Rotolight RL48-A Professional HD-LED Ringlight
- Price: $99.95
- Instant Savings: -$10.00 Offer ends FEB 29 '12
- You Pay: $89.95
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The Rotolight RL48-A Professional HD-LED Ringlight is a convenient and flexible light that fits onto a camera's on-board microphone or shoe mount (with optional adapter) to provide an even, shadowless 50W-equivalent light source. Using uniquely designed filters, the unit's 48 ultrabright LEDs are dimmable and offer a choice of color temperatures--3200K, 4100K, 5600K, and 6900K--helping you better match your shot's overall lighting. The 6 included filters fit conveniently inside the light's rear casing (along with the batteries), making this all-in-one kit always ready for quick deployment.
Weighing only 5 oz (142g), the Ringlight is covered with a rubberized, non-reflective coating that minimizes acoustic resonance. It's also weather-resistant, and uses 3 AA batteries to provide over 4 hours of continuous use--making it the perfect tool for documentaries, ENG applications, Steadicam rigs, and DSLR video.
This 'A' edition of the RL-48 uses top-quality Grade-A LEDs to deliver 35% more light than the original model, and adds a water-resistant switch as well as redesigned electronics and a more secure battery compartment. An optional Rotolight Stand provides additional mounting options, including on your camera's shoe mount when a shotgun mic isn't called for.
- 48 Ultra Bright Grade-A LED's
- Special Filter Holder
- Creative and Accessory Lighting Filters by LEE Filters
- Native 6900K (indirect daylight) Lighting
- Perfectly calibrated operation for 5600K (Daylight); 4100K (Mixed) and 3200K (Tungsten)
- Ideally suited for a variety of video and broadcast applications including film, ENG, network news, interviews and exterior event videography
- Quickly deployable (in less than 5 seconds) 'on-camera' lighting system, providing self-powered and easy to use versatile illumination
- Power is provided by 3 AA batteries
- Using optional Rotolight Stand, the RL48-A can be easily attached to a camera's hot shoe, a boom pole, or a microphone stand, while an optional swivel mount provides 360° swivel capability--bringing new levels of versatility to your lighting.
| Lamp Type | LED (6900K) |
| Mount Type |
Shotgun Microphone (38mm diameter) Accessory shoe (w/optional Rotolight Stand) |
| Filters |
CTO #205, 223, 285 ND 0.9, 0.3 White Diffusion #216 |
| Power Source | 3 x AA Batteries |
| Power Consumption | 50W Equivalent |
| Power Connector | None |
| Dimensions |
Diameter: 5.4" (13.8cm) Depth: 1.5" (3.8cm) |
| Weight | 5 oz (142g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 53 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
84%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (19)
- Lightweight (19)
- Compact (15)
- Improves performance (11)
- Highly compatible (10)
Cons
- Limited compatibility (4)
Best Uses
- Home movies (14)
- Independent films (12)
- Weddings (12)
- Professional (11)
- Indoors (9)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Business owner (9), Film professional (9), Professional artist (8), Aspiring film maker (7), Pro photographer (7)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (36)
Most Liked Positive Review
great product
I film events, weddings,parties, ect. and the roto light is a easy and inexpensive way to light up a dark room, being it is LED the amount of light it throws is ...Read complete review
I film events, weddings,parties, ect. and the roto light is a easy and inexpensive way to light up a dark room, being it is LED the amount of light it throws is just soft enough for close ups without blinding the subject. it does have a little weight to it, but just make sure you slide it on, all the way back to the mic holder and not at the tip of the mic. and mine fits just right over the windscreen, I have only used this twice so far but the footage i got looks great, it also comes with several different defusers, light gells (you will find them inside of the rotolight when you install the batteries) which i have to try out to see how good they work! three AA's and used it for at least 3 hours and counting! so if you looking for price minded, easy to use, portable light, you should give this a try!
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Warning: Not Dimmable!
The description says it's dimmable, and great for news/journalism. But in order to "dim" the light, you have to dismount it, disassemble it and add or subtract filters, t...Read complete review
The description says it's dimmable, and great for news/journalism. But in order to "dim" the light, you have to dismount it, disassemble it and add or subtract filters, then put it back together and re-mount on your camera. This is impossible to do "on the fly," and inconvenient at any other time. I am returning this light and will try another on-cam light. I like the round, broader light idea, but the design is just not practical yet.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 53 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Attach Securely
- Even Light Source
- Long Lasting
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- Night Video
- Outdoor events games
- Professional Work
Comments about Rotolight RL48-A Professional HD-LED Ringlight:
Using this light on my DSLR set-up. Slips right onto the shotgun mic and super easy to use. Love that I have great portable lighting that is inexpensive. Looking forward to using this on some of our crazy outdoor shots where power isn't available.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
- Flimsy
- Inconvenient battery
- Inconvenient filters
- Not made well
Best Uses
Comments about Rotolight RL48-A Professional HD-LED Ringlight:
I found the ROTOLIGHT to be:
-cheaply made, specifically the optional hot shoe mount.
