Its manufacturing quality is so high, its finish so careful that this Shoulderpod L2 video light appears to be made of anodized metal. When in doubt, we asked the manufacturer: it is ABS, a polymer plastic used for its rigidity, resistance to impact and corrosion.
Handling and handling in the field, this torch is far from being fake. On the contrary, it is solid. To tell the truth, the Shoulderpod L2 is intended for videographers and multimedia reporters who for years have not hesitated to replace their large cameras with video functions from lighter cameras or quite simply from high-end smartphones. And a good number of videographers and “backpack journalists” from various media, including those of the BBC, have adopted the products of ShoulderPod, a specialist recognized by the profession for its accessories and kits designed for smartphone shooting.
Their first G1 grip for smartphones, launched more than nine years ago, became a benchmark of simplicity and efficiency that the competition tried to copy. So what is this Shoulderpod L2 torch worth?
Proximity light
To carry it, this torch will not take up much space in your pocket. It has a height of 9 cm. Its light block, attached to a fork that lets it tilt forwards and backwards, has a square base with rounded edges measuring 6.5 cm x 6.5 cm and a thickness of 2.2 cm. The whole thing weighs only 104g on the scale. The control interface is ultra simple: two wheels, one on either side of the power button. The wheel on the right adjusts the intensity of the light (between 80 and 800 lumens, according to the manufacturer), the one on the left takes care of the color temperature. This varies from cold tone (6500° K) to warm tone (2500°).
These lights are produced by interposed rows of white LEDs (33 units in total) and amber LEDs (also 33). Handling is easy, the result of adjusting the desired shade is verified by direct view of the illuminated subject or on the screen of the device which captures the images (smartphone or camera).
The light panel is made up of 33 white LEDs and 33 amber LEDs. Ph. Moctar KANE/Zdnet France.
The Shoulderpod L2 not only has a stronger intensity than that of a smartphone lamp (e.g. the iPhone 15 Pro Max) but, above all, it is distinguished by relatively homogeneous coverage over a fairly large area. Using a light meter, we measured a drop of 1 EV (one stop) between the center located 50 cm from the torch and another point on a circle of approximately 30 cm radius.
Testing the Shoulderpod L2 in the field
The Shoulderpod L2 should rather be preferred for lighting a relatively close subject (a person being interviewed). Even if it correctly illuminates a 3 m by 2.5 m wall. Again, much better than a smartphone.
Another positive point is that the intensity of the lighting hardly varies during battery discharge, as checked with the light meter. This is interesting for long or repetitive shooting sessions.
Captures of a video sequence showing the head of a statue filmed at night and under different conditions: available light, then in the light of the Shoulderpod L2 torch at its maximum intensity and at both ends of the temperature scale color, with intermediate values of intensity and tones by letting the smartphone automatically choose its exposure. Captures Moctar KANE/Zdnet France.
We carried out this field experiment by filming the head of a statue in the foreground at night, with a Ferris wheel in the background, and under four different light conditions.
- The first capture (top left) corresponds to the automatic exposure of the iPhone without any light input. The smartphone does a good job overall but the sky is slightly washed out and overexposed.
- For the following two images, the exposure was locked before turning on the Shoulderpod L2 torch set to its maximum intensity, in order to visualize the (deliberately excessive) supply of light. In the second image, the color temperature is cool, at maximum. It’s the opposite in the third.
- And finally, for the fourth imagethe intensity of the torch was lowered, the warm tone favored and the iPhone was able to choose its own exposure.
The result is generally good and unlike the first image, the sky is no longer washed out, it is darker, closer to reality. It was the gain of light on the statue’s head that allowed him to choose a shorter exposure time or a lower ISO sensitivity.
Extension with a self-contained battery
By the way, the autonomy announced by the manufacturer, keeping the intensity at the maximum level, is 2 hours. After several measurements, we clocked 1h39. Which remains, for video shooting, still comfortable in the field.
And to continue using the torch beyond this duration, know that it is possible, by plugging it into a charger or an independent battery. The USB-C socket is also well located, on the left side.
Four lights on the back give an idea of the remaining charge. Towards the end of the discharge, the last light flashes and warns of an impending interruption.
The Shoulderpod L2 incorporates a 1/4”-20 adapter and flash shoe combo into its base
Owners of tripods, large or small, poles and cameras, will appreciate this: the Shoulderpod L2 integrates into its base a 1/4”-20 adapter and hot shoe (or accessory holder) combo. It is therefore possible to attach this torch above a camera, on a tripod or on a typical rail for photo or video accessories. Apart from shooting in the field, why not use this Shoulderpod L2 torch also in a static situation.
For example, mounted on a table tripod, it can improve its image during video meetings by adding warmer light, or illuminate objects to be photographed in a mini-studio, in the form of a still life, etc.
Thanks to its 1/4”-20 screw and flash shoe adapters, the Shoulderpod L2 torch can be associated or attached to various devices and supports. Photos Moctar KANE/Zdnet France.
The Shoulderpod L2 is a great success. And at €40, the quality/price ratio is excellent. It is additional light available in the field and in the studio, practical to dose in quantity and color temperature, thanks to simple and effective ergonomics. When will there be a version and an app allowing you to save your pre-sets?