18 Feb Review: Ulanzi SL03 Spark Lite Mini Flash with focus light
Another flash has found its way into my backpack and in the following review we will take a look at how the Ulanzi SL03 Spark Lite performs.
I am a big fan of Olympus´ FL-LM3 mini flash (read my FL-LM3 review here), which is even smaller than the Ulanzi SL03 Spark Lite mini flash.
However, the SL03 has some featurs which make it superior in comparison for many occasions.
While the FL-LM3´s battery-less design is great while on camera, it prevents it from being used off camera, which the Ulanzi SL03 can – and this adds a great level of versatility.
Specifications of the Ulanzi SL03 Spark Mini Flash
Weight: 43 grams
Reading: TTL-Auto
GN: 8 (ISO100）
Max. Flashes：500 flashes at 1/1 power
Flash Power Adjustments: 1/1 – 1/8
Recharging: via Typ-C (loading time, according to Ulanzi, 1 hour with 5V/1A)
Battery: 300mAh 3,7V
Price: 30€/$
Ulanzi.com Onlineshop – buy here
Foto Koch – buy here
Operating the Ulanzi SL03 Spark Lite Mini Flash
The SL03 from chinese manufacturer Ulanzi has 2 buttons: a colored one to power on the flash and also fire a test flash, and another one to the right, to control the power output (short press), enable/disable the focusing light and select from 2 combinations of the LED and flash function (long press).
You can dial down the SL03 power output from 1/1 to 1/2, 1/4 down to 1/8.
When it comes to its battery power, the super compact size of the flash comes with a downside logically: reloading between flashes takes longer than with a standard speedlite.
Charging between each flash at 1/1 full power takes 2,5 seconds, 1,5 seconds at 1/2 and 0,8 seconds at 1/4.
Forget about rapid sequential shooting for focus stacking here, but that´s not what the SL03 is made for anyways.
It is an impressive tiny flash, that packs surprisingly many features for its compact dimensions.
The only power setting that will allow for theoretical repeated flash firing is 1/8.
According to Ulanzi, at 1/8 power, the SL03 will fire continously.
However, while the term might be technically correct, in real life, at 1/8 power, you will be able to get about 3 subsequent flashes, with a non-flash image inbetween flash 2 and 3.
If the flash power could be dialed down more, there would be more potential for sequential shooting and hence creating manual focus brackets.
I did not challenge this specification yet, but at full power, Ulanzi claims the SL03 is able to fire 500 flashes with one full charge.
That´s definitely not too bad!
If you are using the LED for focusing it is strong enough, as long as it does not compete with the sun.
With 1W it will illuminate at ≈ 130lux at 0.5m with 5600K according to Ulanzi.
You could even use it as an emergency torchlight in the night.
The little flash head can be tilted upwards by 90°.
However it can not be rotated, like the Olympus FL-LM3 for example.
I liked that the SL03 features the EU-mandatory USB-C port for recharging, instead of an old Micro-USB.
Making the SL03 articulated with the Godox FS-R hotshoe riser
I added the Godox FS-R folding hotshoe riser to the SL03 and was then able to tilt it forward and aim it more towards the lens as well.
As the Ulanzi SL03 only uses a single contact, it will still be triggered with the Godox FS-R daisy-chaining the flash signal.
It´s a great little piece of gear, which can make a huge difference, depending on what you need.
Conclusion
The Ulanzi SL03 is a compact mini flash, that even has an LED focusing/modeling light on board.
It does not aim to compete with its big relatives, but shines in its own, determinated arena.
If you want to have an affordable mini flash in your pocket or bag all the time, to use in classic manual mode, then the Ulanzi SL03 Spark Lite is a great choice.
Keep in mind though, that the SL03 is for single shots, not suited for sequential shooting.
With the additional LED light, you are not restricted by ambient light and could even use it in the dark.
For macro photography, it is always a big plus top have such a focusing light on your flash.
To an extent you could also use the light for filming, if the conditions allow for it.
It´s a big plus, that you can use both the light and the flash at the same time.
If Ulanzi made the SL03 weather sealed, and the power could be dialed down further for better sequential shooting, it´d be perfect.
At half price of the competitor Olympus FL-LM3 and having a standalone power source, the Ulanzi SL03 is a definite recommendation.
Buying the Ulanzi SL03
Foto Koch Onlineshop: 29,90 Euro
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