I am not even a lighting engineer, but watch Andrew avidly because he is an EXCELLENT / clear presenter who always teaches me something new - a real joy to watch! Possibly the best Reviewer I have ever seen, across all fields……
Thanks for the review Andrew. This looks like a really versatile tool. The chromatic aberration was way less than I thought it would be and sharpness was impressive across the beam. I think the most impressive quality is the blackness of the shadows. By comparison, the Aputure 300D and spotlight mount looked like it had much more washed out shadows. The Zoom spot on the other hand looks comparableto a dedo in terms of shadows! Definitely an important factor if you are putting the light directly onto talent and want true blacks 👌
@@philpritchard5173 the Aputure setup, I can deal with the minor chromatic aberations for having a more versatile spotlight mount that only requires one lens. Plus it has a standard gobo size unlike a certain other projector mount. I was leaning towards the Forza before due to cost saving, but this is worth the extra spent for convenience.
@:50Sec Use a fender washer. I hate these yokes with rosettes. the trick is just sandwich a fender washer and it becomes easier to use.i do this on some of the Kupo max arms using crls too
I want to like this attachment, I just bought a 60x and I have a 300d v2 but for the price It's a tough sell. I also dislike that you can't spin the 4 blades, that's kind of standard. I own some CRLS too and it's still a tough sell. I know the zoom feature was the compromise, but it doesn't look like it will hold up well, and the output isn't there for large scale sets. I'll stick with the traditional spotlight, or even a pricy DOP choice softbox at this price point.
Very good as always, thx. Will it replace yr Nanlite or Godox projectors though?! Or put another way ..if you were starting out which spot system would you buy, Godox, Nanlite, Aputure or Dedo? The Nanlites seem super light and versatile, Godox accurate, Aputure also versatile with only one lens needed..and Dedo the costlier king.
I'm definitely keeping two Forza 60s with 19⁰ spotlights for long controlled throws into backgrounds. Mainly because they are over 3 times brighter and takes up very little space in the van. In my large van that's all I keep the Forza 60Bs for because I'm not a fan of their white point. Given that I'm already set up with a projector kit for my Dedo lights that has 8 lenses, that I use for my close work, I'm not sure what I'm going to do with this Aputure kit. I'm definitely keeping it, it's too good to sell.
@@gaffergear Thanks for the reply. Yes, I see the conundrum, each has their merits. I guess it all depends on what ones needs it for. Appreciate the feedback.
Have you ever tried an Optical snoot? The one from Pixelpro allows you to mount an EF lens from canon on a Bowens mount. I've only seen videos by photographers using them. The light lost accords with the speed of the lens, along with the chromatic aberration. Meaning high quality lens could avoid some of the problems of using Spotlights on subjects. I have not tested one, but would be curious to see a test for video purposes.
I haven't used this one specifically, but it looks like a lot that are out there, advantage is zero colour fringing, disadvantage is very minimal light output.
I notice there is a bit of spill between the light and the spotlight. Is there enough room to stick a gel between them and can you shift the spot back a bit to lose the spill? Great video as always!
The one negative you did not mention is the complete lack of anydmx in/out which is a big mistake, if Aputure wants to be pro gear they need dmx on every light… we can live without built in CRMX at this price point but we need dmx. That’s the only reason I’m still on the fence over these and I hope they eventually conclude DMX is a must have across the entire Aputure line.
I am getting a ton of knowledge out of your reviews. Thxs. It´s great to have a real professional talking about all the lighting gear. My question: Is it possible to attach gels in front of the spotlight mini zoom as with the spotlight mount?
Hi Andrew, thanks for a stellar review! When mounting the spotlight to a C-Stand and then attaching the 60D to the spotlight. When using a v mount battery to power the 60D, the whole light sits skew on the spotlight, thus does not affect projection. But is ridiculously frustrating. Have you found a work around? As u see your light sits perfect
I was worried about this too, the latch has a very strong lock, but if I had a v-mount attached I would run the light mounted on its side or upside down (which the lights air venting is designed to do).
May I ask a newbie question, I understand if we put an optical modifier in front of the light, the amount of light will be deducted, in this case with Spotlight Mini Zoom, we have only 43% left, however, if we put up a fresnel lens in front of the light, instead of the light decrease, we have the opposite, is there any reason behind it?
In this case it's the amount of glass that is reducing the output. The 60d and 60x already have lenses built in. Plus we then have the additional glass in the spotlight mount.
I’ll be adding one to my list of gear to buy haha. How do you think it compare to the Aputure spotlight mount? I have the 36 degree one and was wondering which would have a larger projection if they were side by side.
