LED lights are fast taking over in the studio, and the Nanlite Forza 300 is proof that you can get plenty of power from an indoor lighting set-up without the need to use flash. The one major drawback of this light, however, is that the color temperature is fixed. For some jobs this is not an issue - but there are other similarly-priced units available that do provide a variable range of color outputs.
Pros
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Impressive maximum power setting
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Easy to use
Cons
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Fixed color temperature
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No remote control included
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The Nanlite Forza 300 doesn’t skimp on power, with a mightily impressive output of 43,060 lux at one metre with the reflector provided, which can stretch to 108,679 lux at one metre with an optional Fresnel modifier attached.
Considering the power output, NanLite has managed to keep the Forza 300 pretty compact, measuring 31 x 20.6 x 14.2cm with a single fan squeezed in to assist with cooling.
Nanlite may be a new name to the studio lighting game, but the company behind it NanGuang has been one of the pioneers of professional LED lighting, and has been producing products since 1992 - back in the days when strobe lighting was still king. This 300W version is the middle of the new Nanlite Forza range - with 60W and 500W options also being available.
Like the similarly-priced Aputure LS 300X, the Nanlite Forza 300 forgoes any external controls, with this taken care of by a control box that’s hooked up to the light. To keep it out of the way on a shoot, the control box can be mounted to the light stand via a locking collar, while the control box can also accommodate two batteries if you’re planning to shoot on location (optional extras). If you want to change settings, you’ll have to rely on the control box, which might be a pain on some shoots, though there is an optional remote control available as well.
Color temperature: 5,600K Illumination: 43,060 lux at 1m Color Rendering Index (CRI): 98 Display: N/A Control: On-board controller, 2.4GHz, DMX Power source: Mains (optional Lithium battery) Max power consumption: 300 watts Compatibility: Compatible with Bowens bayonet Dimensions: 31 x 20.6 x 14.2cm Weight: 2.3kg In the box: NanLite Forza 300, 55 degree reflector, control box, mains cable, carry case
The Forza 300 sports an impressive CRI rating of of 98, but what might put some users off is the fixed color temperature. While many rival lights have the ability to control the warmth of the light, the Forza 300 is restricted to 5,600K (daylight). While you can’t argue with the powerful output, the payoff is the power consumption at 300 watts – which is more, say, than the Broncolor LED F160 and Rotolight AEOS.
The Forza 300 features a Bowens bayonet that sees it accept a wide range of light modifiers, though it’s bundled with a 55-degree reflector. For those shooting video, there are a number of special effects modes to choose from, including various flash and lightning effects, as well as TV and Bad Bulb.
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