When I saw this video pop up, I was thinking, "Damn you, Wes! Are you gonna make me wanna buy the 200x S?" and I just bought a Molus x100 Combo kit 2wks ago... lol. Anyways, I am glad that your video didn't make me doubt my decision to go with the x100, the x100 (combo kit, i.e. with battery & bowens adapter) and 200x S is similarly priced in my country. I thought having a smaller package to carry around, battery included at half the power was a good trade-off and I still think it is. That being said, it would be great if you could do a comparison of the light quality between the x100 and the 200x S just so that we know what is the difference between the "Aputure quality" and newer lighting brands. Nice and thorough video, keep up the good work!
x100 is coming next, so I guess you’re still safe there 😏 And a comparison of light quality was hidden in this video, as that was one of the three color swatch samples. The x100 isn’t quite up to the quality of the 200xs, but it is still very good, and better than most things made until very recently.
@@WesPerry " The x100 isn’t quite up to the quality of the 200xs, but it is still very good, and better than most things made until very recently."... ahh... I can sleep easy tonight then 😛 Thank you for the excellent video again. I will be waiting anxiously for your x100 video.
Great point about the viewing angle of the screen; really bothers me too, especially since I'm usually looking up towards the screen at an elevated position
Wes, your video review was fantastic and really helped me decide to purchase the Amaran 200x S. As a newcomer to the Amaran brand, I'm wondering if it's a suitable choice for both videography and photography, given my budget constraints.
It does have good enough colour rendition for photography work. But some would say that’s not enough power for photography. If you’re going to be shooting with narrower apertures/higher f-stops, it won’t be as much light as an actual flash/strobe.
Thanks for the review video. For the portrait comparison maybe the shutter, f stop, ISO and light power setting would be helpful to get an idea. Thanks!
@@WesPerry thanks for the quick reply Wes. I don't bit of corporate headshots and sometimes schools too. Usually shooting at higher f stops. F4.5 to f8 max. Wonder how the 200x would do on that scenario with similar shutter speed and ISO up to 800. Do you think it can handle it?
Hi Wes, in your 200xs vs ad300 I could correctly determine the light used by dilation of pupils. That said difference on my tablet (smallish screen, albeit enlarged) was very similar. So I'd conclude that this looked to be a pretty accurate smallish light. Perhaps ideal as a starter for occasional amateur use, indoors, whilst being compatible (via Sidus ap) with the heavier duty, more pro like, higher spec Apurture light family.
Thank you for the video, it was very helpful. May I ask you entertain the idea of getting a pop filter for your mix, the plosives were pretty harsh hearing it on earphones.
Interested to know if you feel there is a realistic colour accuracy difference between this and the Colbor? I've seen this get commended for its colour accuracy, and I'm not too bothered about paying extra for it. The only reason I would choose the Colbor potentially is to use V-mount batteries without needing an extra box.
The Colbor also runs on 48V, so you won’t easily be using it with V-mount batteries either, unless there’s something I don’t know… if so please tell me haha. And there is a slightly noticeable difference yes. Still working on the best way of portraying it. It’s only marginal, though.
@@WesPerry Thanks for the awesome reviews. Does the 200x S keep the same power (200 watts) at different colors temps for the most part? Is there any reason to get the 200 d S? Are you saying the 200 x s cant run on batteries in a practical way? Thanks.
I showed in the videos, but it does use different power levels for different white balances. And for battery power you need the Aputure v mount converter box for approx $200USD
Have you tried using Beauty dish for Aputure amaran 200X? Will there be any problems? I have heard that some beauty dishes can only be used for flashing lights, not for LEDs, If it is used for LED, there will be leakage of direct light from the side of the beauty dish I wonder if it's true, sometimes it's more convenient to use led to take pictures
Depends on the exact model of dish, but I don’t see how side leakage would be more of an issue with COB leds than with flash. Many flash units extend further out of the mount than an led does, so if anything I would say the issue would be the light wouldn’t spread properly into a beauty dish with led. There isn’t Enough side spread.
Well *takes a deep breath* First, although this is bright for a video lights this isn’t really a lot of light compared to ambient outdoor lighting. It would only be very effective as a spot light with a good reflector, and even then, not at midday. Then modified in the late sunset/evening time. For external power, though, Aputure has a 48V conversion device that you can plug one or two v-mount batteries into which will readily supply this with power. You’ll only get 15-30mins per v mount battery at max output, though.
