I encourage anyone reading my comment to check the specs of the lights mentioned… Hard not to see that this video isn’t unbiased. If you’re going for a totally honest review, you should have at least compare a bi-color light with only bi-color lights…😅 The #1 benefit of a fixed 5600K LED is the output power, so of course it could be brighter. Also, you’re judging the light’s brightness with their reflector on and measuring just the hotspot… I understand this is useful for yourself, but for many, especially video, we rather want a bright even spread of light. 😅😅 100W is brighter in this case as expected according to the specs. Simple.
@@MarkusPix if brightness was the least of the issues, why was it mentioned for nearly the entire video…? 😂 Clearly for your usage, What the ZHIYUN lights are designed for are not for you. But nonetheless, when being biased is spotted in a comparison review, hard to believe there’s any truth!
He's probably the least biased reviewer on youtube. 0 sponsorships, doesn't give a damn about what you do with your lights and/or money, just gives his honest opinion always. I own an Amaran 60D and was thinking of switching to the X100 due to portability, but thanks to this review I won't. If you don't like his reviews, don't watch them.
@@honestnerd is he though… 😅 yes maybe he is being honest, don’t get me wrong but making a comparison and statement from using two lights that isn’t equal to began with and favouring the bowens mount simply because it’s the tradition just doesn’t make sense… For entry level lights, I’d rather it be about innovation & convenience. Then if it could also work with traditional mounting system (and it does), that’s a bonus. Best of both worlds 🙌🏼
@@honestnerd I did exactly that. I think portability is the main factor for these lights, and so far I really like that. Love the size and the tiny reflector, the Amaran was so big I never used it. Now all my lighting kit fits on a carry on bag (including my two Ulanzi stands). And I use the same usb-c cables, chargers and batteries I always carry for my tablet and electronics.
Brightness is Lumens and the power is measured in Watts….The lumens with a reflector added increases the brightness substantially. They key benefit to this light is its proficient cooling in such a tiny form factor and capacity to be battery operated. No offence but it is literally brighter in your demonstration when both are used without a reflector on the wall? I have both of these and the x100 with the battery is WAY more compact vs any of the others. It’s all about portability and they nailed it.
Do you recommend the x100? Been considering buying it since I won a 30% off coupon. But the fire warnings all over the product kinda worry me, can it really start a fire?
@@ZonkedOutTCM Me personally ? I have two other lights, an x200 and amaran COB. The x100 is just ridiculously small and incredibly powerful so that is my run and gun light. With the batter pack it really packs a portable punch that nothing I have can come close to. My amaran 60W is pretty compact with a Vmount but the x100 makes that look massive. Very happy to have that in my kit.
@@robinhilliermodernagents7432 think i should get one? i like that its small and powerful, especially with the battery. need a light for self portaits and photos, i think this will be a good upgrade from ringlights, thats for sure hahaha
Thanks for the info Markus, I was sent one of the x100’s and was impressed with it, especially from a form factor perspective. I was surprised at the brightness difference between the x100 and the Amaran, was that bare bulb or with supplied reflectors? Bare bulb my x100 is brighter than any of my 60w lights, but they are all bi-color, and I don’t have an Amaran 60 to compare.
Thanks for this honest review Markus. Ive seen a few videos on these lights and a lot of people say how good and compact they are but don't discuss value or compare with other lights. I think thats a problem with some youtube reviewers they are so eager to show off the latest and greatest new gadget and the video ends up being more like a commercial than an actual review. So thank you for your honesty!
it's not an honest review. He said that the light with the bowens adapter costs 400 dollars but in reality it cost 350 dollars including the adapter and the battery
It baffles me that there are viewers seeing this review as honest when it is actually biased with comparisons that meant nothing due to the way it’s measured… 😢 A video light is so much more than just having a bright hotspot created by its reflector 🤣
CMIIW , in my opinion. i'm not hyping one or another. you said that amaran has a reading to 16.5 and molus x100 has 11.5 . but the point is , the pattern you show earlier. the amaran has a really focused hotspot while molus x100 doesnt. and yes of course the reading will only "read" on the hot spot not the entire light pattern . but yes of course indeed the zihyun molus ecosystem is pretty expensive , the battery , the modifier . while the amaran can be powered by our most lovely battery NP-F. is that make sense?
Was waiting for this video, we all know Markus likes his little lights and he tells you like it is. Thanks for the honest review, everyone on RU-vid is praising this thing like it's the greatest thing since sliced bread.
That my friend is why I trust Markus and his reviews! He is a filmmaker who has experienced in Hollywood and not a content creator trying to make a small paycheck with their affiliate links through overhyped product reviews!!
