Best Bright Filmmaking LED Light? Falcon Eyes BL-30TD vs Aputure 300D
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- čas přidán 17. 12. 2018
- How does this bright bi-color led light compare to the Aputure 300D? Lets find out! The Falcon Eyes BL-30TD is the brightest bi-color light I’ve ever used and is a great alternative to the more expensive Aputure 300D.
Falcon Eyes BL-30TD
Amazon US and CA: geni.us/GNsf2YV
Amazon DE: geni.us/vglyiX
Amazon UK: geni.us/gHfj
Extension Cable on Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/ySlu6H
While this light is a great Aputure alternative, you can't go wrong with the rugged 300D!
Aputure 300D
Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/bKqix
B&H: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/ap...
Aputure Website: store.aputure.com/products/ls...
PROS:
As bright as the Aputure 300D
Bi-Color
Good CRI
Light dims lower than the 300D
Power unit is all in one
Controller fan is silent
$800
CONS:
Not quick as well made as the 300D
Control unit is heavy
Control unit cable is too short (extension cable can be found here on Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/ionX)
Light fan is not silent
MY CAMERA GUIDES
academy.dslrvideoshooter.com
MY MAIN CAMERA SETUP
Panasonic GH5s on Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/gh5s
Viltrox Speedbooster on Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/y2CORa
Sigma 18-35mm on Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/sigma18
Benro Tripod on Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/i2ZUCA
MY LIGHTING SETUP
Aputure 120D on Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/88Akm
Aputure Light Dome on Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/aputurelightdome
Falcon Eyes 24TDX on Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/OdOb
Rolling Stand on Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/Jh97BK8
MY AUDIO SETUP
Deity Shotgun on Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/aputuredeity
Sound Devices MixPre-3 on Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/vHsiYi6
DISCLAIMERS:
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
This light was supplied to me from Falcon Eyes free of charge. This review and it's content were not reviewed or paid for by outside persons or manufacturers. - Krátké a kreslené filmy
5:47 - Caleb pulls out his Ghost Trap from Ghostbusters. 😜
Great video! 😃👍
Let's get undone!
@@AdamPrestNZ He's crazy.
Great video Caleb!!! This thing looks sweet!
Thank you Max!!! In other news, so glad you got your channel sorted!
FYI: I just purchased the Falcon Eyes from Amazon and it now comes with a long extension cable so no need to spend the extra $40. The yoke also holds solid, even with a very heavy gridded 55” round softbox on. Very happy with it so far. Purchased based on your review.
Thanks for the update!
This looks like an amazing light. I love the fact its Bicolor. I am gonna seriously think about picking up that Falcon Eyes.
I've been looking for a bi-color light like the 300D. Thanks a lot! I'll highly consider it.
Thanks for this find. It just so happens I was just thinking about getting the 300d. Now, I'm seriously considering the Falcon Eyes. The timing could not have been better.
Great review, very helpful and practical. It is awesome to see these LED lights come down in price and add bi-color
Dang. This makes me want three of these! Thanks for the great content as always.
Thanks for the info! Hadn’t heard of this light before. Looks interesting
Me either! China is pumping out little gems like this constantly now but they don't see a lot of love online due to obscurity.
great content per ushe! Would love to learn more about various bowens-mount modifiers. Also, maybe not the most exciting thing but would be cool to learn about storage options for gear, cords, etc.
You can also catch ghosts in the Falcon Eyes controller..... ha ha
Haha!
exactly what i thought :D
My thoughts exactly! Ghostbusters
Lol!!
DSLR Video Shooter hey Caleb! Great video as always :D i’ve a brief question, between the Aputure 120MII and the Falconeyes BL-30TD at the same price what would you choose?
I wouldn’t like to find myself with little power lighting up outside
Caleb, it would be nice to see your opinion about the Godox SL-60W. And a comparisson with the Aputure 120d maybe? Your videos are awesome, very nice quality, keep it up! 😎
As always, a video full of profund informations, congenial transported!
Caleb, thanks as always. I own the 300D, and another alternative has been out for a couple of months. It's the NiceFoto HA-3300B. It's $839 on Amazon. Supposedly brighter, but daylight only. The guys at The Film Look youtube channel took a look at it, but didn't do a head-to-head comparison.
