The Adaptalux Pod Mini is the latest generation of Adaptalux Pod. It brings you its fully adaptable lighting system in an ultra-transportable, miniature and robust package. I reviewed the main Adaptalux Control Pod last year and really enjoyed using it for macro and product photography. So when the good people at Adaptalux asked if I wanted to try the brand new Pod Mini, it was a simple “Yes please!” from me.

The Pod Mini is the little brother to the Adaptalux Control Pod and acts as the heart of the Adaptalux Studio Lighting System. It provides power and control to a lighting arm which connects magnetically to the single port. The modular and magnetic design makes adjusting your lighting quick and easy.

Adaptalux Pod Mini - flexible LED lighting
Adaptalux Pod Mini — Flexible LED lighting

Pros

  • Quick and easy installation and setup; click and connect
  • Soft and diffused, yet powerful lighting
  • Small and lightweight
  • Ultra portable and robust (will even fit in your pocket)
  • Great battery life — up to 8 hours
  • Various mounting options, hot shot, tripod and clamp
  • Uses the same lighting arms as the control pod
  • Appears to be a solid build
  • Fantastic website that explains all the functions well

Cons

  • Did not come with any clamps or adapters for hot shoe mount etc — all optional extras, but really are required
  • Mine did not come with any Lighting Arms or diffusers (as I already had some), so you need to buy either the Beginner Pack or the Starter Pack
  • Does not work with the Control Pod App for remote usage (but when it’s right on the camera you don’t need that)
Adaptalux Pod Mini — flexible LED lighting with Lighting Arms

All technical specifications have been taken from the Adaptalux website.

Adaptalux Pod Mini — Technical specifications

Pod Mini

  • Weight: 0.2 kg
  • Dimensions: 10 × 8 × 6 cm
  • Front plate: Colour Black, Red, Blue, Green
  • Lighting arm Port: 1
  • Charging via USB C (cable supplied)
  • Light arms and Diffusers all attach magnetically

Lighting Arms (available in Beginner or Starter Packs)

  • 200 lumens per Lighting Arm. Up to 3W per Arm
  • Adjustable beam angle <1150 to 200
  • Available are 200-lumens white LED arm (5700K), and a 400-lumens Super white LED lighting arm (5700K)
  • Also available with blue, green and red lights for drama, amber & UV (all optional extras)

Adaptalux Pod Mini — Ergonomics and build quality

Small but well-built and robust, it literally fits in your hand (or even pocket). I often have trouble with my hands and find small fiddly things difficult to handle. But I didn’t have a problem with the Pod Mini at all. Even the accessories (optional extra) have great ergonomics and grip handles making adjustments easy.

Adaptalux Pod Mini — In the field

I used the Adaptulx Mini-Pod on the (optional) hotshoe adapter on my Sony A7RIII and Sony 90mm macro lens. I went into the backyard on a cold, gray, wet winter’s day in the darkest part of the garden to test out the light. It’s pretty easy to use the Mini-Pod, as it’s very small and light. Not as much power as you would have with, say a flash, but it makes capturing images in low light much easier. Shutter speed 1/125 second, f/5.0, ISO between 200 and 500.

Quality of light

Depending on the light arm used, the light emitted is between 200 and 400 lumens at 5700K. The beam of light can be widened or narrowed by twisting the end of the light arm. The filter or diffuser pod clip on the end of the light arm, to further soften the light emitted.

Controls, menus and display

It’s really very basic. The power up and down buttons on top make the light extremely easy to use while in the field. The Lighting Arms just click and twist and you’re good to go. You can adjust the beam by twisting the end of the light arm.

Recycle times and battery life

As it’s a constant LED light, there are no pesky recycle times, just constant soft light. Battery life up to eight hours. The below images were taken without the light at the minimum shutter speed of 1/50 seconds, ISO 320, f/5.0.

Adaptalux Pod Mini — Final thoughts

If you’re a macro photographer, I think you’ll love what these little light pods could do for you. It was everything I wanted in the Pod Mini after reviewing the Pod Controller. It’s small, lightweight, fits in your pocket and easily attaches to your hot shoe when out and about. Plus, it’s well-built and easy to use. The tech is pretty basic; you can switch cameras or even share with a friend, and the shoe mount connects with any camera.

It’s not exactly cheap, but good lighting rarely is. While the Pod Mini itself is under $100, you need more than just the pod. I suggest a bundle pack buy: 2x Pod Minis, 2x Super Bright White Light Arms, 2 x 30% diffusers, and 1x camera mount. This will set you back around AU $400 or US $268. Or buy the pre-made bundle packs.