Westcott FJ800 and FJ400 II: Game-Changing Portable Strobes for Photographers

Westcott has upped the ante with the release of its FJ800 (US$999.90) and FJ400 II (US$599.90) touchscreen strobes. These innovative lighting tools combine power, speed, and advanced features in a portable package, and I can’t wait to try them out!

Big Power, Lightning-Fast Recovery

The Westcott FJ800 delivers a stunning 800Ws of power and ultra-fast recycle times starting at 0.01 seconds (maxing at just 1.8 seconds). Whether you’re in a fast-paced studio environment or shooting outdoor portraits under challenging light, the FJ800 has the muscle and agility to keep up. And at only 7.5 pounds, it’s portable enough to carry without breaking a sweat.

For those seeking a balance of power and portability, the FJ400 II offers 400Ws of flash output and a class-leading 0.9-second recycle time. It’s the perfect companion for diverse shooting scenarios. Both strobes feature Westcott’s signature durability and versatility, ensuring you’re prepared for any project.

Next-Level Features and Portability

What sets these strobes apart is their shared FJ Pro Battery, delivering:

  • Over 250 full-power flashes for the FJ800 and 550 for the FJ400 II.
  • Optional ProMax Battery, doubling capacity to an incredible 500 and 1,000 flashes, respectively.

The 5500K consistent color temperature (+/-150K) ensures professional-quality results across a 9-stop range, while the bi-color LED modeling light (adjustable from 2700K to 6500K) provides a preview of your lighting setup.

Cutting-Edge OLED Touchscreens and Creative Mask Mode

The intuitive OLED touchscreens are a highlight, making on-the-fly adjustments as seamless as using a smartphone. Built-in help guides are a thoughtful addition, perfect for beginners and seasoned photographers alike.

The new Creative Mask mode allows up to six unique lighting configurations without moving your strobes, perfect for layered compositions and high-volume shoots. This feature brings Westcott closer to the competition, even if it feels overdue.

Professional Versatility and Compatibility

Both strobes include:

  • High-Speed Sync (HSS) up to 1/8000s.
  • Freeze sync for incredible detail capture.
  • Continuous shooting up to 50 fps, depending on power settings.
  • Bowens mounts for compatibility with a wide range of modifiers.
  • Integration with Westcott’s FJ Wireless Flash System for seamless operation.

As to be expected from Westcott, customer service, support is excellent.

Price and Availability

The Westcott FJ800 and FJ400 II are available now for (USD) $999.90 and $599.90, respectively. Their mix of power, portability, and advanced features make them an exciting option for photographers looking to elevate their lighting game.

Why I’m Excited to Try Them

The combination of power, speed, and innovative features makes the FJ800 and FJ400 II must-haves for photographers like me who crave efficiency and precision. From quick recycle times to Creative Mask mode and their robust battery systems, these strobes promise to be reliable workhorses.

I can’t wait to get my hands on these portable powerhouses and test their limits in both studio and outdoor settings. Westcott might have just delivered the perfect lighting solution for professionals!

Everything I write about is my own opinion or things I’ve either researched, taken a picture of, seen news about, and want to share. Let’s keep the conversation going, post a comment below.

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