I did it on my channel (only in french sorry) and the HA-3300B is insanly brighter ! 57.000 lux at 1m versus 10.000 lux for the COB300d 😱
If it's not portable, then it's not an alternative. The NiceFoto doesn't have the option of running on batteries. I wish it did, though =/
@@samuelleanos
Look into portable power generator inverters. Don't mistake these as gas powered. They're basically just big batteries, but less portable than the v-mounts, but also less expensive.
Adorama had the 300D plus air cushioned light stand for $899 yesterday. insane deal!
vey upset i missed it
Yes seems to be doing flash mob type clearance sale from time to time everywhere this last fortnight, must be new version coming out soon haha.
@@4KLive funny you say that 300d mkii has a random page that pops up on aputures server..
@@animusvisual sorry I just say the existing one is on sale, guseeing a MK2 will be coming soon . haha
@@4KLive yea thats what I mean, there's already a page for mk2 made. Definitely coming
This video dropped just in time for me!
Same for us! :)
Glad to be of service in a timely manner!
exciting time for high output lights...thanks for sharing. Also, my Aputure 120d died at exactly 20 months...😢😢
Was it still under guarantee?
Thanks very much for this. review, I alwways watch your videos with very much interest!
I’ve been using FalconEyes led for over 4 years now and I love them. You cannot beat their price for the quality of light your getting. I’ve never had a good experience with aputure so I stop using them a long time ago. They always have a green tint to their lights. I’m sure they’ve gotten better but because of my experience, I’m afraid to try them again.
great video as always. that is an awesome light
Thanks for the great comparison video!! I would love to see you compare these 2 lights: Westcott Flex Cine Bi-Color Mat (2 x 2') vs Intellytech LiteCloth LC-160 2 x 2 The Intellytech is half the price as the Westcott but want to see how it holds up in output and CRI.
When it comes to the loud PSU that comes with the 300D, Aputure actually ships a really long mini-XLR extension so the PSU doesn't even have to be in the same room. I've shot plenty of interviews with it I've never had a complaint from the sound guy.
At $800 now I even have to reconsider the 120d 2! This light looks awesome.
Brilliant review! This Falcon Eyes seems really great. One question though: What does it take to power this thing V-mount wise? The 300D seems to need really high capacity batteries and I travel via plane with gear all the time and can’t take huge capacity V-mounts.
I like at 1:30 the text of the color ranges of the two lights and how they represent the color of the lights.
One thing you didn't mention is Aputure has a remote, and that remote can be used with other Aputure lights. The provided remote is a very handy and helpful feature. You can stand at the monitor and adjust the brightness to your taste. I use my remote often! Great review btw!
I'm sad for everyone who just bought the 300D right before the 300D ii came out. Mark ii is a remarkable light. So killer.
Hi Caleb, great review. Wondering if you happened to do any high frame rate tests?
Thanks for the well thought out review!
Are either of these lights more "shapeable?" ie; can you cast hard(ish) shadows with barn doors or cookies?
Hey! Great review, thank you! Wondered how its holding up. Very interested in buying but a little apprehensive since the company doesn't seem to have much of a real world presence (wondering how that plays out for warranty etc). Thanks!
Excellent comparison. Do me a favor look at the wording for the 1st con you listed
Aputure lights have QC issues, I bought 3 120ds and 1 stopped working in 3 weeks so returned them all and purchased Genray and Godox units. To say the Falcon Eyes isn't as durable without owning and using one for an extended time is silly.
Big fan of the show and everything you are doing on this channel. But, sadly I bought two of these lights and they both failed on me on a shoot 2 months after purchase. Reached out to falcon eyes and their response was, "If the working temperature too high or too low, the light body temperature over 70 degress, the dimmer will reads 0% and the light will shut off due to overheat protection." Which is what was happening on one light but the other will not even turn on. My lights were only used at night in moderate cool temperatures by a professional Gaffer, so needless to say the lights are veeeery temperamental and can not be trusted to work on a professional set. Falcon eyes agreed to send me 1 new unit even though I bought 2 of them. But I can't trust the lights so now I've got almost $2000's of paper weights. To be honest I'd just like my money back but I'd love any advice anyone has on the topic or dealing with Falconeyes...