I’ve been caught out by colour fringing when trying to light a logo on a product with the bigger Aputure lens. You said you would use a Dedolight. Would you use it with a lens fixture for that purpose?
Yep, no colour fringing at all. My kit consists of 2 Dedo projectors and two godox projectors that I use on my Dedo lights, with a total of 8 lenses. But this kit is not bright enough for much else apart from close work. It gets used maybe 3 times a year.
Andrew, I love your channel so much! Can I get some advice? I have an upcoming job photographing small jewellery pieces, catalogue and ad styles, for a website. They’ve shown me examples where there’s round spots and light slashes on the pieces. Are both the Aputure Spot and Mini Zoom spot capable of doing this on such a tiny scale? Or is one better than the other? Or is this dedo territory? Fyi - I own a 120dii and 300Dii. Thanks in advance!
Dedo, the small godox projectors, Forza 60 maybe. If you can't get a small enough dot with an iris, use some cinefoil in the gobo holder and punch a small hole in it.
I reviewed the other video of yours comparing between Godox S30 and Dedo light. And I just came to this question why the projectors these days are so big, unlike the elegant and compact projectors for Godox S30 and Dedo light. What are the big ones can do but small projectors can't?
Compared to the 300D MKII Spotlight mount can you use the iris and the gobo drop-ins at the same time? Also, is the defocusing as good for scattered light and artistic soft edging? Also, can you add gels to the front as well? So, I specialize in old Hollywood theatrical still photography and looking for the best light to use for creating light shapes on the face and also the background of the composition. So, this or the 300D, or the Forza 60D?
Hi Andrew, a question for you. I'm interested in this combo 60X + Spotlight Mini because it could potentially get the same beam angle as the DLED4, which has a beam angle at full spot of 4 degrees. I read online that the DLED4 at full spot is 1,122 lux, so it's comparable to the 60X + spotlight mount at full spot (1,140). Of course, the beam angle is different (4 vs 15). My question is this, if I use the iris to close down the circle to more like 4 degrees, does that change those lux readings? Or no? THANKS!
@@gaffergear one more question Andrew. If I use the iris to create a smaller circle (spot), would it be similar to having a smaller spot like the DLED? Or can you see the iris blades, etc. Thank you so much.
Dedo uses projector lenses, as in slide or video projector lenses. Dedo and the small godox projectors are clean, as is the optical snoot from Prolycht. Trade off is brightness thou.
It doesn't look like it will be a problem, I was worried about this too initially, but you can always rotate the light upside down so the clip has no weight on it
The 60D and 60X already have a 45 degree lens as standard so it’s not like an open COB light where your are pushing nearly 180 degrees worth of light into a much more concentrated beam. The other major factor is the F-stop of the Zoom lens. It’s like a camera lens a Zoom will always have a higher F-stop which lets in less light vs. a prime lens. Maybe this zoom lens is F4 where the 300D spotlight mount could be F1.8?
Sorry if you mention this elsewhere in the video, I all but lost my interest in this unit after hearing only around 40% of the lights output makes it out of this unit. Seeing as how one of the main selling points for this guy is the output (compared to a DLED7 for example). Most spotlight mounts claim to increase output. Is there a reason why this one decreases it and by this much? Thanks!
Firstly, It would actually be less than 40% of the light output if you were to match the beam angle - this lights native flood is 45 degrees. The spotlight is 30 degrees at full flood so keep that in mind. Secondly, generally speaking, only lights that don’t already have a lens system built in will see an increase in light output. This is because the beam angle is being concentrated down from about a 120 degrees to something as narrow as 36 degrees or 19 degrees or even less. This concentration of light overcomes the losses you get by making the light travel through more glass. With a light that has a built in lens system like a Dedo or this Aputure you have already concentrated the beam down to a 45 degree beam (60 degrees for DLED 7). So when you measure the light output of the bare light versus with the spotlight on it is only narrowing the beam by a much smaller amount - sometimes this small amount of extra concentration is not enough to actually increase brightness and overcome the losses associated with extra glass. With this particular aputure accessory the brightness is also further reduced because the spotlight has a Zoom function. This means the F-stop of the lense will be higher - maybe F4 compared to an F2.8 or lower on other spotlight mount systems. Aputure has traded brightness for convenience and flexibility in this case. If you want the brightest output for the lowest power draw, the nanlite spotlight mount for the 60 series of lights is the most efficient I have seen.
