I'm 10 mins into the review and I'm subscribing! So refreshing to watch a Pro-Pro review, so much stuff THAT I haven't seen other people talk about! Well done mate! :)
Andrew mate, I am so happy to have recently discovered your channel. A real industry Gaffer that I can trust with reviews of lighting gear. As a freelance Broadcast lighting cameraman living in Sweden I truly appreciate the detail and knowledge that you put into your reviews, plus the sprinkling of industry tips to top them off. Watching this has definitely made me make up my mind as to which light will be my next lighting investment.😃🙏🏾
This information is gold. I'm understanding lighting more and more, and it was 1000 times more helpful to hear it from a gaffer. subbed. liked and saved to my lighting video list. Thank you so much cap'n.
By far the most informative review out there on this light. Really appreciate the effort you’ve put into properly going over every aspect from a real user point of view. Only thing I’d love to see would be some side by side comparison to an HMI in a real world test but that said you did a great job just explaining it all from within the garage! Looking forward to watching more about the spotlight mount too! Subscribed!
Hey man! Love your reviews, they are based on daily usage and practicality of the items, which is a highly lacking component to most CZcams reviews. Please keep this going. I am subscribing.
Thank you Andrew. Daily I watch your videos to improve my knowledge about lights and gaffer techniques. Please review cheap and affordable lighting (for ex: godox series) and light rigging gears as well. It would be very helpful for people like me who cannot afford expensive gear. I appreciate the time you take to make videos. God bless you
Superb review Andrew, thanks so much. To the point and without extraneous banter. I’ve ordered one which arrives tomorrow and think about a second shortly.
I just subscribed because of the name and before watching the video. The name totally is just . Thanks for the hands down best Aperture 300 MKii review. I’ll be watching many more now . Thank you !
Thanks for the info! I bought this light because of your detailed video. I was going to limp by with a Godox light, but you made some valid points about the Aputure ecosystem. Keep up the good work!
Long-time viewer, first-time commenter. Thank you so much for your attention to detail and to-the-point style. I just did a 4 day shoot and had to come to the realization that none of my lights are bright enough (Currently using 120d knock offs that drive me crazy because they're weak and poorly made). With the information you've provided I feel like I can buy with confidence. Thanks again, keep up the great work!
Hi, very well done!. This is a fine review, lots of valuable information. Makes it very easy for me to decide to go with this light.... Thanks for helping me out and answering my questions, way before I knew what I would have asked for...! :-). Best Greetings from Germany. Michael
A few years ago, I swore off ever buying Aputure products because of their truly awful customer service, but this review is making me reconsider. Thanks for your breakdown!
I was the same. I thought "Aputure" was "Amature" spelt wrong. Clearly they are keen to get a foot in the door at a professional level. Of all the companies I deal with, they are the most responsive when it comes to negative feed back about design.
Don't have time to write a big thank you, so I just subscribed! :-) Your content is excellent, and I will enjoy bingeing your content and look forward to the learning opportunity. Thanks again!
This was OUTSTANDING. Incredibly thorough. Thanks for taking the time to really go through the features and benefits of this light. Aputure should pay you a commission on my sale. Subbing to your channel just because of this. Peace!
This is all great stuff. Plenty to know and learn. Thanks for all this. Do you use a Lightmeter? If so, any chance of giving us a real world insight into how you use the device in a real world scenario? Also, perhaps an episode on how you communicate with a DP. What is expected of you? How much you need from your DP. Thanks again for some great tuts and insights. Extremely helpful.
"You'd have to be a special kind of idiot to damage this thing" LOL. Thanks for answering my color-fringing question. Love your honest lighting reviews!
@@chumcool this is about 1/2 as bright as the forza 500. So watch that episode, about 16 minutes in I use it outdoors during the day. Imagine 1/2 as bright, that would be a 300d Equivalent. For me, with the Fresnel on, the 300 may be OK as a backlight during the day (on a close up).
Wow...what a fantastic presentation! Thank you. One question: 1: Since you can have 3 devices per channel, can you independently operate levels for each light on the same channel, or, instead, you need to put each light on a different channel if you want to independently oprerate each light? Thanks
I haven't used the remotes since the review video because I use dmx on set. But if you want each light to run separate they need to be on separate Chanel's, but they can be grouped together, with 3 Chanel per group.
this channel has become my goto place to figure out my next purchases.... BTW.... watched your videos on lighting.... your knowledge goes past a gaffer and i'd presume you're also DP.
Great video, as always. I trust your reviews over any others on CZcams. I did wonder about one thing. The fresnel attachment, I presume from what you said and the way the barn door shadow was not crisp, that the fresnel mount does not produce hard crisp shadows on the subject when set to flood (like a tungsten Fresnel would) ? Does the crispness of the shadows change at all when adjusting spot/flood ? Also Ted from Aputure told me that they wou;ld be making a 50 degree lens for the projector attachment if you get to reviewing that at some point. I will be buying one of these. Many thanks for the review.
I have a projector attachment here for testing, it's impressive. I've told then that it needs a 50 degree lens if it's going to sell well. But it's a very sweet optical device. The Fresnel is really just for magnifying, it wouldn't work though a cookie/gobo for example.
@@gaffergear can I ask your opion ? If you needed to shoot some thing like the "Blurred lines" music video, which is basically a single fresnel hard flood, crisp shadows, like a traditional fresnel, will the barn door attachment or any attachment/modifier be pretty enough for that ? I have an Arri 2000 studio, which has 10 inch lens, which is great for that but I was going to sell it and put it towards this but may be I need to keep it. The light from it, with the 10 inch lens is pretty, hard but usable on talent with out diffusing the hell out of it, in a way that a bare COB might not be ?
