Aputure 2x Fresnel Lens Overview Post & Video Examples
I recently made a few follow-up videos to the Aputure 2x Fresnel videos I made a while back. Now that I have used the Aputure 2x Fresnel lens bowens modifier for a few months now, simply put: I think it is a great tool. It increases the light intensity as promised, focuses the beam from flood to spot to aid with controlling the shape of your light while reducing the need for a ton of flags, and it comes in a compact package. That slightly plasticky feel I noted in the original unboxing video I made has not been an issue in the slightest, and I think actually has helped the light attachment be lighter in weight overall meaning that there is less of a risk of a stand tipping, etc. The plasic body still feels durable though so I don’t have major concerns for the longevity.
In terms of the light shaping ability, this attachment really improves the strength and focused directionality of the light. As promised in the name it does about 2x the output of the light, giving 1 extra stop of exposure. One place I’ve loved using this is as a strong and shaped edge light for documentary interviews, or for creating bright and controlled edge lights to make scenes look very dark. Being able to create harsher shadows, background accents, simulate window light, and more visuals that are commonly created with tungsten fresnel lights, all with a simple attachment for an inexpensive LED lamp is exactly what I had hoped for and have received.
If you are starting out or trying to diversify your light kit away from just having led panels that spill everywhere, I’d say pairing two GVM p80s lamps (Amazon Affiliate Link), an Aputure 2x Fresnel (Amazon Affiliate Link), and a large Godox Octo Softbox (Amazon Affiliate Link) is one of the most affordable, easy to learn, flexible, and small footprint lighting kits I can imagine at around $420 total. If you added in a couple of C-stands (Amazon Affiliate Link), a Fast Flag Kit (Amazon Affiliate Link), and a collapsible 5-in-1 reflector (Amazon Affiliate Link) you’d be able to shoot many, many types of scenes with a solid kit that runs under $1000. That is an incredible starting point for videographers, microbudget filmmakers, documentary filmmakers, student filmmakers, and hobbyist filmmakers. (Amazon affiliate links do not cost you any extra money to use and help support my cinematography & micro-budget filmmaking videos and blog posts – Please check around to GVM’s website directly and B&H as prices can be better for some items depending on available offers.)
I am overall tremendously happy with my Aputure 2x Fresnel purchase and would say that if you’re looking for more control over the shape of your bowens mount LED lights, this tools could be right for you
If you have questions, feel free to comment on my YouTube videos and I will do my best to answer them!
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*This is not actually a review, rather it is more of an overview, and all these thoughts are my own. I have not been compensated by Aputure or any other party for my thoughts, and if I was that would be disclosed. I do not do paid reviews!!*
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AFFILIATE LINKS TO PRODUCTS DISCUSSED:
- Aputure 2x Fresnel Attachment Lens: https://amzn.to/3DuAyfP
- GVM P80s Lamp: https://amzn.to/3kVV2rp
- Godox Softbox: https://amzn.to/40kjkLG
- Impact C-Stands: https://amzn.to/3HKAzyq
- Westcott Fast Flag Kit: https://amzn.to/3HkYDqw
- 5-in1-Reflector: https://amzn.to/3RhZXyZ
- Official Aputure Barndoors: https://amzn.to/3kVIJLI
NON-AFFILIATE LINKS TO PRODUCTS DISCUSSED:
- Godox Sotbox: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1651022-REG/godox_sb_gue95_size_octa_95cm.html (Usually cheaper here)
- GVM P80s: https://gvmled.myshopify.com/collections/high-power-fresnel-tungsten-monolight-led-video-light-1/products/gvm-p80s-spotlight-bi-color-led-video-light (BOGO Sale Sometimes)
