Nanlite Forza 500B II

Last Updated 2 days ago

Overview

The practical package includes power, mount compatibility and fan-mode limits as well as light output. The “500” model name is not its complete input-power specification, and a fanless controller does not make the lamphead fanless.

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Key specifications

Specification	Details
Engine	Bi-colour WW(RG) design
Rated power	580W, manufacturer specification
CCT / tint	2,700–6,500K with ±80 G/M
CRI / TLCI	96 / 97 averages
SSI	84 at 3,200K; 74 at 5,600K
Mount	Bowens
AC supply	100–240V, 50/60Hz
Head DC / battery specification	14.4–26V battery controller, 12A specification
Weight	4.34kg head; 3.58kg controller
Dimensions	Head: 40.0 × 23.0 × 14.2cm
Maximum ambient temperature	45°C
Control	Onboard, NANLINK Bluetooth, 2.4G, DMX/RDM
Built-in CRMX	Not listed; an external compatible receiver is a separate system
Dimming	0–100%

Strengths and limitations

Strengths

• The Bowens head supports a broad modifier system and a separately positioned controller.
• Variable white avoids changing correction gels for common warm/daylight settings.
• Wired DMX/RDM and NANLINK support more than local control.

Limitations

• The controller, cables and battery hardware add substantially to the head-only weight.
• White-light photometrics vary with CCT and the selected operating mode.
• The original model has no integrated CRMX receiver; small-head DMX adapters must be included where required.

Practical uses

The 500B II suits a middle-sized location package that needs tunable white light, tint correction and flexible modifiers. Its controller can stay reachable while the head is positioned for a key, bounce or shaped background.

Compare the Forza 300B II and daylight-only Forza 500 II by actual CCT, modifier, coverage and control requirements. Similar family names do not mean identical power, colour or accessory behaviour.

Setup	Working approach
Interview key	Choose a softbox or bounce large enough for the desired wrap, then measure after that modifier.
Shaped accent	Use a manufacturer-approved Fresnel or projector for a controlled highlight, edge or background pattern.
Portable location	Select the supported battery arrangement and cooling mode before deciding the working level.

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Output and colour

The following readings separate the bare head, supplied reflector and optional Fresnel. The table uses the stated CCT at 3m; Nanlite also advertises 67,320 lux at 1m with the reflector at 5,600K. A concentrated centre reading is not a measurement of even coverage.

Condition	Bare	Supplied reflector	FL-20G spot
3,200K at 3m	2,367 lux	5,312 lux	14,860 lux
5,600K at 3m	2,739 lux	6,180 lux	17,400 lux

This is a tunable-white source. The ±80 green/magenta control is useful for matching another LED or an existing location source. It is an independent adjustment from CCT, and another brand’s numerical tint scale is not automatically equivalent.

High CRI or SSI values are useful reference data, not proof that every camera and material will match. Check wardrobe, paint and product colours through the intended camera and viewing transform when they determine the result.

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Power and batteries

The original manual documents 100% maximum output with two suitable 26V batteries and 60% with two 14.8V batteries, and warns against mixing battery voltages. The current US product page also advertises single-battery operation. Those documents do not provide one consistent battery-use instruction.

Before relying on a single-battery arrangement, confirm the current controller/firmware and approved procedure with Nanlite. Use the correct matched battery system and actual continuous-discharge rating, and verify available brightness during prep.

The separate controller incorporates the AC power supply and needs its own supported position. Route the head cable with strain relief, rather than letting the controller or a cable snag pull on the lamp.

Control, cooling and camera operation

The manual limits output to 50% in Low Speed and 15% with the head fan off. Smart and Full Speed support the documented full range. Set the required sound mode before metering exposure.

The controller is fanless, but the head has active cooling. Those are separate components and should not be merged into a single “fanless light” claim. Listen from the microphone position with the actual light level and ambient temperature.

Bluetooth NANLINK control and the 2.4G remote system serve different connection arrangements. DMX/RDM provides a wired workflow; the controller provides the relevant input/output ports. Use the matching DMX reference for the actual fixture mode.

The original Forza 500B II does not list a built-in CRMX receiver. An external receiver and its power connection, if used, are additional pieces. Check the unit’s firmware and supported control features during prep, particularly in a mixed rental package.

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Modifiers, rigging and the working package

The standard Bowens mount supports a large range of modifiers. The documented FL-20G, projection attachments and softboxes have their own compatibility and heat limits. A matching bayonet alone is not sufficient approval for any accessory.

Choose the tool for the desired distribution: a Fresnel for variable beam control, a projector for a defined shape or pattern, a softbox for a larger apparent source, and a lantern for distributed light. Include the accessory and any adapter in the working weight.

The head weight is 4.34kg head; 3.58kg controller. Add cables, reflector, adapters, batteries and other accessories before selecting a support. The larger controller is a separate load rather than part of the quoted head mass.

Nanlite does not specify an outdoor ingress rating for the complete setup. Provide a suitably protected arrangement in weather, including the power supply and connections. Leave cooling paths clear.

The manufacturer manual and selected dealer SKU identify the included reflector, power adapter or controller, cables, mounting accessories and case. Do not assume a Fresnel, stand or wireless receiver is included because it appears in a demonstration.

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Alternatives and related fixtures

Fixture	Choose it for
Forza 300B II	A lower-load bi-colour Bowens package.
amaran 300c	A different full-colour Bowens and app ecosystem.

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What people are saying

Matthew Allard: useful output, colour and tint control

In his 2023 review, Allard liked the 500B II’s output, CCT accuracy, green/magenta adjustment and manageable head weight. He found the build solid and Smart fan mode well controlled, while wanting improvements to the app available at the time.

Videos

Gaffer & Gear 221: Forza 500 Series II

A comparison of the daylight and bi-colour 500 II models.

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Rental and used-fixture checks

Confirm the Forza 500B II label, matching power hardware and all control leads. Inspect the emitter cover, Bowens latch, yoke and connector strain relief, then test the intended modifier, low-level fade and remote-control path. Run at the planned level until warm before assessing fan sound at the microphone.

Documentation and specifications

Manufacturer product specification · User manual · DMX reference.

Product photograph: Nanlite.

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