@@marcusavanti902 no ones looking at the lighting in that clip! I have two studio 2ks covered in dust, and 4 studio 5k just in case a job like this comes along. But if you need this sharpness and a 300d was the only light, shoot raw COB. Super sharp, big spread
In terms of cost effectiveness and power, would you recommend purchasing the Aputure 300d mark II or Nanlite Forza 500? Do you think the Forza 500 with a China ball can match a Joker 800 with China ball? Thanks! I watch all your videos. Great stuff.
I have never used a joker 800 with a China ball so it would be hard to say. Especially as the globe is sitting inside the ball, and not above the ball like a COB. I'm reluctant to give advise about the Forza 500 as I've only ever used a prototype. Final version could be better, could be worse.
hello Sr., quick question, does it charge the batteries whiles it plugged in and being used at the same time? this is kind of important for me, since Im always running and gunning at weddings, sometimes I could be plugged in and change ways out of the blue...
Please i need your help. I am Jeb from Cameroon. I just connected my Aputure300d to a power souce and as i increased the intensity it just flickered and went off and its no more coming on, any solution?
Hello Andrew. Thank you very much for your fantastic videos. I have learned so much since I subscribed to your channel. I wanted to ask if you know any battery that fits Aputure's recommendation for the 300D II. They say it should have a continuous draw of 15 Amp. Do you have any recommendation? I also have the 300 X. Do you know if the requirements are the same?
I wouldn't use anything under a 260wh battery if you are after longevity. They cost more but they won't get worn out as fast, some of my clients used smaller batteries and they are now wrecked after just 9 months. I currently have old stocks of Dynacore 260wh and they have been very robust and reliable. I recently tested out 4 X Fention 290wh and decided to purchase another 20 due to the relative low cost. The 300x is slightly less power draw but I would still use a large battery.
@@gaffergear It would be great if you make a CZcams video explaining many aspects about V-mount batteries and testing them using a light like the Aputure 300 D II. The part of constant draw is particularly confusing. Why a battery can have more constant draw than another, etc.
Thanks for your excellent reviews. Much appreciated. Regarding the 300D II, Aputure recommends/requires 15A batteries, and 13A for the 120D II as I recall. I had hoped to get by with batteries from D&O as they are significantly better priced that many others, but rated at a more normal 12A. Any experience on using 12A on these lights? Can I just remember to not go above xx percent power when using them to not strain them beyond limits, if I'm on a budget and can't/won't afford batteries several times more expensive? Any experience here would be much appreciated. This will be my first video light, starting with mostly talking head to half figure. Considering the 300D II for later versatility as price difference to 120D II isn't that big.
You can run these lights off smaller batteries, if the light is not running at 100% of cause. But as for running it at high brightness you may run into two problems. The internal breaker in the battery may trip (it resets when put on a charger). As a good rule of thumb, if your flattening a v-moubt battery quicker than an hour your damaging it in the long run, so in a few years time the cells will be stuffed. Another option , if you have lots of 12A batteries, teaming them on a shark fin adaptor. www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1455713-REG to share the load over several batteries. I do this with my older batteries because even I can't afford to be buying new batteries every 3 years.
" you have to be a special kind of idiot to damage this unit". First time I rented it out, someone didnt take away the plastic cap from the LED and let it run with it xD
I totally agree that the barn doors are a no brainer but I found that if I use the gel holder my CTO’s started melting when the 300D ii is over 70-75% power. Is there a trick to getting them not to melt in the gel holder? Do you favor a brand of CTO for heat resistance? Would you suggest using something like Heat Shield if you really want to use the gel holder?
OK, so Aputure 300DII @ 3080 lux, Forza 300 @ 5040 lux and Forza 500 @ 7150 Lux. Hmmm, considering this new light is 20% brighter than the old one, is Aputure under running their chip?
Remember those numbers are with the reflectors, the bulk of the Forza output is because they have absolutely nailed the alignment of the reflectors facets to the position of the COB. I just want to make that point clear so people don't expect the 500 to match a 1.2K hmi through a soft box!
In addition, when it comes to "underrunning chips", the Forza 300 is actually underpowering a 500W chip, which is why is it brighter. The downside to this, however, is that it is technically less efficient, and cannot take advantage of optics as easily as a smaller chip like the 300d II. However, if you're just putting it in a softbox, then yes, it's brighter.
@@brandonvle Cooling plays a big part in efficiency. Re focused light, I suppose we will see when Forza release their fresnel and maybe focused options. As for Efficeincy, both draw the same power, and one has significantly more output. This is the efficiency that matters to me and in my opinion it shows that the Forza is actually the more efficient light engine.
Andrew what do you think of the brand Godox. I don't want fancy functions; should I stick with the less expensive VL 300 godox vs the aputure above? I'm planning to build a DOP light kit; starting small for portraiture then adding bigger lights like 600+ later on.
@@gaffergear Nice, looking forward. I think I'll start with Godox and upgrade to Aputure depending on how business is going (experience and advice has taught me to limit to my current needs and budget, I spent big before).
Love your channel, really the best. Question: Can I run the Aputure 300D II on this battery- the IndiPRO Tools 270Wh Micro-Series V-Mount Li-Ion Battery, which can handle power draws of up to 12A. Its 18.6Ah capacity and 14.8V output are sufficient to power most professional cameras. Thanks in advance for your time.
I would join an Aputure Facebook forum and ask there, someone from Aputure will give you a response. I would also ask the manufacturer if their battery is designed to run in series (especially if it has any reverse polarity protection) as this has become an issue with my Fention batteries after about 6 months of working perfectly.
Thanks again for your great review! Love it. Amazing what Aputure is doing BUT have you tested the Dedolight Dled10 yet? I own the Dled10 and love it, it is heavy, especially the ballast but the light output is mind-bending for its size! Please get your hands on this one too, would love to hear your opinion on that!
A DLED 10 arrived in Melbourne a couple of months ago, but it was destroyed in transit. I love my 7's. I can't wait to get a 10 for testing. Do you have the bi-colour and projection attachment? that's what I want to see!
