Falcon Eyes Bi-Color RX-18TD // Real World Review
The FalconEyes RX-18TD might be a pain in the butt to say, but it sure is an impressive light.
I’ve taken the FalconEyes light on two commercial jobs now, so I thought it’s time I gave it a proper, real-world, real life review. With real results. Because that’s what we’re all about on this site!
FalconEyes RX-18TD Assembly
My first thoughts upon seeing this design were, at the same time, “Wow!” and “I bet that’s a pain in the butt to set up.”
Luckily, it wasn’t quite as bad as I imagined.
To assemble the RX-18TD, you stick the ends of the metal “X” bracket into the corners of the LED panel. Then you click the legs of the “X” bracket so they’re straight. I must admit, the first time around it took me a fair few attempts, but once you know what you’re doing it isn’t too bad at all.
The kit I got came with 2 softbox options.
(My video review of this light is at the end of this blog so you can see a time lapse of me setting it up and packing it down, as well as many more lovely photo examples!)
The softbox with the velcro edges is super simple to set up, it just takes a few moments to stick the velcro together.
The tent softbox — my favourite! — is a little more fun. If you’ve ever put a dome tent up, you’ll be quite familiar with the setup. You have two poles that make an X shape, that are clipped into the corners of the softbox tent. Then you have to stretch them out to make the tent pop.
First time? I almost took my eye out.
Second time? Took me maybe three attempts.
After a fair few goes, I can now do it pretty easily. But it’s a job I like to do in a corner in case I make a complete fool of myself.
Falcon Eyes RX-18TD Results
I’ll get to more of the specs shortly, but I think this might be the most important aspect: Does it kick butt for photography and videography?!
I think it absolutely does. I’m a huge fan of off-camera flash photography, but there is something to be said for seeing the result in real time with a decent studio light. The light source is very large and quite soft on its own, but pair that with either of the softbox options that come with it and you have an amazingly flattering light.
The tent softbox gives incredibly soft and beautiful light. Honestly, it’s worth risking poking a few eyeballs out to set it up. The more standard — and easier to wrangle — softbox option gives you soft light, but you have more control of angling it because of the spill-stopping box shape.
The RX18TD gives you tons of control
You have can control the light temperature (3000-5600k) and strength (0-100%) by using the super cool and user-friendly touch control panel.
During a shoot it is so simple to adjust something quickly, and the cables are more than long enough to keep the control box in a separate place from the light.
Another added benefit of having the power source brick thingie (we’re all about the tech, here) away from the light source is that the LED panel emits almost zero heat!
If you’ve ever tried to shoot in a too-warm room, with melting makeup and shiny foreheads, you’ll know how damn valuable this feature is. The double benefit for me is I can now use the FalconEyes to light my YouTube videos without turning my tiny office into a sauna.
FalconEyes RX18TD
Great light. Maybe buy safety goggles to assemble the tent softbox ;)
Versatile as HECK
I love me a product that is versatile. Need to light a small room? Tape the LED panel to the wall.
Need to emulate daylight in a short film? Tape the LED panel to the window!
Need to emulate natural room lighting? Tape it to the ceiling!
You can dial in the light temperature to match existing lights in the room.
Did I mention the LED panel is waterproof?
Simply put, you can put this light where other lights can’t go. If you start to think outside the box, there are plenty of opportunities to use this setup.
Conclusion
The Falcon Eyes RX18TD isn’t the cheapest light on the market, but what you get in return I feel is well worth the investment. You can use this light for portraits, group photos, wedding portraits, video lighting, product photography, vlogging — the lot. It’s portable enough and packs down incredibly well. It’s versatile, well thought out, and powerful enough for larger jobs as well as smaller jobs.
I lit a family photo of 23 people with this light! (there were a few kiddos in that photo so I don’t want to share it here, but it worked really well!)
Check out my video review below for more info and more examples of what this light is capable of.