The Ulanzi UA20 represents an interesting concept in the field of mobile lighting, standing out from classic tube lights due to its inflatable construction. This concept aims to combine soft light with an extremely compact transport size, which can be advantageous for photographers on the go.
Unlike rigid LED tubes, this model can be folded flat when not in use and stored space-savingly in travel luggage. Thus, the manufacturer offers an interesting option for those seeking a flexible light source for use outside the studio.
Specifications
To understand the technical characteristics of the Ulanzi UA20, it is worth taking a closer look at the device's details. The light operates with a power of 20 watts and uses efficient light-emitting diodes that allow stepless adjustment of brightness from 0 to 100 percent.
The color temperature can be adjusted in a range from 2700 to 6500 Kelvin, allowing both warm artificial light and cool daylight to be realized. The color rendering index is specified by the manufacturer as at least 95, which favors natural color reproduction in photo and video recordings.
The housing consists primarily of thermoplastic polyurethane, a flexible and elastic plastic, as well as silicone elements that protect the connections. When inflated, the tube measures 60 centimeters in length and 12 centimeters in diameter, while the weight is only 216 grams.
Power is supplied by a built-in lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 18 watt-hours at a voltage of 7.2 volts, which corresponds to approximately 2500 milliampere-hours. This battery is charged via a standard USB-C port, with the charging process taking about 2 hours and providing power for around 55 minutes at full brightness.
For mounting, 3 strong N52 magnets are integrated into the housing, allowing attachment to metallic surfaces. Additionally, a standard 1/4-inch thread is available for mounting on tripods.
A small display with a diagonal of 0.96 inches informs the user about the remaining battery life and current settings. For creative applications, 12 preprogrammed light effects are also available, which can simulate various lighting situations. The construction also has IP66 certification, offering protection against strong water jets and dust.
In Practice
In photographic practice, the Ulanzi UA20 shows interesting behavior that brings both advantages and clear challenges. Inflating the tube can be done either manually by mouth or via a small pump within a short time. In my opinion, a pump is not necessary.
Once the tube is filled with air, the thermoplastic polyurethane stretches and forms a stable body that softly diffuses the light from the LEDs behind it. The quality of the light is noticeably softer than with conventional, unprotected LED strips, as the air layer acts like a small softbox. This is particularly useful in portraits or product photography to avoid harsh shadow edges and create harmonious transitions.
The mounting options prove useful in everyday use. Thanks to the integrated magnets, the light can be attached to magnetic surfaces such as car doors, shelves, or tripods.
The 1/4-inch thread also allows stable mounting on conventional tripods. Additionally, the IP66 water resistance is a noticeable advantage when shooting in rain or humid environments.
However, there are also points of criticism that should be considered when using it in the field. A key aspect is the sensitivity of the housing. Since the tube is made of a flexible plastic film, there is always a risk of damage from sharp branches, tools, or other sharp objects in everyday studio use. If the casing is damaged, it loses its shape stability, even though repairs with standard bicycle tube patches are possible.
The operating time of just under 1 hour at full power is sufficient for short sessions, but for longer productions it requires the use of an external power bank, which in turn limits the concept of wireless lightness.
The display makes everything very easy to set and, above all, to check. The menu handling is very simple and easy to understand. A disadvantage is, of course, that you have to change all settings on the tube itself. Especially when using more than one tube or placing them somewhat inaccessible, a remote control would be advantageous.
In addition to the normal light mode, there are a total of 11 other effects. For example, a strobe light or a mode that simulates a triggering flash. These effects naturally make more sense for video recordings.
Conclusion
The Ulanzi UA20 is an innovative approach that enriches mobile lighting for photographers and videographers. The concept of combining a softbox and an LED tube in an inflatable and foldable design offers a balanced ratio between soft light and small pack size.
Those who are often on the go and want to do without heavy equipment will find a functional addition to their gear here. Nevertheless, the weak points such as the sensitivity of the housing to sharp objects and the limited runtime should be noted.
For targeted use as a mobile fill light or in humid environments, the light is a solid tool that reliably fulfills its purpose.
Buy
The inflatable light can be purchased directly from the manufacturer's official website. There you will find current price information as well as details on the exact specifications.
