Ledlenser P6R Work: A Pro-Level Lighting Tool
Ledlenser P6R Work Flashlight
The Problem
Many night photographers have lately moved toward Low-level Landscape Lighting, but there are still times when traditional light painting with a flashlight is advantageous. The greatest challenge is that most flashlights are far too bright for light painting at the high ISOs used for astro-landscape photography. Flashlights with multiple brightness settings usually switch on at the brightest setting and have to be cycled through to get to low power, which greatly diminishes their usability.
The Solution
The Ledlenser P6R Work addresses both of those problems and some others in this pro-level lighting tool.
The flashlight has four brightness levels and four flashing modes, but can be programmed to disable unwanted or unused modes, making for a much more user-friendly experience.
The low mode of 15 lumens is still a bit bright for lighting nearby objects when shooting at high ISOs, but the bezel unscrews and a piece of neutral density gel can be placed inside and out of the way. Even with an ND gel in place, the high and boost modes are bright enough that you are unlikely to need another light in your kit.
The P6R Work also remembers the last mode you used, which is super helpful for light painting, when you’re turning the light on and off between trial exposures, and while honing an approach.
The light zooms from broad to spot beam with consistent brightness across the spread, and it uses a proprietary rechargeable battery. It also has an unusually high CRI (color rendering index) of 90 and a color temperature of 4000 K, making it a great choice for light painting pleasing with tones on starlit or moonlit foregrounds.
The Breakdown
Hanging Rock, Sequoia National Park. Nikon D780 with a Sigma 24mm f/1.4 Art lens, light painted with a Ledlenser P6R Work flashlight. 20 seconds, f/3.2, ISO 6400.
When This is Not the Right Tool
Though the P6R Work is not overly large or heavy, the head of the light is wider than the body, making it slightly bulky and awkward to pack.
It’s also not a low-budget option—it’s relatively (though justifiably) expensive for a flashlight.
When This is the Right Tool
The P6R Work is a versatile all-around flashlight that can be customized to suit the photographer’s needs, making it a great go-to light for any night photography situation. This has become my primary flashlight.