Would you use this light as a key light for interviews, or is the fan too loud for that?
That Falcon Eyes BL-30TD is pretty sweet, if I didn't have 300D already, I think I would go with it instead!
Great video! Where can I find that tiny red and black light stand in the video?
This is great! Did you ever compare the Aputure 120 with Godox SL-200W? I have seen some other reviews but would love to hear your take - especially if you consider replacing the cooling fan to a quieter one.
I’m so curious. Where is the placement of your mic? The audio just sounds so good. Rich bass ???
It would be interesting to know how well the Falcon Eyes cuts light when using a barn doors. Most LED's won't give a clean edge like a traditional hot light.
Without a fresnel lens attached, no clean edge would be possible with any of these kind of lights, I am sure.
What kind of carrier case/bag does the Falcon Eyes come with?
And is there any option to get a small remote to control the falcon eyes from a distance?
Thank you, Caleb! :)
Hello, yes. It will come with a padded bag. The light can work with RC-3T remote control.
I just got mine. I haven't had a chance to use on a real shoot yet, but the fan noise is quite concerning.
Don't forget the chip pattern on the board - the Aputure is round, and the FE is square (and striped). So if your trying to get lens flares by shooting the light into the lens, the Aputure will look a lot better
Tommy Callaway interesting! 🤔
yes but that's very rare since +90% of times we all use soft boxes with these lights and that kills flare completely! actually mostly people go for these lights because how softening them is easy ! i don't think there be many situations where we want to get flare out of a soft key light….but yes it's a thing tho
@@analienundercover8207 For sure, mine are usually softened, and bowens mounts are awesome.
I recently received the BL 30TD. The chip pattern isn't noticeable, but the square shape is vaguely noticeable thru a spotted fresnel lens.
@@GearJones how is the fan? Noticeable? Is it really worth the purchase more than a 300d?
Thanks to you we just purchased the MENIK CB-102a and we're so happy with it! But we don't think we'd be using it as a key light for interviews... We were thinking of purchasing the APUTURE 120d mark II but this video maybe is a game changer for us.... hahaha thanks anyway! :-)
Love that Menik light!
@@dslrvideoshooter I know we are so happy we went for this one instead of the Falcon Eyes RW-24TDX! But about the BL-30TD it seems like we can't purchase it in Europe .... yet! :-(
Right now I'm still torn on if buying the BL-30TD makes sense instead. I could save $300 and get bi-color, probably better noise, but I can use gels and get the build quality of the Aputure. I trust their equipment, and I trust that if something bad happened I would get help, based on past experience. I like the Falconeyes lights I have, but they're a step down in terms of build and extras
Thanks for the video! I’m considering purchasing this light, but this light’s low-watt little brother, the BL-10TD, had an inaccurate color temperature reading on my Lumu light meter. This happened twice and both times I sent the light back to Amazon. I saw that you use a Sekonic Spectrometer. How accurate is the color temperature on this light?
This is why I use gels. Easiest ways to get consistent color from various lights.
Aputure also gives you a remote that can control multiple lights and a really nice storage case. Does this have a remote and if not what does it cost to add it? Also, the case is probably worth $100
Looks pretty interesting. It's a shame in late 2018 we can't get lights without giant/cumbersome controllers.
Any chance you would have link to the table top tripod setup you are using on those lights? Been needing something just like that for when we set a 120d up behind our talent shining on a backdrop.
Why does there seem to be such a big color cast different at side by side around 2:30?
Any chance of reviewing their 120W light as well (P-12)? If that one is as good as this BL-30TD, it will be a great alternative to the Aputure 120d.
Hey, I've been recently looking at using NP-f batteries for more things and came across adaptors for AA batteries in a Np-f shell, have you tried these out at all and found any good ones. the idea of being able to buy a few and being able to use good rechargable AA's seems great to me but i figure there must be a downside or they'd be a lot more common.
Also, are these lights powerful enough to use outside a window, subbing for sunlight for interior shot?
Very interesting product for the price and the bi-color.
