When demonstrating the light output, the value does not mean much without telling us the distance from the light to the subject. As distance increases by 1, light decreases by 4. Based on this, even a low powered light can be bright up close.
You're totally correct on how lighting works. However as stated in the video the values are on their website if you need that precise of information. Additionally there are many people who are doing significantly more technical reviews if you want to find that information with light meter readings. I really am just showcasing the reflector fall off and light output when directly compared to one another, not from an overall standpoint. So therefore for my example the distance and actual power output really doesn't matter here.
I thought the light output on the Amaran+softbox @19:22 looked "cleaner" with a nicer colour than the Westcott+softbox @19:28, which had a green cast. I'm sure that could be corrected by adjusting the colour temp on the Westcott, but if they were set to the same kelvin setting, then Amaran was the winner for me. Definitely agree on that reflector for the 60x S...what were they thinking. Looks like you could set fire to something with that hotspot. 😆
yep they were at the same kelvin temp. Not sure why it was like that. And yeah I ended up going with the Amaran myself. The reflector isn't amazing but honestly I only ever use the reflector when I'm doing bounce light or fighting the sun in a quick outdoor interview (where the hotspot helps actually) so it's really not a big deal to me.
Ho Colbe, nice detailed review, so I liked and subscribed. For sure the Wescott looks neat with it's metal body. But the light quality and app control are important too. Also the convenience of having lights in the same eco system as well as costs, transportability etc etc. In isolation much to like with the Wescott. I'm an amateur newbie to videography and film making but have extensive stills experience, multiple light stands, grip kit etc and strobe heads in different sizes/brands - Bowens, Godox etc (ok for stills, not for vid, but my Bowens reflectors, soft boxes and other grip kit can be used in videography). But, I plan to continue shooting stills (my first love) and see videography as an expensive hobby. Not that I'd object to the occasional commercial assignment (I have done that occasionally with stills) but don't see it as my day job or main income stream. I'm lucky that I can afford to indulge in nice kit but, GAS tendencies aside, I need to keep it realistic and recognise I'm not creating my own personal 'gaffer truck'. I just bought an Amaran 200X S - as my first key light vs other alternatives from Godox, SmallRig, Colbor etc after careful analysis. Main advantages IMO were Bowens compatibility, possibly best multi light control system with Sidus app and overall Apurture eco system. I would have liked more powerful Apurture 600 pro etc or Nan lights, but clearly capital cost is a factor if starting over and investing, eventually, into multiple lights - preferably in same system. Dual blue diode tech on second gen 'S' Amarans was def an important factor for me too (ie light quality). This is also available on the Amaran 60X S. So for me, although I do like what Westcott are doing, the Amaran 60X S units are both cheaper and a better fit as possible future purchases in what may become a selection of multiple lights. I feel that there is a synergy, eventually, having everything running from one Sidus control app. Plus Apurture will undoubtedly continue to be a main player (more than might be said for some suppliers/brands - but who knows which will cease trading longer term). I'm planning to grow my skills and resist buying more kit than I have the time, knowledge, skill and need to use. It's a journey and I now feel a need to get out more, shoot, practice, collaborate, reflect and learn.
Those are all awesome points it really does seem like the amaran is the one for you. I did some personal testing myself and did decide that the amaran fit better into my workflow and I have since used it a lot and been quite happy with it overall! Use what you have enjoy it and fill in gaps when you need to later!
Great video. A couple things; - Remote control. Does the Westcott have anything? I know with my Amran 60D there is a phone app. Does Westcott have an app or a separate remote that you can buy to adjust power? - There is a tiny sock that came with my Amran 60D, it made a HUGE difference to the reflector quality output (even spread of light and hotspots gone!). However I asked Amran if they made more (or even different colours for temperature control) and they said they did not. So if you lose that sock you're stuck back at a horrible reflector output. - The battery plate that comes with the Amran doesn't have any info to tell you battery life, whereas the separate one from Westcott does look like it gives you some info to the remaining charge left. I think many would upgrade the battery plate to include one that does feedback some battery health indicators so I see the Amran one being a bit surplus (maybe a good backup but not what you really want to use long term and would likely seek out a better one anyway).
