Every once in a while the photo industry is graced with a product that completely changes the game. MagMod was that product with its use of magnets to create a simple and effective speedlite modifier. After two extremely successful Kickstarter campaigns, they are back to launch their brand new modifier, the MagBeam. This could change everything.
Check out their new Kickstarter here to see the promo video. Their Kickstarter hit their goal in less than an hour!
The Magbeam
The MagBeam by MagMod is a new fresnel-lens modifier that gives you increased power output, and a light pattern with a super hard edge. You can also use projection masks (gobos/cookies) that allow you to project light patterns on your subject. The MagBeam allows you to shape light in a fast, easy, and simple package.
[Related: The SLR Lounge Magbox Review]
The MagBeam comes with a telephoto lens for a laser-like precision beam with 2 to 3 additional stops of light output. Finally, a modifier that adds light output rather than take it away. In the image below, you can see how adding the MagBeam allows you to place your speedlites much further away from the subject because of the increased power.
Here are a few examples using the MagBeam with the telephoto lens.
MagBeam features
Two to three more stops of light – The MagBeam’s special lenses collimate light (which is a fancy word for “making light travel in a straight line”) that increases total flash output by 2 to 3 stops. This allows you to have your flash much further away from your subject without increasing the power. No more removing your light stand in post! The best part about this for me is that I can use the extra power to overpower the sun during the day (which is priceless).
Variable spotlight pattern – When fully extended, the MagBeam gives you super-focused light with a hard edge, similar to a stage spotlight. Collapse the MagBeam down one or two stages to create a wider beam pattern while retaining the beautiful shape and crisp edges. Wherever you need the light to be, the MagBeam has you covered.
Gobo-projecting thing-of-wonder – Collapse the MagBeam down, swap in a wide-angle lens, and add the custom MagMasks and now have the ability to project several different light patterns onto your subject. MagMasks are our paper-thin custom-made stainless steel ‘gobos’ that ‘go between’ your flash and the lens in the MagBeam. This pattern is then imaged through the lens and projected out where you want it to go.
Magbeam add-ons
In addition to adding a crazy amount of power to your speedlite, you can also add their Wide Lens along with their MagMasks to create images that were not possible until now. I can’t tell you how many shoots I have done where I was looking for a sliver of light from the sun on a building or surrounding area. With the new MagMasks, it’s like carrying a bunch of sun patterns around in your pocket! Check out the images below that were created using the MagBeam and its add-ons.
My Thoughts
I have had the MagBeam for a few months now and love it, but have not had the chance to use the MagMasks with it yet. From the looks of the images produced, I can say I’m excited to try the MagMasks out this wedding season! The possibilities seem endless.
The extra 2-3 stops of lights are worth the price alone. With MagMasks adding the ability to create light patterns, I’m sold!
The only drawback I experienced was that I found it hard to aim the light at my couple when it was fully extended with the Tele Lens. The beam of light is so precise that it can take a few adjustments to find your couple. This just takes some getting used to.
All in all, I can’t wait to play around with the MagBeam more. I feel like the MagMasks are going to allow me to easily create some incredibly different images.
We use MagMod for about 99% of our weddings. The system is just so simple and easy. We used to bring big strobes and soft boxes to the wedding but now they stay in the car most days. MagMod allows us to add light exactly where we want it so we can create the exact image that’s in our head.
You can get in on MagMod’s Kickstarter for the MagBeam by clicking HERE. Some of the best packages are very limited in quantity, so I wouldn’t wait if I were you.