Nonetheless, how is it possible this FalconEyes 300W makes 12200 lux @1m and a NiceFoto with 330W makes 52000 lux always @1m and with the same reflector (not with fresnel). More, the nicefoto is not declared a narrow spot angle: they say 120°...
Also...with the falcon eyes being multiple leds... how does cutting the light look or shadows?
Caleb, can you make a video where you replace the falcon eyes fan with a quieter one?
I would love for someone to make a video on that. It's probably fairly easy to do. I wonder what size/model fan it uses?
I do have a question about the Falcon. Are there any step shadows from the strips of LED?
Can u measure and compare with a full cto gel on the aputure and set the other one to 3200k, thank u
Could you please review that ifootage monopod..?
Does anybody know where the umbrella holder is? The reflector has a slot for it but I don't see where it slides into near the body.
Just purchased the Falcon Eyes as well as the Aputure Fresnel 2x adapter. For some reason it doesn't spot the light at all very minimal change between it and flood. Not sure if its the adapter or the light itself. Anyone else experience anything similar?
300d was on Adorama for $899 yesterday
Should really check out the Rayzr7-300d. It’s almost twice as bright as the aputure.
Any experience on the 45 degree up shutdown? I’ve had this happen with a 300d. Does it happen with the falcon as well?
I have to ask....Since you mentioned Joker lights...How do these hold up to them?
How about the Godox SL series? I own the 60 and 150w versions and they are outstanding. Kinda noisy, but easily removable on post.
I think this every time I see one of these videos lol. I use all Godox
You can replace the fan on the godox's with a near-silent one. I know because I did it. lol
Hey! I also compared the 120D to the BL-10TD, (A 120D that’s Bi Color) 😜🍻
Would be interesting to learn about your conclusion on comparing 120D to BL-10TD?
Seems like the big chip LED market is about to disrupt things... would love to see a review (particularly regarding CRI/TLCI measurements) of the cheaper COB offerings out there from Godox and Zuma-they are SO MUCH CHEAPER than Aputure, are they worth it??
If you contact Mettle which is the OEM manufacturer for Falcon Eyes they'll sell you their cheaper version of the Falcon Eyes for $250. Yes you can buy even one single light from them. Best way to contact is alibaba. Straight from the manufacturer. Ordered some lights and the end price was around 50% of what the Mettle branded lights would have been from amazon. So 30% of the price of Falcon Eyes sounds right.
Aputure has some upgrading to do :)
I've been looking at this for months now. Does it look possible to mod the fans in the head? I've modded the PSU of the 300D to be silent.
Why all the banding on the background when using lights? Just curious.
Bicolor runs from 3200 to 5600k or therabouts. Gels have all sorts of looks. The Rosco Urban and Sodium light gels are amazing. Daylight LEDs are hundreds of dollars cheaper, and put out roughly twice the amount of light. Important if you use softboxes.
Can you compare these lights with Intellytech Light Cannon F-485? It is also bri color but rated to be brighter than the 300D. The BL-30TD is impressive but the F-485 looks twice as bright for $1500. Keep the content coming. Thanks
485 is very heavy ( ~25 lbs ) and large with their own mount (not Bowens). It is brigther but it looks like if you buy the new Aputure 2x Fresnel you'll get ~90% of the fully spotted brightness.
@@neoshazam thanks! I'm going to get the new fresnel, looks impressive. I appreciate the reply.
Is this strong enough to light events like wedding receptions, proms. Looking for a 3 light setup.
Yes, it is depending on the room of the event but this should be perfect for most scenarios.
Does it have a Fresnel adapter?
Hey Caleb, amazing video there like always! I have a recommendation for you for a product I would like to watch reviewed - The Godox SL lineup of LED Lights. They are also single-chip LED light with a Bowen's mount in a similar form factor to that of Aputure 120D. Godox SL-60W or Godox SL-150W, I can't seem to remember, boasts a 90+ CRI and output comparable to the Aputure 120D. Godox SL 60W is about 150$, SL-150W is about 280$ and SL-200W is about 330$. There are a few videos about Godox lights on CZcams and most of them confirm the claims made by Godox. If you can, please review the Godox SL-60W, SL-150W and SL-200W. Godox is a famous flash manufacturer among photographers, so, it's not as if it's just another Chinese company offering a product too good to be true.
