Review: The Fly Noodle L12B LED Light Panel by Lightbank
In today's review, we're taking a closer look at the Fly Noodle L12B LED Light Panel by Lightbank. When Lightbank reached out to me to review their new LED light, I was genuinely excited. Unlike other inflatable lights on the market, the Fly Noodle stands out with its unique design and features. As a filmmaker, lighting is as essential as a tripod—it's a tool we rely on throughout our careers.
Full disclosure: Lightbank sent this light for me to review; however, all opinions expressed in this review are my own.
The Fly Noodle L12B is compact and lightweight, perfect for on-the-go filmmakers.
Unboxing and First Impressions
Straight out of the box, the Fly Noodle is impressively compact. Its small size means I can easily slip it into my camera bag or leave it in my car without it taking up much space—perfect for those spontaneous shoots.
What's in the Box
Fly Noodle L12B Foldable Light Panel
Mounting Bracket for rigging
Power Cable
Power Distribution Brick
Portability was clearly a key consideration in the design. The light is incredibly lightweight, and the build quality feels solid and durable.
Everything you need comes neatly packed and ready to use.
Key Features
Full Spectrum Lighting
The Fly Noodle offers a full spectrum of tungsten and daylight settings, ranging from 2700K to 6000K. You can adjust these settings either through the control box or via the dedicated app, which is a fantastic feature for solo shooters like myself.
Quick and Easy Setup
One of the standout features is how quickly you can set up this light. Inflation takes just a few seconds, and you're ready to shoot. The compact size not only saves time but also space in your kit. Its lightweight nature makes it easy to rig overhead or use as a soft edge light that wraps around your subject.
Setup is quick and hassle-free, ideal for run-and-gun scenarios.
User-Friendly Experience
The user experience with the Fly Noodle has been excellent. The menu is intuitive, and the control box is straightforward to use. I appreciate that Lightbank kept it simple—I don't want to fiddle with knobs and dials when I'm trying to shoot.
Versatility
Whether you're working on a documentary, a product video, or a narrative film, the Fly Noodle adapts seamlessly. It includes lighting effects like fire, TV, and other creative presets, adding versatility to your lighting setup.
Easy Rigging
You can easily rig the Fly Noodle onto a boom, allowing you to move your light around the scene effortlessly. This flexibility is a significant advantage, especially when compared to heavier, more cumbersome lights.
Areas for Improvement
While the Fly Noodle has many strengths, there are a couple of areas where it could improve:
Extension Cord Not Included: The package doesn't include the extension cord for the control panel. You'll need to purchase this separately for about $30 on their website.
Desire for Higher Intensity: For its size, I'd love to see a higher intensity version. If you're shooting indoors during the day with bright windows, this light might not be powerful enough to match the background brightness.
Additional Accessories
An extra piece of kit that enhances the Fly Noodle's performance is the grid attachment. The grid provides more control over the light spread, which is particularly useful for those who need to manage backlight or prevent spill. Unfortunately, the grid is sold separately, but it's a worthwhile investment for added control.
The grid attachment offers greater control over light direction and spill.
Real-World Test
I had the opportunity to use the Fly Noodle on a friend's documentary about comic books and comic shops—whether they'll survive in the future. The light performed exceptionally well, contributing to a professional and polished look.
Check out the documentary here.
Final Thoughts
To wrap it up, the Fly Noodle L12B is a strong competitor in the lighting market. It's perfect for filmmakers who need quality lighting on the move—run-and-gun shooters and solo filmmakers will find it especially beneficial.
If I were to sum up who this light is perfect for in one word, it would be speed. If you need quick setup and teardown, this is the light for you. It's lightweight, doesn't take up much space, and allows you to get your job done efficiently. I can even see myself traveling with this light for on-the-go filmmaking.
Compact and efficient—the Fly Noodle is a must-have for quick shoots.
If you found this review helpful, feel free to leave a comment below and ask any questions you have about the Fly Noodle L12B. I'll be happy to answer them. Subscribe for more filmmaking tips, and I'll see you in the next one!
— Locksley Lennox
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