Well this one changes white balance, as such they’re usually marked with a B or Bi, but there are also color changing ones referred to as RGB or RGBW lights, although some manufacturers just mark them as X.
Hello! Thanks for your job! Could you tell me, please, the fan model (part number) that is in Amaran 200x S? Maybe you made a photo and have the opportunity to check. If anyone knows the model (part number) of the fan in the Amaran 200 x S, please share. Thanks!
@@WesPerry, thanks for the answer! Yes, I'm thinking about replacing the fan. But before replacing, I want to compare the noise levels of the stock fan and the quieter one. As far as I know, the Amaran 200 has a 92x92x25 fan installed and there is a fan of this size with a noise level of up to 19 dB.
@oleksii_m I see. One item of note on that, I replace the fan in a GVM SD300D with a Noctua fan, thinking it would get quieter, and it did, but only by about 3dB. It turns out sound of the air moving through the light, cooling fins, housing etc was by far the loudest part, not the fan itself.
They don’t have specified ratings, but cob leds generally have a 50,000 to 100,000 hour lifespan. (The lower end of the range when run higher power for longer times, higher end of the range when running lower and shorter)
That’s in the same range as the lifespan of the cooling fan, but if the fan fails first it will simply trigger overheat protection and the fan can be replaced relatively easily.
What sort of measurement are you looking for here? It’s incredibly dim at minimum. As mentioned it can have a very linear power curve (which can also be adjusted), so at minimum it’s just a trickle.
Right here: czcams.com/video/y7-1J2VgvgA/video.html But this was before I had a spectrometer, and have since found that it has sub par color reproduction when carefully compared to the competition.
Sad I ordered a 100x before the S was announced at a major discount ($70 off) and then the new S models were released and my order was canned as it was discontinued. Boooo! I don't think I would notice without someone telling me and honestly I will probably be looking at clearance sale X (non S) line for a 100 or a few 60
Actually aluminum is about 2.5x heavier than plastic. It can often Result in being lighter, by sometimes requiring a greater than 2.5x reduction in actual product used due to its increased strength, though. But not in All applications, only where tensile strength is important. If a substance needs to fill a volume or reinforce a shape, modern plastics are often stronger vs weight. As far as long term durability goes, well designed aluminum will Almost always win. But much of the time when aluminum is used, they'll cut it down to the bare minimum and create durability concerns, while plastic, being significantly cheaper in both supply and manufacture, can easily overcompensate. So many factors! There is a significant amount of aluminum and copper inside this already, though. The interior chassis has a much more robust built than most lights in its class. Others would use riveted sheets of thin stamped aluminum for the interior chassis, while this appears to be much thicker cast aluminum. Which, like you say, is great for heat dissipation.
I hope you never stop making videos, Wes.
Thanks! I don’t think I can anyway, this is my retirement plan 😂
When I saw this video pop up, I was thinking, "Damn you, Wes! Are you gonna make me wanna buy the 200x S?" and I just bought a Molus x100 Combo kit 2wks ago... lol. Anyways, I am glad that your video didn't make me doubt my decision to go with the x100, the x100 (combo kit, i.e. with battery & bowens adapter) and 200x S is similarly priced in my country. I thought having a smaller package to carry around, battery included at half the power was a good trade-off and I still think it is.
That being said, it would be great if you could do a comparison of the light quality between the x100 and the 200x S just so that we know what is the difference between the "Aputure quality" and newer lighting brands.
Nice and thorough video, keep up the good work!
x100 is coming next, so I guess you’re still safe there 😏
And a comparison of light quality was hidden in this video, as that was one of the three color swatch samples. The x100 isn’t quite up to the quality of the 200xs, but it is still very good, and better than most things made until very recently.
@@WesPerry " The x100 isn’t quite up to the quality of the 200xs, but it is still very good, and better than most things made until very recently."... ahh... I can sleep easy tonight then 😛
Thank you for the excellent video again. I will be waiting anxiously for your x100 video.
fantastic review; thanks for sharing!
Great point about the viewing angle of the screen; really bothers me too, especially since I'm usually looking up towards the screen at an elevated position
It’s something so simple that can be such an annoyance.
Wes, your video review was fantastic and really helped me decide to purchase the Amaran 200x S. As a newcomer to the Amaran brand, I'm wondering if it's a suitable choice for both videography and photography, given my budget constraints.
