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Impact 180Ws Monolight Starter Flash with LED Modeling Light

BH #IMSFABRL180 • MFR #SF-ABRL180
8 reviews
Impact
Impact 180Ws Monolight Starter Flash with LED Modeling Light
Key Features
  • 180Ws, 5-Stop Manual Power Range
  • Bowens Mount
  • 0.5-2.0 Second Recycle Time
  • Integrated LED Modeling Lamp
This Monolight Flash with LED Modeling Light from Impact is a compact, 180 watt-second monolight strobe that has the same features of larger strobes, making it a great starter strobe unit, as well as an addition to existing setups. Offering a variable output range of five f-stops, the monolight has an integrated optical slave for wireless triggering and includes a 3.5mm sync cord for a direct connection to a camera or a wireless triggering system.
In Stock
$79.95
Reg Price $119.95
Instant Savings $40.00
Limited supply at this price
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Configuration
2-Light Kit Option 1
2-Light Kit Option 2
Single Light
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Impact SF-ABRL180 Overview

  • 1Description
  • 2Optical Slave
  • 3LED Modeling Light
  • 4Bowens Mount
  • 5Replaceable Flash Tube
  • 6Audible Recycle Alert

This Monolight Flash with LED Modeling Light from Impact is a compact, 180 watt-second monolight strobe that has the same features of larger strobes, making it a great starter strobe unit, as well as an addition to existing setups. Offering a variable output range of five f-stops, the monolight has an integrated optical slave for wireless triggering and includes a 3.5mm sync cord for a direct connection to a camera or a wireless triggering system.

Optical Slave
An integrated optical slave allows the SF-ABRL180 to be triggered wirelessly using a camera's flash, or other studio strobe. Multiple strobe units may be used for endless lighting possibilities.
LED Modeling Light
The integrated LED modeling light shows precisely where shadows will fall on the subject. The 4-watt LED array is made up of 60 daylight-balanced LED bulbs, with cool operation that won't be uncomfortable when used for portraiture.
Bowens Mount
The built-in Bowens-style mount makes the SF-ABRL180 compatible with a wide range of reflectors, speed rings, and other light modifiers such as softboxes and beauty dishes.
Replaceable Flash Tube
If the long-life flash tube wears out or becomes damaged, it may be replaced by the user in just minutes, minimizing downtime. Simple instructions are included in the user manual.
Audible Recycle Alert
The audible recycle alert indicates when the strobe has fully charged and is ready to be fired again. The alter may be disable with the touch of a button.
UPC: 847628031104

Impact SF-ABRL180 Specs

Flash Head
Maximum Power180 Ws
Power Control5 Stops
Flash Duration1/800 Sec
Recycle Time0.5 to 2.0 Sec
Color Temperature5600K +/- 100K
Flash Ready IndicatorAudio, Visual
Accessory Fitting Type8 mm Umbrella Shaft, Bowens S Type
Modeling Light
TypeLED
Wattage4 W
Color Temperature5600K
Sync
Sync TypeButton, Cable, Optical
Built-In Wireless ReceiverNo
System ConnectionBarrel 3.5 mm PC Sync
Sync Voltage5 V
Power
Power SourceAC Adapter
AC Input Power110 VAC, 60 Hz
Current5 A
Circuit ProtectionFuse
Fuse5 A (US)
General
DisplayNone
Mount5/8" / 16 mm Receptacle
Auto DumpNo
Fan CooledNo
DimensionsH: 7.0 x W: 5.5 x L: 7.5" / H: 17.8 x W: 14.0 x L: 19.1 cm
Weight2 lb / 907 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight3.3 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)9.1 x 8.2 x 5.7"

Impact SF-ABRL180 Reviews

Great Light

By Roscoe
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-06-29

I picked this up on sale to go with my new 36 octagonal Softbox. Though I haven't used it for a shoot yet, I did test it with my Nikon D850 and wireless flash transmitter. It worked perfectly. This is my first experience with something other than an on-camera flash. I'm looking forward to using it soon for some head shots.

Excellent strobe!

By John
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-11-18

25 year portrait photographer here...After buying all the expensive stribes, I thought I'd try this strobe, less than $100. Works great, with an umbrella for portraits, etc. Why pay more?

I patel

By Jay
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-10-22

Very happy for this light, Working very well,

Great quality product

By Larry W.
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-05-25

This brand Has never let me down I've always loved impact products good quality affordable price and you can always count on consistent lighting.

Light Strobe

By Patrick
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-12-02

Part of my downsizing kit mission. These replace heavier units. Albeit they have less watt seconds and are plastic bodied but should do well for the work this kit is for. They are very easy to operate and well made so far.

LOVE IT!!!!!!!

