Enhance Your iPhone's Weak Flash with This Adjustable MagSafe Light.
Let there be a brighter and softer light.
Harlowe has launched the Sol 5, a three-inch extendable light that attaches to the iPhone's MagSafe system, designed to enhance the quality of photographs and selfies. This accessory is available for $79, or it can be purchased as part of a travel kit for $159, which includes a softbox diffuser to reduce harsh shadows.
Although the concept of the Sol 5 is not new, as the release of the iPhone 12 and its compatibility with MagSafe led to the introduction of various similar accessories, this model appears to offer greater flexibility and control for the user.
The device features a luminous disc that connects to its magnetic base via a short arm, allowing it to extend its reach and rotate 180 degrees, making it possible to adjust it according to needs. Additionally, the Sol 5 can be used as an indirect light source, softening its effect by bouncing light off nearby surfaces. It is not limited to use with the iPhone, as it can also function as an independent light source, significantly outperforming the smartphone's LED capabilities.
In its standard mode, the Sol 5 emits 200 lumens, but it has a temporary boost mode that increases its output to 360 lumens for 30 seconds. The light intensity can be adjusted using one of the two available dials; the other allows for modifying the color temperature between 2,700K (warmer) and 6,500K (cooler). According to Harlowe, the integrated rechargeable 1,000mAh battery in the Sol 5 offers a runtime of one hour and 24 minutes at maximum power, although frequent use of the boost mode can reduce this time.
The softbox accessory for the Sol 5 can be purchased separately from the mentioned travel kit, costing $39. This diffuser magnetically attaches to the light and helps to distribute illumination evenly, making it ideal for portraits, beauty shots, or close-ups, where softer lighting enhances the appearance of the subject. Additionally, the softbox includes an additional diffusion panel that can be used to further soften the light output of the Sol 5.