Markus, They REALLY copied you this time even down to the name "Atomic City" The new movie "Astoroid City" staring Tom Hanks is so similar as to your movie concept of "Atomic City" This new movie is set in the 1950's-1960's part film part animation with science fiction aspects. This is to much of a coincidence ! PS. Don't forget to delete this comment so others won't know I told you about this 🤣
Finally a honest description and review! Almost everybody talks about the power of Molus LEDs but tehy do not even read the specifications. The power declared by the manufacturer in specs is tricky because they name them by it's power consumption (100 and 60 watts). The Molus X100 is 3.881 lux at 1 meter and the Molus G60 is 2.428 lux without reflectors. Just you and Gerlad Undone measured the real output. Thank you Markus. We trust you! 👍👍
Indeed, and less light from more power is kind of exponential - less light output means need a higher powered model is needed which means even more wasted power. More wasted power = more heat(potentially a lot more), along with higher power supply/battery requirements &/or shorter battery life.
Crazy that he only measured the output with reflectors when he also showed the reflectors have extremely different hotspots and beam angles... Seems like what he needs is a little 10w pinspot to beat all these lights. Is he only pointing battery powered lights directly at people's faces from far away and only shooting the faces? Seems like that's all he cares about. It's so misleading to say a 60w light is brighter because it has a much tighter beam angle or super tight hot spot...
I have the X100. For pet photography where I'm setting up small props like couches or anything doll size (so smaller than cats), it's so much smaller than even the smallest softbox. I had to buy a bowens dome diffuser before the soft dome diffuser came in for the Zhiyun and it was unnecessarily bulky. So imagine the 60W with that soft dome, but slightly larger. Working in a studio with a human model, you have space for Godox or such lights. Working on a table or floor with maybe a total of 3 feet cubed, the X100 puts out more than enough light and a small metal tripod (it is heavy) will make it far easier to work around without getting into the light. Since I have the battery grip that let's it go to 100w, I don't have to have a power cord to trip on. It's so easy to place and use as an overhead light while using extra lights (like the Zhiyun 40w LED light) for fill in light. That is why I paid $350 for the combo kit and not bulky Bowens mount LED lights. Its not for everyone, and maybe a filler light for people portraits.
Thanks for the great review!!! I saw a few others reviews and I was not impress with Zhiyun Molus X100, G60 LED. You nailed all of the negatives. I am happy with the Colbors that you reviewed
i think the x100 is the best because you have the possibility to put it on camera without beiing to heavy (with the usb c powerstation, which you put in your pocket).
Anybody saying “finally an honest review!” Simply does not understand how videocentric lights work…. Sad to see others will inherit not acurate opinions 🤦🏽♂️
As usual your channel is a way to find truth. I was researching about those lights and now I know that all about the Zhiyun is just overhype. Bests regards from your Venezuelan friend in Panama!
I don’t think with a light pattern that drastically different with the included modifiers is a fair comparison in power. Take the modifiers off and see or place them both in identical modifiers. Of course a more focused modifier is going to be brighter on similarly powered lights.
Addendum: I can't handle a lot of wires or cables hanging or dangling about. I end up using black velcro strips everywhere to at least try and make it look cleaner. I once was employed as an audio engineer and asked what I wanted to do first and I said to fix the spaghetti you got going into the console. Thanks Mr. Markus for the video.
Markus - the 60d is not Bi-Color. The zhiyun lights are Bi-Color. A more accurate comparison should be the Amaran 60x. Bi-Color lights are inherently less powerful.
Like I said numerous times, my criteria is the BRIGHTEST smallest most portable lights possible. I don't care if they are daylight or bicolor- I am testing the BRIGHTEST offerings from every company, preferably with batteries that attach right to the light. Zhiyun does not have a dedicated daylight COB, so the brightest they have is bicolor. The 60D is brighter but not perfect. It's bigger, clunkier and I hate the mickey mouse battery solution on the side, which is why I gave them away ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-pGEoOmY0wmk.html I also gave away all three of my Stella Reflexes ($600 apiece) which are MUCH smaller and lighter than the X100 and twice as bright because they also required a cord and external USB battery. So I am NOT biased. I also gave away my Colbor 60M and X100M ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-39bM6A6yjJs.html because of the dangly cords. I don't hate Zhiyun, I have two Zhiyun X100's, one G60 and three M40s and I give my honest personal feedback on what bothers me about everything, no matter the company or product.
Last week, my first thought when I saw the videos for these come out was, I wonder how long it will be for Markus to give us his comparison video. Tnx!
Thanks for the review Marcus....I was thinking that a Stella reflex fresnel could be cobbled to one of the Molus just like you did with the Wellmaking...would you consider showing how you voided the warranty (LOL!) with that addition?
I’ve been reimagining the gear I use for my documentaries. I really had my eye on these tiny lights for portability. I didn’t see anybody else bring up these points. This definitely puts this whole thing into perspective.
