Aputure’s new flexible LED panel is possibly the best in its class. Intellytech and Westcott will have some serious competition. How do they all stack up?
Aputure is releasing a series of flexible LED panel under their Amaran brand. They will come in 2’x1′ and 2’x2′ models, with RGBW options available for both. Caleb Pike concluded that the F22c was the “most perfect version” of the lightweight mat he had seen to date.
Notable specifications and features are:
- Color temperature seems to be accurate from tungsten to daylight.
- Built-in digital gel to match the lamp.
- Compatible with Aputure’s Sidus Link app.
- Holes for mounting around the rim.
- Ballast brick and separate AC adapter.
- Hard shell case.
Competition
Westcott was one of the notable firsts to join this space in 2015. Soon after, Falconeyes, Aladdin, and Intellytech cut Westcott. Intellytech’s offering is a sure deal at that time. At the same time, eyes watering high-end plate prices from LiteGear makes everything look cheaper.
In particular, Intellytech has constantly upgraded their lineup. They made RGBW versions of their panels and have since upgraded them to include an AC adapter in the ballast and produce more accurate color temperatures and gel reproduction. Their Mega Lite Cloth is a super powerful tool on set. There isn’t much else like it for the price. In the end, they tied it all together with a Bluetooth app.
Aputure enters the market
The new Amaran F22 and F21 panels are fully flexible panels and appear slightly brighter than the competition. Intellytech’s 2’x2′ RGBW panel outputs around 3,500 lux at 3 ft, compared to the F22’s 7,000 lux. That’s a decent spec increase over the competition.
What really sets them apart will be two features: the Sidus Link app and the price. Somehow these Amaran lights are cheaper than Intellytech. There is a $300 difference in their respective RGB panels. In addition, the Sidus Link app provides F22 and F21 boards with access to the Aputure ecosystem. I can’t tell you how convenient it is to have an Aputure luminaire on set, all running on the same app. It is especially convenient when the panels are mounted on the ceiling.
Frustratingly, the F22 and F21 require a separate AC power brick to plug into the ballast. While most of the product lines of Aputure and Intellytech include these products together into a single unit. It’s a frustrating decision as these lights tend to have a lot of confusing bits.
Aputure was able to dominate the market by adding Sidus Link compatibility to their products. If you already own an Aputure fixture, the F22 is no doubt compared to Intellytech’s LiteCloth. Intellytech’s “Mega LiteCloth” is a serious winner, but if Aputure decides to make their own version, Intellytech could be in for a tough spot.
