In the ever-evolving world of studio lighting, innovation isn’t just about power—it’s about precision, adaptability, and pushing creative boundaries. While industry giants dominate the conversation, companies like Harlowe quietly redefine what’s possible. With cutting-edge technology and an artist-first approach, Harlowe’s latest lighting solutions challenge conventional setups, offering photographers and filmmakers new ways to shape light with control and finesse. Could this company be the next big disruptor in the lighting game?
Who Is Harlowe?
Harlowe is a brand backed by over twenty years of experience from parent company AEC Lighting Solutions. Harlowe has set its mission to power creators and elevate creativity, productivity, and identity through innovative lighting solutions that inspire. Their products are available across North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific.
Overview
The Hobolite Micro Bi-Color is a retro-inspired, highly portable, and versatile bi-color LED light that can suit any photographer or filmmaker. It was designed as a micro studio light with a bi-color punch, superior color accuracy, and dimmability. The light is also easily controllable from the knurled knobs and via the app by NFC, allowing control of 8 lighting effects. All this and more is wrapped into a stylish and compact retro-styled body for $369.00 for the Master Kit and $159.00 for just the light.
Key Specifications
Photometrics
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2700K: 12 fc / 138 lux at 3.3' / 1 m28 fc / 304 lux at 3.3' / 1 m (with Fresnel Lens)
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4000K: 16 fc / 175 lux at 3.3' / 1 m37 fc / 400 lux at 3.3' / 1 m (with Lens)
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6500K: 18 fc / 196 lux at 3.3' / 1 m41 fc / 452 lux at 3.3' / 1 m
*Standardized Measurement Supplied by the Manufacturer
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Color Temperature: 2700 to 6500K
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Color Modes: Daylight, Tungsten
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Color Accuracy: CRI 96, TLCI 96
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Dimming: Built-in dimmer • 0 to 100%
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Front Accessory Mount: Proprietary
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Wireless Remote Control Type: Bluetooth
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Power Source: Battery (included)
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Battery Plate Type: 1x V-Mount (built-in)
Battery
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1x Rechargeable lithium-ion, 7.4 VDC, 3,000 mAh, 22.2 Wh (included)
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Up to 50-minute runtime at maximum brightness
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Up to 9.5-hour runtime at minimum brightness
Input Power: 100 to 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
Power Consumption: 20 W
Design and Build Quality
The first sign of quality comes as soon as you open the box. The included case is by far superior to most cases offered by manufacturers. The case is hard to protect the light and accessories, while the inside is molded to perfectly fit the light and accessories that are included. It also has a sleek and lightweight design, making it easy to carry or, like I did, strap to my camera bag.
The build and quality of the light itself are astonishing. Coming in under a pound, it measures 3 x 2.7 x 2. Don’t let the small stature fool you; it packs a punch! The dials are sturdy and turn smoothly, while the light itself is made from aircraft aluminum, from what I can find. The light has a built-in fan and is relatively quiet. I also love that the accessories are all magnetic, allowing for a quick swap without hassle. All the included accessories sport a high-quality build and feel.
Key Specifications
Versatile Bi-Color Adjustability: Besides its portability, the light’s versatility includes its ability to adjust to bi-color. The light has a broad color range from 2700K to 6500K, making it a piece of gear any photographer or filmmaker will want to keep in their inventory. Color accuracy is necessary for any creator; it saves post-processing time, and the light produces consistent color across its range. It also rates a CRI of 96 and a TLCI of 96, reinforcing accurate color.
Brightness and Output: The light has a lux rating of 452 lux at a distance of 3.3' (6500K) and up to 1,070 lux with the included Fresnel lens. At 7,000 lux, the light will be bearable to light your subject for just about any photographer or filmmaker. I mentioned earlier that the light is adjustable and has the ability, via the knobs, to change the light intensity from 0 to 100% and CCT from 2700K to 6500K. You can push the knobs quickly and change settings on the go, making it a very user-friendly light.
Run Time: The Micro includes a detachable battery with a run time of 50 minutes at full power and 3.3 hours at 25% intensity. The run time for the batteries is low but expected, considering the battery’s size. The Master Kit does include three rechargeable batteries and the 3-in-1 charging dock to keep you on the go.
Controls and Use Interface: Simple. It's the easiest way to describe the controls and user interface. In the past, interfaces on flashes—and some still—are terrible. They are hard to navigate and set settings. The Micro offers the user one of the most straightforward interfaces, with no buttons to push and control via two dials.
Usability and Practicality
The Micro can fit into a few places for photographers and filmmakers, from in-studio to on-location and content creation. If you use this in the studio, I would not use it as the primary light source. The Micro is something I would use as a backlight. On-location shoots are another place the Micro will work. Again, I would not use it as my primary light source for the image, but I would use it to light parts of the scene or, better yet, as a fill light. Where this light shines is content creation. It's small, portable, and straightforward to operate; it would be a great addition to any content creator’s bag. Whether you're filming a video or going live on a platform, it's a job the Micro can handle.
What's Included in the Master Kit
The Master Kit includes set barn doors with a frosted dome, a projection lens, a V-Mount ball head adapter, a V-Mount cold shoe adapter, an extendable desktop tripod, a USB-C cable, a 19.98 W power adapter, three Hobolite rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, a charging dock, and a set of color filters. This light is unique because the supplied accessories are all magnetic, making switching them out a breeze.
Pros
- Small and portable
- Stylish, if that's your thing
- Built-in cooling fan.
- Bi-Color light
Cons
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Accessories are higher priced
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Price (for some)
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Accessory mount is proprietary
Examples
The Verdict
When I first saw these lights in the past, they looked like a gimmick. They have changed my mind. Filmmakers and photographers can use this light. This light is a winner with the all-around quality—from the light output, accessories, and build quality. When you look at the price of the kit versus the quality, I can say it's very economical for what you are getting. I loved the Micro so much from my short time using it that I decided to pick up a Hobolite Avant. I highly recommend the Micro or any other Harlowe light products to any filmmaker or photographer.
