The Medialight MK2 V2 is a highly anticipated update to the original Medialight MK2, promising improved performance and enhanced features. As a professional photographer and videographer, I've had the opportunity to test the MK2 V2 extensively, and I'm excited to share my comprehensive review with you.
Before diving into the details, let's briefly recap what made the original Medialight MK2 a popular choice among content creators. It offered a compact design, robust build quality, and impressive lighting capabilities. The MK2 V2 builds upon these strengths, aiming to provide an even more versatile and user-friendly lighting solution.
Improved Design and Build Quality
The MK2 V2 boasts a sleek, updated design that maintains the robust build quality of its predecessor. The new model features a more ergonomic handle, making it easier to grip and maneuver, especially when working in tight spaces or at awkward angles.
One of the most notable improvements is the addition of a magnetic mount on the bottom of the light. This allows for quick and easy attachment to metal surfaces, providing more flexibility in your lighting setup. The MK2 V2 also comes with a redesigned yoke that offers smoother panning and tilting, ensuring precise control over your lighting direction.
Color Accuracy and Rendering
Medialight has made significant strides in improving the color accuracy of the MK2 V2. The new model features a CRI (Color Rendering Index) of 95 and a TLCI (Television Lighting Consistency Index) of 97, ensuring that colors are rendered faithfully and consistently across different lighting conditions.
To demonstrate this, I tested the MK2 V2 on a variety of subjects, including skin tones, vibrant colors, and even challenging backlit scenes. The results were impressive – colors were consistently accurate and natural, with no noticeable color shift or tinting.
Expanded Lighting Modes and Effects
The MK2 V2 introduces a range of new lighting modes and effects, providing users with even more creative control over their lighting setup. In addition to the standard daylight and tungsten modes, the MK2 V2 offers a variety of color modes, including gels, special effects, and even a dedicated "bicolor" mode that allows for seamless adjustment between daylight and tungsten color temperatures.
I found the expanded lighting modes particularly useful when working on creative projects, such as fashion photography or video production. The ability to quickly switch between different color temperatures and effects allowed me to experiment with unique lighting setups and achieve a wider range of creative looks.
Enhanced Connectivity and Control
The MK2 V2 features improved connectivity options, including Bluetooth and a dedicated app for iOS and Android devices. This allows for wireless control over the light's settings, as well as the ability to save and recall custom lighting presets.
I found the dedicated app to be particularly useful when working on larger productions or when I needed to adjust the lighting from a distance. The app provides a clear and intuitive interface, making it easy to fine-tune the light's settings and create complex lighting setups.
Battery Life and Power Options
The MK2 V2 features an improved battery system, offering up to 100 minutes of runtime at full power. This is a significant improvement over the original MK2 and ensures that you'll have plenty of power for even the most demanding shoots.
In addition to the improved battery life, the MK2 V2 also offers a range of power options, including AC power and the ability to power the light using V-Mount or Gold-Mount batteries. This versatility ensures that you'll always have the power you need, no matter where your shoot takes you.
Price and Value
With an MSRP of $699, the Medialight MK2 V2 is priced competitively with other high-end portable lighting solutions on the market. Given its improved design, enhanced features, and impressive performance, I believe that the MK2 V2 offers excellent value for money.
When considering the total cost of ownership, it's also worth noting that the MK2 V2 is compatible with a wide range of Medialight accessories, including softboxes, reflectors, and diffusers. This means that you can easily expand your lighting kit as your needs grow, without having to invest in entirely new equipment.
In conclusion, the Medialight MK2 V2 is a significant improvement over its predecessor, offering enhanced design, improved performance, and a range of new features that make it an excellent choice for professional photographers and videographers. Whether you're working on a small-scale project or a large-scale production, the MK2 V2 provides the versatility, power, and control you need to create stunning visuals. I'm confident that the MK2 V2 will become a staple in many content creators' lighting kits, and I look forward to seeing the incredible work that will be created with this powerful new tool.