Adaptalux Pod Mini: Flexible LED lighting that works
The Adaptalux Pod Mini is the latest generation of Adaptalux Pod. It brings you its fully adaptable lighting system in an ultra-transportable, miniature and robust package. I reviewed the main Adaptalux Control Pod last year and really enjoyed using it for macro and product photography. So when the good people at Adaptalux asked if I wanted to try the brand new Pod Mini, it was a simple โYes please!โ from me.
The Pod Mini is the little brother to the Adaptalux Control Pod and acts as the heart of the Adaptalux Studio Lighting System. It provides power and control to a lighting arm which connects magnetically to the single port. The modular and magnetic design makes adjusting your lighting quick and easy.
Adaptalux Pod Mini โ Flexible LED lighting
Pros
Quick and easy installation and setup; click and connect
Soft and diffused, yet powerful lighting
Small and lightweight
Ultra portable and robust (will even fit in your pocket)
Great battery life โ up to 8 hours
Various mounting options, hot shot, tripod and clamp
Uses the same lighting arms as the control pod
Appears to be a solid build
Fantastic website that explains all the functions well
Cons
Did not come with any clamps or adapters for hot shoe mount etc โ all optional extras, but really are required
Mine did not come with any Lighting Arms or diffusers (as I already had some), so you need to buy either the Beginner Pack or the Starter Pack
Does not work with the Control Pod App for remote usage (but when itโs right on the camera you donโt need that)
Adaptalux Pod Mini โ flexible LED lighting with Lighting Arms
All technical specifications have been taken from the Adaptalux website.
Adaptalux Pod Mini โ Technical specifications
Pod Mini
Weight: 0.2 kg
Dimensions: 10 ร 8 ร 6 cm
Front plate: Colour Black, Red, Blue, Green
Lighting arm Port: 1
Charging via USB C (cable supplied)
Light arms and Diffusers all attach magnetically
Lighting Arms (available in Beginner or Starter Packs)
200 lumens per Lighting Arm. Up to 3W per Arm
Adjustable beam angle <1150 to 200
Available are 200-lumens white LED arm (5700K), and a 400-lumens Super white LED lighting arm (5700K)
Also available with blue, green and red lights for drama, amber & UV (all optional extras)
Adaptalux Pod Mini โ Ergonomics and build quality
Small but well-built and robust, it literally fits in your hand (or even pocket). I often have trouble with my hands and find small fiddly things difficult to handle. But I didnโt have a problem with the Pod Mini at all. Even the accessories (optional extra) have great ergonomics and grip handles making adjustments easy.
Adaptalux Pod Mini โ In the field
I used the Adaptulx Mini-Pod on the (optional) hotshoe adapter on my Sony A7RIII and Sony 90mm macro lens. I went into the backyard on a cold, gray, wet winterโs day in the darkest part of the garden to test out the light. Itโs pretty easy to use the Mini-Pod, as itโs very small and light. Not as much power as you would have with, say a flash, but it makes capturing images in low light much easier. Shutter speed 1/125 second, f/5.0, ISO between 200 and 500.
Quality of light
Depending on the light arm used, the light emitted is between 200 and 400 lumens at 5700K. The beam of light can be widened or narrowed by twisting the end of the light arm. The filter or diffuser pod clip on the end of the light arm, to further soften the light emitted.
Controls, menus and display
Itโs really very basic. The power up and down buttons on top make the light extremely easy to use while in the field. The Lighting Arms just click and twist and youโre good to go. You can adjust the beam by twisting the end of the light arm.
Recycle times and battery life
As itโs a constant LED light, there are no pesky recycle times, just constant soft light. Battery life up to eight hours. The below images were taken without the light at the minimum shutter speed of 1/50 seconds, ISO 320, f/5.0.
Adaptalux Pod Mini โ Final thoughts
If youโre a macro photographer, I think youโll love what these little light pods could do for you. It was everything I wanted in the Pod Mini after reviewing the Pod Controller. Itโs small, lightweight, fits in your pocket and easily attaches to your hot shoe when out and about. Plus, itโs well-built and easy to use. The tech is pretty basic; you can switch cameras or even share with a friend, and the shoe mount connects with any camera.
Itโs not exactly cheap, but good lighting rarely is. While the Pod Mini itself is under $100, you need more than just the pod. I suggest a bundle pack buy: 2x Pod Minis, 2x Super Bright White Light Arms, 2 x 30% diffusers, and 1x camera mount. This will set you back around AU $400 or US $268. Or buy the pre-made bundle packs.
Adaptalux Pod Mini โ Flexible LED Lighting
๎คด๎คด๎คด๎คด๎คด5/5
If youโre looking for beautiful, diffused light for indoor or outdoor macro photography, it shouldnโt be just small, lightweight and can fit in your pocket. It must be easy to use and JUST WORKS. The Adaptalux Pod Mini fits all these. If you already have the Lighting Arms, the Pod Mini are less than $100 each and you can snap lock two or three together too. Perfect for mounting on the camera and adding beautiful diffused light.
