LumenArc Active Diffusion Introduced – Electronically Adjustable Light Diffusion

Lighting News

by Jeff LochMarch 16^th, 2023

A relatively new American company called LumenArc has just introduced two electronically adjustable light diffusion frames: the Active Diffusion. Available in 24×36 and 40×40 sizes, these frames come with a handheld controller capable of precisely modifying the diffuser’s opacity, so you can dial in the amount of diffusion you want for your shot. Let’s take a closer look at these two lighting modifiers!

Electronically adjustable light diffusion isn’t new. Indeed, back in 2017 Zylight partnered up with Chimera to bring this technology to the market. The result of this joined effort was first displayed at Cine Gear 2017, when we stopped by Chimera Lighting’s stand to take a closer look at their electronically adjustable diffusion panel. But now let’s take a look at these new options from LumenArc!

LumenArc Active Diffusion – features

The LumenArc Active Diffusion frames are available in two industry-standard sizes: 24×36 and 40×40. The frames are made of “aluminum, fiberglass, and scratch-resistant polycarbonate,” according to the company.

The 24×36 model weighs 4.2 lbs/1.9kg, while the 40×40 version weighs 13.1 lbs/5.9kg. Also, the 24×36 frame is designed to be attached to a traditional grip head, while the 40×40 model comes with its own yoke. Finally, I was surprised by how thin the Active Diffusion frames are: only 8.6mm/0.34″!

Each frame has a ballast/handheld controller that powers the frame and lets you adjust and change the diffusion strength. The ballast is reasonably tiny and wrapped in a silicone cover, so there is some protection for a minor drop.

The controller comes with an AC power supply, and you can also power the Active Diffusion with a V-Mount battery via the included D-Tap power cable. LumenArc claims that both 24×36 and 40×40 frames can run for “20+ hours on a 98Wh battery.”

So what kind of diffusion can you expect from the Active Diffusion frames? According to LumenArc, at 1%, you get 92% of light transmission, which they compare to a LEE 420 Light Opal Frost diffusion. At 100%, the light transmission falls to 79%, which LumenArc compares to a LEE 129 Heavy Frost diffusion.

Price and availability

The Active Diffusion frames are available for pre-order and should start shipping in around 2-3 months. The 24×36 model is €1.824,95 while the 40×40 version is €3.168,95.

Each frame comes in a protective nylon case with the handheld controller, the power supply, a V-Lock power supply bracket, 10″ power and data cables, and a controller lanyard.

For more information, please visit LumenArc’s website here.

What do you think about these high-end diffusion frames? Do you often carry diffusion frames in your lighting kit? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments down below!