Sirui’s New Self-Inflating Photography Light is Clever But Also Weird

Sirui A100B
The Sirui A100B begins inflating with its integrated pump as soon as it’s powered on (via AC or a connected V-mount battery). The self-inflating light doesn’t include a rigid frame that must be assembled, promising convenience and compact size when not in use.

Sirui has announced the A100B Bi-Color Automatic Inflatable Photography Light, a distinctly odd yet interesting constant light source that includes self-inflation, an integrated diffuser, impressive color accuracy, and various lighting effects.

Per Sirui, its new A100B is the world’s first self-inflating flat light source. As spotted by DIY Photography, the A100B is launching via crowdfunding directly through Sirui’s website (almost as unusual as the self-inflating light itself). Sirui has previously used crowdfunding for some of its products, including using Indiegogo to fund anamorphic lenses.

An inflatable light offers the distinct advantage of being compact when not in use, making it easier to move around and take with you. The Sirui A100B features an integrated air pump that begins inflating the light as soon as it’s powered on, allowing users to continue working while the light inflates. The A100B also lacks any sort of frame that must be built before use, but instead inflates into a semi-rigid structure.

Sirui A100B

Sirui A100B
Sirui A100B specifications

Traditional fabric LED lights typically require users to assemble brackets; they also weigh a fair bit. For example, the Godox FL150S flexible fabric LED light weighs 8.6 pounds (3.9 kilograms), while the Sirui A100B weighs 3.6 pounds (1.6 kilograms). When inflated, the Sirui A100B is 27 by 20 by 4 inches (685 by 500 by 100 millimeters), and it features an integrated diffusion front panel.

Sirui A100B
The Sirui A100B promises strong color accuracy performance

The Sirui A100B offers a variable color temperature ranging from 2800 to 8500 Kelvin (K), ensuring a smooth transition from tungsten to daylight white balance. The 100-watt (W) light delivers 1,900 lux intensity at one meter. In terms of color accuracy, the A100B promises 96 Color Rendering Index (CRI) and 98 Television Lighting Consistency Index (TLCI) ratings. If the A100B reaches its promised performance, the light should be suitable for applications where color accuracy is important.

Sirui A100B
The A100B’s color temperature ranges from 2800 to 8500K

Alongside bi-color light, the A100B offers a dozen special lighting effects such as lightning, flash, broken bulb, TV, candle, fire, fireworks, blast, RGB cycle, impulse, welding, and SOS.

Sirui A100B
The Sirui A100B features a dozen special lighting effects. These can be selected using the physical control panel or a connected smart device with the Sirui app.

For power, the A100B operates via an AC adapter, or when on location, a V-mount battery. The V-mount battery is sold separately. The light is controllable using either the integrated base controller unit or the Sirui Light app on a connected device. Wireless control is available for up to around 50 feet (about 15 meters).

Sirui A100B

As of publishing, Sirui’s crowdfunding campaign has eclipsed its goal by more than $7,000 with 24 days remaining. Interested photographers can back the project for $474, a $25 savings compared to the $499 final intended retail price. The light can also be purchased with an attachable grid for $515.90 (compared to $543 retail). The Sirui A100B is in pre-production with shipping expected to begin in early April.

Sirui A100B

To read the full specifications and read updates on the crowdfunding campaign, visit Sirui’s website.


Image credits: Sirui


Disclaimer: Make sure you do your own research into any crowdfunding project you’re considering backing. While we aim to only share legitimate and trustworthy campaigns, there’s always a real chance that you can lose your money when backing any crowdfunded project.

Discussion