@@gaffergear I wish you would update this video. Just bought two of these with 60x's and aside from the low level output, the clip that holds the light in place cannot hold the weight, the light slides down out of alignment with the lens. Very disappointing and not mentioned. The light can be placed upside down, but then the display and controls are also. Also the focus is difficult to control when horizontal, but almost impossible when the light is at an angle, which is most of the time. Imagine setting it then having to level it before you can refocus? Messed up! Is there anything that might smooth the action? I've had them for 2 days and I'm wondering if I should return them instead. Since I based my purchase on your video recommend, I'd like to get your opinion. Will I have to grease it up and clip it together after a year? I was going to get 60d's to increase output, but if the clips fail then it's all a big waste of money. Thanks for your help and great videos.
@@kurtvanzo5464 are you locking the clip when you put it in place. The lock slides forwards or backwards, I can't r member which. Try focusing with both hands. I lock the tilt in place and then use both hands, one underneath to lift, and one on too to find position.
I am not even a lighting engineer, but watch Andrew avidly because he is an EXCELLENT / clear presenter who always teaches me something new - a real joy to watch! Possibly the best Reviewer I have ever seen, across all fields……
Thanks for the review Andrew. This looks like a really versatile tool. The chromatic aberration was way less than I thought it would be and sharpness was impressive across the beam.
I think the most impressive quality is the blackness of the shadows. By comparison, the Aputure 300D and spotlight mount looked like it had much more washed out shadows. The Zoom spot on the other hand looks comparableto a dedo in terms of shadows! Definitely an important factor if you are putting the light directly onto talent and want true blacks 👌
Thoroughly enjoyed the Aputure gobo joke hahaha
Excellent content as per usual, would love to see a comparison to the Aputure Spotlight and 300D ii/Similar
That comparison at the end really puts things into perspective Andrew. Great video as usual.
Great review!! What a great tool
Definitely on my purchase list for this year as I just added the LS 60D to my kit. Thanks for the amazing and insightful review!
thank you for your thoroughness in review quality sir! always make the investment more clear.
Been waiting for your review on this want to get this for my first zoom spot thanks for the review keep up the great work.
Dude these videos are getting so good! Awesome job
Great review, made my decision easy between getting the Nanlite 60 with projector and the Aputure 60 and projector zoom.
May I ask, which did you decide on, and why? Just curious..thx!
@@philpritchard5173 the Aputure setup, I can deal with the minor chromatic aberations for having a more versatile spotlight mount that only requires one lens. Plus it has a standard gobo size unlike a certain other projector mount.
I was leaning towards the Forza before due to cost saving, but this is worth the extra spent for convenience.
@:50Sec Use a fender washer. I hate these yokes with rosettes. the trick is just sandwich a fender washer and it becomes easier to use.i do this on some of the Kupo max arms using crls too
Thanks
I want to like this attachment, I just bought a 60x and I have a 300d v2 but for the price It's a tough sell. I also dislike that you can't spin the 4 blades, that's kind of standard. I own some CRLS too and it's still a tough sell.
I know the zoom feature was the compromise, but it doesn't look like it will hold up well, and the output isn't there for large scale sets. I'll stick with the traditional spotlight, or even a pricy DOP choice softbox at this price point.
Very good as always, thx. Will it replace yr Nanlite or Godox projectors though?! Or put another way ..if you were starting out which spot system would you buy, Godox, Nanlite, Aputure or Dedo? The Nanlites seem super light and versatile, Godox accurate, Aputure also versatile with only one lens needed..and Dedo the costlier king.
I'm definitely keeping two Forza 60s with 19⁰ spotlights for long controlled throws into backgrounds. Mainly because they are over 3 times brighter and takes up very little space in the van.
In my large van that's all I keep the Forza 60Bs for because I'm not a fan of their white point.
Given that I'm already set up with a projector kit for my Dedo lights that has 8 lenses, that I use for my close work, I'm not sure what I'm going to do with this Aputure kit.
I'm definitely keeping it, it's too good to sell.
@@gaffergear Thanks for the reply. Yes, I see the conundrum, each has their merits. I guess it all depends on what ones needs it for. Appreciate the feedback.
You're making me want to buy equipment I don't even need.
Never do that
14:07 🤣🤣 Love the video as always mate. P.S you've not put your work website address in your video description Andrew.
Have you ever tried an Optical snoot? The one from Pixelpro allows you to mount an EF lens from canon on a Bowens mount. I've only seen videos by photographers using them. The light lost accords with the speed of the lens, along with the chromatic aberration. Meaning high quality lens could avoid some of the problems of using Spotlights on subjects. I have not tested one, but would be curious to see a test for video purposes.
I haven't used this one specifically, but it looks like a lot that are out there, advantage is zero colour fringing, disadvantage is very minimal light output.
