The Flashpoint Xplor 100 Pro was released in early 2021 as part of the R2 series of lighting. It is the smallest off-camera-only flash available in the R2 series, weighing in at just over a pound and roughly the size of a soda can. In this article, we will be discussing the situations that I’ve found the 100 Pro to be the most useful while comparing it to some alternatives.
Use as a Fill or Bounce Flash
Despite it’s compact size, the Xplor 100 Pro is not a speedlight. There is no hot shoe on it for connection to the top of a camera. Although, with the Xplor 100 Pro’s compact size, I have frequently grabbed one to use as a fill or bounce flash. It’s easy to pass off to anyone and have them hold it in position for you. Two Xplor 100 Pros can also act as rim lights, illuminating the champagne droplets in the bridal portrait below.
Use it with a Soft Box or Umbrella
The Flashpoint Xplor 100 has plenty of power for flexibility when shooting indoors. You can put it in a large light shaper, such as a shoot-through umbrella, reflective umbrella, or soft box with an S2 bracket.
If you are already a user of the eVolv 200 Pro and round head attachment, you’ll be pleased to know the Xplor 100 Pro has the same compatibility with AK-R1 magnetic modifiers. The 100 Pro is a bit more powerful than the eVolv 200 Pro and round head. This makes it more capable for bouncing and accent lights.
Use it to Zoom
The Xplor 100 Pro also has a zoom function from 24-85mm, which means you can increase the light output by zooming the light. This is particularly handy when using grids or the snoot, as it gives you an additional level of control. The Xplor 100 Pro is the only non-speedlight in the R2 series to offer this function.
Use it Outdoors on Cloudy Days
When outdoors in bright conditions (sunny and partly cloudy days), I don’t recommend this light when attempting to light groups or use HSS with a large light shaper against direct sunlight. However, it’s bright enough to function as a fill flash or accent light in those scenarios. In cloudy settings, it can be used as a key light for portraits.
Use it for Product/Portrait Photography
I was surprised to find the Xplor 100 Pro is extremely useful in the studio, simply because it’s so lightweight. This made it easy to boom on light-duty grip, such as attaching it directly to a C-stand grip arm for use in product photography setups.
If you’re buying it for this purpose, you should be aware that the Xplor 100 Pro has a slight green color cast due to its fresnel lens. This isn’t a huge issue for most cases. This can also be resolved by putting a1/8th Magenta gel from the V11-T color correction gel kit over the bulb.
How I Use the Xplor 100 Pro
For me, the Xplor 100 Pro is my B and C lights in my location lighting kit. I always reach for my Xplor 300 Pro with a softbox as a key light. Then, I will add one or two 100 Pro’s as fill and accent lights. This could be bouncing for fill, direct on-axis fill light, rim light, hair light, or background light. I frequently use gels to color the Xplor 100 Pro for additional effect and contrast.
My favorite part is how this three-light kit — paired with lightweight stands — all fits in a medium shoulder bag. This makes it rapid to set up and tear down, and easy for me to carry around to various locations.
Article and Photos by Robert Hall