Aputure Lantern 90: A Comprehensive Review of the Versatile Light Modifier

The Aputure Lantern 90 is a large, omnidirectional soft light modifier designed to create a beautiful, even light source for film and video production. Building upon the success of the original Lantern, the Lantern 90 offers a larger diameter, providing an even softer and wider light spread. This review delves into the features, benefits, and potential drawbacks of the Aputure Lantern 90, helping you determine if it’s the right lighting solution for your needs. The Aputure Lantern 90 is quickly becoming a staple in many filmmaking kits.

What is the Aputure Lantern 90?

The Aputure Lantern 90 is essentially a large, collapsible softbox designed to mimic the soft, even light emitted by a traditional Chinese lantern. It’s constructed from durable materials and features a Bowens mount, making it compatible with a wide range of studio strobes and continuous lights, including Aputure’s own popular Light Storm series. Its primary function is to diffuse and spread light in all directions, creating a soft, enveloping illumination that minimizes harsh shadows and provides a flattering light for subjects.

Key Features and Specifications

• Diameter: 90cm (35.4 inches) – significantly larger than the original Lantern.
• Mount: Bowens Mount – industry-standard for wide compatibility.
• Fabric: High-quality diffusion fabric for even light distribution.
• Skirt: Included 4-section adjustable skirt for directional control.
• Collapsible Design: Folds down for easy storage and transport.
• Build Quality: Durable construction for professional use.

Benefits of Using the Aputure Lantern 90

Soft, Omnidirectional Light

The primary benefit of the Aputure Lantern 90 is its ability to create soft, omnidirectional light. This type of light is ideal for creating a natural and flattering look, minimizing harsh shadows and providing a smooth, even illumination across the subject’s face and body. It’s particularly useful for interviews, documentaries, and narrative filmmaking where a naturalistic lighting style is desired.

Large Light Source

The 90cm diameter of the Aputure Lantern 90 makes it a relatively large light source. A larger light source generally produces softer light because the light rays are coming from a wider area, reducing the intensity of shadows. This makes the Lantern 90 a great choice for lighting larger areas or groups of people.

Directional Control with Skirt

While the Lantern 90 is designed to emit light in all directions, the included 4-section adjustable skirt allows you to control the direction of the light. You can use the skirt to block light from spilling onto unwanted areas, such as the background, or to create a more focused beam of light. This versatility makes the Aputure Lantern 90 a valuable tool for a variety of lighting scenarios.

Quick and Easy Setup

The collapsible design of the Aputure Lantern 90 makes it quick and easy to set up and take down. Simply unfold the lantern, attach it to your light fixture using the Bowens mount, and you’re ready to go. This is a significant advantage over some other light modifiers that can be time-consuming and complicated to assemble.

Versatile Applications

The Aputure Lantern 90 is a versatile light modifier that can be used in a wide range of applications, including:

• Film and Video Production: Creating soft, natural light for interviews, documentaries, and narrative films.
• Photography: Providing flattering light for portraits and product photography.
• Live Streaming: Illuminating subjects evenly for online broadcasts.
• Event Lighting: Creating a soft, ambient light for events and gatherings.

Potential Drawbacks

Size and Portability

While the collapsible design helps with storage and transport, the Aputure Lantern 90 is still a relatively large light modifier. This may make it less suitable for small studios or location shoots where space is limited. Consider the size and weight of the lantern when planning your shoot.

Light Spill

Due to its omnidirectional nature, the Aputure Lantern 90 can produce a significant amount of light spill. This can be a problem if you’re trying to create a specific mood or control the light precisely. Using the included skirt can help mitigate this issue, but it’s important to be aware of the potential for light spill.

Price

The Aputure Lantern 90 is priced higher than some other light modifiers on the market. While its versatility and build quality justify the cost for many professionals, it may be a significant investment for beginners or hobbyists. Consider your budget and lighting needs before making a purchase.

Comparing the Aputure Lantern 90 to Other Light Modifiers

When choosing a light modifier, it’s important to consider the specific needs of your project. Here’s a comparison of the Aputure Lantern 90 to some other common light modifiers:

• Softboxes: Softboxes provide a more directional light than the Lantern 90, making them suitable for creating specific lighting effects. However, they can be more time-consuming to set up and may not provide the same soft, even light.
• Umbrellas: Umbrellas are a more affordable option than the Lantern 90 and are also relatively easy to set up. However, they don’t offer the same level of control over light spill and may not produce as soft a light.
• Fresnel Lenses: Fresnel lenses provide a highly directional and controllable light, making them ideal for creating dramatic lighting effects. However, they can be more expensive and require more technical expertise to use effectively.

Who is the Aputure Lantern 90 For?

The Aputure Lantern 90 is a great choice for:

• Filmmakers and videographers who need a soft, natural light source for interviews, documentaries, and narrative films.
• Photographers who want to create flattering light for portraits and product photography.
• Live streamers who need to illuminate subjects evenly for online broadcasts.
• Event organizers who want to create a soft, ambient light for events and gatherings.

Tips for Using the Aputure Lantern 90

• Experiment with the skirt: The included skirt is a valuable tool for controlling the direction and intensity of the light. Experiment with different skirt configurations to achieve the desired effect.
• Use a dimmer: Dimming the light output of your light fixture can help you fine-tune the brightness and create a more subtle lighting effect.
• Position the lantern carefully: Pay attention to the position of the lantern relative to your subject and the background. Experiment with different angles and distances to find the optimal placement.
• Combine with other light modifiers: The Aputure Lantern 90 can be used in conjunction with other light modifiers to create more complex lighting setups. For example, you could use a softbox to create a key light and the Lantern 90 to fill in the shadows.

Conclusion

The Aputure Lantern 90 is a versatile and high-quality light modifier that can help you create beautiful, soft, and even light for a variety of applications. While it may not be the perfect solution for every situation, its ease of use, directional control, and excellent light quality make it a valuable addition to any filmmaker’s or photographer’s toolkit. If you’re looking for a reliable and versatile omnidirectional light source, the Aputure Lantern 90 is definitely worth considering. The Aputure Lantern 90 offers a significant upgrade over smaller options, providing a truly immersive and soft lighting experience. Its robust construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of professional use, while its user-friendly design makes it accessible to both seasoned pros and aspiring creators. Don’t underestimate the power of a well-lit scene, and the Aputure Lantern 90 can be a key component in achieving that desired look. [See also: Aputure Lighting Ecosystem] [See also: Best Budget Lighting for Filmmaking]