@@gaffergear Wow - destroyed in transit? This bulky little light should pack a beating - it needs a lot of power to crush that thing in my mind. I just went for the daylight version because of the output. I have all the bells and whistles for the Dled9/10 Series - except the all new parallel-beam attachement 2.0 and the light stream system. I am visiting their booth at IBC in Amsterdam in September and cant wait to see whats new. I will start to do lighting based videos FOR CLIENTS - compare good vs bad lighting ect. so my clients can understand the contrast between cheap filmproductions and those who bring more value/quality to the table and showcse some gear within that - those videos will be in german though. :)
Yeah so what do you reckon about 300d vs forza300/500. I basically just care about brightness. So if the Forza 500 fit all the accesories with no problems id imagine thatd be the optimal option? What ya reckon?
If you want to use the leko style Mount then no. The optics are so chrisp that they must be perfectly aligned to the smaller aputure COB. That's why I'm going a mix of products. But if your just using soft boxes then yes, the forza 500 KILLS this. I would want until forza release their own Fresnel for it though.
I learned a lot about gaffing just from this review which was great. I have a question about the barn doors. What if you put the grid into the barn doors when making a slash using the Fresnel? It would limit the beam angle a bit but wouldn't it also catch more stray light rays? Also you tested the barn doors in the flood mode of the Fresnel lens (or at least that's what it looked like) but wouldn't you have less errant light rays (more directional rays) if you set it to its most narrow beam angle?
In terms of getting a slash or barn door patterns Fresnel's only work in the flood. In spot the focal point is past the barn doors. So the doors have limited control in spot. Adding the grid makes barn door control even worse as each cell on the grid becomes a separate light source in relation to the distance between them and the barn door. Same applies with using a grid on a soft box. If you then use a cutter as well you get multiple shadows off the cutter. You just gave me an idea for another video. Great question!
Interesting. The physics of light is so complex. I never really considered light focal point for production lighting until watching a few of your videos.
6:55 Aren't Pin 4 and 5 empty on DMX? I read up somewhere that they actually released 5 pin DMX with the intent of adding something to the two pins, but that never happend... So what makes 3 pin less professional than 5 pin?
3 pin tends to get used on low end DJ gear because it's cheap. Two many things use 3 pin, Audio and 48v DC. So the film industry standard is 5 pin to avoid further mix ups on set. So when I get 3 pin DMX on set I need to plug in an adaptor. All my DMX leads are 5 core. Some of my gear sends the dmx signal down the other two pins (apparently using phase alternation or it reveres phase or something like that) as a check signal. This is for very long DMX runs (100's of meters). But you are right, the vast majority of fixtures just have 2 pins connected, so in effect pins are basicly redundant.
I tried sending the controllers power out into the controllers DMX port and nothing happened, so it was safe in that instance. But what would happen if we had a cable mix up on a DMX cable run with multiple lights hooked up to the 5 Pin?????
@@thekaiser4333 I'm not doing that, I'm waiting for a response from Aputure, apparently the controller can detect if there is no head connected. But the engineering team is looking into it
@andrew i am dave from holland i have question. the range offff lights aputure 300d m2 caliber. are there bether ones then the 300dm2 for that kind of money or are there cheaper ones. I just started to look for lights and want a 2 lights setup. I saw your spotlights godox s10 and realy dig that one.... i want a very good fill key light and spot light to high light the skin tones. Btw love your reviews... keep it up
Hi Andrew. Would this light be ideal for a interview style light, with options because of its output ability? Would you recommend this light for a two man team doing corporate and online media, or is there another light you would recommend?
Have a look at my Forza videos. Similar lights, a 60, 300 video, and a 500 video. I won't reccomend one over the other because it comes down to your preferences. Pros and Cons for all of them.
Did you try to test the Fresnell modifiers of the Forza with the apurture. Since the fresnell in the forza can do a more spot and small circle in the light, is interesting to know if the spot with the aperture is better too?
@@gaffergear Thanks!!! i have a Pixel C220 that is very similar in shape to aperture 120d. since the apurture fresnell x2 does not have a good fresnell spot i was wonder if with the bowen mount the Forza frenell with bowen mount can be use. Do you Know if there is an alternative fresnel with bowen mount, with a good fresnell spot like the forza 500 does? since is bowen mount too why doesn't fit is in any way moore big?
@@gaffergear Why does not fit, is too thick the bowen mount compare to the apurture or is somethign i can not modify in the bowen mount or make it fil like sanding or trim a little bit the piece?
@@gaffergear Thanks for that. I am just watching your video,and it is very useful.Since it doesn't include the battery, what the battery of yours ? It looks very powerful. Great video, 41.5 mins with all details about the light.I am making the choice between 300d mark 2 and 120 marks 2. Looks like just buy 300 mark 2 as a final solution.
The bulk of my v-mount are Dynacore. And I get them from Technical Art Solutions in Melbourne. However I am trying some cheaper batteries from eBay called Fention. These were recommend to me and are about 1/2 the price, but I won't know if they are any good for about 5 years. Only time will tell.
@@gaffergear Thank you, answered. Your review was perfect because of the real-world for the film. However, I'm thinking about buying the 300D ii or 300X. I will get both for the future, but I can't buy both for one time. One of my friends is the gaffer, and he told me, "don't need bi-color because of use gels for 300Dii,"... anyway, I will decide after your review.
Thank you, a very good test with impressive lux ! but after 4month of works ,does the TLCI and TC also as good than in the first test ? Thanks for your response Payen P SBC DOP
The only LED lights I've owned that are "noticeably" not as good as when I first got them in terms of colour or white point accuracy, or continuing to match each other are my very expansive skypanels, Now 3 years old. Every other LED I own, or have owned seems to keep very good consistency, even the cheep nasty e-bay Chinese lights, and I had some of those for 7 years. I just used this thoroughly last night and it preformed exactly how it ran day one of having it. But, it's to early to tell for 100%, it's still relitivaly new.
