NanLite Forza 300 vs Aputure 300d Mk II - The Ultimate Head to Head COB LED Comparison
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- čas přidán 4. 08. 2019
- The Aputure 300d Mark II is finally here! The long awaited upgrade to the 300d features higher output, streamlined performance, and a great price point. But while I love Aputure lights, there may be a new kid on the block. The NanLite Forza 300. The Forza 300 features similar specs, design, and even pricing. Can the Forza 300 challenge the Aputure 300d II for single source LED supremacy? Let's find out!
This is a long video, and I cover A LOT. If you want to jump to something specific, you can use these chapter markers.
Design
3:12 Light Heads
4:54 Control Boxes
5:32 Stand Mounts
6:13 Physical Controls
6:44 Battery Mounting and Specs
7:23 Power Bricks
7:48 Cables and Connectors
8:28 Cases
Features
9:44 Lighting Effects
10:38 Remote Control
11:07 App Control
Tests
11:56 100% Output Test Setup
12:36 100% Output Test Results
12:58 Fresnel Test Setup
13:54 Fresnel Test Results
14:32 AC Power Draw
14:49 Battery Power Test Setup
15:13 Battery Power Test Results
15:27 300d II Single Battery Test
16:02 Barn Door Test
Sound
16:55 Sound Tests
IMPORTANT NOTE ON SOUND!!!
NanLite has confirmed that the clicking noise on my Forza 300 is not normal. It does appear to be a bad bearing or unbalanced fan. I hope to have this unit replaced so that I can take another look at the sound from the Forza 300.
18:02 Forza 300 Fan Off Output Test
18:28 Conclusion
📄Too many numbers too fast? Make sure to download my spreadsheet of all the test results!
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All lighting tests were measured using the ikan CV600 Spectrometer.
#bartjohnsonproductions #nanliteforza300 #aputure300dii
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🔗 LINKS FROM THIS VIDEO
NanLite Forza 300 geni.us/nanlite-forza300
NanLite Forza 500 geni.us/nanlite-forza500
Aputure 300d Mark II geni.us/aputure300dii
Aputure Fresnel 2X geni.us/aputurefresnel
Aputure Barndoors geni.us/aputurebarndoors
CORE SWX Batteries adorama.rfvk.net/B9bzB
My Test Results Spreadsheet drive.google.com/open?id=1org...
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This is the best lighting review I've seen to date! I love the incredible attention to detail!
Excellent video, just ordered to 300d's
Nice! Did you use my affiliate link? 😜
Been waiting for this one, great video!
Great job reviewing! Really appreciate it.
That's just perfect man! Really hard work! Thank's so much!)
I wanted to make a quick note regarding the fan noise on the Forza 300. NanLite has seen the clip and have told me that there is definitely something wrong with my unit. That noise is not normal. I will be working with them to get a replacement and see if the sound performance is better. However, as I said in the video, I reviewed these lights in the condition that they arrived in, just as any other consumer would. Hope this helps!
were you able to get a replacement? what's the fan noise like?
Haven’t watched it yet, but really sorry to see the vlog about your studio burning down! Thanks for all the work you out into these videos, especially the Nanlite lineup.
No rush to reply, but what about that fan noise in the Forza 300? Did they resolve it for you?
any news about the fan noise ?
Thanks for the video. How is the Forza 300 fan noise now? I would like to make a light purchase soon and I am curious about an update. Thanks for the help.
The noise is the only thing that makes me confused to make a choice of Nanlite.
Amazingly thorough review. Thanks!
Comprehensive and funny! Great job! You got me wanting to check out the 500 with the 300 great results...
Thanks Tim! I definitely am gonna be trying to get my hands on the 500, and will probably be giving you a call. Lighting Shootout 2019?
Thanks Bart. Tons of great information here. Next best thing to actually handling the lights myself.
"super scientific testing procedure in progress" lol this came out great man. Very extensive comparison!
Thanks Dave! I’m glad you enjoyed it!
With the fan noise fix and the significant (current as of May-June 1 2020) price drop on the nanlite 300, The Nanlite seems like a no brainer right now. I might be picking one up today. Thank for the awesome review!
I thought only the 500 power unit had a fan fix? Am I missing something?
This is one of the best ever review videos for any tech product I have seen on CZcams 👍😊 great work
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!
That Forza control box looks like you should be using it to call in an airstrike against a column of Panzers.
Wannabe Films Haha! Now I can’t unsee it!
That's the best comment I've seen on CZcams! HAHAHA!
