360Photography

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Italian accessories manufacturer Manfrotto has announced it is to introduce a new range of LED light panels under the Lykos brand name. The Lykos Daylight and Lykos BiColor panels are small enough to hold in one hand but can also be mounted on a lighting stand, and can be powered by an L-type video-camera battery or via the included AC adapter. Both panels use surface-mounted LEDs which the company claims deliver better power efficiency, more consistent color, flicker-free illumination and an improved working life.

The Daylight version has a color temperature of 5600K while the BiColor model uses white and warm LEDs. These can be mixed to produce anything from 3000-5600K, to match local lighting conditions or for color effects. The Daylight version can manage 1600lux@1m, while the BiColor is not quite as bright at 1500lux@1m. 

All controls have separate knobs so that the panels can be left to produce the same temperature or brightness when they are switched off and on again, as the on/off function is not integrated into one of the dials. 

An optional Bluetooth dongle allows the panels to be controlled individually or in groups via a Smartphone app that has a memory function to recall light levels and temperature. The app is also compatible with Litepanel’s Astra models, so both types can be controlled from one app simultaneously.

Manfrotto has also introduced a softbox for the Lykos panels, as well as a set of filters for the Daylight model and a gel diffuser. 

The Lykos Daylight will cost £299.95/$ 449.99 and the BiColor version will be £399.95/$ 514.99. The Bluetooth dongle will be £75.95/$ 99.99

For more information visit the Manfrotto website.

Press release: 

December 2015 – Manfrotto, world leader in the photography, imaging equipment and accessories industry, announces the launch of the LYKOS portable light with new LED technology (Surface Mounted Technology). Available in Daylight and BiColor versions, the LYKOS guarantees the highest illuminance in compact size and is the best solution for the photographer and videographer on the go who needs a lightweight light source.

LYKOS LED panels, powered by Litepanels, is part of the new, ready to use Manfrotto LED lights.

POWERFUL LIGHT 

Portable and compact light, LYKOS is designed to meet the needs of demanding professionals. The powerful light is capable of an output of 1600lux and exists in two versions. LYKOS Daylight is centered at 5600K and LYKOS BiColor has the option to change colour temperature from warm white (3000K) to cold white (5600K). A color LCD display on the back of the unit allows easy monitoring of the functions.

Thanks to the new generation SMT technology, the LYKOS lights ensure long LED life, energy efficiency, consistent colour reproduction and flicker-free functionality. This light can be operated by L-Type Li-ion batteries or by mains through the AC adaptor included. 

SMART CONNECTION

All units are “Bluetooth-ready”. An optional Bluetooth dongle transforms LYKOS in a smart device and permits remote control through a downloadable iPhone App or via the Digital Director App. Controllable functions include the On/Off switch, dimming 0%-100%, colour temperature regulation, grouping of lights and recall of previously stored scene settings with new features to soon be implemented. Manfrotto LYKOS and Litepanels Astra will embed a compatible wireless technology which will mean it will be possible to control both through the same app. 

KIT AND MORE

The LYKOS pack includes a Ball head, gel diffuser (filters for the Daylight version) and a mains adaptor.

Moreover, the Manfrotto LYKOS Softbox is a perfect optional accessory to be used in combination with LYKOS LED panels. It creates a beautifully soft lighting, softening shadows in the images. It can be set up in seconds without any tools and the diffuser film is specifically designed for LED Lighting and reduces the light output by 1.3 f-stops.

The new portable LYKOS LED panels are a powerful, efficient and smart device ready to use for professional photographer and videographer.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)