That would be a very long answer. I have a video on the Forza 300's, maybe watch that. Some people like the Aputure more, some like the Forza more. I personaly like the Forza 500, but I feel it may not servive as well in a rental environment as the Aputure
@@andugo my 300D has to run with a 1/8th CTB to match all my other fixtures on set. It's more a CCT point problem. For me the First match better with all my other daylight fixtures.
@@dieutan1 OK, I'm still torn.... For my rental business definitely the 300D II because of it's near indistructable build. For me personally for my own use, the forza, because of it's higher CCT matching closer to my HMIs and I can run it off my battery packs. However I'm definitely having at least one 300D (in my personal kit) to run with the spotlight (leko) mount. (in my next video) as I doubt it would optically line up to the Forzas bigger COB. I would seriously reserve final judgement on thel Forza until they release their Fresnel and have a longer head leads available. At the moment it's a bit limited in use. What I'm actually waiting for is the Forza 500 to be released with the fan issue fixed and a 5 meter head lead. That's still two months off apparently. So my personal kit will consist of 2 forza 500 and one 300D with the projection mount.
@@gaffergear Thanks for all your reviews on YT. They are the most informative on lighting gear I've come across. I'm in the market for a 300W COB but can't really decide on which between the Aputure, Nanlite and the Falcon Eyes. Have you played with the Falcon Eyes 300W COB? If so, do you rate it? It's the cheapest of the 3 and the bicolor function is really cool. I would love the 500W Forza but it's a little expensive for now. Anyway thanks for replying and sharing your knowledge.
Avenger mini combo. But that was selected because I needed it at my height and not rocking around when I touch it. I use different stands depending on the situation when working. This stand is a bit overkill for this light and dosn't go very high.
@@gaffergear ok, let me explain what i am gonna do, so i need you're advise. I am gonna use 300dii and in future 600d for all purposes, interviews, narrative, music videos, so i will go very high and i am gonna use light domeII with 2 v mount batteries, if you can send B&H links for 2-3 versions of c stands, i would be thankful.
@@cineformat6298 www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/600648-REG This is a good stand. It's heavy, but if you have it up high with a dome it won't sway in the wind. It's quality stainless steel so won't rust. If the ground is not level it has an adjustable leg. It will easily take the weight of a 300d with batteries and controller mounted, it will even take the aputure spotlight mount. It will take a 600 no problem.
I'm 10 mins into the review and I'm subscribing! So refreshing to watch a Pro-Pro review, so much stuff THAT I haven't seen other people talk about!
Well done mate! :)
Andrew mate, I am so happy to have recently discovered your channel. A real industry Gaffer that I can trust with reviews of lighting gear. As a freelance Broadcast lighting cameraman living in Sweden I truly appreciate the detail and knowledge that you put into your reviews, plus the sprinkling of industry tips to top them off. Watching this has definitely made me make up my mind as to which light will be my next lighting investment.😃🙏🏾
Thanks. Have a look at some of my other reviews on similar products.
I have and I like ! 😂🙏🏾
Thanks for this. Really appreciate the insight from someone actually out in the field.
This information is gold. I'm understanding lighting more and more, and it was 1000 times more helpful to hear it from a gaffer. subbed. liked and saved to my lighting video list. Thank you so much cap'n.
By far the most informative review out there on this light. Really appreciate the effort you’ve put into properly going over every aspect from a real user point of view. Only thing I’d love to see would be some side by side comparison to an HMI in a real world test but that said you did a great job just explaining it all from within the garage! Looking forward to watching more about the spotlight mount too! Subscribed!
Hey man! Love your reviews, they are based on daily usage and practicality of the items, which is a highly lacking component to most CZcams reviews. Please keep this going. I am subscribing.
Excellent video mate, I just ordered two lights and subscribed to your channel,
Who would have thought, the allfather of homesteading likes aputure fixtures.
Thank you Andrew. Daily I watch your videos to improve my knowledge about lights and gaffer techniques. Please review cheap and affordable lighting (for ex: godox series) and light rigging gears as well. It would be very helpful for people like me who cannot afford expensive gear. I appreciate the time you take to make videos. God bless you
Great Review Andy, I know it's been a long time but I really enjoyed working with you on the gigs we did.
Love your real-world and in-depth review
Probably the best and most detailed review of this light on CZcams. Great job!
Superb review Andrew, thanks so much. To the point and without extraneous banter. I’ve ordered one which arrives tomorrow and think about a second shortly.
I just subscribed because of the name and before watching the video.
The name totally is just . Thanks for the hands down best Aperture 300 MKii review. I’ll be watching many more now . Thank you !
One of the best 300D II reviews I have watched. Thanks for sharing your honest opinion. Bought my 300D II 2 weeks ago and am loving it. Thanks.
Good overview of this item. Really appreciate it!
Thanks for the info! I bought this light because of your detailed video. I was going to limp by with a Godox light, but you made some valid points about the Aputure ecosystem. Keep up the good work!
Thank you for your thorough review! You covered it all! Thanks again.😊
Holy!!!! This is the best and most comprising review I have seen!
Long-time viewer, first-time commenter. Thank you so much for your attention to detail and to-the-point style. I just did a 4 day shoot and had to come to the realization that none of my lights are bright enough (Currently using 120d knock offs that drive me crazy because they're weak and poorly made). With the information you've provided I feel like I can buy with confidence. Thanks again, keep up the great work!
Best of Best review in the world !!! Thank you soo match. NY NY USA
Hi, very well done!. This is a fine review, lots of valuable information. Makes it very easy for me to decide to go with this light.... Thanks for helping me out and answering my questions, way before I knew what I would have asked for...! :-). Best Greetings from Germany. Michael
Excellent review! You are very thorough and provide the right amount of detail.
