Litepanels has announced its new Astra IP bi-color LED panel range. The new panels have improved durability and weatherproofing for use in all weathers.
Astra IP range
The Astra IP panels are available in three sizes: Half, 1×1 and 2×1. All of the panels use ultra-efficient LEDs with a tight 30-degree beam angle. Litepanels says this maximizes the throw of the panel but still provides a circle of light wide enough to use without diffusion. If you do want a softer light, each panel also comes with a medium diffusion sheet. In addition, you can buy optional dome diffusers and softboxes for the panels.
Power output
The Astra IP panels are all bi-color, with a color temperature range from 2,700 K to 6,500 K. They are also dimmable from 0-100% and all have an average CRI and TLCI of 95. This means that you should get accurate color rendition with these lights. At 10 feet (three meters), the Half panel has a maximum output of 1,500 lux, the 1×1 delivers 3,000 lux, and the 2×1 gives 5,500 lux. In addition, at 3.3 feet (one meter), the outputs rise to 13,500 lux, 25,200 lux and 49,500 lux, respectively. All of these measurements are at 5,600 K, you will get slightly lower output at other color temperatures.
Build
The Astra IP panels have an IP65 rating for protection against dust and water ingress. Litepanels says this means you can use the lights in rain, dust, snow or high humidity environments without any worries. The panels also have an integrated power supply, so you only need to connect a power cord to the mains supply. There’s no external power brick. You can also add optional Gold Mount, V-Mount and BP-U plates if you need to run from battery power. In addition, there’s a built-in LCD screen so you can quickly see the color temperature and output settings.Â
Other features
The Astra IP panels all come with a standard yoke. The Half panel weighs 6.2 pounds (2.8 kg), the 1×1 is 9.7 pounds (4.4 kg), and the 2×1 is the heaviest at 17.2 pounds (7.8 kg). As well as the two control dials on the back of the panels, you can also use the integrated Bluetooth for app control. In addition, there is an optional Astra IP module to add DMX control.
What we think
Over the past year or two, many of the manufacturers have been focused on full color RGB lights and panels. However, there is still a need for bi-color lights, which can have higher output than similarly rated RGB products. It’s refreshing therefore to see Litepanels launching a range of high quality, weatherproof bi-color panels. With their IP65 rating, you can be confident using the Astra IP panels outdoors in rain or snow. If you are looking for lights that will stand up to the rigors of professional use, the Astra IP panels are a good choice. Bear in mind you will need to add the optional battery plates if you want to work away from a mains supply however.
Pricing and availability
The Litepanels Astra IP 1×1 bi-color LED panel will retail at $998 and will be available in July 2024. The Half panel is scheduled for August this year and set to cost $784. If you want the 2×1 panel, it will be $2,090 and will be on the market in September this year.
