DFCINE 100SLENS-SE Review
Sculpting Your Light with a budget friendly Optical Snoot
Precision Lighting for the Creative Mind
For photographers and cinematographers eager to add a unique edge to their lighting setups, the DFCINE 100SLENS-SE offers a fresh approach.
This optical snoot gobo projector—designed to attach seamlessly to any Bowens mount light—lets you sculpt your beam with surgical precision.
Far from your typical modifier, it brings a host of creative options to the table without the extra frills.
Key Features
Optical Snoot Gobo Projector: Easily attaches to any Bowens mount light, transforming your light into a creative tool.
Aluminium Alloy Construction: Built tough for both studio and on-location shoots, ensuring durability and efficient heat dissipation.
4 Coloured Gels: Comes with blue, red, green, and purple gels to quickly alter the mood and tone of your light.
25 Metal Gobos: Offers a wide range of patterns; the standout is the horizontal blinds design, which superbly mimics natural daylight filtering through a window.
Beam Angle of 37°: Delivers a focused, controlled beam ideal for highlighting details or creating dramatic shadows.
High Wattage Endurance: Rated to work with lights up to 500W continuously for 8 hours, making it perfect for long shooting days.
Streamlined Design: With no barn doors to fuss with, the design keeps things simple, letting you focus on creative lighting.
The Strengths
Creative Versatility
The DFCINE 100SLENS-SE excels at offering a creative playground for light shaping. Whether you’re aiming to cast atmospheric patterns on a backdrop or add texture to a subject, the 25 metal gobos provide a wide variety of design choices.
My personal favourite—the horizontal blinds gobo— replicates the soft, diffused quality of daylight filtered through a window, adding a natural feel to indoor scenes.
Build Quality and Usability
Constructed entirely from aluminium alloy, this optical snoot gobo projector is both lightweight and robust. Its integration with Bowens mount lights means setup is a breeze—simply attach and experiment.
One thing I love is the dual magnetic gobo trays, so you can have two gobos prepped for a shoot, just push one side over for one effect, then the other way for another.
The inclusion of four coloured gels further enhances its creative potential, allowing you to swiftly change the character of your light without swapping out additional accessories.
Sticking something like the blue gel on and then blasting the background can really add a decorative touch to your scenes.
Performance That Lasts
With a beam angle of 37 degrees, the projector offers a focused output that’s ideal for accentuating specific areas of your composition. Plus, its impressive endurance—supporting up to 500W lights for 8 continuous hours—means it’s designed to handle extended shoots, keeping pace with demanding creative sessions.
If you need a wider spread light, all you have to do is move it back and focus.
The Limitations
Simplicity Comes at a Cost
The design intentionally leaves out features like internal light shaper paddles, which might be a drawback for those accustomed to more comprehensive light shaping tools.
Who’s It For?
Creative Filmmakers and Photographers: Ideal for those looking to add dynamic, patterned lighting to enhance the mood and texture of their scenes.
Studio and On-Location Shooters: Its rugged build and extended performance capabilities make it a reliable tool for both controlled environments and challenging outdoor settings.
DIY Lighting Enthusiasts: Perfect for anyone eager to experiment with light and shadow without investing in larger, more cumbersome systems.
The Verdict
The DFCINE 100SLENS-SE stands out as an innovative optical snoot gobo projector that brings a creative spark to your lighting toolkit, without breaking the bank.
Its robust aluminium alloy construction, extensive range of metal gobos and versatile coloured gels make it a must-have for any content creator looking to push the boundaries of traditional lighting.
While its simplicity may require a bit of extra ingenuity for perfect control, its performance and endurance for under half the price of the ‘named’ brands is spectacular.
Purchase Link
If you’re ready to elevate your lighting game with this unique accessory, check it out on Amazon today: Buy the DFCINE 100SLENS-SE now!