Last updated: 7 August 2026. Prices are in AUD and correct at the time of writing, check the linked product pages for live pricing and stock.
Choosing a Litepanels fixture comes down to four questions: do you need full colour or just white, soft or hard light, what size/output, and are you shooting outdoors? Answer those and the fixture is clear. Here's the decision. For the full range and the ideas behind it, see our complete Litepanels guide.
Step 1: colour, bi-colour or full colour?
If you only ever need clean white light, interviews, corporate, ENG, a bi-colour Astra IP does the job for less and adds weather resistance. If you want colour, gel emulation and creative control, choose a full-colour RGBWW Gemini, it still does excellent white (CRI/TLCI 98, 2,700 to 10,000K) but adds millions of colours and ~300 gel presets.
Step 2: soft or hard light?
This is about the quality of light. Soft panels (Astra IP, or Gemini Soft) give wide, wraparound light that flatters faces, the default for interviews and beauty. Hard panels (Gemini Hard) use lensed LEDs for a punchier, directional beam with far more output and throw, better for distance, cutting through ambient light, or driving through a softbox or grid. For a focusable single source, the Sola Fresnel gives true spot-to-flood control.
Step 3: size and output, Half, 1x1 or 2x1?
| Size | Output / character | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Half | Compact, lower output | Travel, tight spaces, fill |
| 1x1 | The classic all-rounder | Keys and general work |
| 2x1 | Big, soft, high output | Large sources, bigger sets |
The 1x1 is the workhorse size that suits most jobs; step to 2x1 when you want a larger, softer source or more punch, and drop to Half for travel and fill.
Step 4: are you shooting outdoors?
If your work takes you outside or into unpredictable conditions, the weather-resistant Astra IP range is built for it. For controlled studio and stage work where colour matters most, the Gemini is the pick.
Quick recommendations
Interview / corporate / ENG (white only): Astra IP 1x1 with a Snapbag. Film & TV with colour: Gemini 1x1 Soft for key, Gemini Hard when you need punch or throw. Long-throw or HMI replacement: Gemini 1x1 Hard or a Sola Fresnel. Run-and-gun / travel: Astra IP Half or the Brick for fill. Big soft source: Gemini 2x1 Soft, or gang 1x1s in a dual/quad array.
Don't forget power, control and modifiers
Add the right battery bracket (Gold Mount, V-Mount or BP-U) if you run off camera batteries, a wireless DMX module once you're controlling several fixtures, and the Snapbag / Snapgrid modifiers that shape the light. These are covered in the complete guide.
Frequently asked questions
Should I buy Astra or Gemini?
Buy the bi-colour Astra IP if you only need white light and want a weather-resistant, more affordable fixture. Buy the RGBWW Gemini if you want full colour, gel emulation and the option of soft or hard output for film and TV work.
Do I need a soft or hard LED panel?
Choose soft for wide, flattering, wraparound light (interviews, beauty). Choose hard for a punchier, directional beam with more output and throw, or when driving light through a softbox or grid at distance.
What size Litepanels light should I get?
The 1x1 is the all-round workhorse. Go 2x1 for a bigger, softer or more powerful source, or Half for travel and fill. Match the size to your typical subject distance and space.
Which Litepanels is best for interviews?
A soft 1x1, the Astra IP 1x1 for white-only work, or the Gemini 1x1 Soft if you want colour too, with a Snapbag softbox gives flattering, controllable key light for interviews.
Which Litepanels is best for outdoors?
The weather-resistant Astra IP range is designed for outdoor and unpredictable conditions; confirm the specific fixture's IP rating for your shoot.
Where to buy in Australia
Black Flag Distribution is the official Australian distributor of the professional film, television and production brands featured in this guide. We supply an Australia-wide network of authorised retailers and stockists rather than selling direct to the public, so there is a local dealer who can help wherever you are. To check pricing and availability and to buy, use the Black Flag Distribution store finder to find an authorised retailer or stockist near you. Search our store finder to locate your nearest Australian stockist and purchase from an authorised dealer.
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