NANLUX FL-28 is a lightweight and compact NL-mount Fresnel lens for Evoke series LED spotlights. It weighs 3.86kg / 8.5 lbs (excluding barn doors) and its beam angle can be adjusted from 17° to 43°. When used with the Evoke 1200B LED spotlight, it can output up to 50,330 lux @3m (5600K, 17° beam angle). FL-28 will ship in February 2024 for $690.
With the Evoke series, the Chinese lighting manufacturer NANLUX (a “pro-division” of NANLITE) offers several high-output COB lights. Roughly a year ago, my colleague Graham took a look at the NANLUX Evoke 1200B – a 1200W bi-color spotlight. As a part of his review (make sure to check it out in case you missed it), Graham also used the NANLUX FL-35YK Fresnel lens. This Fresnel is an updated version of the FL-35 Fresnel which, as Graham pointed out, was often too front-heavy. NANLUX reworked the mount and the new angled yoke improves the balance. Now, to offer a lightweight alternative, NANLUX announced the FL-28. Let’s take a quick look at the features and specs.
NANLUX FL-28 – lightweight Fresnel lens for Evoke COBs
As NANLUX simply puts it, the FL-28 is a lightweight and compact NL-mount Fresnel lens for Evoke series LED spotlights, designed specifically for the Evoke 900C, 1200, and 1200B models. Its weight of 3.86kg / 8.5 lbs (excluding barn doors) makes it 60% lighter than the existing FL-35YK Fresnel (10.84kg / 23.9 lbs). The NANLUX FL-28 beam angle can be adjusted from 17° to 43°.
When used with the Evoke 1200B LED spotlight, it can output up to 50,330 lux @3m (5600K, 17° beam angle). With the Evoke 900C, the FL-28 creates an output of 38,580 lux @3m (5600K, 17° beam angle).
Despite being much lighter, NANLUX claims it can still handle the heat of the maximum output of Evoke 1200W lights. When it comes to the most recent Evoke 2400B spotlight, the FL-28 will work with that fixture, but it will limit the output to roughly 50% to prevent heat damage to the Fresnel lens. This will result in a maximum reading of 25,610 lux @3m (5600K, 17° beam angle), according to NANLUX. The company promises to launch another new Fresnel lens specifically for the Evoke 2400B that will make full use of its higher output.
As mentioned, the NANLUX FL-28 uses the company’s NL mount system with communication pins, so the fixture will know which accessory is installed. This way, the FL-28 Fresnel can tell a 2400B fixture to operate at a maximum of 50%, to prevent melting.
Comparison with heavier FL-35YK
The existing NANLUX FL-35YK Fresnel will, according to NANLUX, remain available for users who require a larger degree of beam angle adjustment. The FL-35YK offers a glass lens and tighter 11° spot, and a wider 45° flood range (versus the 17° to 43° of the FL-28).
When both Fresnel lenses are set at a 30° beam angle, the output achieved by either Fresnel lens is similar:
- Evoke 900C with FL-35YK outputs 15,460 lux@3m (5600K, 30° beam angle)
- Evoke 900C with FL-28 outputs 14,990 lux@3m (5600K, 30° beam angle)
Price and availability
NANLUX FL-28 Fresnel lens will cost $690 and it will ship in February 2024. For reference, the larger and heavier FL-35YK currently sells for $1,075.
Do you use any of the NANLUX Evoke lights with a Fresnel lens attached? What do you think about the new FL-28 Fresnel? Let us know in the comments section underneath the article.