A piece of @&(%?> at best.
-inconvenient in both battery change and filter change
-weak except for close interviews
-If mounting on a mic (which can bring in unwanted noise from the ROTOLIGHT moving), make sure your mic is thick enough.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Even Light Source
- Long Lasting
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- Documentary
- Night Video
- Special Events
- Weddings
Comments about Rotolight RL48-A Professional HD-LED Ringlight:
If you are looking for a bright light, look no further. I recently slipped the ringlight on my shotgun for a wedding & reception in a dark theatre hall and it definitely lit up the room. The couple got a kick out of the shape and looking at the footage captured, I'm glad I went with this. It beats carrying a heavy battery pack on your shoulder.
The filters can make a difference and the little filter chart is a great tool.
My two cents, be mindful of your downward angle shots. I noticed the light and windscreen slid down the mic for about 1/4", but they never came off or obstructed the shots.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Even Light Source
- Long Lasting
Cons
Best Uses
- Birthdays
- Night Video
- Professional Work
- Special Events
- Weddings
Comments about Rotolight RL48-A Professional HD-LED Ringlight:
This light does a marvelous job. I definitely recommend it for anyone who needs to get that extra lighting in that dark spot.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Rotolight RL48-A Professional HD-LED Ringlight:
50 or more led lights in a circle. Pure illumination.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Rotolight RL48-A Professional HD-LED Ringlight:
I purchase this product. When it arrived it was just the ring. No instructions, no batteries, no mount, no filters...nothing else! Everything about this light is sold separately. Maybe this light works just fine but I wouldn't know.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Professional Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Independent Films
Comments about Rotolight RL48-A Professional HD-LED Ringlight:
Used for interviews and short projects. Works great, lots of light, stays cool.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Highly Compatible
- Improves Performance
- Lightweight
Cons
- Non dimmable
Best Uses
- Complex Projects
- Home Movies
- Independent Films
Comments about Rotolight RL48-A Professional HD-LED Ringlight:
I just bought and tested this light with my Canon 600D for shooting videos with the Rotolight stand mounted on the hot shoe of the camera. Not to be used as the key light but rather a fill. Very easy to use and ligtweight. Works great with the additional color filters. I just wished there were a dimmable version.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Highly Compatible
- Improves Performance
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Independent Films
- In The Studio
Comments about Rotolight RL48-A Professional HD-LED Ringlight:
I used the RL 48-A Professional HD- Led at a graduation party and it worked great. It is an energy saver product, the light is very bright and the filters add a great value to the product. It's very easy to attach and it doesn't take a lot of space in the bag pack.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Color Value
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Special Events
Comments about Rotolight RL48-A Professional HD-LED Ringlight:
I think this is a nice light design that works well in run and gun with a fast enough lens. I wish the light was a bit more durable and stayed attached to the stand.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Good Color Value
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Low Light
- Night Time
Comments about Rotolight RL48-A Professional HD-LED Ringlight:
What I love about this rotolight is that you just slide it onto your on camera shotgun mic and click the on button and it gives off amazing light for any interview situation or anything else that needs extra fill lighting.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
- Good Color Value
Cons
- Harsh Color
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Low Light
- Special Events
Comments about Rotolight RL48-A Professional HD-LED Ringlight:
I shoot weddings and most of the time I use an expensive on camera light which causes a lot of people to close their eyes when I am getting interviews. I noticed that The Rotolight is perfect for shooting up close wedding interviews, because it does not blind the subject. The best thing that I like is that it is quick and easy to set up, it is light weight and with 3 double A battires you are good to go.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Lightweight
- Portable
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors
- Low Light
- Special Events
Comments about Rotolight RL48-A Professional HD-LED Ringlight:
It mounts over your shotgun mic, is lightweight and does not get hot. It could use a little more range but for close ups of someone talking it does the trick.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Powerful
Cons
- Not dimmable
- Too bright without filter
Best Uses
- Indoors
- Low Light
- Night Time
- Outdoors
- Special Events
Comments about Rotolight RL48-A Professional HD-LED Ringlight:
Not a bad light for the Canon XL2 under $100. It fits securely to mic. The only thing that could make it perfect would be to be dimmable.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Good Color Value
- Long-Lasting
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors
- Low Light
- Night Time
- Outdoors
- Special Events
Comments about Rotolight RL48-A Professional HD-LED Ringlight:
This light helped out wile shooting interviews in closed situations.