I would like to see how the overpriced Rotolight compares to the other less expensive offerings. What are your thoughts on these lights and different design approach?
I watch this channel for his honesty. All other reviewers seem like shills. When I first saw this and its price, i knew it was more of form over function. It looks great, but it's not as practical, especially given the price.
I actually got 2 of the 40W Zhiyun for 100€ on their launch deal. They might not be truly 40 watts, but they surprisingly bright and very portable. They are fantastic for brighting up a room to level up exposure.
@@RastaHenkie pure chance. By amazon. I had lost my other tiny light. I did not expect them to be as bright and powerful. Their only limitation is battery. You need to used them with a power bank
I like how honest this review was but also the side by side comparison with pattern example. Something I didn't see too much on other reviews. The sound effects were hilarious.
WOW thank you so much for this video. i am interested with the well making and wondering how bright that light compare to the amaran. thx for this review markus.
Hi Markus , great video as usual. I have 2 lights what I use the most: GVM Great Video Maker 600S LED Ring Light, 90W Dimmable Led Video Light Kit with Detachable Light Bars Neewer LED Bi-Color Studio Round Lighting, Ultra Thin Studio Edge Flapjack Light, 18-Inch 70W Dimmable Portrait Light Do you think the amaron is stronger ?
Am searching a powerful portable lights for weddings events to use for ballroom lighting the dance floor it has to be powerful because the distance the lights will be around 2.5-3 meters away what do you suggest
Thanks for the review, nobody ever gives the details throughly! Like if that light is 100 watts, ...how does the watts measure like with all the led chips on to get 100 watts? Or is it 100 watts on both chips?
And where did you get those numbers? From someone who was given a free light from Zhiyun to review? I actually paid for mine and measured them out of the box with the included reflectors with my light meter.
Great comparison! a practical exampel with your model had been nice...is it putting enaugh light in the face at daytime outside...overcast skies and so on
I have the godox sl60 w and it feels like the cri is not as accurate as it says and seems to lean toward magenta. I have been thinking about the amaran as a replacement. If you have any experience with the godox would you say the amaran is a good upgrade? Love the video❤ thanks
I've seen tons of videos about this light. They all say how awesome it is. But then again, here comes Markus with a HONNEST video and now, I'm not interested at all in buying it. So, thank you!
Funny enough just before Covid I bought from china 2 100W LED ( real 100W, not apparent output compared to tungsten) I still haven't finished the building project as at the time couldn't be asked to build a heat sink and fan assembly to dissipate the heat, I only had one on for a few seconds to test it, it was blinding bright and it got so hot that it would have caused serious burns if touched; my initial thoughts were to build a contraption similar to the Molus. Maybe one day I will use them if not they cost me less than 20 box.
The LEDs themselves are certainly cheap, and very bright. Cheap premade floodlights are also available, which use a grid of (relatively)lower powered LEDs.
A fair comparison needs to compare the Amaran 60x against the x100 since the bicolor is a feature the 60d you mention doesn’t have. Great video, just wanted to mention that
Yes the brightness would be very similar, but that's the least of the issues. You can buy 2 amarans for the price of one X100 And that's still without a Bowen's mount. And it's 24 V, so you have to buy their proprietary battery
@@MarkusPix yeah all other points were fair and square and I actually fell for the trend of that light. I will still consider one on the future for the size and travel though
Thank you for the thorough review from a first hand use perspective . I appreciate your straightforward content that focuses on the intrinsic & extrinsic pros & cons of products accross facets. Lol the “weird name & shape” made me chuckle 😅 I agree 😂
They're all good. Colbor can have battery attached to the light (which I like) whereas the ZY lights have dangly cables, unless you buy the proprietary expensive battery for the 100.
Markus, I own the Aeos and the Neo2. Do you have an idea how the powers compare to the Amaran? (I know the price is way higher, but I already have them.)
Thank you I was getting very tempted to buy one of these. What stopped me is I got one of their previous lights and noticed a color shift when I was doing daylight at around maybe 30% and lower power setting
I was waiting for your review. I needed an honest pro review, not an influencer-biased one. Having previous Zhiyun lights I know that the number they put is not effective power; it's actually a combination of 2 sets of half power... So, the 100W is 2 sets of 50W. I assume the 60W is less bright than the Amaran for the same reason, as all pro can tell you that you can't just sum them... Anyway, thanks Marcus!
For me it's traveling. I need the smallest most lightweight stuff because every inch and ounce counts in air travel. Plus hiking it to location when there. Cameras and lenses can be small but powerful lighting was always the big heavy stuff
@@MarkusPix I always end up traveling with several 600W lights, light stands, and a portable steel frame background outfit that I made myself. Wake ballast, 36” slider, several drones. I just get used to it I guess.
