Aladdin Eye-Lite Bi: the tiny light that travels everywhere

Aladdin Eye-Lite Bi

RedShark Review: a diminutive light that weights under 2oz but could become your next indispensable cinematography tool.

It weighs 2oz (56.7g). Its dimensions are 3.5 x 1.5 x .05 inches (8.9 x 3.8 x 1.3 cm). And no light kit is complete without one (or more). It is the Aladdin Eye-Lite Bi-Color dimmable mini light.

Aladdin specializes in highly accurate and versatile LED fixtures used widely in both TV and film production. It is known for innovative products, such as bi-fold 1x1 LED light and various sizes of flat flexible LED products.

I recently picked up the Eye-Lite Bi-Color and this tiny wonder travels everywhere with me.

Tune your colour and output

The Eye-Lite Bi is continuously adjustable for color temperatures between 3000K and 6000K while also dimmable from 5-100%. Its built-in Lithium Ion battery can deliver up to two hours of power. However, Aladdin also cautions that operating the light at full power will reduce run time. I find that operating the light at 100% gives a realistic hour of run time. It is rechargeable via a micro USB port, but that port also allows powering the light from an external source. And if that isn't enough, an AC adapter with USB connection would do the trick.

Construction is solid with a 6061 aircraft aluminum body. I've never dropped mine, but other reviewers and users have reported that the light survived drops.

Like all Aladdin products, color accuracy and light quality are superb. Aladdin advertises CRI of 97 for tungsten and 95 for daylight. When tested according to the TLCI standard, the light rates 95. As an aside, the TLCI standard indicates any light above 85 will not require color correction.

Tiny and terrific

Its small size makes for all kinds of creative possibilities. I use it on my Sony mirrorless camera with its high ISO to add fill in extreme low light situations. On camera, it can provide what its name implies – eye light and fill particularly in the interview work I typically do. Or just mount it in a car, a bookshelf, anywhere on set either with its 1/4" mount or gaffers tape, Velcro – anything you like.

At a US street price of about $162, it makes perfect sense to stick a few of them in your kit. Aladdin also offers a single color temp Eye Lite (3000K or 6000K) for about $25 less, but for greater versatility, I would recommend the Bi model. The Bi nomenclature is at first a bit confusing, implying that the fixture just toggles between 3000K and 6000K, but this isn't the case. It does adjust continuously.

Seriously, you will not regret adding this light to your tool box.