🤣
Hahahhahahahahah
Ha ha ha
As an old dragon tow gunner that made me chuckle
Great comparison video. I like the super scientific sound testing procedures!
I strictly adhered to the scientific method I was taught way back in 6th grade! It's legit! Ha!
Excellent comparison! I was making this decision a week ago and ended up going with the Nanlite. I knew the Aputure would be better in general but given the additional output and the fact I got it £300 cheaper, I couldn't justify the Aputure. That said, I was in a studio yesterday and saw the mk ii, it is a great light!
Thanks for your reviewing. It helps a lot!
Glad it helped!
Very thorough. Great video! Thanks. 🤓👍
Thanks Gerald! Appreciate it!
i know im randomly asking but does someone know a trick to log back into an instagram account?
I was stupid forgot my account password. I appreciate any help you can offer me!
@Samson Axl instablaster =)
@Kyrie Darwin i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site through google and I'm waiting for the hacking stuff atm.
Seems to take quite some time so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
@Kyrie Darwin it worked and I now got access to my account again. I'm so happy!
Thank you so much you really help me out!
This was an incredibly well produced and informative video. I need to find something for my channel that can do both indoor interviews and outside shots with aircraft. I thought I was going to want to Forza, but I'm not sure why but I think I'm leaning to the Aputure now. Possibly because of the fan noise and being able to run on one battery will be very helpful.
Thanks again!
You’re welcome! I’m glad this was helpful!
Light Quality and Output great to see Forza stepping up with their broadcast knowledge from their Ledgo sister company.
Wow Bart! Not only is this a VERY comprehensive and fun video to watch (intro made me LOL), it's amazing you not only took the time to research, test and shoot this, but paid for these with your own coin as well. Impressive sir. p.s. I must say I was disappointed that you can't use AA batteries with these. 😀😀😀
Thank you! I really appreciate that! Let’s hope there’s some big advances in AA tech coming at NAB 2020!
@@BartJohnsonProd HA! :)
Great video!
AMAZING REVIEW THANKS!
Nicely compared. I was thinking that the Forza is the better design if you're suspending the light with a lantern in a relatively low-ceiling environment. A minor thing to most, but very handy when needed. It's good to have choices in high-powered LED's. Keep 'em coming!
Thanks for the video. Always like to see what the industry is doing though its going to be hard for another lighting company to knock me off of Aputure lights at my current level of affordability for lighting gear.
Well done mate. Was looking for an impartial view on these two lights. I'm in the market to buy at least 3 of one of these models. My verdict 300DMKII all day long. Smaller control box, better connectors, the link system, the carry case, the larger company behind them and way more users that are driving new innovation through customer feedback and not to mention fixing warranty and repairs will be better with Aperture. Yes the nanlite is brighter, but that's just about it.
I'm glad I could provide the information you were looking for. Definitely wanted to make sure I remained impartial, even though I do won a TON of Aputure lighting.
truly thank you guys made a Fair true comparison .
great review!!
Glad you enjoyed it
really nice video!
Glad you liked it!
I own both Aputure and Nanlite lights. In the USA, Aputure's customer service is fantastic. They have an office in Los Angeles, are super responsive and take care of their customers. Nanlite hires a 3rd party company on the East coast to run their tech support. They are hard to get a hold of. I often have to call their sales department because their tech support number never gets me anywhere. Something to consider.
very good comparison. thank you.
Thanks!
Really thorough comparison. Appreciate the work you put into the whole review and comparison. Maybe it's just the Logitech desktop speakers I'm listening with but the microphone feels slightly muffled. I would suggest maybe having an audio friend fine tune the audio for your future videos.
I am admittedly no audio pro! Hopefully my new videos have gotten better.
Absolutely love your content, Bart (and wish you the best with your studio rebuild!!). Given the Forza's increased output, would you recommend grabbing it and gelling it (reducing luminance somewhat), or picking up the 300X, which is about the brightness of the 120D II? Thanks for being one of my favorite gear reviewers!
Wow. Pretty cool video. In terms of look? I’d go with the Nanlite because it looks like a badass CPU cooler 😎
i found a store,they have all the product in the video,there is the link:www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002938021909.html?spm=a2g0o.store_pc_allProduct.8148356.5.2b7d190bk90h7L
Great review, and thanks for taking time to product it. I recently pre-ordered a 300dii, and after watching this video I'm confident I made the right choice. I have some Nanguang lights that I like very much, but I think between these two lights, the Aputure gets the nod.
