Rotolight: Double bubble
Posted on Mar 9, 2021
Whether you’re shooting stills or video, lighting has to be controllable, powerful and versatile. Offering continuous lighting and high-speed flash capabilities, the award-winning Anova Pro 2 may just be the only light photographers need
SPONSORED BY ROTOLIGHT
For many photographers, there’s one crucial question that lingers when it comes to lighting: flash or continuous? Each type has its own strengths, particularly when it comes to meeting the demanding needs of professionals. And to add to the complications, purchasing multiple advanced options can be quite the investment.
For those looking for a light that provides the best of both worlds, there are few options, and even fewer that meet their professional needs effectively. The Rotolight Anova Pro 2, winner of Best LED Light in our Photography News 2020 Awards, is one piece of kit that hits the mark. At once, it’s an accurate LED panel and a powerful, high-speed flash.
As a bi-colour LED, you can dial in light to precisely meet your needs. The Anovo Pro 2 also matches any ambient light within a colour temperature range of 3150-6300K in both modes. Across the range, a highly accurate colour rendering index of 96 is maintained for consistent results. Its power is also impressive for such a light, achieving 10,700 lux at 3ft
– a figure unmatched in its class.
Despite such power, energy consumption remains low at 90W, equating to 150,000 full-power flash bursts on a single Rotolight V-mount battery. A V-lock plate is included as standard, rendering the Anova Pro 2 highly mobile, and a mains power supply is also featured. On top of that, a six-piece gel filter kit, yoke, an extension lead, and a DMX are also factored into the price of £1549.99.
To really cement its place as a professional tool for both stills and video work, the Anova has a few more tricks up its sleeve. This includes a range of special CineSFX lighting effects, such as fire, lightning and police lights. It’s also flicker-free at any video frame rate. The brand’s True Aperture Dimming feature even calculates exposure settings in automatic coordination with the light.
In terms of flash capabilities, things are equally impressive. Flash duration speeds are as brief as 1/2500sec, capturing fast-moving subjects
In terms of flash capabilities, things are equally impressive. Flash duration speeds are as brief as 1/2500sec, capturing fast-moving subjects. And with no recycle time or loss of power, it maintains rapid continuous shooting bursts. When required, the Pro 2 works as an HSS flash that’s 250% more powerful than its ordinary capabilities, syncing up to 1/8000sec.
To enjoy the Anova Pro 2’s flash skills, you can purchase an optional wireless trigger, the Rotolight JL HSS Transmitter, for £229. This feature is made possible by the light’s built-in Elinchrom Skyport wireless flash receiver. It also means brightness and colour can be adjusted wirelessly from up to 200m away. What’s more, up to ten lights in four groups can be controlled, making things much easier for location shoots.
All in all, there isn’t much the Rotolight Anova Pro 2 can’t do. It’s certainly one of the most well-rounded lighting tools out there.
Don’t forget to sign up to receive our newsletter below, and get notified about the new issue, exclusive offers and competitions.
Have you heard The Photography News Podcast? Tune in for news, techniques, advice and much more! Click here to listen for free.