By Art Video
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-09-30

Very powerful little flash! I have heavy weight studio strobes and they can be a hassle sometimes to bring on location. Sure, I can also use speed lights and modifier adapters but I prefer this Impact little strobe for letting me have a true Bowen’s mount which allows me to bring and mount anything I want in front of this strobe from domes to huge parabolic modifiers, and many things I shoot could require more power than a speed light which I won’t have with speed lights not to mention they can overheat. Having that option for outdoors it’s a big deal to me! The Impact Starter Flash has some pretty solid light power output on something this light and tiny. It’s even lighter and smaller than those Alien bees as a reference. I never thought I was going to use this flash so often. I loved how ultra portable and small it is! . Another this is, I never break things anyway, so, I prefer plastic body over metal any day. The WEIGHT. Sometimes, to me, plastic is better than metal. I took this flash for a spin immediately the same day I received, first to a photo shoot in the park,  then, next day, to a corporate shoot shooting a fountain aerator by the pool as the background for extra fill. Both situations, both outdoors and dealing with the sun, I had to dial down the flash power which is a simple knob. This little thing is a beast! Only a little bit of power was enough to light whatever subject I was working on outside, on daylight.  Doing a quick test to give you some reference numbers while I was writing this review, measuring with a light meter as far as my one arm can reach between the light meter and the other to press the fire button, flash set at MINIMUM POWER, ISO 200, BARE bulb, I got a F/5.6 (about 6 feet from the flash) Adding a lantern modifier at same settings ISO 200 I got a F/16.5 at full power at the same 6 foot distance. With bear bulb at full power at ISO 200 I got a (out of range) on the meter. Had to back up the light. This unit is as light as a feather, and to the fact that it’s limited to plugging in a wall, well, it’s NOT. You can take this strobe anywhere outdoors using an AC power bank (see pictures). I do this on every light that’s not battery capable. This flash is 180 watts hour, it doesn’t mean it consumes that power even recycling the charge. It’s a lot less. But I recommend buying a power bank rated at 300 watts capability. And make sure it’s a PURE SINE WAVE device, not the cheap generic ones you find in retail superstores. Pure sine wave means: 3% THD, and equivalent to the same quality of an electrical home or commercial outlet. Square waves damage electronics. So there you go. You can use it outdoors without an outlet. You can use the sync cable provided but you can certainly go wireless if you have it or thinking about purchasing a set. I use this strobe it as wireless trigger. Works like a charm!  The Impact Starter Flash has everything you need: a beep signal (you can turn it off) wvych lets you know the flash is ready to fire. Don’t turn that off. It has shave capabilities, with a press of a button. Everything is very simplistic and it does the job very well.  The quality of light the strobe emits is accurate, and powerful. But it can also give you very little light if needed. Just dial that knob. Doesn’t come with a case but I immediately found one for about the price of 2 packs of cigarettes (see pictures) it’s an electronics organizer you can find anywhere online. Not a lot of protection these cases give but at least it will let you transport it better than bringing it in the box. You can get a fancier bag if you need but to me that’s good enough.  I love this little flash. I’ll be using it a whole lot! Cons: NONE. (Having a battery option like a Sony NPF would be awesome!!!) the LED modeling light consumes “nothing” stays cool versus a halogen one and it does the job. Not as bright as a halogen but it works fine, even with a modifier installed I could see what I was aiming at. [I have received this product in exchange for my honest review]

Worked great for Christmas portraits

By James
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-12-26

Combined with Impact 7' parabollic, no light modifier, I thought it was great. Lit up everything nicely with what looked to me to be a good shadow fall off and nice eye high lights. Great combination that I'm glad I bought.

Great value

By Stan
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2021-12-07

My only gripe is that I wish it had more power settings on the dial.

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Is this strictly 110v only or can this be used in ...

Is this strictly 110v only or can this be used in Europe as well (220v)?
Asked by: Levan
The Impact 180Ws Monolight Starter Flash listed above is designed for use on 110 VAC / 60 Hz AC power outlets. It is not designed for use on 220/240V AC power outlets and is not a multi-voltage light fixture. If you are looking for a multi-voltage monolight, the Raya SDR-400 Alpha Monolight, B&H # RASDR400, or the Jinbei DM-3 300Ws Portable Studio Monolight, B&H # JI101011306, would be compatible for use on 220/240V AC power outlets.
Answered by: Manzell
Date published: 2021-05-11

Is the lamp bare or is there a protective ...

Is the lamp bare or is there a protective covering? I would hate to have it burn out because of finger oils.
Asked by: John
The lamp is bare without a protective covering.
Answered by: Kirk
Date published: 2020-11-10

Is the modeling light proportional?

Is the modeling light proportional?
Asked by: Dave
No, the modeling lamp on the Impact 180Ws Monolight is not proportional.
Answered by: Kirk
Date published: 2022-11-10

How does it synch to a camera? Will it synch to ...

How does it synch to a camera? Will it synch to other flashes such as Yongnuo?
Asked by: Jim
If you have a DSLR with no PC connection, buy an adapter that goes into your hot shoe with a PC terminal and use the sync cord that comes with the unit. Also, you can use the mono-light as a slave that's triggered from another flash going off.
Answered by: Kenneth
Date published: 2021-10-07
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