Nanlite Forza 500: A Practical Review for Independent Filmmakers
The Nanlite Forza 500 has established itself as one of the most popular LED monolight fixtures among independent filmmakers. Priced at $1,849 (frequently available around $1,479 on sale), it delivers output that competes with fixtures costing significantly more.
Output and Color Accuracy
The headline number is the output. According to measurements taken by CineD using a Sekonic C-700U spectrometer, the Forza 500 produces 40,800 lux at 3 feet with the included 55-degree reflector at 100% power. That is an exceptional amount of light from a single LED fixture.
Color accuracy is equally impressive. CineD measured a kelvin temperature of 5,436K against a target of 5,600K — well within the normal margin of error. The fixture achieves a CRI of 98 and a TLCI of 95, meaning colors render accurately and consistently under its light.
Build and Design
The Forza 500 uses a Bowens S-Type mount, which means it is compatible with a vast ecosystem of softboxes, beauty dishes, fresnels, and other modifiers. This is a significant practical advantage — you are not locked into a proprietary accessory system.
The fixture weighs approximately 20 pounds including the ballast and lamp head. It can be powered by V-mount batteries for location work or through the included AC adapter for studio setups. DMX control is available via a wired connection for integration with lighting consoles.
Real-World Performance
Filmmaker David Lee, in his review for atdavidlee.com, called the Forza 500 "the best COB light I've used when considering price, output, and form factor." That assessment captures what makes this fixture compelling: it is not the absolute brightest or the absolute cheapest, but the combination of all three factors is hard to beat.
The Forza 500 works effectively as a key light for interviews, a daylight source punching through windows, or a powerful backlight for larger setups. With a softbox or dome diffuser attached, it produces flattering, even light suitable for beauty and product work.
Forza 500 vs Forza 500B II
Nanlite has since released the Forza 500B II, a bi-color version that allows color temperature adjustment between 2,700K and 6,500K. The Mark II version also features a 16% slimmer ballast and improved build quality.
| Feature | Forza 500 | Forza 500B II |
|---|---|---|
| Color Temperature | 5,600K (daylight only) | 2,700K - 6,500K (bi-color) |
| Output at 5,600K | 40,800 lux at 3ft | Slightly lower at 5,600K |
| Mount | Bowens S-Type | Bowens S-Type |
| DMX | Yes (wired) | Yes (wired + wireless) |
| Battery | V-mount | V-mount |
| Ballast Size | Standard | 16% slimmer |
For productions that work exclusively in daylight-balanced environments, the original Forza 500 remains an excellent value. If you need the flexibility to match tungsten practicals or shift color temperature on set, the 500B II is worth the upgrade.
Who Should Rent This Light?
The Forza 500 is well-suited for interview setups, corporate video, product photography, and indie film productions that need a powerful, reliable key light without breaking the budget. Pair it with a large softbox for a flattering key, or use the bare reflector for a harder, more dramatic look.
The Nanlite Forza 500 and Forza 500B II are both available in our lighting inventory. Contact Chill Rental for package pricing.
