Adaptalux’s New Pod Mini 2.0.

credits: Adaptalux’s

Adaptalux has added a smaller controller to its macro photography lighting system with the new Pod Mini 2.0. It is essentially the little brother to the company’s larger Control Pod 3.0 and acts as the connection point between Adaptalux’s different Lighting Arms and the rest of the system. Where the Control Pod has five lighting ports, the Pod Mini 2.0 has a single port, along with physical controls for brightness and power. It also has Bluetooth built in, so settings can be adjusted remotely without having to touch the unit during a shoot.

The Pod Mini 2.0 works with Adaptalux’s LED and Xenon Flash Lighting Arms, giving you the option of continuous light or flash depending on what you are shooting. Power comes from a built-in rechargeable battery, with Adaptalux claiming up to eight hours of runtime. Charging is handled over USB-C, and the pod can continue operating while plugged in. There is also a standard 1/4-20 metal thread, so it can be mounted directly to a camera, tripod, or other support. Adaptalux has updated its smartphone app at the same time, adding multi-pod connectivity so several controllers and lights can be adjusted from one place over Bluetooth.

That multi-pod support is where the smaller controller becomes particularly useful. Rather than plugging several lights into one larger Control Pod, you can place multiple Pod Mini units around a macro setup, which gives you more freedom over where each light sits. Multiple pods can also be combined with different types and colours of Lighting Arms for more complicated setups. The Adaptalux Pod Mini 2.0 costs $102.30 on its own, with Lighting Arms sold separately.