We're taking an in-depth look at two products from a lesser-known brand, Tolifo: the SK-135FR and the X-350B Lite COB LED lights. We'll explore their features, usability, and overall performance to help you decide if these lights are worth adding to your photography or videography arsenal.
Tolifo SK-135FR: Compact RGB Lighting Solution
The Tolifo SK-135FR is a compact RGB light fixture designed for versatility and portability. It's particularly appealing due to its small form factor, making it ideal for setups where space is limited or mobility is crucial. Compared to other market options, such as the Godox SL60II or Aputure's COB60D / COB60X, the SK-135FR stands out by offering RGB functionality in a similarly compact design, and with higher output at 135W.
Physical Features
The SK-135FR is equipped with a single-sided yoke bar that allows for 360-degree rotation, enhancing flexibility in positioning. The front of the light features a COB (Chip on Board) LED with a mix of typical yellow/orange chips and RGB chips in the centre, enabling full-colour output. The build quality includes an aluminium casing with plastic elements, ensuring a balance between durability and lightweight design.
Powering Options
This light can be powered in two ways: using two NPF series batteries or an included AC adapter. This dual power option makes it incredibly versatile for both studio and on-location shoots.
Connectivity and Control
The SK-135FR supports app connectivity through Tolifo’s app called Linklite and can also be controlled with an optional 2.4 GHz wireless remote, providing a 30-meter range. The high CRI rating of 97 and a CCT range from 2700K to 6500K ensure accurate colour rendering.
Lighting Features
This fixture includes 20 different lighting effects, making it suitable for creative lighting setups. The control panel allows easy adjustments of CCT, intensity, hue, and saturation, providing extensive customisation options for various shooting scenarios.
Tolifo X-350B Lite: Powerful Bi-Color Key Light
The Tolifo X-350B Lite on the other hand, is designed as a powerful key light, offering a robust 350W output in a bi-colour configuration. This makes it suitable for use as a main light source in professional setups.
Physical Design
This light follows a monolight design, with all controls integrated into the back of the fixture, eliminating the need for separate control packs. This design is similar to other high-output lights like the Godox SL300II or Aputure C300X, but Tolifo offers it at a more competitive price point.
Performance and Usability
With a CRI of 97 and a CCT range from 2700K to 6500K, the X-350B Lite ensures excellent colour accuracy. It supports 12 lighting effects and features a straightforward control interface with an LCD screen that displays settings such as dimming percentage and colour temperature.
Cooling System
The X-350B Lite includes a built-in cooling fan and a large heat sink, ensuring effective heat dissipation during prolonged use. The fan can be turned off, reducing output to 20%, which is useful in noise-sensitive environments.
App Control and Integration
Both lights can be controlled using the Linklite app, available for download on major app stores. The app allows for comprehensive control over multiple lights, including adjusting intensity, colour temperature, effects, and more. This feature is particularly useful for complex lighting setups, providing an efficient way to manage your lights remotely.
Value for Money
One of the main advantages of Tolifo lights is their affordability. The SK-135FR, priced around $380 AUD, offers significant savings compared to similar models from brands like Aputure and Godox. The X-350B Lite, retailing for about $770 AUD, provides a cost-effective alternative to higher-end models like the Aputure C300D, which can cost upwards of $1000 AUD.
Conclusion
In summary, the Tolifo SK-135FR and X-350B Lite COB LED lights offer compelling features and performance at a fraction of the cost of more established brands. The SK-135FR’s compact size and RGB capabilities make it a versatile choice for various lighting needs, while the X-350B Lite’s powerful output and bi-colour functionality make it a solid key light for professional setups.
For those looking to expand their lighting kit without breaking the bank, Tolifo’s offerings are definitely worth considering. Their competitive pricing, combined with robust features and excellent build quality, make them a valuable addition to any photographer or videographer's toolkit.
