US-based accessory and lighting manufacturer Fotodiox has unveiled their latest LED light, the PopSpot J-500. This very small, yet versatile little LED fixture comes with various powering options as well as Fresnel focusing.
The PopSpot J-500
This tiny LED light is only 3¼ x 3¼ x 8¼ inches (8 x 8 x 21cm) in size, and weights only 2.1 lbs (950g) so I think it’s safe to say it will fit into your bag whatever the size of it might be. It comes with a Fresnel lens which allows the user to adjust the beam angle from 25° to 55° – a really cool feature for a light source this small.
On the back of the light you’ll find a small LCD screen along with a power switch and a knob for controlling the light output from 0% to 100%.
The color temperature is fixed at 5600K (daylight), but you can throw on the supplied tungsten color filter in order to convert it to a 3200K source. According to Fotodiox, the color accuracy of the PopSpot J-500 is rated at > 95 CRI (color rendering index), which is a very decent value.
It can be powered with the supplied AC adapter or with NP-F750 style batteries, though this requires an optional battery module that will also increase the size and weight. Additionally, you can add detachable barndoors in order to control the light.
Stripped-down PopSpot J-500 (left) vs. battery powered PopSpot with barndoors (right)
Three Different Kits
Fotodiox offers the product in three different packages, offering a nice level of variety and customization to your needs:
- PopSpot J-500 light kit, AC only ($274.95)
- Same light + battery module ($399.95)
- Kit of three lights, complete with battery modules ($1,099.95)
Besides a light stand, these kits come with everything you need: a ballhead, barndoors, tungsten filter, AC power adapter and a carrying case. The kits with the battery module include two batteries for each fixture and a battery charger.
Set including the battery module (left) and the basic AC powered set (right)
The “deluxe” kit containing three PopSpot J-500 lights and battery modules also comes with a decent hard case. So if you are looking for a basic and affordable lighting solution this might be worth a closer look.
The “deluxe” kit contains three lights and everything else you need.
PopSpot J-500 Specifications
Some specifications from Fotodiox:
| Color Balance Options | Daylight 5600k ± 300 |
| Luminous Emittance | 5,400 lx @ 25° Focus 2,258 lx @ 55° Focus |
| EV100 @ 1m1 | 11.0 ΔEV – Reflector @ 100% |
| Bulb Wattage | 50 Watt Power Draw |
| LED Beam Angle | 25°-55° Focus Adjustable |
| Light Fixture Weight | 2 lbs / 0.95kg |
| Power Supply | AC100-240V, DC14-18V |
| Dimensions | 3¼ x 3¼ x 8¼ inches (8 x 8 x 21cm) – Light Only 3¼ x 3¼ x 11 inches (8 x 8 x 28cm) – With Battery Module |
| Battery Option | Rechargeable 4400mAH Battery (NP-F750 Style) |
| Battery Run Time2 | 50% Power ~ 3hr 45min 100% Power ~ 1hr 20min |
1Incident Exposure Reading ~ ISO100 1/60 f/1 (Sekonic L-358 @ 1m)
2Battery run time is approximate. There are many variables that may affect run time including ambient temperature, age of battery, etc.
Conclusion
To me, these lights seem to be a very good choice for filmmakers on a budget. The ability to control the beam angle via a Fresnel lens is a really cool feature for an LED light in this price range, and the battery option makes it versatile and useful in a variety of situations.
What do you think of these tiny lights? Worth a closer look? Let us know in the comments below!
Links: Fotodiox website
