Review: Soonwell FB-21 Flexible LED Bi-color Softlight

The Softbox

The 2x1 I have is actually sort of in the middle of the Soonwell product line, which extends from a 1x1, 1.5x1, 2x1, 2x1.5, 2x2, a 4x1.5 and even a 4x2--yes, 4 feet by 2 feet. The LED Controllers are different for each unit so bigger units, like the 4x2 get a much bigger controller, with dual V-locks to handle the increased power demand.

One of the features that attracted me to the Soonwell, as opposed to the other flexible pad lights on the market, is that it comes with a softbox. Mine also came with a grid (Figure 6, below), but I don't see the grid on their product page. Why would a 1' x 2' flat-panel need a softbox? Well, the SMD LEDs are still individual dots, which can be easily reflected in someone's glasses, etc. But interestingly, adding the included softbox actually provides more control of the light, instead of less.

Figure 6. The 2x1 softbox

The softbox velcros to the back of the LED Pad when it is stretched tight on the expanded metal bars that attach to the lightstand with the included bracket (Figure 7, below). You can see how all this comes together in my unboxing video that accompanies this article.

Figure 7. The softbox velcro’d to the back of the LED pad

The front of this box has a thick strip of velcro on the inside where you can attach the sheet of diffusion material. It cuts down the light output a bit, but it also makes the light easier on the eyes and softens the directness of the light. The real benefit comes when you add the 1" grid to the front of the softbox in front of the diffusion material (or without) so that you cut down the output angle of the light. This provides the necessary control of spill that you don't have with just a bare LED pad shining out nearly 180°.

How Much Lighter?

All the makers of the flexible LED pads talk about how much lighter the lights are. In reality, they're talking about the device that illuminates, not the whole kit of AC power adapter, LED Controller, cables, X-bracket, etc. Because when it's packed up, it's actually heftier than I expected.

But when you have the LED head on the top of a stand, the stand is not as top-heavy as if you had a hard 2x1 LED panel up there with the batteries on the back. This really comes in to play if you need to put the light out on the end of an arm to the stand is not in the shot. Or attach it to a drop ceiling on a set. This 2x1 lighting element itself, even with the softbox, grid, X-brace, and bracket, is much lighter than your typical broadcast grade 1x1 lighting panel with metal build, with all the electrics and power on the back (Figure 8, below).

Figure 8. Back of the 2x1 with brace and stand

Now, when you consider there are 2x1.5 and 2x2, and larger options up to 4x2, then the weight savings really pay off. I can't imagine trying to work with a hard 4' x 2' hard LED panel on a yoke. A 4'x3' Arri Skypanel weighs 90 pounds, and the power supply is an additional 24 lbs. For comparison, the Soonwell 4x2 light is 3lbs. Probably still under 10 lbs. with frame, softbox, diffuser, and grid. That's a huge weight difference.

Conclusion

I shot some video with it and I found the color quite pleasing. Soonwell lists a CRI of 95-98, probably depending on whether you are all one color or the other. But they don't specify which is which. I find many times I blend colors, as it allows me to utilize some available room or window light, and then bring in my light to key or fill, but have it warmer on the talent than everything else. So, I’m almost never exactly at 3200 or 56K.

The included light stand bracket is metal, that’s reassuring, but it doesn’t allow for the light to be tilted down very much past straight horizontal. I can go from straight up to just past 90 degrees sideways, but if someone needs it to point down at a more extreme angle, they’ll need more adapting or another bracket.

I corresponded with Soonwell about the grid that helps control spill and while it’s included with some of their lights, it doesn’t seem to be included with the FB-21 at this time. I suggested that it really does complete the package and ought to be included. As should the remote, or it ought to be readily available on their accessory page, which it wasn't at the time of this review.

Overall, Soonwell provides a polished addition to a lighting kit. It's not going to reduce bulk, and when running on AC, you have a multi-piece power assembly, in addition to a multi-piece lighting assembly, to put together. In other words, a lot more complex setup and takedown than an AC-powered Tungsten light bouncing into an umbrella.

But for situations where bulky or heavy setups need to be flown over talent on stands or arms, the lightweight LED pad and softbox offers distinct advantages to alternative bulkier and heavier setups, while still offering considerable lighting color and brightness options and spill control.