I'm surprised the lack of rotating the unit isn't in your con. I know I HATE putting s gobo and getting the angle I want in my spotlight !
I notice there is a bit of spill between the light and the spotlight. Is there enough room to stick a gel between them and can you shift the spot back a bit to lose the spill? Great video as always!
If running in full spot so a bit of cinefoil may be the go. Its definitely not as contained as a theatre ellipsoidal
@@gaffergear Thanks Andrew.
The one negative you did not mention is the complete lack of anydmx in/out which is a big mistake, if Aputure wants to be pro gear they need dmx on every light… we can live without built in CRMX at this price point but we need dmx. That’s the only reason I’m still on the fence over these and I hope they eventually conclude DMX is a must have across the entire Aputure line.
I am getting a ton of knowledge out of your reviews. Thxs. It´s great to have a real professional talking about all the lighting gear. My question: Is it possible to attach gels in front of the spotlight mini zoom as with the spotlight mount?
Yes
@@gaffergear Thxs. Merci
Hi Andrew, thanks for a stellar review! When mounting the spotlight to a C-Stand and then attaching the 60D to the spotlight. When using a v mount battery to power the 60D, the whole light sits skew on the spotlight, thus does not affect projection. But is ridiculously frustrating. Have you found a work around? As u see your light sits perfect
With a v-mount battery my light skews to one side big time. It only just sits in place with the transformer
@@gaffergear such a bummer.
My concern is that the weight of the lamp head is totally reliant on the strength and durability of the latch. What are your thoughts on the matter?
I was worried about this too, the latch has a very strong lock, but if I had a v-mount attached I would run the light mounted on its side or upside down (which the lights air venting is designed to do).
May I ask a newbie question, I understand if we put an optical modifier in front of the light, the amount of light will be deducted, in this case with Spotlight Mini Zoom, we have only 43% left, however, if we put up a fresnel lens in front of the light, instead of the light decrease, we have the opposite, is there any reason behind it?
In this case it's the amount of glass that is reducing the output. The 60d and 60x already have lenses built in. Plus we then have the additional glass in the spotlight mount.
I just watched a master class on zoom lights 😅
I’ll be adding one to my list of gear to buy haha. How do you think it compare to the Aputure spotlight mount? I have the 36 degree one and was wondering which would have a larger projection if they were side by side.
The larger spotlight because it floods to 36
I’ve been caught out by colour fringing when trying to light a logo on a product with the bigger Aputure lens. You said you would use a Dedolight. Would you use it with a lens fixture for that purpose?
Yep, no colour fringing at all. My kit consists of 2 Dedo projectors and two godox projectors that I use on my Dedo lights, with a total of 8 lenses. But this kit is not bright enough for much else apart from close work.
It gets used maybe 3 times a year.
Andrew, I love your channel so much! Can I get some advice? I have an upcoming job photographing small jewellery pieces, catalogue and ad styles, for a website. They’ve shown me examples where there’s round spots and light slashes on the pieces. Are both the Aputure Spot and Mini Zoom spot capable of doing this on such a tiny scale? Or is one better than the other? Or is this dedo territory? Fyi - I own a 120dii and 300Dii. Thanks in advance!
Dedo, the small godox projectors, Forza 60 maybe. If you can't get a small enough dot with an iris, use some cinefoil in the gobo holder and punch a small hole in it.
@@gaffergear thanks so much Andrew :)
I reviewed the other video of yours comparing between Godox S30 and Dedo light. And I just came to this question why the projectors these days are so big, unlike the elegant and compact projectors for Godox S30 and Dedo light. What are the big ones can do but small projectors can't?
Have a look at the Forza 60 projectors, small and powerful.
Compared to the 300D MKII Spotlight mount can you use the iris and the gobo drop-ins at the same time? Also, is the defocusing as good for scattered light and artistic soft edging? Also, can you add gels to the front as well? So, I specialize in old Hollywood theatrical still photography and looking for the best light to use for creating light shapes on the face and also the background of the composition. So, this or the 300D, or the Forza 60D?
Hi Andrew, a question for you. I'm interested in this combo 60X + Spotlight Mini because it could potentially get the same beam angle as the DLED4, which has a beam angle at full spot of 4 degrees. I read online that the DLED4 at full spot is 1,122 lux, so it's comparable to the 60X + spotlight mount at full spot (1,140). Of course, the beam angle is different (4 vs 15). My question is this, if I use the iris to close down the circle to more like 4 degrees, does that change those lux readings? Or no? THANKS!
Centre of the beam won't change lux with the iris or if you blade the beam on the edges.
@@gaffergear thank you!
@@gaffergear one more question Andrew. If I use the iris to create a smaller circle (spot), would it be similar to having a smaller spot like the DLED? Or can you see the iris blades, etc. Thank you so much.
@@MatthewChenDirector it would depend how out of focus you have it set to. But out of focus you may get colour freying
hi. love the video. can this be used for photography, or would my flash overpower the effects/light
Doubt it
Hey andrew. Which projection zooms avoid abberation? Dedo is always clean. Why? Cheers.
Dedo uses projector lenses, as in slide or video projector lenses.
Dedo and the small godox projectors are clean, as is the optical snoot from Prolycht.
Trade off is brightness thou.
Can Dedo attachments fit onto the 60x or is the mount totally unique to Aputure?
Different diameter mounts
How would you say this entire unit with the light compares with the 300dmkII and projector.
Cleaner optics (because it's a smaller source) easier to use with the zoom spot. But nowhere near a bright.
If you compare this to the nanlite unit for the forzas 60 and 150, which one do you prefer and why?
Great review. Is there only a single clip holding the light to the mini zoom? Any worries that it might fail, causing the light to fall?
It doesn't look like it will be a problem, I was worried about this too initially, but you can always rotate the light upside down so the clip has no weight on it
@@gaffergear Thanks for the reply. And is the light cool enough to use plastic gobos, or would you only use steel?
@@Trevellian Steel
How does it compare to Nanlite’s projection?
Very different tools, I have a seperate video on the Nanlite
So youre losing light using the spotlight attachment? I thought you would gain as you focus the light.
The 60D and 60X already have a 45 degree lens as standard so it’s not like an open COB light where your are pushing nearly 180 degrees worth of light into a much more concentrated beam.
The other major factor is the F-stop of the Zoom lens. It’s like a camera lens a Zoom will always have a higher F-stop which lets in less light vs. a prime lens. Maybe this zoom lens is F4 where the 300D spotlight mount could be F1.8?
Thanks Chris, now it makes sense!
Sorry if you mention this elsewhere in the video, I all but lost my interest in this unit after hearing only around 40% of the lights output makes it out of this unit. Seeing as how one of the main selling points for this guy is the output (compared to a DLED7 for example). Most spotlight mounts claim to increase output. Is there a reason why this one decreases it and by this much? Thanks!
Firstly, It would actually be less than 40% of the light output if you were to match the beam angle - this lights native flood is 45 degrees. The spotlight is 30 degrees at full flood so keep that in mind.
Secondly, generally speaking, only lights that don’t already have a lens system built in will see an increase in light output. This is because the beam angle is being concentrated down from about a 120 degrees to something as narrow as 36 degrees or 19 degrees or even less. This concentration of light overcomes the losses you get by making the light travel through more glass.
With a light that has a built in lens system like a Dedo or this Aputure you have already concentrated the beam down to a 45 degree beam (60 degrees for DLED 7). So when you measure the light output of the bare light versus with the spotlight on it is only narrowing the beam by a much smaller amount - sometimes this small amount of extra concentration is not enough to actually increase brightness and overcome the losses associated with extra glass.
With this particular aputure accessory the brightness is also further reduced because the spotlight has a Zoom function. This means the F-stop of the lense will be higher - maybe F4 compared to an F2.8 or lower on other spotlight mount systems.
Aputure has traded brightness for convenience and flexibility in this case.
If you want the brightest output for the lowest power draw, the nanlite spotlight mount for the 60 series of lights is the most efficient I have seen.
I have an answer further down but Chris has already said exactly the same thing.
@@gaffergear thank you!
@@gaffergear I wish you would update this video. Just bought two of these with 60x's and aside from the low level output, the clip that holds the light in place cannot hold the weight, the light slides down out of alignment with the lens. Very disappointing and not mentioned. The light can be placed upside down, but then the display and controls are also.
Also the focus is difficult to control when horizontal, but almost impossible when the light is at an angle, which is most of the time. Imagine setting it then having to level it before you can refocus? Messed up! Is there anything that might smooth the action?
I've had them for 2 days and I'm wondering if I should return them instead. Since I based my purchase on your video recommend, I'd like to get your opinion. Will I have to grease it up and clip it together after a year? I was going to get 60d's to increase output, but if the clips fail then it's all a big waste of money. Thanks for your help and great videos.
@@kurtvanzo5464 are you locking the clip when you put it in place. The lock slides forwards or backwards, I can't r member which.
Try focusing with both hands. I lock the tilt in place and then use both hands, one underneath to lift, and one on too to find position.