FWIW, I use the remote control with my other 3 Aputure lights, and think Nanlight made a bad choice to make it optional for the Forza products.
Dave Patterson I completely agree. I’m the account manager for NanGuang & LEDGO’s Social Media. I recall you making the same point on our Facebook page, I am pushing for them to include the remote in the future.
@@funny2thag Hi Jeremey. Thanks for your reply.
FWIW, I own a Nanguang RGB88 "wand" light and a 2 foot Pavolight, and like them a LOT. My intent isn't to bash Nanguang/Nanlite products, and I certainly appreciate new affordable options for cinematographers. I'm just saying if they want to compete head to head with Aputure, the remote control as an option expense makes a significant (for me) difference in the value of their Forza line. The Forza specs and design are compelling, and I would seriously consider adding some to my light kit, BUT I find the remote control Aputure includes with their lights to be extremely handy. I have 4 Aputure lights and use the remote on every single shoot.
I wish you the best of success with the Forza line and all Nanlite products!
@@davidp158 I've referenced your comment to our company bc you're not the first or last to make that distinction about the remote. You and others feedback is appreciated and I think 2020 will see new changes. Thanks again for being a user of our products.
Jeremy gay, I’m looking very closely at the Nanlite Forza series after seeing them in use at a recent workshop with Patrick Racey-Murphy. I’m a newbie photographer, in the business for only 20 years. LED products are a new item for me, so I’m not partial toward any particular company the way some might be. I wanted to get in on the holiday special, but honestly felt I need to get more info about the Forza series. I hope 2020 brings even more compelling options!
I bought the aputure spotlight mount first, and only just discovered that the Nanlite doesn't fit it :'( but hey, it makes the decision... easier. Too bad, I liked the higher output and lower price.
I did enjoy the video, and thank you for doing a comparison for us.
There is one thing I don’t agree with. These lights, as all high end lights, are designed to work as a “system”.
Systems being the operative word here. And should be tested and compared using their own specifically designed modifiers and attachments, to give a more accurate and true comparison.
The differences that can be seen when testing one against the other in this this way, can be truly astonishing, and show the true capabilities of each.
I completely agree. Unfortunately the modifiers I needed were not available at the time of this video. I have since picked up the fresnel for the Forza, and it does indeed perform better.
HI
what about the noise on new aputure because I bought 2 x forza 300 and the noise of the fan is amazing high. So I think it won't be possible to use it for interview.
I had cob 300D mark 1 before that and I didn't noticed high fan noise like this.
I wanted to thank you for this video, you saved me from a careless purchase. I was convinced to buy the Aputure 300 ii, but after seeing your video, yesterday I went to try both lights and in the end I took the Ninelite 300 which in my opinion (and those who were with me present at the tests) is much better at the level of lighting produced. And the light emitted is the most important factor of a lamp, isn't it? Measuring the exposure with a Canon 5D mark IV and a Canon C200, both with Aputure Light Dome ii, to have the same illumination on the scene I had to set the Aputure to 69% of its power, while the Nanlite was at 49%. And while the Aputure gave a yellow light, the Nanlite was much much more neutral and clean. In the end I bought the Nanlite and it also cost 200 € less.
How do you find the fan noise to be on the Forza? Acceptable for a key light for an interview or actors nearby?
@@igottheshaft I'm also curious about this!
Fan Noise is also my biggest concern between them. Now there is a Forza 200 out as well. It has a passively cooled Powerbrick but I’m not sure whether or not it has enough power for booklighting an interview. :/
I have no problem at all about fan noise, i don’t hear it! And light is so powerful that when i shoot interviews i must put relatively far from actor! I love this light!!
Shame about Nanlite's poor customer service and after service Aputure all the way for me now for that reason alone, but also the smaller control box and so on. Switched over last year.
do they match pretty well or do you see a big difference between color temperatures and quality?
Have you taken the Aputure 120D mk1 outside? With a fresnel lens, is it strong enough for a bit of fill on 2 faces @ about 16 feet against the sun? was hoping to not need to go to the 300D. Thanks for your review.
I have not tried this exact setup, and it would of course depend on how bright the sun is. But I think the 120d MkI may struggle a bit in that situation. Maybe a 120d MkII or a 300d would be a better option. it is always better to have more power and be able to dial it back. But I know the price difference is quite a lot.
I’d be interested in you taking a custom white balance and sitting in front of the lights for a practical color rendition test.
Just saw your latest video, please disregard. So sorry about the fire 😔
only going with the forza because its 5600K while the mk2 is more 5100. But both are good.
