Aputure MC, this on-camera light can perform any color, and it comes with a softbox, which makes it well defused for portraits. This miniature thing became my permanent travel companion. In this post, I will explain why. I will tell what kind of value it can bring to a travel photographer and more. Here is my Aputure AL-MC review.
This light does an outstanding job for many applications, but pay close attention to the last chapter, where I discuss limitations. Otherwise, this thing may look like a perfect tool for everything (it is not). But priced at around 100 Eur it creates amazing value.
Disclaimer: The post contains affiliate links at the very end.
External light in travel photography
As I always tell, travel photography takes in different genres: street, portrait, landscape, documentary, pretty much anything that can bring the atmosphere of a remote location. I have heard many travel photographers criticizing the use of a flash. They tell it ruins this atmosphere. Overall I agree, but there are some exceptions.
I would say external lights (flash or continuous light) are beneficial when there is no way to take a photo without them. Sometimes there is not enough light. Sometimes, existing light produces horrible-looking shadows on someone’s face, making the images unusable.
Usually, the use of a flash or of an on-camera light is quite distinct. Just by looking at a photo, you can immediately tell if they are used. However, when the color of the light exactly matches the environment, it may become indistinguishable. At this point, I would like to introduce you to Aputure MC!
Make any color with Aputure MC
Have you ever taken pictures at a party or at a nightclub? Pretty often, you have pulsing colorful lights running all over the place. You try to picture something interesting that is going on, but the lights are suddenly gone.
That is the case when I turn on my Aputure MC. I can set it to be a similar color to the disco-lights. But unlike these lights, Aputure MC has a softbox, so it doesn’t create harsh shadows on peoples’ faces. And since the light is constant – it is easier to shoot in manual mode.
Shades of orange
I absolutely adore night scenes, made out of tones of blue and orange. Unfortunately, when taking portraits, orange street lights create deep harsh black shadows on their faces. The lights go from the top and leave shadows under eyebrows and nose. Aputure helps to meditate them.
Another common scenario is when I take pictures of people next to a bonfire. Often, the light created by fire is not enough. In Aputure MC, you can set a similar color. In fact, there is even a “bonfire” program.
Atmospheric street portraits
Most of all, I like using Aputure MC for street portraits (I don’t mean street photography). I think that artificial camera lights go well with artificial street lights. I often set it to a different color, to make the subject stand out.
In the majority of the cases, though, I set it to enhance the orangy street lights.
What else?
First of all, you can connect Aputure MC to your phone. They have an app called Sidus Link. With a smartphone, you have more flexibility in defining colors. You can even pick up a color from the environment and make Aputure reproduce it!
Surprisingly, there are some applications besides photography/videography. I use it as a flashlight from time to time. Of course, there are better flashlights, but I happen not to carry them all the time, unlike Aputure MC, which is always in my bag. Also, a defused light is pretty good inside a tent.
Aputure MC has a party mode when it switches between colorful lights. It is a cool thing to have when you organize a party at home or outdoors.
In addition, it has a magnet on the backside, so you can attach it to different surfaces. There is a thread if you want to put it onto a tripod.
Limitations
It is crucial to understand that Aputure MC is a small, portable light source. It does not replace studio equipment, but it is perfect for traveling.
It is a continuous light source, and it doesn’t go as bright as a flash. Compared to it, you would need to raise your ISO higher. It works best when paired with a camera with good low-light performance. (But unlike flash, you can actually see this light and position it correctly, without taking sample shots.)
Aputure MC would not reach far. I could take a picture from around a couple of meters distance, but more seem problematic. It works perfectly for waist-level portraits though…
When close to your subject, the light may be a bit blinding.
Conclusion
I think Aputure MC can help you a lot when you take portraits at locations with weird artificial light, both indoors and outdoors. You can reproduce any color, so it will not disturb the atmosphere. Small and lightweight, it can fit in any bag. But, as it is most of continuous light, you will have to raise your ISO.
Affiliate links
Here are the links for purchasing Aputure MC. Buying from those doesn’t cost you extra, but gives me a small % from the sale. It helps me to keep bringing you content.
I saw the best prices for it on Ebay:
I highly recommend getting a compact, table-mount tripod. It would allow placing the light in many positionBs out of your reach. (It costs under 10 Eur.)
BUY table-mount tripod on EBAY