Hey All good thoughts. Let me preface the my video is more so comparing stuff that I think about in my decision making. Not necessarily a full all encompassing review of all details. With that said: - I do know that the amaran has an app, Im pretty sure that the Westcott does too. I know it has a bluetooth reset button so im assuming it does. But def check out westcotts page for more info around that. - Mine did come with a "honestly crappy" sock. I actually only use it with the sock. That said bare reflector to bare reflector was my main concern as you stated something that could be lost. - Lastly the Westcott does have a battery indicator. That I used 1 time. I typically use the new small rig Vmount batteries that have a battery life read out on screen. So for me not a big concern. Also not sure if it's worth $50 extra. SUB - Personally if you are doing something that might outlast 2 mid sized Sony batteries then you should probably be finding a different option for power. Most larger options will have battery indicators. All good stuff sounds like you should go make a very detailed review of these!
I have not used these for weddings so I can not verify. However They do seem bright ENOUGH if it was a darker venue and you wanted to do say a "spotlight" on the couple for photo or video. I can't see how it wouldn't be powerful enough for that. All that said I can not confirm any of this with the godox as I have not had a chance to play with that light, but godox stuff typically is comparable.
@@aarontharris I rarely do studio work. I'd say in any given year I only do 5% or less of my jobs in studio. So with that most of my on location work it is actually significantly faster to adjust light output to the tethered images I see pop up on the laptop. I used a light meter in the past when I thought "everyone/pros used it" and it's like I'm popping the flashes either way. I might as well just utilize a histogram and a preview of the finished product over what a flash meter says. To each their own and your more than welcome to use one on your work. But for me Zebra's with video and histogram within Lightroom give me all the information I need.
@colbewells1487 Fair enough, we all have different workflows. I'm retired now, but I mostly did studio work -- product and food for SF Bay Area tech companies and restaurants. I found that with some practice I could quickly grab a reading from the main light and use that to set the distance/power of the secondary or snoots. I could usually get pretty close before popping flashes which saved tons of time. Good luck with your channel.
@@aarontharris Congrats on your retirement! That's the other aspect as you stated. My lights are typically within a stop before I even take my first test shot. Also if you've been shooting since before digital (idk how old you are if you're retired) then yes a light meter was significantly more important then! and if it held over in your workflow that makes a ton of sense too!
When demonstrating the light output, the value does not mean much without telling us the distance from the light to the subject. As distance increases by 1, light decreases by 4. Based on this, even a low powered light can be bright up close.
You're totally correct on how lighting works.
However as stated in the video the values are on their website if you need that precise of information. Additionally there are many people who are doing significantly more technical reviews if you want to find that information with light meter readings.
I really am just showcasing the reflector fall off and light output when directly compared to one another, not from an overall standpoint. So therefore for my example the distance and actual power output really doesn't matter here.
Great review and comparison. I have ordered the L60-B. Cheers.
Thanks for the feedback! It's a great little light honestly!
I thought the light output on the Amaran+softbox @19:22 looked "cleaner" with a nicer colour than the Westcott+softbox @19:28, which had a green cast. I'm sure that could be corrected by adjusting the colour temp on the Westcott, but if they were set to the same kelvin setting, then Amaran was the winner for me. Definitely agree on that reflector for the 60x S...what were they thinking. Looks like you could set fire to something with that hotspot. 😆
yep they were at the same kelvin temp. Not sure why it was like that.
And yeah I ended up going with the Amaran myself. The reflector isn't amazing but honestly I only ever use the reflector when I'm doing bounce light or fighting the sun in a quick outdoor interview (where the hotspot helps actually) so it's really not a big deal to me.