Keep up the good work! Lots of love ❤️
Yes but a bunch of people also complained about the color consistency between the different models. I have the 60 and 200 and they're fine but I've seen videos showing a mismatch. Also the fans are pretty loud without modding them. I've modded mine and they run quite a bit hotter than stock, so if you are in a hot environment and need them quiet they're not super great. On location shouldn't be too bad in louder environments.
Thanks for the reply Daniel. Since I have never used a Godox LED, I really need some advise on whether I should invest $1000-1500 on an arsenal of LED video lights based around Godox lineup. If not, then which other brand should I go for? Aputure would be too expensive as I would only be able to get 3 LED Lights from them even if I go on to spend 1500$. Are there any good quality but cheaper alternatives to Aputure COB lineup?
@@ArjunRoy5It depends on your needs and budget and location. I find I'm using panels a lot of the time and am going to try the Falcon eyes panels soon (RX-24tdx and RX-29tdx). If you are needing more than 3 lights with that budget you're going to be using a lot of low powered lights (which is fine if you're mostly doing interior interviews).
i wanna see aputure vs nanlite
Does the falcon eyes come with a good case like aputure?
If you click on the Amazon link for the light, you will see that it does come with a case.
I'm curious how these would stack up against the Godox SL-60W
Weightless Films the godox is insanely good for the price but output doesn’t compare to these
Does it come with a bag tho?
Wireless control??
The controller is still a far cry from massive HMI ballasts of not too long ago.The whole 30TD kit weighs about 1/4 of an Arri 1200 ballast.
Any 300 dollar lighting setup recommendations?
Late but godox sl-60w with a cheap soft box works great for my use and cost me around 180 with a stand included
Hmm, i dont like square LED arrays, as they dont work very well with a fresnel lense. In spot mode it will look like a windwow...
Sad that the remote doesn't come with the Falcon eyes (another $60)
Plz help me l am a new camera buy best video and photo camera buy now plz. Tell me
Is there a fresnel attachment for the Falcon Eyes?
Not from FE that I know of. You could purchase a random bowens s mount fresnel and it should work.
Does it also come with a carrying case?
Yes, it does. I just got mine. I came in a lightweight hard case with rigid foam. It's not as strong as a pelican style case, but much better than a bag.
Could You replace the fans with the silent ones?
P.S. Have You tried the Godox SL200?
hzubovi1 I’m also curious about the SL200 as a budget alternative 🙂
I've been using 2x Godox SL-200W + 2x SL-200Y for 2 years now. They are 100% my workhorses for interviews! Built like tanks, high CRI, fantastic light output!
the falcon eyes' ballast looks like a ghostbuster trap
300D II light spread out MAGENTA color not clean
Have you ever tried the godox lights?
I have the SL100 and dig it for the money. Need to try out the SL60 though!
@@dslrvideoshooter how does the output of the 100 compare to the 120d?
@@AlexMinor Haven't actually compared them. The biggest difference is color. The SL100 is very magenta. At least mine is.
@@dslrvideoshooter SL 60W is what I have, I actually did a review on it, I think it is an awesome light for the money.
60 is cool, the 200 is way too loud I'm gonna return mine
What's the little tripod at 05:34 ?
^
Looks like the base to a monopod with the shaft taken off. Not sure what brand but I know my Sirui SUP204SR can go into this "high hat" config
It's ifootage cobra 2 series
Not available on UK Amazon!
Huh, should be there!
Its too bad they cant didn't these led lights hss flash like rotolights
300D wins, the magenta tint from the Falcon Eyes is too much
The main thing is you put ya cap back on lol
If you wanna go BAMM you invest some money and get an ETC LED light!
Bi color: Not sure why gels aren't as good of a solution. They're dirt cheap, have hundreds of different hues, easy to use and carry. I have both daylight and bi-color, but with the difference in cost and output, not sure why bi-color is needed.
Do you enjoy gelling softboxes? Bi color makes it 10x more convenient... Try gelling a 48 octa.
Why do you use the 120D if you have the 300D?