The Aperture Fresnel 2x has internal optics which means that it only works on the lights that have the LED chip in exactly the right place (aka the Aperture 120/300 units.) It's great for maximizing the output from those models of lights, but means that it's limited to only working well on those lights. I'll probably get one for my 120dII, but it's a bummer that it won't work on other lights.
Very true. I actually have a video specifically reviewing the Fresnel 2X performance if you’re interested. The logic behind it being optimized for Aputure lights makes sense, but the results did still surprise me at first on the Forza. I hadn’t thought about it prior to the testing!
@@BartJohnsonProd The physical reason is that smaller and tighter COB gets the maximum usage of optical, aputure cob is obviously smaller than nanlite cob, and will get more brightness when the same optical engaged.
Amigo - great video but what distance were you at measuring that light output?
Suggest guys best stands for 300d II (i will use Light Dome II as well) + 2 v mounts.
And if you put 2 devices Nanlight300 and 575 HMI and from a distance of 10 meters give into the white wall, who will be brighter? I'm just looking for LED devices to replace HMI. And I'm not critical if they do not work on battery
I'm not sure. I am hoping in the future to rent some HMIs and do some testing.
What about warranty between the two? Customer Service? I just had service on an expensive piece of equipment and I can tell you that these considerations all factor into my purchase decisions.
Those are very good points. I have not had a need yet for customer support from either company, but I do know that Aputure is known to be pretty good at taking care of customer issues pretty quickly.
hope you can add "FalconEyes BL-30TD II" to test too, Thanks
Great video. Did compare the 300B versions as well?
Not yet! But I'm interested in checking it out.
I was just wondering how is it like mixing these lights together? did you find the colour balance get weird?
Their color temperature is close, but is indeed slightly different. if you need to be precise, you will want to stick with one brand or the other, or gel one of the lights to match color temp.
Hello Bart, thank you so much for this video, I got so many informations... BUT...still I am trying to figure out how I have to set my camera settings (I own a FF DSLR) when one of these (for example) is at 100% at 3m/9.84 feet from a subject in studio... I would like to work with low iso... Thanks in advance! :)
These should both give you plenty of light to allow you to work at low ISOs
The C300 II does not have a clean fall off and with CCT under 5200 it cant be used in combination with HMIs for example.
Nanlite ONLY!
Can anyone telll about color differences?
One big difference between those two brands.. in the US Nanlite offers financing. Up to 15000$ depending on your credit. So you can own your lighting gear instead of renting it.
Better to buy in cash then finance that much equipment.
Laughed after 5 seconds of watching this video. Thumbs up!
Thanks! You gotta have fun with it, or why do it at all?
You did CRI but what about tint? To my eye the forza had a slight green tint. What gel correction would be needed to get to neutral on the forza? It's something that Aputure has already done with the glass color filter in front of the COB.
That’s a good question. I did not notice any cast in person. The perceived color cast could be the slightly different color temp, the tint settings in the camera, or the color grade applied. But I will look into this for you!
The Forza 300 Δuv is 19 increments above the Planckian curve, so it is slightly green. It would need less than a 1/8 gel to correct, according to Gaffer and Gears' test, see czcams.com/video/icUTFOzxLxc/video.html
Audible Fan noise = Deal breaker.
Hello Bart, Do you happen to know the actual output at 1m without reflector?
I don't offhand. Sorry about that!
how u mix this 2 lights as the color temp is very diff
If you wanted to match perfectly you would need to gel one of the lights to match the color temp of the other.
How about long term... how are both lights today?
Unfortunately I can't really comment on that as both were lost in a fire in November 2019.
OK have you tried the Genaray MonoBright Daylight LED 1200? Frankly I would argue that a 300D is way overkill for most people unless they are doing episodic or film work where lighting can be very complex. For interviews I'd say this is way too much light.... Granted once a diffusion gets added the light does drop but still this is enormous light. What about taking the Aputure Fresnel 2x and adding that to the 120D or some other cheaper light and you basically are at the 300D output . This is like buying a Ferrari to buy milk at the corner store. Your thoughts on the Genaray ?
but did you watched czcams.com/video/LqAn7BHJ9E8/video.html ?
if you could reach a Forza fresnel you could do a video using it with a cob led lighr pixelc220 or a godox to see how the frenel perform in aother thing than a forza?
Felipe Vece I do have to Forza fresnel now. I will try to add that video to the list, but we are quite busy with rebuilding our house and studio at the moment. I will do my best!
