BEST ANSWER:The best option would be rechargeable AA batteries, like product 11757. Unfortunately Monoprice does not carry battery packs for this light at this time. Thanks for checking.
BEST ANSWER:The best option would be rechargeable AA batteries, like product 11757. Unfortunately Monoprice does not carry battery packs for this light at this time. Thanks for checking.
These LED video lights are amazing! I use two of them with Sony NP-F type dummy batteries/AC adapters and light my YouTube set with them. Powerful light, but not too harsh. My one complaint - I can see the tilt adjustment bracket cracking if you repeatedly overtighten. I'm going to insert a locking washer to take the stress off of the plastic assembly. Monoprice, PLEASE RESTOCK! Or find additional LED lights.
Most people complain that these eat batteries even when turned off. They in fact do. This did not deter me. I just put in a switch (looks factory) to disconnect the battery. I also installed a camcorder battery and a socket for charging it. I use the lamp for everything. It's perfect for finding small lost objects as well a photography. These are very bright and the light quality is very good. I liked the lamp so much I purchased 4 more of them. Just buy it!
I purchased this light to compliment the 9878 54 LED lamp when I need more output. Personally I prefer the smaller 9878 due to it's lighter weight, side mounted adjustments (your finger can easily move from the shutter to the flash and back again - not an option here) and the self-storing filters. Here the filters slide into place from the side and can be a bit cumbersome.
For those who want rechargeable batteries - you've got that option here so you can use your Sony and other rechargeables directly. I use AA Alkalines at the moment, and have not had any draw issues. The AA count is 6, with a weight using that route at 15.2 ounces - yes, nearly a pound. BTW the measurements are 6" Wide x 4.5" High (without mount) x 2.25" Deep. Some battery packs will extend the depth, and the AA battery cover, which is basically a frame, allows deeper batteries to extend out the rear.
The description mentions camera sync operation - I have not found this function, and it is not part of the hot shoe mount as it does not have contacts for this nor does it have an optical slave mode that I have found. It does however have a feature to lock it on your camera - spin the threaded ring down and a metal pin protrudes to lock it into the camera or included mount.
Overall I am giving this a 8. I am not as happy with it as I am the smaller 9878, yet I am dealing with it's very strong light output as a major plus. Note - no carry pouch is included, something I'd like to have seen included.
PROS: Flexible battery options, variable light output, hotshoe mount option, good radiation pattern
CONS: A bit bulky when used on your camera, Alkaline batteries aren't the best option if used at high output levels.
After receiving this light I ran a battery test to see how it performed. It maintained very close to consistent brightness for 2 hours of continual running at the brightest setting, with 6 AA Energizer rechargeable batteries (2300 mAh) before it started noticeably dropping off. My Canon xf 305 started with an iris setting of F2.8 and finished 2 hours later at F2.4. 20 mins later it was still a usable amount of light at F1.8. So 2 hrs 20 mins, I thought that was very impressive. I've never needed to run an on-camera light for 2 hrs 20 mins. I also luv it that has a filter holder built in. And, it's light enough to just leave on the camera.
PROS: Lightweight, impressive battery life, versatile battery types, plenty of light for interviews etc. variable brightness, built in filter holder with 2 filters. reasonably priced
Grab a bunch of these and light up a whole scene, this light is just super handy to have.
PROS: Price is unbeatable, comes with orange and non-tinted diffuser panels (one each) for the front. Portable, mountable, sips power, strong at close range.
CONS: There's preset brightness settings that you cycle through with a button. The lowest setting may still be too strong for some. It's fine with me because I can set the camera to take that into account, but it's worth mentioning.
I bought this as a birthday present. Loaded it up with 6 AA alkaline batteries, wrapped it and gave it as a gift. Immediately upon opening it the batteries were dead. We loaded it up with brand new AA alkaline batteries. Instead of re-packaging the light (worried that somehow the packing material had depressed the power button) we left the light sitting, button up, on a dresser. At night we noticed a distinct glow on the red test LEDs (that indicate battery power). I tried to turn the light on but there wasn't any battery left. 12 batteries and about 2 minutes of use seems to indicate a problem on this unit. I'm hopeful Monoprice will pursue an RMA on this one.
PROS: Good light control. Nice options for hot shoe mount or stand/tripod mount. Power Options (Alkaline, Ni-MH, Sony F/ FV / FM series, Panasonic D, Song RH)
Bought this product for interviewing with a T3i. It let me go from ISO800 to ISO400 easily. However it was very bright even with the Difuser and on level 1 power. With a white peice of paper over the difuser and on power level 10 I was able to film without people needing to squint. Wax paper may work better. Quality is great, i have only used for one weekend but it works amazing to get rid of shadows from the face and light up items for great filming. Highly Recommended.
PROS: Super Bright with Many levels of brightness.
Light materials,
Comes with 2 Filters.
6 AA batteries lasted me 2 days of interviewining with 75% power left.
CONS: Brightess even with Clear Diffuser is too bright when close interviewing.
May not take hits good or the cold. Just wrap it in a solid gaffer tape.
