The new Lumopro LP180R is, in fact, mostly the old LP180 from 2013, a manual flash with a single contact pin for – very – basic use on camera. What makes it interesting, now, is the addition of Phottix flash triggering systems, which allow to use the flash in TTL wirelessly.
It should be noted that the Lumopro LP180R system does not offer the same versatility as Phottix’s Mitros + flash, which in fact integrates a complete Odin TCU (both transmitter and receiver) besides a Stratos receiver that makes it easy to control the unit with Stratos triggers without the need for an external receiver. Besides, Phottix already announced their Odin II version, which offers more features.
On the LumoPro LP180R Off Camera Flash, the product’s complete name, only the receiver part of the Odin is present, meaning the flash only works as slave. Still, it may be an interesting option for someone already owning one of the Phottix systems mentioned – Odin, Stratos or the Mitros+ flash – and wanting to expand their OCF reach with a new external flash. With the addition of a built-in radio receiver, the LP180R features five different methods of flash synchronization – built-in radio receiver, hot shoe, miniphone, PC and optical slave -, making it one of the most versatile small flashes on the market, according to Lumopro.
All of the original features of LP180 are present in the LP180R, including the innovative side ¼”-20 mount. The ¼”-20 side mount offers flexibility in mounting your flash. When shooting into an umbrella, use the LP180R’s side mount with your swivel and get your light near dead center of the umbrella. Don’t have a light stand? No problem – just use the side mount to attach the LP180 to any tripod or accessory with a ¼”-20 screw.
“We think people are going to be really fired up over the new features. The LP180R’s built-in receiver adds a whole new level of fine-tuning to an already great flash.” said LumoPro Brand Manager, Janae Miller. “We’re not going to ask you to train your dragon, because we’re giving you complete control straight out of its lair.”
The LP180R also features three flash modes: TTL, Manual and Multi. Canon and Nikon users can use the LP180R’s TTL mode to get the right exposure in situations like weddings or events where the lighting environment is changing quickly. TTL controls include 3 stops in 1/3 stop increments.
Manual mode gives you full control over your power and zoom settings, without input from your camera. Make adjustments from full power to 1/128 in 1/3 stop increments. Multi mode is available for Canon and Nikon users to use for capturing subjects in motion with stroboscopic photography.
The LP180’s high voltage battery port allows the use of alternative power sources to give extra life to those AA batteries and reduce recycle time. A high voltage battery can reduce recycle times to 1-2 seconds at full power.
Enjoy full control over your light with 1/3-stop power adjustments and a built-in gel holder. The LP180R offers all features found in the LP180, including: audible flash-ready tone, sleep mode and a backlit LCD screen. In terms of power, the LP180’s is roughly equivalent to the Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT or the Nikon SB-900.
Like the LP180, the LP180R’s durable body design and internal components are built to hold up under heavy use in the toughest environments. An intuitive interface makes the LP180R simple to use straight out of the box. Every unit is backed up by a 2-year international warranty.
The LP180R will be sold alongside the existing LP180 Quad-Sync Manual Flash, and is available now for purchase. The LP180 can be purchased from authorized LumoPro dealers worldwide. The recommended retail price is $229,99.