Rotolight has announced the NEO 3 and AEOS 2. Both of these products are new iterations of popular Rotolight fixtures.
It is interesting to see that Rotolight is doing a Kickstarter for both of these lights. We have seen quite a few well-established companies doing Kickstarter campaigns for new products. I presume it is a way to gather funds in advance of having to send out any products.
Rotolight NEO 3
The NEO 3 is the third generation of Rotolight’s popular on-camera light.
Rotolight is stating that the NEO 3 is the brightest on-camera LED light ever produced. Rotolight told me that the claimed output of the NEO 3 was 4541 lx continuous, and 10,700 lx flash. The beam angle of the NEO 3 is 50 degrees.
The light has full RGBWW capabilities and it is Kelvin color adjustable from 3000-10,000K. It also features an easy-to-use and intuitive touchscreen display.
The light weighs in at 354g / 12.48 oz so it can be easily used on smaller-sized cameras.
The NEO 3 can be used as a continuous lighting source as well as having the capability to be used as a High Speed Sync flash with full RGBWW compatibility. You can flash in any one of 16.7 million colors or 2,500 digital filters.
The light also features a high-performance, USB rechargeable lithium battery.
The Rotolight NEO 3 is available as an individual light and in a three-light kit.
Rotolight AEOS 2
The Rotolight AEOS 2, like its predecessor, features a lightweight and ultra-thin design. It tips the scales at under 1.4kg / 3lb and this makes it a good lightweight alternative to a traditional 1×1 sized panel.
Rotolight is stating that the AEOS 2 is brighter than most other 1×1 soft panel lights on the market. Rotolight told me that the output is claimed to be 9230 lx continuous and 17,800 lx flash. The AOES 2 has a quiet narrow beam angle of 50 degrees.
Just like the NEO3, the AEOS 2 features full RGBWW capabilities and it is Kelvin color adjustable from 3000-10,000K.
It also features a touchscreen menu and interface. I am glad that Rotolight decided to change the display and operating system because the previous versions of the NEO 2 and AEOS were not intuitive to use.
Again, just like the NEO 3, the AEOS 2 can be used as a continuous lighting source as well as having the capability to be used as a High Speed Sync flash with full RGBWW compatibility. You can flash in any one of 16.7 million colors or 2,500 digital filters.
Unlike the previous AEOS that drew just 42W, the AEOS 2 draws 120W. This means that you will have to run it via a higher capacity V-lock battery and the run times will be significantly reduced from its predecessor.
The AEOS 2 will be available as an individual light and in a two-light kit.
Rotolight iOS & Android App
The new Rotolight iOS and Android app allow users to switch between lighting modes to remotely adjust color, power, and SFX, etc. The app also lets you create custom groups and projects for use with up to 20 lights simultaneously.
Smartsoft Box
Smartsoft Box lets you switch from a soft output to a harder light source. According to Rotolight, Smartsoft Box is the world’s first intelligent softbox. It has been designed specifically for the AEOS 2. SmartSoft Box electronically adjusts your light’s diffusion, focus, and spread without the need for gels. You can control it via the touchscreen display or by using the Rotolight app.
The Smartsoft Box mounts onto barndoors. The Smatsoft Box will likely come in at around £399.
Rotolight Universal Speedring Adaptor
The Rotolight Universal Speedring adaptor lets you use a wide array of Bowens-mount modifiers on the Rotolight NEO and AEOS fixtures.
The Bowens mount adapter is anticipated to come in below $100.
Price & Availability
The NEO 3 and AEOS 2 are now available to pre-order on Kickstarter until the 16th of November. They are both scheduled to ship in February 2022.
The Rotolight NEO 3 starter bundle will be available for an early bird price of $479 USD. The AEOS 2 costs $1,399 USD.
Above you can see how much the various deals are on Kickstarter.
