The LumoPro LP180R, like its predecessor the LP180, is an incredibly well built flash. Unlike the LP180, though, which is a manual-only flash, the LP180R has the Phottix Odin and Strato II Multi receivers built in, plus it has an internal receiver that enables remote power, zoom adjustments, and off-camera Nikon and Canon TTL compatibility when used with a Phottix Odin transmitter.
In other words… no more running back and forth between flash units and the camera to adjust the power or zoom settings! How will I get my exercise? I count on all that running back and forth to burn of the calories from the Pringles that I eat when I shoot.
LumoPro LP180R Breakdown
The LumoPro LP180R has the same great build quality and casing as the LP180, plus it comes with the great two year LumoPro warranty. The LP180R weighs in at a healthy 15.5 ounces without batteries, which is the equivalent of .07 spider monkeys according to LumoPro’s marketing.
In addition to the wireless and TTL capabilities offered up with the Odin and Strato receivers, the LumoPro LP180R, like the LP180, can be fired by a standard hot shoe, a 3.5mm 1/8” mini phone port, a PC port, and a built-in optical slave that can also be set to ignore the pre flashes from TTL strobes. In other words, you can use this flash in just about any configuration imaginable and also with just about any other flash on the market if you need a durable and easy-to-use slave.
Flash Modes
The LumoPro LP180R also features three flash modes: TTL, Manual, and Multi.
Canon and Nikon users can use the LumoPro LP180R’s TTL mode to get the right exposure in situations such as weddings or other events where the lighting environment is changing quickly. TTL controls include three stops in 1/3 stop increments.
Manual mode gives you full control over your power and zoom settings, without any input from your camera. You can make adjustments from full power to 1/128 in 1/3 stop increments.
Multi mode is available for Canon and Nikon users who are capturing subjects in motion with stroboscopic photography.
Additional Features
If you are using a Phottix Odin, Mitros+, or the Strato II transmitter you can keep your flashes organized with four channels and three groups.
Also with the Phottix Odin or Mitros+ for Canon and a Canon camera, high speed sync (HSS) and second curtain sync (SCS) are available. If you are using a Nikon camera, high speed sync functionality depends on your camera model, so check your manual before you make a purchase.
The LP180R also sports LumoPro’s signature ¼”-20 mount on the side of the flash head that lets you mount your flash closer to the center of the umbrella than a traditional hot shoe mount will allow you to do.
The LumoPro LP180R’s recycling times matched the LP180 with a four second recycle on four AA alkaline batteries at full power and 2.5 to 3 seconds on nickel metal hydrides. LumoPro’s marketing material claims a four second recycle with the nickel metal hydrides, but my tests were faster. With an external pack like the Godox PB820 using a Canon style cord recycle times at full power come in at speedy one second.
The LumoPro LP180R also has an audible flash ready tone and a sleep mode and auto off feature to preserve power.
Specs
It also has a healthy GN of 110 with the zoom head set to 105mm.
The zoom settings range from 14mm with the wide angle diffuser in place and without it from 24mm to 105mm.
The head will swivel 180 degrees in either direction which gives you a full 360 degree total range.
The bounce tilt will go from a -7 degrees up to a full 90 degrees.
The flash has a built-in gel holder so you don’t need scotch tape or another piece of gear to hold your gels. The little grips on the edge of the flash head bow the gels out and away from the flash head to avoid melting or distorting the gels’ shape.
The hot shoe is metal with a sliding latch and drop down pin as well as a weather-resistant cover.
Like its relative the LP180 the controls on the LumoPro LP180R are simple and intuitive and don’t require special training to understand. Add to that the backlit LCD screen and I was able to get this flash up and running in minutes the first time I took it out of the box.
Full disclosure: at first, I didn’t read the manual. But I must say, LumoPro’s manuals are worth the read. These are without a doubt the funniest manuals in the industry.
In the Box
The LumoPro LP180R comes with a heavy-duty soft case that has a belt loop and velcro pouch on the outside and an inside pocket that holds the small flash foot stand and the two sets of precut Rosco Colored gels. One set is for color correction and the other set is for color effects. Also included is a 3.5mm Miniphone to 3.5mm Miniphone Short Sync Cord.
In my opinion, another home run from LumoPro. While I personally am not a big user of the TTL features, the ability to control power and zoom settings via remote is awesome… I’ll just have to cut back on the Pringles.
The LumoPro LP180R comes in at a reasonable price tag of $229.99 – about $70.00 more than the LP180. But remember, you are getting the receivers and ability to control the flash remotely built into this workhorse of a flash.
So to quote a word of caution in the LP180R manual… Please flash responsibly. If you have an OCF problem, please seek help and contact the LumoPro Hotline at 855.586.6775.
I hope you found this information useful. Now go pick up that camera and shoot something! Because – “Your BEST shot is your NEXT shot!” — Joe Edelman