It does have good enough colour rendition for photography work. But some would say that’s not enough power for photography. If you’re going to be shooting with narrower apertures/higher f-stops, it won’t be as much light as an actual flash/strobe.
Great video! Does the fan ever stay of at say 10% or less in intensity?
Thanks for the review video. For the portrait comparison maybe the shutter, f stop, ISO and light power setting would be helpful to get an idea. Thanks!
f/2.2 ISO100 1/125s 😉
@@WesPerry thanks for the quick reply Wes. I don't bit of corporate headshots and sometimes schools too. Usually shooting at higher f stops. F4.5 to f8 max. Wonder how the 200x would do on that scenario with similar shutter speed and ISO up to 800. Do you think it can handle it?
Forgot to put that would most likely use at least two lights
Hi Wes, in your 200xs vs ad300 I could correctly determine the light used by dilation of pupils. That said difference on my tablet (smallish screen, albeit enlarged) was very similar. So I'd conclude that this looked to be a pretty accurate smallish light. Perhaps ideal as a starter for occasional amateur use, indoors, whilst being compatible (via Sidus ap) with the heavier duty, more pro like, higher spec Apurture light family.
HM, thanks for calling me a nobody. I asked for this. 😭😢😭😢 All jokes aside I do respect your review.
the painting shoot looks very natural.
Everything except the hair is natural 👀
Thank you for the video, it was very helpful. May I ask you entertain the idea of getting a pop filter for your mix, the plosives were pretty harsh hearing it on earphones.
I knowww. I’m still looking for one that small enough that it doesn’t take up half the frame 😂
The 200X S is the best because of the high SSI light quality!!!!
Interested to know if you feel there is a realistic colour accuracy difference between this and the Colbor? I've seen this get commended for its colour accuracy, and I'm not too bothered about paying extra for it. The only reason I would choose the Colbor potentially is to use V-mount batteries without needing an extra box.
The Colbor also runs on 48V, so you won’t easily be using it with V-mount batteries either, unless there’s something I don’t know… if so please tell me haha.
And there is a slightly noticeable difference yes. Still working on the best way of portraying it. It’s only marginal, though.
@@WesPerry Thanks for the awesome reviews. Does the 200x S keep the same power (200 watts) at different colors temps for the most part? Is there any reason to get the 200 d S? Are you saying the 200 x s cant run on batteries in a practical way? Thanks.
I showed in the videos, but it does use different power levels for different white balances.
And for battery power you need the Aputure v mount converter box for approx $200USD
colbor says on their product description that if use v mount battery it can only goes to 50%.
@@nightdonutstudio not good. I have this light. If it were only 50% power it would be really weak. Especially for photography.
Have you tried using Beauty dish for Aputure amaran 200X? Will there be any problems?
I have heard that some beauty dishes can only be used for flashing lights, not for LEDs,
If it is used for LED, there will be leakage of direct light from the side of the beauty dish
I wonder if it's true, sometimes it's more convenient to use led to take pictures
Depends on the exact model of dish, but I don’t see how side leakage would be more of an issue with COB leds than with flash. Many flash units extend further out of the mount than an led does, so if anything I would say the issue would be the light wouldn’t spread properly into a beauty dish with led. There isn’t Enough side spread.
I could tell the rt side was flash bc of the green tint in the highlights.
Thanks a lot for this video...What color temperature did you choose for these portraits?
6000K matched the flash most closely.
Great review! do you know if the colbor 220 is brighter than the amaran 200x?
It is yeah. But not in a super obvious way. Just a bit.
Hi! Can’t decide what better 200 X S or 150 c fir the same price ! What do you think better choice?
They’re very different! The big question would be, do you need colour?
@@WesPerry really I never used color but maybe one day ! I am recording beauty makeup and makeup products, but the same price and I can’t decide
i like!!! so funny and so good bro thanks!
Happy to hear it!
Hi mate just a quick one how can we use them for outdoor portraits without having electricity supply ?
Well *takes a deep breath*
First, although this is bright for a video lights this isn’t really a lot of light compared to ambient outdoor lighting. It would only be very effective as a spot light with a good reflector, and even then, not at midday. Then modified in the late sunset/evening time.