@@BartJohnsonProd Thanks Bro!!! i saw tests of the forza fresnel and does very good spot with 10° or less angle, i lke to know if it does performe as good with an other cob thats not forza like Pixel C220 ( i have one) or other COB like a godox etc.
Can you compare it to the Genaray Powerhouse PH300-LED?
I will look into that light! I am creating a list of heavyweights that I want to gather together and do a big lighting comparison for 2019.
Bart Johnson Productions That would be Great! Thanks
You don't know if the inner lens of a Fresnel is at the proper distance from the light to focus properly. Aputure fresnel on Godox for eg won't give hard shadows (out of focus); design matters.
Thanks! I liked your review. Our needs are for stills only (still life product studio) so no need for batteries or "effects"...I hope the color stays consistent at all output range, that would be something I need to know. I liked both but really like the bluetooth app control and metal finish of the Aputure unit. The Nanlight is sold and backed by my favorite reseller so thats a pro in their column. Price seems close enough. Either costs less than mono bloc strobe units from Broncolor or ProFoto but twice as much as PaulCBuff. Bowens mount is "meh" I would rather have Profoto mount system (just better)...Anyways, thanks for the rundown! Really helpful!
Hello, did you check them for flicker? fast shutter speed?
I did not. My meter can measure that. Any specific shutter speed you were wondering about?
@@BartJohnsonProd from 1/2000 to 1/8000, some light make strange lines all over the screen, i guess because of pwm.
@@BartJohnsonProd this even can be tested with any photo camera with rolling shutter.
Great comparison, sir. One note - you don't have to buy the NanLite RC-1 to control the Forza remotely. You can download a free app for Android or iOS to control the light from your phone. Please see: en.nanlite.com/downloads
Third party bowen modifiers don't actually work on Aperture lights, they just barely don't fit. They can be filed down, but that voids warranty.
What is the Output with an softbox?🤯🤷🏻♂️ the important thing
300D II light spread out MAGENTA color not clean
Hello Bart : Aputure 300 mk II is greener all the way here.
With one battery @ 50% output (native power) looks even more green : 15:41
What's going on ? My screen + Aputure = green ? Do u see any green with a white ball ?
Aputure COB is smaller, so the Frenel would have been made for this purposes.
Makes total sense. I definitely want to try the NanLite Fresnel and see what kind of output bump the Forza gets.
Same issue with the Aputure spotlight mount, turns out :/
Bart Johnson Productions were you able to get your hands on the Forza Fresnel? Any thoughts about its efficiency?
Great comparison!!! Bart do you think its possible to compare the 300 D M2 with the Clar Illumi Max 300 from Adorama, there is a great 2 pack with lots of extra gear Fresnel and other stuff. Hello from Mexico City. Thanks!
www.adorama.com/clilmax30k4.html
I will take a look at this light and see what I can do. I am looking to gather a bunch of different light models and pit them against each other soon. (Hopefully!)
Industry doesnt considerate Aputure professional; yet.
"Yet" is the key word. It's amazing how far they have progressed in recent years. I can only imagine how much farther they will grow.
@@BartJohnsonProd Beside it's visible green signature, the 300D spectrum also shows a less crazy blue spike. I'm kinda less worried when I see that. Weakest CRI value, Nanlite falls there R12 (blue) = 74,1 / Aputure R12 = 78,7...
Does this mean Aputure is less crazy ????
I think lighting reviews should have a Kill-a-watt to measure the exact power draw of the lights instead of trusting the manufacture's specs.
I did measure that in this video, with both coming in around 342-343 watts at max power.
Kill-a-watt is actually a fun way to say kilowatt. Can I use it?
1099 ?
Next video please
We don’t care about length width and all those stuff we want to know brightness that’s all that matters
That's why I added the chapter markers so you could skip!
Still Godox ul 150 ii is leader . Sound
Lol they both the same price range 😂 get the sokani or the godox 200w
Why? We don’t benefit the measurement at 6ft. We need it at 3ft - 1m 🤦🏾♂️🤦🏾♂️🤦🏾♂️🤦🏾♂️
I tend to measure farther out to get a more realistic use case scenario. However, Im always learning how to improve!
still aperture is the leader
THE FAN NOISE ON FORZA IS REALLY BAD DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY. I TESTED SEVERAL OF THOSE AND ALL HAVE REALLY LOUD NOISE 300 AND 60.
Aputure 300 MKII is a garbage unit. I had 3 (yes, 3!) of those lights go down on me in the past few months. Zero reliability.
Great job reviewing! Really appreciate it.