Anyone Tried the Manfrotto Lumimuse?

[Clix Pix]

I was in the Apple store the other day and saw the Manfrotto Lumimuse 3 on display; it caught my attention because it seemed to be a free-standing LED light source which could work with an iPhone or with any actual camera, too, either standing on a surface or (with appropriate mount) positioned on a camera's hotshoe or on a tripod...... I didn't buy one then, instead came home and did some research and then the next day went ahead and ordered one from Amazon (less expensive than the Apple store!).....

The Manfrotto Lumimuse 8 arrived today but I haven't had time to play with it yet, as I was on the way out the door just after it landed on my doorstep. The only things I've done so far is to turn it on to see how the varying degrees of illumination work and to plug it in for a full charge. The Lumimuse 8 has 8 LEDs, whereas the Lumimuse 3 has, yes, only 3..... There is also a model with 6 LEDs. The 8 also comes with the accessory hotshoe/tripod mount included, a nice touch, and they all come with filters (gels) for additional light control. One can also buy additional filter/gel sets, too, for even more creative control.

When I've had some time to experiment with this thing I'll have a better idea of how effective it is or is not in terms of using it with cameras and with an iPhone..... It is NOT a replacement for a proper flash unit to use with one's DSLR, as it is a continuous light source as opposed to a strobe, but offers more flexibility since it can be freestanding. I am envisioning that it could be very useful with my iPhone in times when I need just a little extra light, or even when I've got a camera with me and need extra light, too.

Just curious to see if anyone else here has worked with the Lumimuse......

 

[mofunk]

yeah I saw it in the store. Let us know if you like it or not.

 

[The Bad Guy]

Far too small to be of any use to me.

 

[Clix Pix]

I would say it is primarily meant as a supplementary off-camera light since it stands alone or can be attached to a tripod or slid into a camera's hotshoe. Since it is being offered for sale in Apple stores, it's clear that Apple sees its potential for use with an iPhone. For instance, although I haven't tried this yet, it could be useful when shooting portraits outdoors and the subject is in shade, to add just a touch of light (fill-flash) to pick up catchlights in the eyes and so on. This could be done with one's iPhone similar to the way photographers use fill-flash routinely as part of their standard gear. If one has this stashed in a pocket and has their iPhone with them -- bingo! Instant portrait equipment, no heavy camera needed.....

The other thing for which I think it will be useful is when shooting macro images, either with a camera or with the iPhone, as this small light source can be placed just about anywhere to get the light where it is needed (sometimes a tricky proposition with macro).

 

[kenoh]

I had a fondle of one but I think even the 8 bulb version is a little weak so will likely not be as much use as you may think (IMHO). I got one of these:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004TJ6JH6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It is bigger - about the size of a big paperback book, think lord of the rings - and is quite bright at short to intermediate distances. It takes 4 AA batteries which last about an hour at constant use at full brightness and it is relatively cheap.

 

[Clix Pix]

That's an interesting unit -- a bit more light than I would probably need most of the time! That one would be great for cinematography as well as still photography! I probably will use the Manfrotto mostly for macro and still life kinds of projects, and with the iPhone more frequently than with an actual camera. I have found that the diffuser gels they include have come in very handy, softening what is otherwise a blast of light.

Nothing exciting here, just experimenting with the iPhone and the Lumimuse: