I tend to use the word “revolutionary” to describe NanLite. Specifically, products like the Forza 500 and PavoTubes set Nanlite apart in the world of LED lighting. At the time of their release, there was nothing like these products on the market. This made Nanlite an attractive brand to young, creative filmmakers. With competition at an all-time high in the LED space, I was curious what Nanlite had up their sleeve. Now, The all-new NanLite Forza 720 and 720b Monolight have entered the space by storm. With an upgraded build quality and extremely powerful output, this new monolight will change the game.
This light will make an impact within the professional commercial space, narrative film sets, and at-home studios. The value this light provides is unmatched to any other product in the market in terms of output, quality, and price. Let’s take a look at its key features.
Key Features of the NanLite Forza 720 and 720b Monolight
If you’re a user of the NanLite Forza line, you know firsthand how intuitive and powerful the Forza 500 is. Although, overtime, I was certainly looking for something stronger — the new Forza 720 and 720b deliver just that.
Stronger Output
With the Forza 720 and 720b, you now have access to sunlight at any time of day. Whether you want to pour light through a window for a hard sunlight, or bounce the light to create a soft sun glow, the 720 and 720b is your answer.
Both lights are rated at 800 watts. The 720b ranges in CCT from 2700-6500k with an output of 84,460 lux at 1m 5600k. The 720 is a standard 5600k daylight-balance monolight with an output of 23,300 lux at 2m 5600k. A great feature to manage output of this light is the ability to control the light from 0-100% in .1% increments.
The Perfect Color, Always
The NanLite Forza 720b is the most powerful, brightest, and compact bi-colored monolight on the market right now. Both lights — fairly equal in power — have extremely similar CRI, which, for a cinematographer, is extremely important. This ensures that the light is accurate for perfect color. The Forza 720b has a CRI of 96 and TCLI of 97. The Forza 720 has a CRI of 95 and TCLI of 96.
Upgrades to the 720 and 720b
If you’re anything like me, you’re a stickler for well-built products that will last and remain a great investment. I always thought the Forza 500 and 300 were built well, but had some room for improvement. Everything that I wished the 500 and 300 had are included in the new Forza 720 and 720b.
Durability and Sturdiness
With an all-new metal construction, this light feels indestructible. Every hardware feature feels capable of withstanding the toughest of conditions. With an all-new advanced yoke — which includes a junior and baby pin option — you’re not left feeling unsure about the locking of the light on your C-stand.
To improve the locking dial on the side of the light, the 720 and 720b include a one-sided lock that is easy to use for quick tilt adjustments. Similar to the Forza 500 and 300, the 720 and 720b includes a Bowens mount. This is great for anyone who has already purchased a NanLite softbox, lantern, or fresnel.
The Nanlink App
The new Pavotube products introduced to the ability to control the light via the Nanlink App. This is absolutely essential for anyone who works in small crews or rocks the one-man-band production. With an easy-to-use app, you can adjust the CCT, intensity or effect right from your phone so you don’t have to leave the camera or monitor.
Upgraded Mounting Clamp
The mounting clamp that comes in the new 720 & 720b is built to last. It is also built to work with light stands and objects of a wider base or diameter. There is also a quick release button for added safety. Instead of placing the ballast on the clamp, you have to physically lock it into place and release it when you want to detach. The ballast also includes two V-mount battery attachments on the side for easy access and accessibility.
Easy-to-Use Control Panel
The control panel features a 2.2-inch LCD display with three levels of brightness, DMX in-out, USB port and various loops for safety cables. The USB-A ports are made for all future firmware updates made to this light. Also, the USB-A ports can provide power to additional devices as well as DMX receivers. Connecting the light to the ballast is done the same way as the other Forza lights, but a major upgrade is the build quality of the cables. Similar to the Nanlux Evoke — which is a beast in and of itself — you can find similar cables and connectors in the new Forza 720 and 720b Monolights.
Wrapping It Up
Anyone that has been waiting for a new monolight from NanLite will be completely blown away by the 720 and 720b. With upgrades in build quality, quality of light and color, extreme output upgrades, the NanLite Forza 720 and 720b Monolights will be a major player for all filmmakers and creatives.