A few years ago, I swore off ever buying Aputure products because of their truly awful customer service, but this review is making me reconsider. Thanks for your breakdown!
I was the same. I thought "Aputure" was "Amature" spelt wrong.
Clearly they are keen to get a foot in the door at a professional level.
Of all the companies I deal with, they are the most responsive when it comes to negative feed back about design.
Don't have time to write a big thank you, so I just subscribed! :-) Your content is excellent, and I will enjoy bingeing your content and look forward to the learning opportunity. Thanks again!
Awesome review. I've been happy with all the various Aputure lights I've bought over the last few years, looking forward to this one.
Love mine...I eventually will show mine and real world situations..great video here🤟🏻
Yes, a real gaffer! Finally!
Subscribed, Super In Depth Video.
Wow! Thanks for such a great video. That was sooo thorough!!
This is the first video of yours I've seen...instant subscribe. You're amazing! Can't wait to see what else you've reviewed. Keep up the great work!
very useful video for indie videographers who is carrying all the equipment by themself
Brilliant!!! This is not just a damn good review, it is an extensive training course from a gaffer. All for free, kudos to you! Thanks
This was OUTSTANDING. Incredibly thorough. Thanks for taking the time to really go through the features and benefits of this light. Aputure should pay you a commission on my sale. Subbing to your channel just because of this. Peace!
At 2:45 I lost it 🤣🤣🤣 Great video... I'm loving my 300dii 😊
Thank you for the review! I have the MKii with the 2X, Lightdome 2 and the lantern on order.
Great review!
great video, gonna get one of these now! Cheers
thanks so much, mate! this channel is awesome
Damn that’s a good review
The reflector is still loose on the bowens mount, just so everyone knows!
Nothing a bit of cinefoil can't fix!
I got nervous when you started swinging the controller around haha. great review
Very detailed review - thank you for sharing. Would love a follow-up on the projection mount. Interested to hear your take on it.
This is all great stuff. Plenty to know and learn. Thanks for all this.
Do you use a Lightmeter? If so, any chance of giving us a real world insight into how you use the device in a real world scenario?
Also, perhaps an episode on how you communicate with a DP. What is expected of you? How much you need from your DP.
Thanks again for some great tuts and insights. Extremely helpful.
That's a great episode idea.
It varies from job to Job, some are very detailed, other are justcamera operators who call themself a DP
"You'd have to be a special kind of idiot to damage this thing" LOL. Thanks for answering my color-fringing question. Love your honest lighting reviews!
A superb review!
13th video in a row that shows everything except for the reason people want it for. OUTSIDE!!!!!!!
Outside at night 35:00
It’s a good example for photography
@@chumcool this is about 1/2 as bright as the forza 500. So watch that episode, about 16 minutes in I use it outdoors during the day. Imagine 1/2 as bright, that would be a 300d Equivalent. For me, with the Fresnel on, the 300 may be OK as a backlight during the day (on a close up).
@@gaffergear Nice. I will check that out. Thank you
Really Great Review sir
Thank you.
very helpful ..thank you so much
Double like! Thanks a bunch.
thank you for the tip :)
great job man!
Having reviewed both the 300D II and Forza 300 (or the Forza 500, which comes in at the same price)
, which light would you recommend?
I have the same question in mind!
enjoyed this video thanks
Wow...what a fantastic presentation! Thank you.
One question:
1: Since you can have 3 devices per channel, can you independently operate levels for each light on the same channel, or, instead, you need to put each light on a different channel if you want to independently oprerate each light?
Thanks
I haven't used the remotes since the review video because I use dmx on set. But if you want each light to run separate they need to be on separate Chanel's, but they can be grouped together, with 3 Chanel per group.
Very Nice!
this channel has become my goto place to figure out my next purchases.... BTW.... watched your videos on lighting.... your knowledge goes past a gaffer and i'd presume you're also DP.
Just a gaffer!
Great video, as always. I trust your reviews over any others on CZcams. I did wonder about one thing. The fresnel attachment, I presume from what you said and the way the barn door shadow was not crisp, that the fresnel mount does not produce hard crisp shadows on the subject when set to flood (like a tungsten Fresnel would) ? Does the crispness of the shadows change at all when adjusting spot/flood ? Also Ted from Aputure told me that they wou;ld be making a 50 degree lens for the projector attachment if you get to reviewing that at some point. I will be buying one of these. Many thanks for the review.
I have a projector attachment here for testing, it's impressive. I've told then that it needs a 50 degree lens if it's going to sell well. But it's a very sweet optical device.
The Fresnel is really just for magnifying, it wouldn't work though a cookie/gobo for example.
@@gaffergear can I ask your opion ? If you needed to shoot some thing like the "Blurred lines" music video, which is basically a single fresnel hard flood, crisp shadows, like a traditional fresnel, will the barn door attachment or any attachment/modifier be pretty enough for that ? I have an Arri 2000 studio, which has 10 inch lens, which is great for that but I was going to sell it and put it towards this but may be I need to keep it. The light from it, with the 10 inch lens is pretty, hard but usable on talent with out diffusing the hell out of it, in a way that a bare COB might not be ?
@@marcusavanti902 no ones looking at the lighting in that clip!
I have two studio 2ks covered in dust, and 4 studio 5k just in case a job like this comes along.
But if you need this sharpness and a 300d was the only light, shoot raw COB. Super sharp, big spread
In terms of cost effectiveness and power, would you recommend purchasing the Aputure 300d mark II or Nanlite Forza 500?
Do you think the Forza 500 with a China ball can match a Joker 800 with China ball?
Thanks! I watch all your videos. Great stuff.
I have never used a joker 800 with a China ball so it would be hard to say. Especially as the globe is sitting inside the ball, and not above the ball like a COB.
