-mount bricks. Now, that’s a good challenge!

In the kit

• NANLITE FS-300B lamp head
• 4.5-meter power cable
• Reflector
• COB Protective Cap
• User Manual

Price and availability

The official retail price of the new NANLITE FS-300B is $399. Included in the box, you will find a 4.5-meter power cord, a reflector, and a protective cap.

For more information, please visit NANLITE’s website here.

Have you ever used the original NANLITE FS-300? What do you think of this new bi-color version? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!