I enjoyed using the Harlowe Mini Photo Video Light, and the Harlowe Avant Max 40W Creator Kit builds on that design with significantly more power. The concept remains the same, but the Max is larger and more versatile, ready for any number of situations. We tested it at CGMagazine headquarters to see how it performed in different situations, and without giving too much away, this light delivers in all the best possible ways. It is heavier, a bit more complex, but the end results speak for themselves.
The light combines technical capability with thoughtful design, making it ideal for creators both in studio and on location. Reliability, flexibility and strong construction are always in demand, and this kit delivers more than just another portable LED. It sets a new standard for everyday use with professional polish. It has quickly become the light we reach for first when photographing tech or capturing video. With its range of gels, adjustable frequency and strong brightness, it is easy to use in any number of situations.
Much like its smaller sibling, the Avant Max 40W draws clear inspiration from classic gear, echoing a retro aesthetic with its curved aluminum housing and faux-leather accents. I admired the look of the Harlowe Mini Photo Video Light, and the same attention to style is evident here. The brand went all out to capture the perfect design, while ensuring it remains intuitive and adaptable for a range of uses.
While the design is striking, the real strength of this light lies in its 40-watt output. With a dedicated adjustable lens, it rivals larger 60-watt models in both brightness and beam control. In practical terms, the focusing system allows for a 20° to 50° spread, enabling photographers and videographers to shape light precisely—whether as a diffused wash or a concentrated spot—without relying on cumbersome add-on modifiers.
This light is incredibly versatile, as mentioned earlier, with the Avant Max 40W offering a range of features that many photographers and videographers rely on daily. The unit supports a bi-colour spectrum ranging from a warm 2700K to a cool 6500K. This flexibility allows seamless blending into mixed lighting environments or the creation of deliberate contrasts, a workflow typically reserved for higher-end fixtures.
The kit is also equipped with a high colour rendering index (CRI 96+), ensuring skin tones and surfaces are captured as faithfully as possible, which minimizes the grading required in post-production. Quiet operation is another key advantage for video sets: the onboard fan maintains a low noise profile under 21 decibels, ensuring audio remains uncompromised, even in more intimate or controlled environments.
As you can imagine, this level of light requires a fair amount of power, and this kit thankfully includes everything needed to meet the Harlowe Max 40W’s demands. The 99Wh battery, equipped with a V-mount for quick attachment, extends runtime to just over two hours at maximum output, or considerably longer at reduced intensities.
Whether covering live events, on-location interviews or extended studio sessions, the battery’s capacity—and its flexibility to charge cameras or other accessories via USB-C—adds to its appeal for run-and-gun filmmakers. AC input remains an option for stationary work, but the freedom to move without sacrificing output is invaluable for documentary and independent crews. I will say, while it is flexible, it is also heavy, so while it can work in a pinch while out on a small shoot, I feel the Harlowe Mini is a bit better if mobility is an issue, but both deliver fantastic results, especially for their size.
This flexibility and ease of use extend to the controls, making the Harlowe Avant Max 40W Creator Kit Light one of the most straightforward portable lights I have used. Tactile dials adjust both brightness and colour temperature, while an onboard LCD displays settings clearly at a glance.
For those accustomed to remote adjustments, Bluetooth and NFC connectivity allow changes via an app from up to 20 metres away. The Creator Kit also includes magnetically attached gels and barn doors that snap into place within seconds. As scenes shift, users can move from standard daylight operation to vibrant colour effects or subtle fills, expanding the creative palette with minimal downtime.
“This flexibility and ease of use extend to the controls, making the Harlowe Avant Max 40W Creator Kit Light one of the most straightforward portable lights I have used.”
For shooters seeking a light that adapts to a variety of situations, the Max 40W’s IP54 rating provides real confidence for outdoor and adverse-condition shoots, shielding the unit from dust and splashes—especially relevant in the Canadian context. Weighing just 1.53 pounds and measuring under 4.5 inches on its longest side, the Max 40W fits easily into already packed camera bags, yet delivers reliably when schedules are tight and conditions unpredictable.
The only notable limitation is the 40W output, which is expected—there is a reason the Max 80W and larger models exist. The Avant Max 40W delivers 7,325 lux at one metre with the focusing lens, making it well-suited for single-subject interviews or creative portraiture. However, those aiming to uniformly light larger spaces may need to supplement their kit or temper expectations.
While its portability supports mobility, users driven purely by output—such as those needing intense fills in broad daylight—may still prefer mains-powered alternatives. For most event and location situations, though, the Max 40W’s output is both practical and impressively even, particularly when diffused through umbrellas or softboxes.
The Creator Kit package includes portable stands, a compact but sturdy case, a dual-battery charger and a focused set of modifiers, creating an ecosystem where the light adapts seamlessly to changing needs. This level of flexibility—with magnetic barn doors and filters, quick-release handles and swappable lenses—allows professionals to focus on the moment rather than the setup, reducing wasted time between takes.
In actual operation, the Harlowe Avant Max 40W Creator Kit proved to be a remarkably stable and consistent light source, with no flicker or output shifts. Its longevity is reinforced by a lamp life rated at up to 30,000 hours. During longer shoots, the unit maintains its settings and charge as expected, while travel and setup remain refreshingly straightforward for both crews and solo shooters.
It is a strong option for a wide range of scenarios, including interviews, product shoots and vlogs where you want to elevate production quality. With its constant output, you can be confident it will deliver consistent results throughout any shoot.
For those in need of a well-rounded, travel-friendly light with nuanced control and consistent results, the Harlowe Avant Max 40W Creator Kit makes a strong case. With its refined design, it also stands out as one of the most striking lights on the market.
It may be one of the more expensive bi-colour LEDs available, but the investment is justified by its performance and flexibility. For independent filmmakers or working photographers seeking a reliable on-set companion, the Max 40W delivers more than just style—it offers a versatile solution ready for Canada’s unpredictable shoot days and the creative challenges ahead.
- Powerful 80W COB LED with 3X Brightness: Get studio-quality lighting anywhere with the Avant Max lens that delivers over 9000 lux at 3.3′ (6500K)—three times brighter than standard lights, perfect for creators, vloggers, and filmmakers on the go.
- Bi-Color Flexibility with Precision Dimming: Customize your look with a wide 2700K–6500K color temperature range and 0–100% dimming, backed by 96+ CRI and TLCI for accurate, natural-looking color in any environment.