I'm reluctant to give advise about the Forza 500 as I've only ever used a prototype. Final version could be better, could be worse.
hello Sr., quick question, does it charge the batteries whiles it plugged in and being used at the same time? this is kind of important for me, since Im always running and gunning at weddings, sometimes I could be plugged in and change ways out of the blue...
34:58 Well his neighbors hate him.
definitely
Please i need your help. I am Jeb from Cameroon. I just connected my Aputure300d to a power souce and as i increased the intensity it just flickered and went off and its no more coming on, any solution?
I've not had that problem. I would suggest getting onto an Aputure Facebook users group and asking the question
Hello Andrew. Thank you very much for your fantastic videos. I have learned so much since I subscribed to your channel. I wanted to ask if you know any battery that fits Aputure's recommendation for the 300D II. They say it should have a continuous draw of 15 Amp. Do you have any recommendation? I also have the 300 X. Do you know if the requirements are the same?
I wouldn't use anything under a 260wh battery if you are after longevity. They cost more but they won't get worn out as fast, some of my clients used smaller batteries and they are now wrecked after just 9 months.
I currently have old stocks of Dynacore 260wh and they have been very robust and reliable. I recently tested out 4 X Fention 290wh and decided to purchase another 20 due to the relative low cost.
The 300x is slightly less power draw but I would still use a large battery.
@@gaffergear Thank you very much Andrew. I appreciate your help and quick response. I will follow your advice. Have a great day.
@@gaffergear It would be great if you make a CZcams video explaining many aspects about V-mount batteries and testing them using a light like the Aputure 300 D II. The part of constant draw is particularly confusing. Why a battery can have more constant draw than another, etc.
@@gaffergear I was not able to find Dynacore batteries or 4X Fention in the B&H website. Do you know if they are named differently in the US?
@@osoriony dynacore-battery.com/
the controler is genious
Thanks for your excellent reviews. Much appreciated. Regarding the 300D II, Aputure recommends/requires 15A batteries, and 13A for the 120D II as I recall. I had hoped to get by with batteries from D&O as they are significantly better priced that many others, but rated at a more normal 12A. Any experience on using 12A on these lights? Can I just remember to not go above xx percent power when using them to not strain them beyond limits, if I'm on a budget and can't/won't afford batteries several times more expensive? Any experience here would be much appreciated. This will be my first video light, starting with mostly talking head to half figure. Considering the 300D II for later versatility as price difference to 120D II isn't that big.
You can run these lights off smaller batteries, if the light is not running at 100% of cause.
But as for running it at high brightness you may run into two problems. The internal breaker in the battery may trip (it resets when put on a charger). As a good rule of thumb, if your flattening a v-moubt battery quicker than an hour your damaging it in the long run, so in a few years time the cells will be stuffed.
Another option , if you have lots of 12A batteries, teaming them on a shark fin adaptor.
www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1455713-REG
to share the load over several batteries. I do this with my older batteries because even I can't afford to be buying new batteries every 3 years.
" you have to be a special kind of idiot to damage this unit". First time I rented it out, someone didnt take away the plastic cap from the LED and let it run with it xD
Thanks for you channel, what is the best battery to use with the Aputure Light Storm 300D Mark II?
I totally agree that the barn doors are a no brainer but I found that if I use the gel holder my CTO’s started melting when the 300D ii is over 70-75% power. Is there a trick to getting them not to melt in the gel holder? Do you favor a brand of CTO for heat resistance? Would you suggest using something like Heat Shield if you really want to use the gel holder?
What other COBs are you looking to stock up on? Forzas?
Yep Forza 500's.
But I'm holding off until I see a finished product first. The cooling fan on the prototype was too loud.
Did you ever buy one ? if so what are your final thoughts?
OK, so Aputure 300DII @ 3080 lux, Forza 300 @ 5040 lux and Forza 500 @ 7150 Lux. Hmmm, considering this new light is 20% brighter than the old one, is Aputure under running their chip?
Remember those numbers are with the reflectors, the bulk of the Forza output is because they have absolutely nailed the alignment of the reflectors facets to the position of the COB.
I just want to make that point clear so people don't expect the 500 to match a 1.2K hmi through a soft box!
In addition, when it comes to "underrunning chips", the Forza 300 is actually underpowering a 500W chip, which is why is it brighter. The downside to this, however, is that it is technically less efficient, and cannot take advantage of optics as easily as a smaller chip like the 300d II. However, if you're just putting it in a softbox, then yes, it's brighter.
@@brandonvle Cooling plays a big part in efficiency. Re focused light, I suppose we will see when Forza release their fresnel and maybe focused options. As for Efficeincy, both draw the same power, and one has significantly more output. This is the efficiency that matters to me and in my opinion it shows that the Forza is actually the more efficient light engine.
Andrew what do you think of the brand Godox. I don't want fancy functions; should I stick with the less expensive VL 300 godox vs the aputure above?
I'm planning to build a DOP light kit; starting small for portraiture then adding bigger lights like 600+ later on.
Godox are making some good stuff now, I will have a review of their 600 soon
@@gaffergear Nice, looking forward. I think I'll start with Godox and upgrade to Aputure depending on how business is going (experience and advice has taught me to limit to my current needs and budget, I spent big before).
Love your channel, really the best. Question: Can I run the Aputure 300D II on this battery- the IndiPRO Tools 270Wh Micro-Series V-Mount Li-Ion Battery, which can handle power draws of up to 12A. Its 18.6Ah capacity and 14.8V output are sufficient to power most professional cameras. Thanks in advance for your time.
I would join an Aputure Facebook forum and ask there, someone from Aputure will give you a response. I would also ask the manufacturer if their battery is designed to run in series (especially if it has any reverse polarity protection) as this has become an issue with my Fention batteries after about 6 months of working perfectly.
Thanks for the help on this
Thanks again for your great review! Love it. Amazing what Aputure is doing BUT have you tested the Dedolight Dled10 yet?
