Nanlite FC VS FS Series VS Forza: What are the differences?

There’s a wide range of point-source LED lamps on the market, including those offered by the Nanlite brand. This brand offers three different series of LED lights: the FC series, the FS series and the Forza series. It can sometimes be difficult to discern what distinguishes one from the other.

Check out our comparison of Nanlite’s three LED lamps series: Forza, FC and FS Series. Explore the differences and similarities between these three models and choose the option that best suits your photographic needs.

1. Power supply options

To begin with, one of the first questions to ask yourself when choosing a light is whether you’ll need to use it in places where mains power isn’t available, then requiring the use of batteries.

Nanlite FS series lights operate exclusively on mains power. On the other hand, the FC and Forza series torches are battery-powered, enabling you to take them into the field for outdoor shooting where access to a mains socket is limited.

Each Forza model comes with an integrated bracket for attaching the batteries, making them easy to use on the move. For FC lamps, you’ll need to purchase a separate battery accessory.

2. Materials used

Another distinguishing feature of Nanlite lamps lies in the materials used to manufacture the different series.

If you’re planning frequent use, regular configuration changes and travel, then Forza series LED lamps are probably the best choice because of their robust construction. All Forza series models are made of durable metal.

Some FS series lamps are also made of metal, like the FS-300B, while others have a robust polymer body, like the FS-60B.

Nanlite FC lights, meanwhile, are all built with a polymer exterior. The advantage of this material is that it makes them lighter.

3. Yoke clamping mechanism

The yoke clamping mechanism allows you to fix the position of the light precisely where you want it. The easier this mechanism is to use, the more precise control you have over the direction of the light. The different models of Nanlite lamps offer different yoke clamping mechanisms.

All Forza and FC series lamps feature an advanced yoke clamping mechanism, located on one side only and allowing progressive clamping. This progressive feature means they can be tightened and locked in the exact position you choose. Thanks to their one-sided design, they can be tightened and loosened from one side only.

The larger Forza models feature curved yokes, offering a greater range of inclination when using large light modifiers.

By contrast, the yoke tightening mechanism on FS series lamps is on both sides. In this respect, it falls slightly short of the other two models.

4. Control units, power supplies and monolamps

Nanlite’s three lamp series (FC, FS and Forza) are powerful LED lights suitable for all types of production: film, video, photography, live broadcasting and so on. The large Forza lamps with Bowens mount (300 II, 300B II, 500 II, 500B II, 720 and 720B) all feature a separate control unit.

This part of the lamp houses the power supply, battery plates, integrated controls and display, and separating them makes the lamp head much more compact and lightweight. What’s more, if you mount the head high up on a stand, you can keep the control unit at the bottom for access to the controls and power supply.

The smaller Forza projectors with the FM mount (60 II, 60B II, 60C, 150, 150B) don’t have a control unit, they have smaller external power supplies.

The FC-300B lamp has a larger external power supply, and the FC-500B has an even larger external power supply.

In contrast, the FS series is a true monolamp. This means that the light is all-in-one, with no external components. With the FS series, you simply plug a standard AC cable directly into the lamp.

5. Case

The different lamp models also differ in terms of the cases they come in.

The Forza II LED lamps are second-generation models, and the improvements made to this range also extend to the cases. They are soft and padded, sufficiently reinforced to offer adequate protection, and feature numerous compartments for equipment.

The cases supplied with the FC-300B and FC-500B, meanwhile, are very different. It’s a case that looks like polystyrene, but is actually made of more durable foam, with integrated parts for the hinge, locking mechanisms and handle. These cases are functional, protective and lighter.

As for the FS series lamps, since they are mains-powered only, they are generally considered to be studio lamps and do not come with a case. If you still want a case for your FS lights, you can purchase one separately, such as the Nanlite CC-S-FS case. Please note that this case fits all FS series lamps except the FS-60B.

6. Advanced options: G/M and DMX control

The last two differences are aimed specifically at more experienced users.

When mixing Nanlite LED lights with lighting from other manufacturers, lights on location, ambient light or sunlight, it can sometimes happen that colors appear altered.

In such situations, it’s useful to have lighting that allows you to adjust the green-magenta shift, in order to correct the colors you’re capturing. The FC and FS series don’t have built-in V/M adjustment, but a few Forza models do: the Forza 300 II, 300B II, 500 II and 500B II all offer +/- 80 G/M adjustment.

These lamps feature red and green LEDs in the light source, making this adjustment possible. The ultra-compact Forza 60C, with its full-spectrum RGBLAC LED source, offers a G/M setting of +/- 100.

Another advanced feature that differentiates these models is DMX. The larger Forza lamps all feature lockable 3-pin XLR inputs and outputs for DMX/RDM control, while the smaller Forza and FC models all have lockable 3.5 mm DMX/RDM ports. The FS series, on the other hand, has no DMX.

7. Comparison table

In conclusion, Forza, FC or FS Series?

Nanlite LED lamps offer a wide range of options for professionals in photography, video and film.

The Forza, FC and FS series each offer specific advantages. Whether you need portable lighting or a studio solution, Nanlite has the answer.

Compare the advantages and disadvantages of each series to choose the one that best suits your projects.