You can add some deep color if you use RGB LED lights in the studio. During this session I was testing the FalconEyes IRISA1 RGB LED Light Stick 1. This is a great follow-up to the LED Light Panels made by FalconEyes; the new shape adds versatility.
With a Color Rendering Index (CRI) of 96 the color is right on. This tube is 13 inches long with color surface 11 inches long.
Pros
- Infinite color possibilities
- Different shape device
- Phone APP for remote adjustment
- Mixes with other Falcon Eyes RGB LED lights
- Use with video as well
Cons
- Battery power could be longer
- Handle would make it easier to handhold
- Color shift toward red when below 25% brightness when using Kelvin scale
FalconEyes IRISA 1 — Technical specifications
- Model: Fi-1
- Output: 13W
- LEDs: 32pcs x 0.5W (White) / 32pcs x 0.5W (Yellow) / 30pcs x 1.5W (RGB)
- Battery Capacity: 7.4V/3200mAh
- Bi-Color: 2500K-9999K
- Runtime: 7.4V/3200mAH 100% ≤120 Min
- Compatibility:
- Type-C USB: 5-15V 2A
- Type-C USB charging port: 5-15V 2A
- CRI: 96
- LUX (2500K) 0.5M: 890/1M:225/2M:60
- LUX (5600K) 0.5M: 885/1M:217/2M:59
- 340 x 60 x 60mm
- Weight: 560g
FalconEyes IRISA 1 — Ergonomics and build quality
The light feels like it will take a beating. The plastic cover is strong and clear. Built-in magnets hold the tightly light in place on a steel surface but release with a pull on one end. The info settings screen is small but reads well against the turquoise background.
The unit can be mounted on either end with any stand using a 1/4-inch bolt. The hard sided case is strong enough to keep the plastic cover from being scratched during transport and storage.
FalconEyes IRISA 1 — In the field
The light is easy to control with comfortable round control buttons. When the light is placed on the set it can easily be adjusted with the phone app — either iPhone or Android — which can be quite handy. I prefer to have the light mounted on a stand as it’s a little unwieldy to handhold as it is 2.5 inches in circumference.
For this photo I lay the light on the set hidden from the camera. A black background was used to show increase the depth of color. The wash of light falls off nicely.
Quality of light
Color values read well. Lights match Kelvin scale from 2500–9999° K. You can dial in soft to intense down to about 25% before a color shift. At 13 watts, this light puts out enough to work at low ISO on a tripod. If you are photographing a person you might want to up the ISO a bit to increase your shutter speed.
Menu system
The menu system is clean, neat and obvious. The red button activates the light. Next button, signified by two circular arrows, changes menu options. The < > button cycles through the options in that menu. The up/down arrows raise or lower the selected option.
Controls and display
Battery lasts approximately two hours. Will vary dependent upon the brightness used. Buttons are strong, well marked and responsive. Activation shows a turquoise backlight that allows settings to be easily read. I keep a piece of black gaffers tape handy in case the light stick is in the scene to cover the glow of the settings.
Who would want this light in their kit?
Any photographer that likes to work with color would enjoy this light. The different shape gives you one more tool to shape light and add drama to your photos. Videographers will find this helpful as well. In addition to the straight lighting there are scenes including candle light, police lights and lightning flashes as well.
Yours in Creative Photography, Bob
