There is no lack of LED lights for photography but not many—if there are even any at all—that will make you do a second take like the Hobolite Iris Portable Small LED Light. No. It is not a camera. I have read again and again to make sure this is an LED light, not a camera.
For some reason, Hobolite decided to go with retro camera designs for its LED light for photography. The Hobolite Iris is not the first LED lights that take on the likeness of a retro camera from the brand. Its resemblance to a camera is uncanny. There’s the grip, the digital display, and a “shutter button”.
The higher-end model even has a working aperture ring that lets you adjust the focus beam to a wide glow. The light claims to offer “remarkable color accuracy”, offering a color range from 2700K to 6500K, and high CRI and TLCI ratings of 96+ for true-to-life colors.
It further touts a magnetic accessory system, a built-in battery, and a sleek IP54-rated aluminum body wrapped in vegan leatherette.
There are two versions of the Hobolite Iris to choose from: Standard Kit and Creator Kit. The former comes with the Iris light, adjustable lens, frosted dome, USB cable, V-mount plate, and a protective pouch. The Creator Kit, on the other hand, includes everything the Standard Kit has plus an aperture ring, gel filters, magic lens, and fresnel lens f/28mm.
The Hobolite Iris Portable Small LED Light will be available starting May 24, 2024, for US$99 and US$199 for the Standard Kit and Creator Kit, respectively.
Images: Hobolite.