For external power, though, Aputure has a 48V conversion device that you can plug one or two v-mount batteries into which will readily supply this with power. You’ll only get 15-30mins per v mount battery at max output, though.
I'm new to led lights, is there any that change color? thanks!
Well this one changes white balance, as such they’re usually marked with a B or Bi, but there are also color changing ones referred to as RGB or RGBW lights, although some manufacturers just mark them as X.
so the light is that strong that its similar to a flash?
That’s correct. But same form factor / bowens mount. Could have also brought up the Aputure LS300 from the same company, though.
Hello!
Thanks for your job!
Could you tell me, please, the fan model (part number) that is in Amaran 200x S?
Maybe you made a photo and have the opportunity to check.
If anyone knows the model (part number) of the fan in the Amaran 200 x S, please share.
Thanks!
Does yours need replacing or something?
I’m afraid didn’t dig far enough into the light to see the part number for it.
@@WesPerry, thanks for the answer!
Yes, I'm thinking about replacing the fan.
But before replacing, I want to compare the noise levels of the stock fan and the quieter one.
As far as I know, the Amaran 200 has a 92x92x25 fan installed and there is a fan of this size with a noise level of up to 19 dB.
@oleksii_m I see. One item of note on that, I replace the fan in a GVM SD300D with a Noctua fan, thinking it would get quieter, and it did, but only by about 3dB. It turns out sound of the air moving through the light, cooling fins, housing etc was by far the loudest part, not the fan itself.
@@WesPerry, thanks for sharing the noise level after replacement.
today i will receive the new Colbor 200...these 200w lights are very similar
But not the same it turns out! Lol
@@WesPerry just received...the 200CL ...is all metal constructed...is not bad at all
This light in my country costs more than a nanlight fs300 with 350 watts, daslight o bicolor so to me the amaran with just 200 watts is not worth it
Weird how that’s always so unpredictable
Godox products often cost half in the eastern hemisphere vs western
hello! how many hours aprox these lights last?
They don’t have specified ratings, but cob leds generally have a 50,000 to 100,000 hour lifespan. (The lower end of the range when run higher power for longer times, higher end of the range when running lower and shorter)
That’s in the same range as the lifespan of the cooling fan, but if the fan fails first it will simply trigger overheat protection and the fan can be replaced relatively easily.
Thank you so much. Very useful
What is minimum brightness of then 200xs?
What sort of measurement are you looking for here? It’s incredibly dim at minimum. As mentioned it can have a very linear power curve (which can also be adjusted), so at minimum it’s just a trickle.
@@WesPerry I ask you about lux and eye strain at 1%, coz I planned to use it as key-light + softbox when I am streaming
Through a soft box you can hardly even tell it’s on at all when at 1%
@@WesPerry Ok, thanks!
Revieew of smallrig light
Right here:
czcams.com/video/y7-1J2VgvgA/video.html
But this was before I had a spectrometer, and have since found that it has sub par color reproduction when carefully compared to the competition.
Sad I ordered a 100x before the S was announced at a major discount ($70 off) and then the new S models were released and my order was canned as it was discontinued. Boooo! I don't think I would notice without someone telling me and honestly I will probably be looking at clearance sale X (non S) line for a 100 or a few 60
I figured they’d sell the old one for a Little longer at discount. That was fast!
@@WesPerry A 100x for 250CAD was a steal and it was cancelled 😭 bummed but I'll just buy a regular X light when I actually need it 😂
get some pop protection maaan, but cool video :)
Yeahhh I can’t find one I like, so I end up with none 😂🤦🏻♂️
Aluminum is lighter than plastic and better for heat
Actually aluminum is about 2.5x heavier than plastic. It can often Result in being lighter, by sometimes requiring a greater than 2.5x reduction in actual product used due to its increased strength, though. But not in All applications, only where tensile strength is important. If a substance needs to fill a volume or reinforce a shape, modern plastics are often stronger vs weight.
As far as long term durability goes, well designed aluminum will Almost always win. But much of the time when aluminum is used, they'll cut it down to the bare minimum and create durability concerns, while plastic, being significantly cheaper in both supply and manufacture, can easily overcompensate.
So many factors!
There is a significant amount of aluminum and copper inside this already, though. The interior chassis has a much more robust built than most lights in its class. Others would use riveted sheets of thin stamped aluminum for the interior chassis, while this appears to be much thicker cast aluminum. Which, like you say, is great for heat dissipation.