Aputure Amaran HR672 vs. Aputure Amaran AL-528

J

Joshua_G

Well-known member
On the budget, I'm debating between those 2:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...e_hr672w_large_daylight_temprature_light.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1114784-REG/aputure_al_528w_528_bulb_daylight_tempratur.html
The first, HR672, is $278, 2,080 Lux at 3.3' and has a remote control, which I don't really need.
The second, AL-528, is ~$160, 1,220 Lux at 3.3'.
Both models have W (wide), S (spot) and C (dual color temperatures) versions. The weight difference between those 2 models is negligible. As far as I can see, the main difference is in the amount of light.
I'll need a set of 3 lights, 2 x W + 1 x S.
How useful are 1,220 Lux at 3.3' for documentary, indoors and outdoors fill-in?
 
I have two 672s... have worked really really well for me.
If I remember correctly the 528s do not come with the remote. I didn't think having a remote was that big of deal..... but the remote alone is worth the extra cost. So useful... way more than I anticipated.

and always better to have more light available and you can dim down... rather than not enough light!
 
Trust us, you need the remote. You just don't know it yet. :)

I have two 672's and a LightStorm LS-1S, and to be able to control them all from the subject position with a single remote is a joy.

- Greg
 
Joshua_G said:
On the budget, I'm debating between those 2:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...e_hr672w_large_daylight_temprature_light.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1114784-REG/aputure_al_528w_528_bulb_daylight_tempratur.html
The first, HR672, is $278, 2,080 Lux at 3.3' and has a remote control, which I don't really need.
The second, AL-528, is ~$160, 1,220 Lux at 3.3'.
Both models have W (wide), S (spot) and C (dual color temperatures) versions. The weight difference between those 2 models is negligible. As far as I can see, the main difference is in the amount of light.
I'll need a set of 3 lights, 2 x W + 1 x S.
How useful are 1,220 Lux at 3.3' for documentary, indoors and outdoors fill-in?
Click to expand...

i just picked up the 672 set from BH (2s, 1w). They throw a LOT of light. Nice accurate color. The only issue I'm running into is diffusing them because the light is a bit harsh...
 
I have both.

I'd never buy another 528.
It's not "bad" but the 672 is just like "the same thing only way better".
 
DPStewart said:
I have both.

I'd never buy another 528.
It's not "bad" but the 672 is just like "the same thing only way better".
Click to expand...

By the same token, can't you say the same thing about Light Storm v. 672? The new LS is just like "the same thing only way better"? Of course, you pay more, but that's life.
 
OldCorpse said:
By the same token, can't you say the same thing about Light Storm v. 672? The new LS is just like "the same thing only way better"? Of course, you pay more, but that's life.
Click to expand...

No, the LS is in a different class -- not only more than twice the price, but physically much larger and heavier, and it takes professional 14.4V bricks instead of camcorder-style batteries. You need more money, more space in the van, more time to set it up, and a heavier grade of stands and other accessories to work with it. The 528 and 672 are much more similar physically, but the extra output, remote control and included batteries with the 672 make it a better overall buy IMHO.

- Greg
 
I am looking at building a three light kit with the Aputure lights. I was thinking two 672 bi-colors and one Lightstorm. My one concern is the lack of barndoors on the 672's. I would like to use one as a hair light. Is there a barn door option for these lights?

Thanks.
 
Bassman2003 said:
I am looking at building a three light kit with the Aputure lights. I was thinking two 672 bi-colors and one Lightstorm. My one concern is the lack of barndoors on the 672's. I would like to use one as a hair light. Is there a barn door option for these lights?

Thanks.
Click to expand...

Supposedly, Aputure is developing a number of accessories for these lights that will include a custom softbox, barn doors and eggcrates, to be released in spring 2016. But not available yet. There are some generic and third-party solutions that will probably fit (do a search on "Amaran barn doors"), but a concern is that you don't want to add anything to the lights that will block the flow of air through the cooling vents. So, not all generic accessories will work.

I have assembled pretty much the kit you described (one LS1S, one 672 spot and one 672 flood), although I went for the daylight-only versions. It's a great setup for small-scale interviews and such -- very light and compact, and can all be run on batteries if necessary. I usually carry a couple of extra stands and grip heads, a Matthews RoadRags kit, and a Westcott 7' umbrella reflector.

- Greg
 
Last edited:
Thanks for your reply Greg. A small battery kit is my objective. Good to hear the accessories are being made. Looks like a fine choice for lights.

What do you think about their 120 deg half light?
 
Joshua_G said:
Thanks to all of you.
I'll get the 672 kit.


Why 2s,1w?
There are Aputure diffusers: http://www.ebay.com/itm/361446056874?ssPageName=STRK:MESINDXX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2649 .
Click to expand...

Those diffusors are cute. And they will certainly be easy to work with. But they won't give you a lot of diffusion. Remember that it's the SIZE of the light source that determines how softened the light will be.

Still better to just get a cheap 5-in-1 reflector because when you take all the reflector covers off you're left with a nice big FOLDABLE self-framed diffusor that can easily be clamped to a stand in front of the light.

http://www.amazon.com/Neewer-43-inch-Collapsible-Multi-Disc-Reflector/dp/B002ZIMEMW
 
I've heard Aputure is redesigning the diffuser based on the feedback they've been getting so it may end up being further away and possibly larger.
They were showing the already known diffuser with a 50° grid prototype at PhotoPlus Expo in NYC in October. They were saying they'll be a complete softbox as well which is important IMHO given the spill from the diffuser only solution. I had heard the end of this month but given the Spring comment it seems that's been moved back.
 
cseeman said:
I've heard Aputure is redesigning the diffuser based on the feedback they've been getting so it may end up being further away and possibly larger.
They were showing the already known diffuser with a 50° grid prototype at PhotoPlus Expo in NYC in October. They were saying they'll be a complete softbox as well which is important IMHO given the spill from the diffuser only solution. I had heard the end of this month but given the Spring comment it seems that's been moved back.
Click to expand...
I'm sure they're going to have to make sure the softbox design includes allowance for ventilation.
 
Possible Problem

Possible Problem

I have a 672 that just arrived. I don't think it's charging the batteries completely. I have another 528 that the 4 LED indicators on the back of the unit flash in sequence during charging and once fully charged all 4 of them remain illuminated. On the 672 they flash for a while and then go dark. All four LEDs are never on at the same time. Is this normal?
 
Speaking generally, do users feel the spot is more or less useful than the wide version?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top