Being able to have a light with no cables or battery packs is a wonderful thing.
I had to get the mount sold separately it just doesn't hold on to your mic very well.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors
- Low Light
Comments about Rotolight RL48-A Professional HD-LED Ringlight:
This is a great led light for the price... very bright.... the only con is that you have to be somewhat close to what ever your are video tapping
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors
- Low Light
- Night Time
Comments about Rotolight RL48-A Professional HD-LED Ringlight:
Good inexpensive light, dimmer would be useful
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Great Value
- Powerful
Cons
- Switch should be on back
Best Uses
- Low Light
- Night Time
- Outdoors
- Special Events
- When I cant use light kit
Comments about Rotolight RL48-A Professional HD-LED Ringlight:
I have yet to use the light on a gig, but plan to use it while shooting in low light situations where a lighting kit is not possible. I like how the light mounts over a shotgun mic, not needing an additional hot shoe. However, I wish it didnt have so much play around the mic. I have a senheisser me66, and the mic moves, creating noise which is picked up by the mic. I need to come up with a solution to keep the light in place. Also, the on/off button should be placed on the back of the light, making it more accessable for the shooter. I do love the self-contained gels to correct and diffuse the light.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Good Color Value
- Long-Lasting
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Low Light
Comments about Rotolight RL48-A Professional HD-LED Ringlight:
Being so lite weight, the light gets the job done. I use 3 or 4 depending on the look I want. Changing the color temp on it is also a great feature. after lighting with 3 I can give the person some color for a better look. buy stands for the lights and its almost as good as a standard light kit. nned more light, use more of the instruments.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Movies
Comments about Rotolight RL48-A Professional HD-LED Ringlight:
As a new Steadicam operator, I wanted to have an on board light option and couldn't afford the kinoflo micro-flo that I love. I figured that if I spent more on a lightpanels micro, even though I would get a dimmer, it would then take me even longer to save up for the kinoflo.
At first the rotolight seemed really solid...the rubberized plastic is nice, and center piece is beefy anodized aluminum... (I'm talking about the stand, B&H# RORL48STAND, which is pretty much required unless you use a camera mic of the right size and placement on your camera to actually work)...
..and then I realized that the anodized center piece is just dead weight. It's basically just a logo b/c it doesn't even screw in. It snaps in and doesn't need to be so heavy. It has a lot of play in it. It drives me crazy...before I next use it, I'll be using gaffers tape (or maybe something thinner like Scotch® tape or electrical tape) to try and keep it from rattling.
The spare gels are also stored in the battery compartment, so you have to unscrew it every time you change something the gels or ND. Despite Rotolight advertising it, I not would recommend storing your gels inside it (unless you're out on foot in the field). Not only do you need to screw in the back, you also have to unsnap the stand...that's a pretty weird and irritating design flaw.
The light spill on the sides (actually, not just the sides, but all 360 degrees around it) is terrible. It's fine as a 1 camera setup on the camera or used really frontally, but if you are off camera axis or have multiple cameras or reflective surfaces, you have to put a ring of 1" camera tape around it (which makes taking apart to change gels even more of a hassle). I knew it didn't have a dimmer, and figured I would just keep adding/subtracting ND, but the fact that you have to take it apart makes it kind of annoying..
Also, I wish they redesigned power supply to stop working with low power. I got lazy and didn't re-meter and as the day progressed, the footage just got dimmer. I'm used to li-ion batteries, or like tactical flashlights that use 123A batteries...they go, and then when they start failing, you know it. The rotolight seems to just dim a bit as the batteries fade, so you're not aware right away that you are operating with fewer lumens. Without the ability to use external power (something I really should have considered, since I would be able to power it off of the steadicam---again, I was thinking budget)...this doesn't matter for the D-SLR shooter, but it would be nice to have the option with anyone using v-mount or AB batteries and the larger cameras.
I would recommend spending a bit more and getting a simpler designed (easier to snap on and off gels) and dimmable light like the lightpanels micro or better.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Batteries & Power
- Price: $3.29
Gel Frames
- Price: $39.99
Shoe & Accessory Mounts
- Price: $58.99
This B&H # RORL48STAND adaptor is required to attach the Rotolight to a shoe mount.
Mounting Base
- Price: $27.95
System Extensions
- Price: $39.99
What's in the Box
- Filter Holder
- Lee Lighting Gel Kit
- 1 Year Warranty
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