I own the Dled10 and love it, it is heavy, especially the ballast but the light output is mind-bending for its size! Please get your hands on this one too, would love to hear your opinion on that!
A DLED 10 arrived in Melbourne a couple of months ago, but it was destroyed in transit.
I love my 7's. I can't wait to get a 10 for testing.
Do you have the bi-colour and projection attachment? that's what I want to see!
Do you have the bi-colour Dled10 or the daylight? Would also be interested to know if it has a magenta colour cast like the Dled7?.. thanks!
@@cagf2013 I dont have a colorimeter at hand - but to my eye wether the Dled 10 Daylight, nor my Dled9 Daylight and Bi-color have a magenta shift.
@@gaffergear Wow - destroyed in transit? This bulky little light should pack a beating - it needs a lot of power to crush that thing in my mind. I just went for the daylight version because of the output. I have all the bells and whistles for the Dled9/10 Series - except the all new parallel-beam attachement 2.0 and the light stream system. I am visiting their booth at IBC in Amsterdam in September and cant wait to see whats new. I will start to do lighting based videos FOR CLIENTS - compare good vs bad lighting ect. so my clients can understand the contrast between cheap filmproductions and those who bring more value/quality to the table and showcse some gear within that - those videos will be in german though. :)
Yeah so what do you reckon about 300d vs forza300/500.
I basically just care about brightness. So if the Forza 500 fit all the accesories with no problems id imagine thatd be the optimal option? What ya reckon?
Would love to hear your opinion on these two models as well. Thanks for the review by the way, love the detail
If you want to use the leko style Mount then no. The optics are so chrisp that they must be perfectly aligned to the smaller aputure COB. That's why I'm going a mix of products.
But if your just using soft boxes then yes, the forza 500 KILLS this.
I would want until forza release their own Fresnel for it though.
Bummer.
Okay thanks!
I learned a lot about gaffing just from this review which was great. I have a question about the barn doors. What if you put the grid into the barn doors when making a slash using the Fresnel? It would limit the beam angle a bit but wouldn't it also catch more stray light rays? Also you tested the barn doors in the flood mode of the Fresnel lens (or at least that's what it looked like) but wouldn't you have less errant light rays (more directional rays) if you set it to its most narrow beam angle?
In terms of getting a slash or barn door patterns Fresnel's only work in the flood. In spot the focal point is past the barn doors. So the doors have limited control in spot. Adding the grid makes barn door control even worse as each cell on the grid becomes a separate light source in relation to the distance between them and the barn door. Same applies with using a grid on a soft box. If you then use a cutter as well you get multiple shadows off the cutter.
You just gave me an idea for another video. Great question!
Interesting. The physics of light is so complex. I never really considered light focal point for production lighting until watching a few of your videos.
Can you review the Genaray Powerhouse 330 watt monolight?
I would love to, it looks worth while send them a message suggesting I review one!
6:55 Aren't Pin 4 and 5 empty on DMX? I read up somewhere that they actually released 5 pin DMX with the intent of adding something to the two pins, but that never happend... So what makes 3 pin less professional than 5 pin?
3 pin tends to get used on low end DJ gear because it's cheap. Two many things use 3 pin, Audio and 48v DC. So the film industry standard is 5 pin to avoid further mix ups on set.
So when I get 3 pin DMX on set I need to plug in an adaptor.
All my DMX leads are 5 core. Some of my gear sends the dmx signal down the other two pins (apparently using phase alternation or it reveres phase or something like that) as a check signal. This is for very long DMX runs (100's of meters).
But you are right, the vast majority of fixtures just have 2 pins connected, so in effect pins are basicly redundant.
What?! They are using the SAME connector for POWER OUT and DMX?
Is that safe?
I tried sending the controllers power out into the controllers DMX port and nothing happened, so it was safe in that instance. But what would happen if we had a cable mix up on a DMX cable run with multiple lights hooked up to the 5 Pin?????
@@gaffergear - Try sending Power out from the Aperture Power supply into DMX in of a DMX controller or a DMX desk.
@@thekaiser4333 I'm not doing that, I'm waiting for a response from Aputure, apparently the controller can detect if there is no head connected. But the engineering team is looking into it
Hi andrew - do you know how to use a photographic umbrella on these 300D II heads?
Their is no mount on the 300. Google "manfrotto swivel and tilt", it's a low cost attachment between a light and a stand that has an umbrella mount.
@andrew i am dave from holland i have question. the range offff lights aputure 300d m2 caliber. are there bether ones then the 300dm2 for that kind of money or are there cheaper ones. I just started to look for lights and want a 2 lights setup. I saw your spotlights godox s10 and realy dig that one.... i want a very good fill key light and spot light to high light the skin tones. Btw love your reviews... keep it up
Correction godox s30...
Would you recommend the Aputure 300d ii or the Nanlite 300?
My advise is to get your hands on them and see what you prefer. Depends on your work.
It's like picking between a family car.
Hi Andrew. Would this light be ideal for a interview style light, with options because of its output ability? Would you recommend this light for a two man team doing corporate and online media, or is there another light you would recommend?
Have a look at my Forza videos. Similar lights, a 60, 300 video, and a 500 video.
I won't reccomend one over the other because it comes down to your preferences. Pros and Cons for all of them.
@@gaffergear Thanks Andrew. Appreciated.
@@nathanabrahams5305 have you had a chance to look at the Forza and Aputure; what are your thoughts?
Did you try to test the Fresnell modifiers of the Forza with the apurture. Since the fresnell in the forza can do a more spot and small circle in the light, is interesting to know if the spot with the aperture is better too?
Won't mount unfortunately
@@gaffergear Thanks!!! i have a Pixel C220 that is very similar in shape to aperture 120d. since the apurture fresnell x2 does not have a good fresnell spot i was wonder if with the bowen mount the Forza frenell with bowen mount can be use.
