It’s unfortunate that when I am going out on longer hikes and trips, my lighting kit is generally one of the first things to get left behind. Usually, this is okay—if I’m shooting landscapes or doing some doc-style work, the lights probably wouldn’t even make it out of my bag if I did bring them. However, there are those shots that would benefit from a flash of light or a setup that needs a little bit of fill to make perfect. Fortunately, portable and durable lighting is becoming more and more common, and here are some of the best if you are looking for something you can take on your next adventure.
Profoto B1X 500 AirTTL Monolight
Photographers, even those who shoot a bit of video, will love Profoto’s Off-Camera Flash (OCF) series of lights. Developed, expanded, and improved over the past few years, this is the system that jumpstarted the battery-powered monolight category when Profoto released the B1, and now improved it with the B1X. Beyond the fact that this is a wireless professionally designed battery-powered monolight, the B1X 500 AirTTL Monolight offers plenty of features and functions to make nearly any photographer excited. This list includes a built-in AirTTL system for wireless control from your camera, support for high-speed sync up to 1/8000 second, 500Ws of power with nine stops of control, and a 24W LED modeling light equivalent to a 130W halogen that can be used for video. A bit on the large side, a two-light kit comes with a sweet backpack to carry everything. If this setup is a little too big, you should check out the smaller A1X Studio Light, a perfectly portable on/off-camera flash option, or the B10 Off-Camera Flash, which sits between the two.
Light & Motion Stella Pro 5000 RF LED Light
These are a personal favorite of mine and worth a look for any photographer/videographer who needs to use a light in the windiest and wettest locations. Believe it or not, the Light & Motion Stella Pro 5000 RF LED Light is completely waterproof to 328' with an IP68 rating, thanks to the company’s background in dive lights. A large CoB LED system lets the compact light produce an incredible 5000-lumen output with a wide 120° beam angle. It accepts a range of accessories and can even use an optional adapter to work with Profoto modifiers. The real selling point here for adventurous shooters is the built-in battery with a 90-375-minute run time, making this a quite compact 7 x 3.7 x 3.7" light that weighs just 2.5 lb—perfect for carrying around on a long day in your camera bag.
Aputure Amaran AL-MW Mini LED Light
Already successful with its ultra-compact LED lights, Aputure saw fit to add a more adventurous option to the mix: the Amaran AL-MW Mini LED Light. It looks similar to the company’s other lights, being pocketable and powerful, thanks to COB LED tech and a Boost Mode that can put it up to 6000 lux at 1'; and it is handily waterproof to 33'. That’s an adventure-worthy light for sure. Its battery will last from 80 minutes to 24 hours and has five built-in effects for creating fun fireworks, TV, paparazzi, lightning, and faux bulb looks. Also, it’s made of aluminum for durability. It’s an impressive setup and may even find a home in your everyday bag because of its size.
LITRA LitraTorch 2.0 LED Light
Pocketable and durable is where the LITRA LitraTorch 2.0 LED Light sits in this roundup. It’s about the same size as a GoPro HERO Session, has an integrated battery good for up to 4 hours, and is waterproof to 60', making it a perfect companion for your action cam. The simplicity of this light is what makes it so appealing because it has just a single button on top for controlling output and functions. The LED design also claims to have no hot spots in its 80° beam and has a daylight-balanced 5700K color temperature. It can also be mounted on a variety of setups easily, including your bike, since it has two 1/4"-20 threads and comes with a three-prong adapter. It also includes a small slip-on diffuser for softer lighting when needed.
Qudos Action Light
The Qudos Action Light is on the list specifically because of its GoPro focus, and how could that not be an adventure light? The light itself is quite brilliant, with 400-lumen output and waterproofing to 131', as well as action sports, spot, and ambient modes to help fine-tune the lighting. A real highlight is the mount: it comes with a unique GoPro-compatible setup that will align it side-by-side with the camera. For power, the light features an internal battery that can keep it powered for up to 4.3 hours, and it can charge via USB. This light is a solid option if your go-to camera is a GoPro.
Do you have any of your own favorite adventure lights? Is there a type of light you want that isn’t out yet? Leave us your thoughts or questions in the Comments section, below!
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