The X-Type Frame ends inserts into reinforced corners of the panel and pulls it out a little. It holds sturdy and won’t slip off easily, making it a good option for overhead use. Some of the Velcro-style frames tend to sag a little and are much more prone to falling off the frame over time.

The natural design of the flex light results in a medium-sized source with ample surface area for an innately soft light while still producing enough intensity to impact the scene. Users who want a 200W chipset in a traditional 2’ x 2’ form factor but still need output need look no further than the F22x, which outpaces all other 2’ x 2’ bi-color light mats. For creators looking for a compact and portable lighting solution with a seamless user experience, the F22x control box features a multi-voltage V-Mount or Gold-Mount battery plate compatible with 14.4V/26V/28.8V/48V batteries. Full output can also be achieved using the AC power supply. Bare LEDs tend to cast multiple shadows. I highly recommend using the included modifier with at least the 1/2 Grid Cloth to smooth it out. Bouncing is also an option. Competition

What’s Included

Built-in Lighting FX: Paparazzi, Lightning, TV, Candle, Fire, Strobe, Explosion, Faulty Bulb, Pulsing Aputure & amaran’s ecosystem and Sidus Link App integration also make the amaran F22x perfect for users who prefer to adjust their lights remotely so they can spend more time behind or in front of their camera. With the Source Match, and Custom FX control functions, matching or creating the perfect lighting for your scene has never been easier. Even users who need DMX control can use the F22x with the USB-C to DMX512 Adapter cable, for professional-level control. The control box is outfitted with a multi-voltage battery plate. You can use a 14.4V battery to achieve half power or max out the intensity with full power when using compatible 26V or 28.8V batteries. You can also achieve full output when using the AC power supply. The kits include a 4″ shallow softbox that attaches with a hook and loop fastener. It fits nicely on the panel and comes with two diffusion fabrics: a 1/2 stop grid cloth and a milky 2.5 stop magic cloth type. I love the heavier diffusion. Since the box isn’t very deep, it softens it up more, and the fixtures have plenty of output so it can handle a stronger fabric in front.

The amaran flexible lights are well built with plenty of output for their wattage. I’m a bit surprised by the release since these styles of lights have somewhat cooled off over the years. Clearly, amaran feels there is interest in them as Aputure does listen to its customers and does a good job creating products they want. With that, the F22 fixtures are brighter than other 200W 2’x2′ models, so I see these as an advancement of the flexible panels at a lower price. Built-in Lighting FX: Paparazzi, Lightning, TV, Candle, Fire, Strobe, Explosion, Faulty Bulb, Pulsing, Welding, Cop Car, Color Chase, etc. I like the included straight baby pin. It fits in a sturdy grip head so much better than the included adapter. I do understand the amaran line is for the budget-minded user. Attach the included softbox, one of two strengths of diffusion, and the fabric grid using the integrated hook-and-loop fabric to further finesse your lighting design and add a beautifully controlled soft light to your scene. In addition to controlling your lighting design from Sidus Link, the F22x can be controlled externally via wired DMX with the USB-C to 5-Pin DMX512 In & Out Adapter*, adding professional-level control to your favorite flexible light mat.

Customer reviews

The light has pretty good extended CRI scores, like most LED lights these days. The Kelvin color temperature accuracy is reasonably good and the light doesn’t have any big noticeable shifts towards magenta or green. F22c & F22x Output in CCT Mode I’m looking forward to seeing the lantern they will be releasing for the flexible light, as that would increase its usability. Always a good thing. Pricing and Availability The 200 watts F22 model is basically two 100W F21 panels combined. Therefore you can expect half the output with the F21 model. You can also swap out the softbox for an amaran F22 lantern modifier*, allowing you to replicate a volumetric lantern or pancake light with an ultra-light full-color fixture. To add a beautifully controlled soft light to your scene, attach the included softbox, one of two strengths of diffusion cloths, or the included light control grid using the integrated hook-and-loop fabric to further finesse your lighting design. The F22x can also be combined with the Amaran F22 Lantern with light control skirt to extend the fixture as a volumetric lantern or pancake light.`

When it comes to soft light, you want to get the diffusion farther away from the light. 4″ is not a lot. It’s nice to have a softbox included, and I appreciate the simplicity. However, I would punch it through a 4×4 or 6×6 frame to get a more pleasing look. Again. These are tools, and you have an included option that will work well in many situations.

Full color control. The F22c features RGBWW LEDs for complete color control, as well as tunable CCT from 2,500K to 7,500K, providing endless possibilities for creative lighting decisions through 360° HSI control, 46 color gel presets, or even up to 15 unique lighting effects.

AJ's Studio & Camera Supplies is a trading name of sole trader Andrew Dibben who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The controller is equipped with either a V-Mount or Gold Mount plate and has the Aputure QR plate on the side. However, the clamp to mount it isn’t included in the kit.

The F22x and F22c have a fan to keep them cool. I found the F22x is a touch louder than the F22c. It’s a bit odd the two controllers have different fan noises. I wish the tone was deeper; however, it’s a little bit on the higher end, and that is a little concerning if the light is close to sensitive microphones. Overall the fans are too loud for my liking, and I would have to move them away as far as possible from the microphones. It’s something to be aware of. The F21 fixtures have a passive cooling system, so no fan is used inside the controller. F22c Kelvin Color Temperature Accuracy & Color Rendering Scores To get an idea of the output when in HSI color mode, I took readings in the primary six colors from 1-meter / 3.3′. HSI Color The amaran F22c is an high-output, full-color, 2’x2’ flexible LED mat designed for a variety of users – from filmmakers to videographers, content creators, and even photographers. As an ultra-light, ultra-thin fabric light, the F22c is compatible with a wide variety of use cases and excels in on-the-go travel and tight spaces. And as a large, soft light that can fold compactly, it is the perfect close-up key light. Overall, the F22x is slightly brighter than the F22c, but not by much. The output is fairly consistent over the entire Kelvin color temperature range, although it is interesting to see that both lights had the most amount of output when used at 7500K. As an ultra-light, ultra-thin fabric light, the F22x is compatible with a wide variety of use cases and excels in on-the-go travel and tight spaces. And as a simple, soft light that can fold compactly, it is the perfect close-up key light. Its traditional 2’x2’ square form factor allows the F22x to provide ample surface area for an innately soft light, while still producing enough intensity to impact the scene.