We got hands on with the NL70 Parallel Beam Reflector by Nanlux, here’s what we thought…
In a nutshell we were impressed. It certainly appears to be intended as an LED equivalent to a Molebeam which can be tungsten or HMI. There are strengths and weakness by way of this comparison which to us results in it being best considered as a new type of tool in the mix rather than a Molebeam killer, which it isn’t. Both have their place, we just have more options available now.
Firstly its size was noteable, and its weight surprising. The lens diameter is 720mm/28.35”, its weight <10kg. For some context, a 5k Mole is 24”, the Evoke fresnel weight is >12kg. The spill-ring was nicely and simply designed and unfolds neatly and overlapped using velcro.
Then the big one, what’s the beam like. The pics will show you what 6 degrees look like which is its one mode, a Molebeam is variable via spot flood of -5 to +15 degrees. It certainly was projecting a defined circle as shown by the shape on the wall with quite a pleasant feathering, there was some field angle spill and there appeared to be a convergence point at 3m. In an isolated test in our white studio I honestly wasn’t sure what to think just yet. The bat signal it is not but I don’t think that’s the point either, lets look at it through a window, its more typical use case.
In application through a window (this was in our studio, not outside) my hopes were confirmed. It’s making shafts of light when there is something to cut the beam. I think I can confidently set this outside a window and know the shafts of light are possible. It benefits from a bit of distance, I think the 3m convergence point might a good self imposed minimum to get the most out of it - and from 10+ meters it was still very effective. We tried via CRLS Diff 1 also which I thought would be the winner, but actually it seemed to be best used directly for whatever reason. I would be happy to put this outside a window a couple of meters back and expect good results in a typical house location. The fall off (Inverse Square Law) is something you will need to negotiate as always according to your circumstance.
Rest of review & lux in comments below:
