Kudos, Luc. You might not get any more freebies from SmallRig, but you've certainly earned the trust of your viewers. This is the most unflinching gear review I've seen on RUclips. And I watch a ton of them. You've performed a true service to the community. Thank you.
FYI this light is only $399 right now (06/15) on Amazon US. Just picked one up. At that price it's a no brainer even with your valid critiques, Luc. Thanks for the review!
I'm adding light gear to my kit at this time. There was a sale and I got the Smallrig 450B for $879, I also got the RC 220B for $295. I like them and have no problem using the phone app to control them. I'm going to stick with diffusion panels because of how much space soft boxes use. I did follow the advice of one of your earlier posts and bought a Flexible LED Light with a softbox add-on. This light can use V-Mount batteries as well as AC and is very portable. A couple brick lights and 2 tube lights will round out my kit. Anything else will have to be rental. I like your posts, please continue with the great advice. 👍
I have bought this light lately and used it in bright sunlight situation. I have placed my subject facing Sun backwards, put diffusion between Sun and subject to soften backlight and placed smallrig with godox lantern about 45deg in front at 100%. I agree it is at its limit, but it worked. I must say I am really pleased how much output per dolar you get from this.
I love my SmallRig 450D- got it for $800, control it with the app (super easy - better than the remote control box), and an output (based on measurements) basically the same as the Aputure 600 - so the same 'punch' at a much lower cost...
I actually love the 450D - the guys that do the light meter testing say that the output is roughly the same as the Aputure 600, and the price was significantly lower when I purchased it- $750 - it has gone up a fair amount since it seems. I returned the control box- not well designed- and use the phone app to control the unit - free and easy! I don't treat my lights that rough - so the build quality was fine for my purposes.
These softboxes from smallrig are set up in about 20 seconds, you did it the wrong way, you hold the bowens mount and then you pull each stick. theres a video from smallrig how to set these up. If you read this comment, then please be so kind and tell me whats the minimum light I need for a 120cm softbox? I guess my amaran 200x won't be enough, right?
I just ordered the GVM 300B Pro. For folks just starting or doing small projects this is a great investment to build your portfolio and funds to purchase the higher end products. When your talking about a fourth of the price these inconveniences are not a deal breaker…especially if you never been to the mountaintop of Aperture Lights
I think for an independent filmmaker or videographer, the smallrig options may be the only option; this is purely due to the cost and budget. For me, I went with the smallrig 220b since I wanted the flexibility of bi-colour, and a decent output for indoor use such as interviews. Like you said in the video, it really depends on what you shoot, and what your budget is.
Well covered. Was the outdoor test done with the reflector, or a softbox? That huge softbox does tend suck up light, in a way that a smaller box doesn’t.
The Smallrig softbox has nothing to do with the light- it is a separate product. The light is Bowens fitting and can be used with any Bowens softbox as you know. I don't know why you have combined the shortcomings of the softbox with the review of the light. As for the controller, it is not too much of a step to attach it to a c-stand with velcro and forgo the weak magnet. Sure the Aputure is better as you would expect, it also being more expensive. If you've got the money, buy the premium product, go for Profoto over Godox, Aputure over Smallrig. But if you are on a tight budget, well, you know what to do.
You're not wrong! But the saving is only about $15 once you add the control box. I've heard of some people getting much better deals, but at current retail price it's not that much of a deal
@@LucForsyth When you put it like that, there is no point in going for the cheaper option. I have to admit that it is some time since I looked at Aputure lights, and am surprised to see how much more affordable they are today.
Honest appraisal but no surprises. You get for what you pay for. There are literally no shortcuts just compromises. Like wearing a jacket thats just a little too small, it’ll probably keep you warm but you wont enjoy putting it on. Thx for the post.
Aputure MC and the new MC Pro continue to be the most clutch little light whenever I travel. Even with a small MC kicker came in super handy in Ukraine last week for an 800iso OG pocket and wonderful for a 3200 Pocket 4k, let alone a sony with insane ISO range.
I have the 450B and I regret the purchase the more I use it. The remote control falls off the little clamp all the time and the color shift is noticeable. I’ve been slowly replacing the SmallRig lights ( I have a 120B and 220B as well) with Aperture lights. I find the Sidus app stays connected 2x better than the SmallRig GoGo app too. I love SmallRig… but for lights, stick with Aperture.
IIRC, some of Aputure's earlier stuff was kinda a pain to use and I've had two of four of their lights fail on me within the first year after very light use.
Great review. I think the build quality is closer to the Amaran series. That yoke could be way better. And I'm too deep into the Aputure ecosystem at this point. I like everything working in the one Sidus link app too. I'm excited about the new 1500w RGBWW and 2300w Bi color lights. They look like fantastic options.
After watching this, I decided to go with Nanlite Forza 500 bi-colors. The aputure was 1st choice, but at 3200 for a 2 light kit, even with the sale price, the Forza was an easy choice at $1000usd cheaper for the 2 light kit. I would have gone with the small rig 450, but that mounting point doesn't not inspire confidence, especially if I'm going to be mounting a big modifier.
I think when it comes to lighting, this is where you really have to nail your personal needs vs wants. Do you need a light that competes with the sun?? If you have deep pockets and just want one go get it. But if like me you don't then this is a serious question. For me to buy this light I'd need finance. So I would pay for it probably over 6 months. Someone else might need two years. How much would I use a light that powerful in 3 months. ''''maybe'''' once but maybe not at all. In a year definitely once and ''''maybe''' twice. But then if I had one maybe I'd take on more projects that require one. Would I? Maybe. But lets look at how I have coped with the sun up until this point. I try to shoot on a cloudy or overcast day and wait for the cloud which in my experience slows things down somewhat but not as much as you might think. If I was making docs and this was my main job, I'd still probably rent and build it into the budget. But for me I'll get smaller lights for indoors and stick with cloudy/overcast days for shooting outside. It does mean that I'll not be able to get that beautiful sunny look unless I shoot the golden hour but hey what you gonna do.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on these lights! Quick question about your camera rig. What is that nato clamp that attaches to the monitor onto the rail? I've been searching for a similar solution like that but haven't had any luck. Cheers!
Great review Luc. That felt really honest, something so hard to find on RUclips nowadays. But man, what’s with this thumbnail?? 😅 Please , don’t let one of the best documentary filmmaking channels out there fall into that horrible trend of funny faces thumbnail that’s also spreading out like the pest (like the biased reviews).. lol
Well smallrig is afordable, I get this light for 800 usd which is prety good compare to 1090 usd from Aputure. But I admit that Smallrig still have a long way to go ( like Aputure in the first day, it is really pain to use. )
Hey Luc! What lights are you using for interviews inside and outside? Is the 600d enough for outsight? Do you also use diffusion panels when you film in bright sunlight or do you try to avoid hard sunlight? Would the 600d be enough if you use a diffusion panel to soften the sunlight?
It really doesn't seem like this shouldn't be directly compared to the 300 or 600d but I guess that's small rigs own created issue by ripping the aputure naming system. This feels much more comparable to the amaran line that's more aimed at beginners or content creators but who for some reason need just a bit more output, which isn't really offered from aputure.
I think that smallrig offers some of the best price/quality ratio on their gear. However when it comes to the higher end gear they can't keep the cost as low which results in most professionals getting the more expensive but more useful product. I think their 120D is great and makes sense. Same with a lot of their camera accessories. But for $100 I would wait and get the aputure.
A few things that didn't make much sense in this review: 1. You wouldn't use the app in a large setting!? All large sets are app based these days.. the controller is silly though, imo. 2. How did you expect to compete with the sun with 450 watts that is bi-color? That was nonsensical. 3. There are other companies, nanlite, godox, to name a few... This sounds like a commercial for Aputure.
I would use the app, what I said was that I don’t like using multiple different apps, and in a run and fun scenario I would prefer manual controls. This light isn’t bicolor, it’s daylight only (450d). I also have lights from all those companies, and use them all. This was to compare whether this is better value than the aputure 600d, not who is the best lighting company
Looks like a beast of a light. As you mentioned, the market today is just insane. Theres something for everyone and nobody is going to know the difference in the final edit. That is if the story and audio is good! Take care, God bless you all
Good on you Luc! I ❤ Smallrig and have bought a lot of their stuff but this thing…🤢 I bought into Aputure Lightstorm 120Dii and 300D plus a bunch of modifiers and the high cost definitely represents value for money, or buy once cry once. I’d agree with all you say and add that It sounds silly but it’s also true that clients often remark on how cool and pretty the actual Aputure Lightstorm kit looks. Whatever way interviewees can be helped to relax works for me. One lady said the 300D with the dome made her feel like doing a flamenco dance. It kind of does look like a horizontal flamenco dancer.
Haha, never heard that one before! I think smallrig does great in the smaller lights, but for now the big ones just aren’t enough savings to make it worth it. Keeping my smallrig 120d, but not this one 💃
look nice but bit over my budget , i use some outdoor work lights ,50-100w that i pay 50euro for they have a bit of green hue . just add bit of red or yelow in post , they give me f5,6 at iso 400 so is good enof for what i doo , and recently buy some rgb and probably get some cheapo video ligths at 200euro at some point with bowens mount ,
@@LucForsyth yee good gear is nice to have , but sometime you have to do with what you can aford :P i iven got some led T5 that work quite well as back ligth , i find wery fast that fuorencet ligths are bad , they have fliker ,they are green , and they are fragile , but led have come long way in past few years iven the cheap ones for house use
This guy's such a "buy expensive gear" diva. Here's some advice: if opening/closing a light umbrella hurts your hands, maybe that's a sign you should be taking some time to actually work on your strength a bit. In other words: toughen up.
Very disapointed in this review. $100 cheaper then a 600D and you call it budget so the better everything in the apurture is not worth it? We didn’t even get to it being 450w. Also you didn’t even share the results after the second time in the first setup with the window light. Yeah you mentioned some build quality issues but overall gave it a positive review. All this just so you can keep getting free lights. Not a good look.
Thanks for the feedback, but I don’t think it came off very positive at all and I specifically said that I didn’t think it was worth the slightly lower price compared to the aputure. I highly doubt I’ll be offered more lights after this, nor do I need them!
Kudos, Luc. You might not get any more freebies from SmallRig, but you've certainly earned the trust of your viewers. This is the most unflinching gear review I've seen on RUclips. And I watch a ton of them. You've performed a true service to the community. Thank you.
Yeah, I imagine you're probably right! But gotta say what I think otherwise what's the point!
FYI this light is only $399 right now (06/15) on Amazon US. Just picked one up. At that price it's a no brainer even with your valid critiques, Luc. Thanks for the review!
informative lighting based content Thanks Luc.
You're welcome John!
I'm adding light gear to my kit at this time. There was a sale and I got the Smallrig 450B for $879, I also got the RC 220B for $295. I like them and have no problem using the phone app to control them. I'm going to stick with diffusion panels because of how much space soft boxes use. I did follow the advice of one of your earlier posts and bought a Flexible LED Light with a softbox add-on. This light can use V-Mount batteries as well as AC and is very portable. A couple brick lights and 2 tube lights will round out my kit. Anything else will have to be rental. I like your posts, please continue with the great advice. 👍
Great kit - and that's a great deal! glad it's working well for you
so do your flexible lights give you same results as this hard light with softbox?
I have bought this light lately and used it in bright sunlight situation. I have placed my subject facing Sun backwards, put diffusion between Sun and subject to soften backlight and placed smallrig with godox lantern about 45deg in front at 100%. I agree it is at its limit, but it worked. I must say I am really pleased how much output per dolar you get from this.
Great review. Thanks for taking the time to share this!
Appreciate an honest review
B&H had a deal a few weeks back which combined the 450d AND the control box for
$599.
Snap call at that price.
That's not a bad deal at all! Would definitely make the decision easier
I love my SmallRig 450D- got it for $800, control it with the app (super easy - better than the remote control box), and an output (based on measurements) basically the same as the Aputure 600 - so the same 'punch' at a much lower cost...
That’s a great deal and would definitely change things!
I actually love the 450D - the guys that do the light meter testing say that the output is roughly the same as the Aputure 600, and the price was significantly lower when I purchased it- $750 - it has gone up a fair amount since it seems. I returned the control box- not well designed- and use the phone app to control the unit - free and easy! I don't treat my lights that rough - so the build quality was fine for my purposes.
These softboxes from smallrig are set up in about 20 seconds, you did it the wrong way, you hold the bowens mount and then you pull each stick. theres a video from smallrig how to set these up. If you read this comment, then please be so kind and tell me whats the minimum light I need for a 120cm softbox? I guess my amaran 200x won't be enough, right?
I use a Godox SL150II that has no brick. The power cable goes directly into the unit. It comes with a remote, so it can be adjusted at height.
I have some Godox stuff too and like it!
I just ordered the GVM 300B Pro. For folks just starting or doing small projects this is a great investment to build your portfolio and funds to purchase the higher end products. When your talking about a fourth of the price these inconveniences are not a deal breaker…especially if you never been to the mountaintop of Aperture Lights
Thanks for the honest review that is still nuanced and contextual-sadly a rare thing these days.
I think for an independent filmmaker or videographer, the smallrig options may be the only option; this is purely due to the cost and budget. For me, I went with the smallrig 220b since I wanted the flexibility of bi-colour, and a decent output for indoor use such as interviews. Like you said in the video, it really depends on what you shoot, and what your budget is.
i heard it was really noisy though. What it your experience with the sound ?
@@Honor-jh4xy as long as the light is far away and you have a decent audio setup, you should be good.
Well covered. Was the outdoor test done with the reflector, or a softbox? That huge softbox does tend suck up light, in a way that a smaller box doesn’t.
Softbox as that what was what shipped to me, but you're probably very right!
The Smallrig softbox has nothing to do with the light- it is a separate product. The light is Bowens fitting and can be used with any Bowens softbox as you know. I don't know why you have combined the shortcomings of the softbox with the review of the light. As for the controller, it is not too much of a step to attach it to a c-stand with velcro and forgo the weak magnet. Sure the Aputure is better as you would expect, it also being more expensive. If you've got the money, buy the premium product, go for Profoto over Godox, Aputure over Smallrig. But if you are on a tight budget, well, you know what to do.
You're not wrong! But the saving is only about $15 once you add the control box. I've heard of some people getting much better deals, but at current retail price it's not that much of a deal
@@LucForsyth When you put it like that, there is no point in going for the cheaper option. I have to admit that it is some time since I looked at Aputure lights, and am surprised to see how much more affordable they are today.
Honest appraisal but no surprises. You get for what you pay for. There are literally no shortcuts just compromises. Like wearing a jacket thats just a little too small, it’ll probably keep you warm but you wont enjoy putting it on. Thx for the post.
Aputure MC and the new MC Pro continue to be the most clutch little light whenever I travel. Even with a small MC kicker came in super handy in Ukraine last week for an 800iso OG pocket and wonderful for a 3200 Pocket 4k, let alone a sony with insane ISO range.
A great combo for sure!
You think it would be worth using this in a small space like this, but instead of the soft box you're using a v-flat to bounce off of
I ended up getting a godox! Their lights are super affordable. I did end up getting the aperture light dome ii
I have the 450B and I regret the purchase the more I use it. The remote control falls off the little clamp all the time and the color shift is noticeable. I’ve been slowly replacing the SmallRig lights ( I have a 120B and 220B as well) with Aperture lights. I find the Sidus app stays connected 2x better than the SmallRig GoGo app too. I love SmallRig… but for lights, stick with Aperture.
IIRC, some of Aputure's earlier stuff was kinda a pain to use and I've had two of four of their lights fail on me within the first year after very light use.
Great review. I think the build quality is closer to the Amaran series. That yoke could be way better. And I'm too deep into the Aputure ecosystem at this point. I like everything working in the one Sidus link app too. I'm excited about the new 1500w RGBWW and 2300w Bi color lights. They look like fantastic options.
Yeah, keeping it all in one system is definitely a bonus!
@@LucForsyth as above I think sidus is the winner unless you are a pro gaffer with a desk.
Have you seen Zhiyuns molus x60 & x100 lights? Wonder if you would use those as a portable alternative
No! But I’ll check them out, thanks for the tip!
Subbed! Thanks dude great vid
Even with all the flaws of this light, we are absolutely spoiled ROTTEN as filmmakers.
We have sooooooo many options for producing content nowadays!
100% agree with you!
@@LucForsyth truly a great time to be a filmmaker!!!!
After watching this, I decided to go with Nanlite Forza 500 bi-colors. The aputure was 1st choice, but at 3200 for a 2 light kit, even with the sale price, the Forza was an easy choice at $1000usd cheaper for the 2 light kit. I would have gone with the small rig 450, but that mounting point doesn't not inspire confidence, especially if I'm going to be mounting a big modifier.
I think when it comes to lighting, this is where you really have to nail your personal needs vs wants. Do you need a light that competes with the sun?? If you have deep pockets and just want one go get it. But if like me you don't then this is a serious question. For me to buy this light I'd need finance. So I would pay for it probably over 6 months. Someone else might need two years. How much would I use a light that powerful in 3 months. ''''maybe'''' once but maybe not at all. In a year definitely once and ''''maybe''' twice. But then if I had one maybe I'd take on more projects that require one. Would I? Maybe. But lets look at how I have coped with the sun up until this point. I try to shoot on a cloudy or overcast day and wait for the cloud which in my experience slows things down somewhat but not as much as you might think. If I was making docs and this was my main job, I'd still probably rent and build it into the budget. But for me I'll get smaller lights for indoors and stick with cloudy/overcast days for shooting outside. It does mean that I'll not be able to get that beautiful sunny look unless I shoot the golden hour but hey what you gonna do.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on these lights! Quick question about your camera rig. What is that nato clamp that attaches to the monitor onto the rail? I've been searching for a similar solution like that but haven't had any luck. Cheers!
Great review Luc. That felt really honest, something so hard to find on RUclips nowadays. But man, what’s with this thumbnail?? 😅 Please , don’t let one of the best documentary filmmaking channels out there fall into that horrible trend of funny faces thumbnail that’s also spreading out like the pest (like the biased reviews).. lol
Glad you liked it! Finding thumbnails for every video is the worst part of RUclips, hands down
@@LucForsyth lol
I dont think the same is true with the Bi coloured lights. If not mistaken, its a BIG difference in price, and the SmallRig is the better purchase
My favourite light is the Godox SL100Bi... Also my only cob light😅
Nice one! Yeah godox is making some cool stuff these days - including my RUclips key light at the moment!
Oh nice!
Well smallrig is afordable, I get this light for 800 usd which is prety good compare to 1090 usd from Aputure.
But I admit that Smallrig still have a long way to go ( like Aputure in the first day, it is really pain to use. )
Hey Luc! What lights are you using for interviews inside and outside? Is the 600d enough for outsight? Do you also use diffusion panels when you film in bright sunlight or do you try to avoid hard sunlight? Would the 600d be enough if you use a diffusion panel to soften the sunlight?
It really doesn't seem like this shouldn't be directly compared to the 300 or 600d but I guess that's small rigs own created issue by ripping the aputure naming system. This feels much more comparable to the amaran line that's more aimed at beginners or content creators but who for some reason need just a bit more output, which isn't really offered from aputure.
Greetings. What was the rough distance between the subject and light for the outdoors shot?
If youre comparing the smallrig light, you should have compared the Amaran 300c COB light. Not the light storm series…
Not the same in terms of output, but a good idea!
I have both, smallrig wins easily
I think that smallrig offers some of the best price/quality ratio on their gear. However when it comes to the higher end gear they can't keep the cost as low which results in most professionals getting the more expensive but more useful product. I think their 120D is great and makes sense. Same with a lot of their camera accessories. But for $100 I would wait and get the aputure.
Totally agree. Loved the 120d, this one not so much. You summed it up perfectly
The short distance camera side to side movement is too much for me. See around 4:45
A few things that didn't make much sense in this review: 1. You wouldn't use the app in a large setting!? All large sets are app based these days.. the controller is silly though, imo.
2. How did you expect to compete with the sun with 450 watts that is bi-color? That was nonsensical.
3. There are other companies, nanlite, godox, to name a few... This sounds like a commercial for Aputure.
I would use the app, what I said was that I don’t like using multiple different apps, and in a run and fun scenario I would prefer manual controls. This light isn’t bicolor, it’s daylight only (450d). I also have lights from all those companies, and use them all. This was to compare whether this is better value than the aputure 600d, not who is the best lighting company
Watching now
enjoy!
Keeping the build quality, materials and the great App design in Mind, it seems that the 600d is more the "budget option" than the SmallRig.
depending on how you look at it, I won't argue!
Looks like a beast of a light. As you mentioned, the market today is just insane. Theres something for everyone and nobody is going to know the difference in the final edit. That is if the story and audio is good! Take care, God bless you all
Definitely, such a lucky time tech wise to be in this business!
Basically Aputure is better. It has the Vmount module and just a better light overall.
Good on you Luc! I ❤ Smallrig and have bought a lot of their stuff but this thing…🤢 I bought into Aputure Lightstorm 120Dii and 300D plus a bunch of modifiers and the high cost definitely represents value for money, or buy once cry once. I’d agree with all you say and add that It sounds silly but it’s also true that clients often remark on how cool and pretty the actual Aputure Lightstorm kit looks. Whatever way interviewees can be helped to relax works for me. One lady said the 300D with the dome made her feel like doing a flamenco dance. It kind of does look like a horizontal flamenco dancer.
Haha, never heard that one before! I think smallrig does great in the smaller lights, but for now the big ones just aren’t enough savings to make it worth it. Keeping my smallrig 120d, but not this one 💃
look nice but bit over my budget , i use some outdoor work lights ,50-100w that i pay 50euro for they have a bit of green hue . just add bit of red or yelow in post , they give me f5,6 at iso 400 so is good enof for what i doo , and recently buy some rgb and probably get some cheapo video ligths at 200euro at some point with bowens mount ,
Nice one, yeah - for sure use what's working for you! Maybe down the road something like this will make sense, but maybe not!
@@LucForsyth yee good gear is nice to have , but sometime you have to do with what you can aford :P i iven got some led T5 that work quite well as back ligth , i find wery fast that fuorencet ligths are bad , they have fliker ,they are green , and they are fragile , but led have come long way in past few years iven the cheap ones for house use
For me the 450b wins. It packs down smaller and is lighter.
$100 less than the tried and true aperture? 👀
Yeah, it's not huge!
Forza 1200
looks great!
This guy's such a "buy expensive gear" diva. Here's some advice: if opening/closing a light umbrella hurts your hands, maybe that's a sign you should be taking some time to actually work on your strength a bit. In other words: toughen up.
@RugbyPass81 get mad bro
@RugbyPass81 spoken like someone who considers opening an umbrella strength training. Stay mad bro.
@RugbyPass81 cool story bro. Progressive overload would do wonders for that thin skin.
@RugbyPass81 LOL
@RugbyPass81 you’re a prime example of why men are well below 500ng/dl these days.
not an aputure fanboy, but this is typical smallrig junk. every smallrig piece ive ever owned has failed.
Very disapointed in this review. $100 cheaper then a 600D and you call it budget so the better everything in the apurture is not worth it? We didn’t even get to it being 450w. Also you didn’t even share the results after the second time in the first setup with the window light. Yeah you mentioned some build quality issues but overall gave it a positive review. All this just so you can keep getting free lights. Not a good look.
Thanks for the feedback, but I don’t think it came off very positive at all and I specifically said that I didn’t think it was worth the slightly lower price compared to the aputure. I highly doubt I’ll be offered more lights after this, nor do I need them!
The price difference is not worth the hussle
Honestly I agree!