The Nanlite Forza 500 II LED Spotlight delivers an exceptionally powerful amount of output considering how uniquely compact and lightweight it is, and being the second-generation of this fixture, it builds on all the strengths of the original by adding improvements in every regard. Forza 500 II was made for professional production with durable construction, control options for Bluetooth, DMX/RDM, wireless 2.4G, and a protected glass-covered COB. The Control Unit has been fully redesigned and can run efficiently on AC or side-mounted 26V or 14.4V-14.8V V-Mount batteries (sold separately). You can have complete confidence in its performance as the 500 II provides highly color-accurate light, and it also lets you adjust the green-to-magenta shift by +/- 80, which is made possible by its W(RG) LED light source.
The Control Unit is dramatically smaller than the previous generation and operates without a fan. Dimming is adjusted in 0.1% increments to fine-tune the intensity. The included cables are substantially longer: 19.8 feet (6m) for the power cable, 9.8 feet (3m) for the head cable, and considerably longer head cables are available separately. It’s compatible with a vast number of Bowens-Mount light modifiers, including Nanlite’s own offerings. A useful 55° reflector is included, and there are numerous other modifiers available, such as the FL-20G Fresnel with metal barn doors (sold separately), which substantially increases the output.
The yoke is also totally redesigned and allows 360° rotation, it’s curved to provide a greater tilting range with large modifiers, it features a stepless, one-sided lock for easy positioning, an umbrella mount for more light-shaping options, and the base is compatible with both 5/8” baby pins and 1 1/8” junior pins. The fan has 4 modes: Smart, Full Speed, Low Speed, and Off for absolute silence. A redesigned padded carrying case with improved cushioning safely holds everything. A USB port allows firmware updates which will add new features in the future, and it can supply power to wireless DMX receivers (sold separately) or other devices.
Compact Powerhouse
Forza instruments provide the highest quality of light while being as compact and lightweight as possible. Every aspect of their design is intentional, like the rectangular shape of the heads and Control Units, which can be stacked when setting up, breaking down, or storing. Forza 500 II provides an impressive amount of output from a strikingly compact and lightweight head.
Trust What You See
Nanlite users praise the beautiful quality of light our fixtures produce first and foremost. Light from the Forza 500 II doesn’t just look good – it’s accurate. You won’t waste time in post-production trying to fix color issues.
App and DMX Control
You can fully control Forza 500 II with your phone through Bluetooth with the free NANLINK app for iOS and Android. The Control Unit features locking DMX/RDM in and out ports for advanced control. Built-in 2.4G lets you use the WS-RC-C2 Remote Control (sold separately) or the WS-TB-1 Transmitter Box (sold separately) for larger setups.
G/M Adjustment
In shooting situations where you need to mix light from the 500 II with ambient light or other fixtures, it can be extremely helpful to adjust the green-to-magenta shift to match the other light sources. This feature is also useful when you’re trying to achieve a specific look and need to tweak the color to get there. It’s unusual for a 5600K fixture to have G/M adjustment, but you get it in the Forza 500 II.
Improvements All Around
The Control Unit has easy-to-access battery plates on the sides that accommodate various sized batteries. All cables attach to the top of the Control Unit so the flat base can rest on surfaces when in use. The included quick-release clamp is durably built, easy to operate, and works with round or square stands and trusses. It has an easy-to-read OLED screen, intuitive on-board controls and a Lock button to prevent unwanted changes to settings. There are 11 built-in effects that can be customized and saved as presets in the NANLINK app.
Decades of Focus
This is the second generation of this popular instrument with refinements and upgrades that make it better than ever. It’s made by a company that’s been focused on manufacturing LED lights for video production and photography for over 30 years, and all of this experience is evident in the Forza 500 II.
