Most multi-colored lights can only reach maximum brightness on the white color setting, but the brand known for its retro-styled lights has introduced a light that can still hit full power up to 120W at every one of its 36,000 possible colors. The Harlowe Max Spectra is a portable LED video light that is not only built for color but uses a “magic lens” to project moving special effects.
Harlowe says that no other light in the same class can create such a wide range of colors at full brightness. The difference comes from designing the LED light so that every color channel has its own power allocation. The light can blend the red, green, blue, cool white, and warm white channels into thousands of different colors, without losing brightness.
While the ability to switch colors without loosing power is key, Harlowe also gave the Max Spectra another unusual feature: a “magic” lens that allows the light to project different patterns. Those patterns can be mixed with the color capabilities to build creative effects, like imitating the look of water ripples.
Harlowe says the lens attachment can be used to create special effects without a gobo projector or VFX, creating special effects – or custom backdrops from a plain white background – using the light and lens attachment.
Besides the lens attachment, the lens uses a magnetic mount that supports modifiers, with a barn door, frosted dome, and honeycomb grid included with the light. A fresnel lens attachment will also be available to boost the light’s brightness by four times.
The light comes in at three different available strengths. The 40W is the lightest and most affordable, the 80W sits in the middle, and the 120W is the most powerful in the lineup. All three lights use the same battery pack, so the 40W can get about 2 hours and 18 minutes at full power, while the 120W can get about 40 minutes at full power.
The light is built to be used on-site with an aluminum build and an IP65 weather-proof 99.36W battery, but the light is also compatible with AC power for studio use. The light can be controlled from the built-in screen and dials, or using a wireless connection to a smartphone app.
The Harlowe Max Spectra launches in three different power variations, but each light also comes in either a standard Creator Kit that includes modifiers, a handle, an AC adapter, and a carrying case, while the Magic Kit adds the lens for creating patterned light. The 40W Creator Kit starts at $849 / £649.20 / CA$1,195.
The light is available directly through Harlowe, with pre-orders also open in the US at B&H Photo.
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