LunaBulb Eclipses The Rest
Posted on Nov 13, 2024 by Pro Moviemaker
The impressive new practical ecosystem from Astera is light years ahead
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Lighting innovator Astera may have popularised bulb-style practical lights with the NYX Bulb, but the new LunaBulb system takes a giant leap forward, being developed with the help of award-winning Hollywood DOPs.
The LunaBulb might resemble a conventional light bulb, screwing directly into an AC-wired socket, but it offers versatile bulb shapes, flicker-free dimming, full wireless control and comes with a new system of accessories to make it unique. This impressive, out-of-the-box design has earned it the Editor’s Choice accolade in the prestigious launch of the year category at the annual Pro Moviemaker Gear of the Year Awards.
Although the LunaBulb has a standard household bulb shape – allowing it to be used alongside NYX Bulbs as a matching set – removing the durable plastic cover converts it into a slimline style, fitting any practical light set-up on set. Drawing just 3.5W, LunaBulbs come in E26, E27 and B22 fittings, so should work with any set-up.
Inside is Astera’s Titan LED engine, providing accurate full colour and advanced wireless control. It’s the only LED-based bulb with built-in CRMX – allowing wireless control via Astera’s CRMX app, BTB link or using the brand’s White and FX Remotes.
To configure up to eight LunaBulbs at a time, the LunaBulb PrepCase provides a quick solution for on-set prep. For those with existing hard cases, the PrepCase insert is also available as a PrepInlay with the same tech but no flight case. Both the battery-powered PrepCase and PrepInlay offer up to an hour of runtime or indefinite use with a Titan Tube charger.
Users can control the bulbs through the app for groupings and effects or utilise the Bluetooth Bridge for extended control across the set. White levels range from 1750-20,000K, with precise colour mixing options including RGB, Mint, Amber, HSI, XY and Filter Gel settings. Classic Lee and Rosco filters can also be emulated using the free Astera app, available for iOS and Android. Plus, an IP44 rating ensures outdoor use of the bulbs is no problem.
All of this tech alone makes the LunaBulb a uniquely professional product, but that is only part of what it is capable of thanks to the LunaBulb Accessory Kit, which has a range of blockers, diffusers, reflectors and lenses within a single, lightweight portable case.
The LunaShade – inspired by Oscar-winning cinematographer James Friend, ASC BSC – includes two blocker and two diffuser shades with a quick snap-on fitting. It easily adjusts light directionality or creates a softer, more diffused look.
The LunaReflector increases light output by directing it forward and narrowing its beam angle. Meanwhile, the LunaDiffusor – a snap-on dome diffuser – attaches to the LunaReflector to imitate the front look of a PAR16 bulb. Additionally, the LunaSnoot can be screwed onto the LunaReflector to prevent glare in camera or in viewers’ eyes.
With more modifiers being constantly launched, the LunaBulb is the most advanced practical light system helping creative filmmakers craft films that are truly out of this world.
This feature was first published in the November/December 2024 issue of Pro Moviemaker.
