Broncolor has long been a leader in premium-quality professional lighting. Its latest release, the Stelos 800 L, makes a strong statement. Compact, powerful, and designed with greater flexibility, the Stelos serves as both a studio workhorse and an outdoor companion for demanding image makers.
Power In 11 Stops
In their launch webinar, Broncolor highlighted Stelos’s wider power range. While previous units were limited to 10 stops, Stelos extends to 11, reaching up to 800 J in full power (or Ws, as most of us are more accustomed to knowing). This power is more than enough to balance direct midday sunlight outdoors or fill large modifiers like the impressive (and expensive) Para 222. At the same time, the head can be adjusted to sub-joule precision for careful still-life work in the studio. The recycling performance is also impressive: full-power flashes are ready again in a maximum of 2.4 seconds, and anything at half power or below can be fired almost instantly.
At first glance, the unit’s smaller size is striking. Compared to the familiar Siros 800L, Stelos is clearly more compact and lighter. It weighs about 2.8kg (6.17lb) for the head and 590g for the V-Mount battery, adding up to a total of just 3.39kg (7.47lb). This weight saving is important when lights are set high on a stand or carried across uneven ground. Then there’s the all-important burst mode. Thanks to its capacitor design, Stelos can release energy at 0.008-second intervals (or 1/8000s). This feature allows for quick multi-pop sequences without the need to wait for a recharge. It’s a benefit that enables stroboscopic effects or fast action shots that would be difficult for most compact strobes.
A New Quick-Swap Battery
Unlike some earlier Broncolor compacts that used integrated, proprietary packs, the Stelos 800L adopts a quick-swap V-Mount system. This design allows batteries to slide in and out with one motion, making work on location easier. Each pack provides 300 or more full-power flashes on a single charge. When the shoot moves indoors, photographers can plug in via USB-C and keep shooting, as the unit charges safely during use.
There’s one catch: while many cinema cameras, like the Sony FX6, use 14 V V-Mounts, those packs will only power Stelos’ modeling lamp (up to 50%). For flash operation, the head needs 28 V batteries. Broncolor’s own battery easily meets these requirements, but third-party 28 V units are supported if they fit the specs. The 800L comes with a 140W USB-C fast charger that can charge the battery in about 90 minutes.
A Better Modeling Lamp
The 800L’s 49W bi-color modeling lamp is brighter than that in the Siros L. It also allows for changes in color temperature and can run for about two hours at full power on a fully charged battery. Photographers can adjust the flash duration and color temperature together through the menu, choosing between speed and consistency with ease.
Built For The Discerning Professional Photographer
Broncolor tested the 800L for 24 hours. They claim it withstood millions of flashes without issue, highlighting its industrial-grade design. They are also working on a travel case for one or two heads. They emphasize that HSS is designed for outdoor use, managing midday sun while keeping a shallow depth of field. In contrast, short flash durations are best for indoor settings where quick action needs to be frozen. Accessories attach with a side-mounted safety catch and are easy to use when the light is overhead.
The Broncolor Stelos 800L isn’t just a smaller Siros with more power. It looks to be a subtle redesign and improvement of what a portable premium strobe should be: fast, powerful, efficient, and reliable beyond traditional standards. With a quick-swap V-Mount battery, USB-C charging, and the ability to deliver strong output alongside fine control, the Stelos 800L is likely to set a new standard for professionals.
Images seen in this article are screenshots from Broncolor’s website