Hey Markus, how did you secure the fresnel lens to the front of the Wellmaking 80W light? I recently got one of these and the fresnel fell right off after I unscrewed the Bowens mount attachment. There’s a closeup at 8:12 but it’s hard to see what you did
I was wondering when you were getting your hands on these. I got the Molus G60 and used it today as a Key light for Webex meeting. smaller footprint and weight than my Amaran 60D and I only needed to run it at 10%-15% brightness.
You said in another video that you can't use a reflector umbrella with the Wellmaking as its focus is too narrow (if I understood correctly).. So then how do you get soft diffused light or reflect light in the most compact, small, travel-friendly way without using umbrellas with the Wellmaking 80W?
I usually use the Wellmakings bare but use multiple ones to knock out shadows ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-71oIfvgOfJ0.html You can use umbrellas but it would create a hot spot, or you could back it up on a second stand. I use the wellmakings a lot when I travel, no softening modifiers needed ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-8f-6OaW4rT0.html
It is the bicolor led that makes it half as bright as the others. You have 50% power on the tungsten and 50% power on the daylight leds. A 100W bicolor will always be dimmer than a 100W daylight @ daylight temperature. So not a really fair comparison. What you loose in output you gain in flexibility.
@@MarkusPix In the first 2 minutes You implied that the manufacturer somehow tries to trick consumers by writing the watt number in the name while being less bright. If you compared the zhiyun bicolor 60w to an amaran 60x, they would be very close. The only difference would be the design of the reflector. Also the x100 compared to an amaran 100x would be the same output if used the same reflector dish. There is nothing wrong with these zhiyun lights, all led and drivers have a very high efficiency now, so all manufacturers are very close if the rated watt is the same. The difference in output that you measured is only because of reflector design or because the bicolor function, not because some decieving marketing.
Yes Tarzan. They shouldn't label power consumption numbers on the lights though. It should be a standardized light output number. They know consumers see "100" and think "oh it's brighter than the 60" Who cares what the power consumption is, people wanna know how bright the damn thing is. They're throwing apples and oranges in the same box. Damn their consumer trickery. Damn them I tell you! 😾
@@MarkusPix it is still a 100W light, if the consumer doesnt understand that bicolor means 2 led matrixes and is 50% of brightness compared to a 100% daylight led, then why are you even buying a led light? If a led is bicolor, I immiedietly know it is around half as bright as the daylight only version @ daylight. Even if the wattage is the same. Its not rocket science.
Thanks for doing a review of these lights. I think zhiyun sent these out to just about every you tuber out there to promote (not review) them. I really appreciate your unbiased “real” reviews. I think you're the only person to point out the warning labels. This is what makes you stand out from the rest. Thanks again.
I was wondering if you knew if there was a such thing as a grid or some thing like a soft box to direct the light for the little rectangular pancake style LED lights? Or if you have your own solution to modify the light?
You're asking two different things- a grid directs light and a softbox sends light in all directions. If you want soft light, use a bedsheet. If you want directional light, use aluminum foil or blackwrap.
Right off the bat I didn't realise it was not as bright as the 60d. I was attracted to the size bit the 60d without the need for a Bowens mount adapter makes more sense really.
I'm glad you told us, I had both of these in my list to purchase but I always do my homework first. Everybody everywhere was loving these lights, you're the first one not so impressed. Since we're very similar in opinion on many things, I'm taking your word over the others. The Amaran 60D is a much better bang for the buck in a very similar form factor. Homework now finished. Cheers 🍻
@@MarkusPix: Me too, but cords aren't the end of my world. I'm doing weird things to light a green screen, I have 'very' limited space available and I need lots of portable light that can easily disappear into a closet for example when not in use. Lots of even lighting is key to keying, and I never seem to have enough. But the Amaran 60D through an umbrella looks like a much better option with more bang for the buck overall. Cheers 🍻
The Colbor 100 is actually not much brighter than the 60, less than half a stop. Not worth it- the 60s are smaller, cheaper and just as bright. As for compared to Amaran... ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-FUwtfvAEXTI.html
Two batteries for the Wellmaking 80W are $90 www.amazon.com/WELLMAKING-Battery-Batteries-Charger-Dedicated/dp/B083FC4RSR One single battery for the Zhiyun X100 is $120 www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1769524-REG/zhiyun_c000597g1_x100_grip_battery.html
ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-s_lEnCUt6Kc.html Yes. They shouldn't label power consumption numbers on the lights though. It should be a standardized light output number. They know consumers see "100" and think "oh it's brighter than the 60" Who cares what the power consumption is, people wanna know how bright the damn thing is. They're throwing apples and oranges in the same box.
@@MarkusPixTrue,but even leading companies like Aputure labeling their bi color product this way. RGB panels dims even more because they're already diffused, user can't tell the output lux from the watts advertised... That's why we love your channel, because you always show us your true thoughts and the way you like it or not.