Do you Know if there is an alternative fresnel with bowen mount, with a good fresnell spot like the forza 500 does?
since is bowen mount too why doesn't fit is in any way moore big?
@@felipevece I haven't come across anything else that's good and works like an old-school Fresnel
@@gaffergear Thanks i was hopping at least something like the forza fresnel with it's less than 10º angle for a good spot
@@gaffergear Why does not fit, is too thick the bowen mount compare to the apurture or is somethign i can not modify in the bowen mount or make it fil like sanding or trim a little bit the piece?
Hi, Is it flicker free at 1000 fps? Thanks!
Thanks for the video and wondering what stand are you using for the light. Thanks.
Avenger combo steel stand. You don't need a stand that heavy for this light thou. I just used it so the light would move around as a touch it.
@@gaffergear Thanks for that. I am just watching your video,and it is very useful.Since it doesn't include the battery, what the battery of yours ? It looks very powerful. Great video, 41.5 mins with all details about the light.I am making the choice between 300d mark 2 and 120 marks 2. Looks like just buy 300 mark 2 as a final solution.
@@user-pk3lp2qb7b I use mostly dynacore, but that's only because they are easy to get here
@@gaffergear Great ,thanks again.
So to get that HMI look, you should use the Spotlight mount?
Generally speaking I would say no. It's all specific tool for beam control
Great to get a gaffers view on this light, where do you get your v-mounts for this?
The bulk of my v-mount are Dynacore. And I get them from Technical Art Solutions in Melbourne.
However I am trying some cheaper batteries from eBay called Fention. These were recommend to me and are about 1/2 the price, but I won't know if they are any good for about 5 years. Only time will tell.
Gaffer & Gear Thanks for the info, I really appreciate the work you’re doing with these videos.
Much appreciated if you could follow up, i just wondering if you do selling this Kit or Just doing CZcams!!
Can you review the light cannon pro please
Will you buy a Aputure 300X?
I should have got one weeks back for review, but it looks like it's stuck in customs
@@gaffergear Thank you, answered. Your review was perfect because of the real-world for the film. However, I'm thinking about buying the 300D ii or 300X. I will get both for the future, but I can't buy both for one time. One of my friends is the gaffer, and he told me, "don't need bi-color because of use gels for 300Dii,"... anyway, I will decide after your review.
Is this light EVER gonna actually be in stock?
got two of them at home ;)
@@stephanwieser Why you dirty dawg, you!
Now I understand why it is so expensive. I still can't afford it though lol.
Thank you, a very good test with impressive lux ! but after 4month of works ,does the TLCI and TC also as good than in the first test ?
Thanks for your response
Payen P SBC DOP
The only LED lights I've owned that are "noticeably" not as good as when I first got them in terms of colour or white point accuracy, or continuing to match each other are my very expansive skypanels, Now 3 years old.
Every other LED I own, or have owned seems to keep very good consistency, even the cheep nasty e-bay Chinese lights, and I had some of those for 7 years.
I just used this thoroughly last night and it preformed exactly how it ran day one of having it. But, it's to early to tell for 100%, it's still relitivaly new.
how this compare to Forza 300?
That would be a very long answer.
I have a video on the Forza 300's, maybe watch that. Some people like the Aputure more, some like the Forza more.
I personaly like the Forza 500, but I feel it may not servive as well in a rental environment as the Aputure
@@gaffergear i do own 2x forza 60 is pretty light weight. What about mixing lights? I know aputure is more toward magneta.
@@andugo my 300D has to run with a 1/8th CTB to match all my other fixtures on set. It's more a CCT point problem. For me the First match better with all my other daylight fixtures.
Do your neighbours get annoyed?
Don't know, they don't speak English!
If you had to pick one, would it be this light or the Nanlite Forza 300?
@@dieutan1 OK, I'm still torn....
For my rental business definitely the 300D II because of it's near indistructable build.
For me personally for my own use, the forza, because of it's higher CCT matching closer to my HMIs and I can run it off my battery packs.
However I'm definitely having at least one 300D (in my personal kit) to run with the spotlight (leko) mount. (in my next video) as I doubt it would optically line up to the Forzas bigger COB.
I would seriously reserve final judgement on thel Forza until they release their Fresnel and have a longer head leads available. At the moment it's a bit limited in use.
What I'm actually waiting for is the Forza 500 to be released with the fan issue fixed and a 5 meter head lead. That's still two months off apparently.
So my personal kit will consist of 2 forza 500 and one 300D with the projection mount.
@@gaffergear Thanks for all your reviews on YT. They are the most informative on lighting gear I've come across. I'm in the market for a 300W COB but can't really decide on which between the Aputure, Nanlite and the Falcon Eyes. Have you played with the Falcon Eyes 300W COB? If so, do you rate it? It's the cheapest of the 3 and the bicolor function is really cool. I would love the 500W Forza but it's a little expensive for now. Anyway thanks for replying and sharing your knowledge.
@@dieutan1 no one brings falcon eyes into Australia so I haven't seen one.
Which stand do you use in the video for holding 300D II ?
Avenger mini combo. But that was selected because I needed it at my height and not rocking around when I touch it. I use different stands depending on the situation when working. This stand is a bit overkill for this light and dosn't go very high.
@@gaffergear ok, let me explain what i am gonna do, so i need you're advise. I am gonna use 300dii and in future 600d for all purposes, interviews, narrative, music videos, so i will go very high and i am gonna use light domeII with 2 v mount batteries, if you can send B&H links for 2-3 versions of c stands, i would be thankful.
@@cineformat6298 www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/600648-REG
This is a good stand. It's heavy, but if you have it up high with a dome it won't sway in the wind. It's quality stainless steel so won't rust. If the ground is not level it has an adjustable leg. It will easily take the weight of a 300d with batteries and controller mounted, it will even take the aputure spotlight mount. It will take a 600 no problem.