Astera QuikBeam: Portable Fresnel Now Shipping, Targeting On-Set Efficiency

By BlockReel Editorial Team Gear February 17, 2026

Astera QuikBeam: Portable Fresnel Now Shipping, Targeting On-Set Efficiency

It’s always a juggling act on set: balancing output, portability, and power. And when you need that precise, controllable beam of a Fresnel without wrangling heavy cables or generators, options can feel limited. Now, Astera's QuikBeam, initially showcased at BSC Expo 2026, is now available for order, aiming to address that very niche with a compact, battery-powered solution. Weighing in at under two kilograms (4.4 lbs) and designed for rapid deployment, it's pitched as a 200W Tungsten equivalent, reflecting a growing industry trend towards smaller, more agile lighting packages.

An Astera representative highlighted the QuikBeam's positioning as an attempt to reintroduce small Fresnel spotlights into contemporary LED workflows. We’ve seen COB fixtures paired with Fresnel attachments become ubiquitous, but they often come with their own set of logistical challenges concerning bulk and power. The QuikBeam, however, integrates the Fresnel format directly into a compact unit, leveraging Astera’s established battery and wireless control ecosystems right from the outset. This isn't their first venture into ultra-portable spotlights; the Astera QuikPunch explored similar territory, refining this concept of a deployable, controllable light source.

The Promise of Integrated Design

Astera's design philosophy with the QuikBeam centers on integration: blending the light engine, battery, and optics into a single, cohesive unit built for speed. This isn't just about making a light small; it's about making it smart and immediately usable without a complex rigging matrix or a dedicated gaffer truck for power distribution. For DPs and gaffers working on nimble productions, or in situations demanding quick setups and breakdowns, this integrated approach can be genuinely valuable.

The fixture utilizes a Fresnel lens with a zoom range spanning 13° to 60°. That's a decent spread, but what’s more intriguing is the "HotBeam" mode. This function allows for an even narrower, more concentrated beam, primarily useful for accent lighting, hair lights, or any scenario where spill control is paramount and you need to punch through ambient light with precision. Think subtle uplights or focused practical enhancements. The physical weight, or lack thereof, at 1.617 kg (3.56 lbs), underscores its intended role: to mimic the output and behavior of a small tungsten Fresnel but with the added benefits of LED efficiency and portability.

From a photometric perspective, Astera states the QuikBeam is roughly equivalent to a 200W Tungsten Fresnel. This equivalence likely depends on the specific power configuration and runtime, but it provides a benchmark for gaffers and DPs familiar with traditional tungsten output. The choice of Astera’s Titan LED engine, incorporating RGB, Mint, and Amber emitters, is consistent with their broader product line. This combination is intended to ensure precise and consistent color control across the spectrum, a critical factor for maintaining color fidelity throughout a shooting day. The stated TLCI ratings of 96-97 are impressive if they hold up in real-world scenarios, indicating strong color accuracy which is essential for professional applications where post-production time is precious and color shifts are costly.

Powering Options and Connectivity

One of the QuikBeam’s significant selling points is its approach to power. It runs on Astera’s QuikBrick battery system, designed for hot-swapping. This means fixtures can remain in position during battery changes, minimizing downtime and allowing for continuous operation. When you’re on a fast-paced set, waiting for lights to trickle-charge or for a dedicated electrician to re-route power can eat into precious minutes. The ability to pull out a drained battery and pop in a fresh one, much like swapping batteries on a camera, streamlines workflows. These QuikBricks can be charged in a dedicated dock, capable of handling up to four batteries concurrently, or directly via the fixture itself.

Beyond its primary function as a light, the QuikBeam also supports USB-C charging and can act as a power bank for other devices. This might seem like a minor detail, but for crews relying on mobile devices for monitoring, script access, or minor accessory power, having an extra USB-C port on a light can be surprisingly practical in a pinch.

For wired setups, Astera included an Ethercon connector with Power over Ethernet (PoE) support. This is a crucial feature for networked lighting systems. It means both power and data transmission can run through a single Ethernet cable, supporting standard ethernet-based protocols like sACN and ArtNet. This simplifies rigging on larger sets or in more permanent installations where you want centralized control without a spiderweb of power and data cables intertwining. Astera noted that a standard PoE switch can substitute Astera’s NetBox for this functionality, offering flexibility in how productions integrate the QuikBeam into existing infrastructure.

The wireless control capabilities are also comprehensive, leveraging Astera’s established ecosystem. The QuikBeam integrates CRMX, UHF, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and infrared control, offering a wide array of options for remote operation and integration with other Astera fixtures. For a gaffer, this multi-protocol support means less adapting to different control standards on set and more seamless blending into a unified network.

Configuration and Availability

The QuikBeam is designed to be versatile, offered in several kit configurations to suit different production needs. There's a two-unit backpack kit, which includes two fixtures, batteries, accessories, and power injectors. This backpack solution emphasizes portability, designed to accommodate small tripods externally, making it highly attractive for documentary work, run-and-gun scenarios, or smaller interviews where minimal footprint and maximum speed are essential.

For more extensive setups, a four-unit kit is available. This larger kit comes with four fixtures and Astera’s NetBox. The NetBox enhances efficiency by enabling charging and initial fixture configuration over Ethernet, crucial for managing multiple lights from a central point before deployment. The various kits also come with essential mounting accessories, filters, and airline track adapters, ensuring they're ready to integrate into a range of grip setups right out of the box.

The good news for those looking to get their hands on this compact Fresnel is that the Astera QuikBeam is now available for order. Astera confirmed its availability, with pricing expected to be around €500 or $590, which includes a QuikBrick battery. This price point positions it as an accessible tool for a wide range of productions, from independent features and commercial work to broadcast and corporate video.

The industry's embrace of smaller, more efficient lighting reflects the ever-present demand for versatile tools that can adapt to diverse shooting environments. When you’re trying to quickly articulate light without breaking the bank or taking up half a grip truck, these integrated solutions become invaluable. The QuikBeam appears to be a direct response to that need, providing a focused, portable, and controllable light source engineered for efficiency on set. For lighting professionals always on the hunt for ways to streamline their workflow and enhance their creative options, this is certainly a development worth tracking.

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For deeper dives into lighting techniques, you might find practical insights in how cinematographers approach Director-DP Alignment: Turning Theme Into Shot Design. Understanding the interplay between creative vision and the tools used to achieve it is fundamental to effective production. And mastering light control on set is increasingly aided by knowing how to leverage integrated systems for precise results.

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