Lazarus Saturday: four new Bowens lights announced for resurrected brand

Bowens XMS500 Flash Head

Four new lighting units, led by the Bowens XMS500 Flash Head, have been announced for the revived Bowens brand, which was officially relaunched by new owner Wex Photo Video earlier this year. 

"Wex Photo Video is predicting a bright new future for the Bowens brand with the introduction of the XMS500 Flash Head," said the company. "An extensive new range of lights, flash systems, triggers and accessories will follow later in the year."

Wex specifically confirmed four lighting units, though details remain thin on the ground. We know that the Bowens XE will be "a more basic solution" that will cost less than the XMS500, with the XMT II and XMS1000 rounding out the product announcements. The company also noted that a range of light shapers would also be arriving. 

“Bowens is a highly respected name in the photographic lighting industry, with a strong reputation for reliability, speed and power," said Matt Devine, Wex Photo Video's head of content. 

"We are pleased to be able to continue its legacy with the introduction of a brand new line-up this year, backed by our trusted Fixation repair service, offering full support for professionals who rely on 100% performance from their equipment day-to-day.”

Bowens XMS500

Following the revival of the Bowens XMT500 in February, the XMS500 is a studio light that promises premium performance and value. It should be an ideal studio solution whether shooting at 500W full power right down to 2W, catering for plenty of flexibility in shooting.    

Fully digital, its control panel offers quick and precise manipulation of its 9 stops of power via a rotary control dial in 1/10 or 1-stop increments.  It is capable of flash durations as short as 1/13,690s and boasts a fast full recycle time of just 0.9s. 

The light is compatible with 2.4GHz radio triggers and features a 38W LED modelling light, a foldaway stand mount for easier storage and transportation, and an integrated reflector cap. 

The Bowens XMS500 will be available for order from the Wex Photo Video website at midday on 29 April 2019, at a price of £599 (around $778). 

Read more:

Bowens is back! Wex resurrects brand with Bowens XMT500 flash
The best lighting kits for home studio or location photography
Photography tips: studio lighting setups for portraits

James Artaius
Editor

James has 22 years experience as a journalist, serving as editor of Digital Camera World for 6 of them. He started working in the photography industry in 2014, product testing and shooting ad campaigns for Olympus, as well as clients like Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal. An Olympus / OM System, Canon and Hasselblad shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes – and he loves instant cameras, too.