Exploring the Hobolite Iris: A First Thoughts Review

As photographers and content creators, we’re always on the lookout for tools that can help enhance our work. The Hobolite Iris, a portable continuous LED light, is one such tool worth considering. Here’s a look at its features and performance.

Design and Build Quality

The Iris features a retro camera-inspired design with a sturdy, weather-resistant aluminium body wrapped in vegan leatherette. It’s both stylish and durable, making it suitable for various shooting environments.

Versatility and Lighting Quality

With a colour temperature range from 2700K to 6500K and high colour accuracy (CRI and TLCI of 96+), the Iris delivers reliable lighting for different scenarios. The adjustable lens allows for a beam angle range from 20° to 45°, offering flexibility in lighting setups.

Creative Tools and Accessories

The Standard Kit includes an adjustable lens and frosted dome, while the Creator Kit adds an aperture ring, coloured gel filters, a magic lens, and a Fresnel lens. These accessories are easy to attach using the magnetic mount system, enabling creative lighting adjustments.

User Experience

The Iris is user-friendly with a small LCD screen displaying brightness and colour settings, adjustable via a control knob or the Hobolite app. The built-in battery, rechargeable via USB-C, provides up to two hours of use at full brightness, making it a practical choice for on-the-go shoots.

Recommended For:

The Hobolite Iris is particularly well-suited for:

• Content Creators and Influencers: Its stylish design and ease of use are perfect for creating high-quality content on the go, whether for social media, blogs, or vlogs.
• Videographers: The portability and adjustable colour temperatures make it a great addition for on-the-fly video shoots, especially in varied lighting conditions.
• Product Photographers: The various optical modifiers and colour filters help in creating dynamic product shots with professional lighting effects.
• Portrait Photographers: Its high colour accuracy and adjustable lighting options make it ideal for capturing true-to-life skin tones and detailed portraits.

Overall Impression

The Hobolite Iris offers a good balance of style, functionality, and creative flexibility. It looks a reliable and versatile addition to any photographer or content creator’s toolkit. Its thoughtful design and practical features make it a worthwhile investment for enhancing your lighting setups.

If you’re in the market for a portable LED light that combines aesthetic appeal with practical functionality, the Hobolite Iris is a solid choice. Order your Hobolite Iris today and experience its benefits first hand.

Hobolite Iris Starter Kit - £99.00
Hobolite Iris Creator Kit - £199.00

Image Credit

All images used in this blog shot by Dave Herring. Follow his work on Instagram @daveherring