PRL Lighting LUSTRA 50
LEDS
LED lights are an indispensable piece of
any filmmaker’s tool kit, but their utility in
still photography shouldn’t be overlooked.
PRL’s new LUSTRA 50 could fit the bill for still
and motion. It’s a compact panel that uses
surface-mount LEDs with TIR (total internal
reflection) optics to deliver a consistent light
spread. The light is dimmable from 0 to 100
percent and uses a microprocessor to keep it
flicker-free and color-consistent as you dim.
The LUSTRA 50 is daylight-balanced and
outputs 1200 Lux at 5 feet with a 40-degree
angle of dispersion. PRL says the light
delivers a Color Rendering Index level of
94 (you can learn all about the important
nuances of CRI starting on page 60). The
LUSTRA weighs in 1 pound and is quite
compact at 14 x 12 x 3-inches—easily packed
in for those location shoots. There’s a ¼- 20
mount on the base of the light so it will pop
onto any tripod. It has a 12V power supply
and can also accept Sony NPF L-series
batteries, though the unit can’t charge
batteries if it’s also connected to AC power.
PRL is also accessorizing the light with a few
modifiers, including a collapsible softbox
that straps onto the light using a Velcro
strap. The softbox has a removable front silk
and will set you back $89. There’s also an
optional filter kit ($40) that contains a 1/8
CTO, a ¼ CTO and an Opal Frost diffusion
filter, which can be popped into the front of
the light via dedicated slots.
price: $425
prllighting.com
PRL’s new LUSTRA 50
could fit the bill for both
still and motion shoots.
It’s a compact panel that
uses surface-mount LEDs
with TIR optics to deliver
a consistent light spread.
