The new Lykos portable light with LED technology (Surface Mounted Technology), available in Daylight and BiColor versions, joins the family of LED lights branded “Manfrotto, Powered by Litepanels”.
Portable and compact light, Lykos is designed, says Manfrotto, to meet the needs of demanding professionals. The powerful light is capable of an output of 1600lux and exists in two versions: Lykos Daylight is centered at 5600K and Lykos BiColor has the option to change colour temperature from warm white (3000K) to cold white (5600K). A color LCD display on the back of the unit allows easy monitoring of the functions.
Thanks to the new generation SMT technology, the Lykos lights ensure long LED life, energy efficiency, consistent colour reproduction and flicker-free functionality. This light can be operated by L-Type Li-ion batteries or by mains through the AC adaptor included.
There is one aspect of Lykos lights that pleases me particularly, and that’s the option to control the light panel remotely, something I wrote as wishful thinking quite some time ago, when I tested the first Manfrotto Spectra lights. Now all units are “Bluetooth-ready”. An optional Bluetooth dongle transforms Lykos in a smart device and permits remote control through a downloadable iPhone App or via the Digital Director App. Controllable functions include the On/Off switch, dimming 0%-100%, colour temperature regulation, grouping of lights and recall of previously stored scene settings with new features to soon be implemented. Manfrotto Lykos and Litepanels Astra will embed a compatible wireless technology which will mean it will be possible to control both through the same app.
The Lykos pack includes a Ball head, gel diffuser (filters for the Daylight version) and a mains adaptor, which is a welcome alternative energy source if working inside. Moreover, the Manfrotto Lykos Softbox is a perfect optional accessory to be used in combination with the panels. It creates a beautifully soft lighting, softening shadows in the images. The softbox can be set up in seconds without any tools and the diffuser film is specifically designed for LED Lighting and reduces the light output by 1,3 f-stops.
Offering the highest illuminance in compact size the Lykos BiColor and Daylight panels are the flagship products of the series, built around an ergonomic shape that allows users to operate the unit with just one hand. Epitomizing the potential of what can be achieved, the lights are as bright as the legacy Litepanels 1×1 and half the size, making them incredibly easy to travel with.
The Lykos are only one part of the “Manfrotto, Powered by Litepanels” LED lights. Presented for the first time at IBC 2015, this new generation combines the latest in Litepanels’ cutting-edge LED technology with the aesthetic and innovative design that Manfrotto is famous for worldwide. It includes the following LED lights:
- The Croma 2, which is a bi-color light that takes the potential of the original Croma and doubles the output, achieving twice the brightness of the original using Sony L-Series batteries.
- The Micropro 2, a daylight LED solution that also manages to achieve twice the brightness of the original Micropro whilst powered by a Sony L-Series battery.
- The Spectra 2, able to double the performance and brightness of its predecessor, making it a fantastic value for photo and video professionals seeking an efficient, portable lighting solution.
The Lykos, now available, has a price starting at $450 for the Lykos LED lights, $50 for the softbox and $100 for the Lykos Bluetooth dongle.