Nice! I just got the 2-pack kit from westcott with the backpack and softboxes for 300$. Insane! Cant wait!
Good review
Awesome! glad you like them!
That's a wild deal! Right now it's 370 for just one light with the backpack and accessories.
Ho Colbe, nice detailed review, so I liked and subscribed. For sure the Wescott looks neat with it's metal body. But the light quality and app control are important too. Also the convenience of having lights in the same eco system as well as costs, transportability etc etc.
In isolation much to like with the Wescott. I'm an amateur newbie to videography and film making but have extensive stills experience, multiple light stands, grip kit etc and strobe heads in different sizes/brands - Bowens, Godox etc (ok for stills, not for vid, but my Bowens reflectors, soft boxes and other grip kit can be used in videography). But, I plan to continue shooting stills (my first love) and see videography as an expensive hobby. Not that I'd object to the occasional commercial assignment (I have done that occasionally with stills) but don't see it as my day job or main income stream. I'm lucky that I can afford to indulge in nice kit but, GAS tendencies aside, I need to keep it realistic and recognise I'm not creating my own personal 'gaffer truck'.
I just bought an Amaran 200X S - as my first key light vs other alternatives from Godox, SmallRig, Colbor etc after careful analysis. Main advantages IMO were Bowens compatibility, possibly best multi light control system with Sidus app and overall Apurture eco system. I would have liked more powerful Apurture 600 pro etc or Nan lights, but clearly capital cost is a factor if starting over and investing, eventually, into multiple lights - preferably in same system.
Dual blue diode tech on second gen 'S' Amarans was def an important factor for me too (ie light quality). This is also available on the Amaran 60X S. So for me, although I do like what Westcott are doing, the Amaran 60X S units are both cheaper and a better fit as possible future purchases in what may become a selection of multiple lights. I feel that there is a synergy, eventually, having everything running from one Sidus control app. Plus Apurture will undoubtedly continue to be a main player (more than might be said for some suppliers/brands - but who knows which will cease trading longer term).
I'm planning to grow my skills and resist buying more kit than I have the time, knowledge, skill and need to use. It's a journey and I now feel a need to get out more, shoot, practice, collaborate, reflect and learn.
Those are all awesome points it really does seem like the amaran is the one for you. I did some personal testing myself and did decide that the amaran fit better into my workflow and I have since used it a lot and been quite happy with it overall!
Use what you have enjoy it and fill in gaps when you need to later!
Good review thx!
no problem!
Thanks. Great review!
Great video. A couple things;
- Remote control. Does the Westcott have anything? I know with my Amran 60D there is a phone app. Does Westcott have an app or a separate remote that you can buy to adjust power?
- There is a tiny sock that came with my Amran 60D, it made a HUGE difference to the reflector quality output (even spread of light and hotspots gone!). However I asked Amran if they made more (or even different colours for temperature control) and they said they did not. So if you lose that sock you're stuck back at a horrible reflector output.
- The battery plate that comes with the Amran doesn't have any info to tell you battery life, whereas the separate one from Westcott does look like it gives you some info to the remaining charge left. I think many would upgrade the battery plate to include one that does feedback some battery health indicators so I see the Amran one being a bit surplus (maybe a good backup but not what you really want to use long term and would likely seek out a better one anyway).
Hey
All good thoughts. Let me preface the my video is more so comparing stuff that I think about in my decision making. Not necessarily a full all encompassing review of all details.
With that said:
- I do know that the amaran has an app, Im pretty sure that the Westcott does too. I know it has a bluetooth reset button so im assuming it does. But def check out westcotts page for more info around that.
- Mine did come with a "honestly crappy" sock. I actually only use it with the sock. That said bare reflector to bare reflector was my main concern as you stated something that could be lost.
- Lastly the Westcott does have a battery indicator. That I used 1 time. I typically use the new small rig Vmount batteries that have a battery life read out on screen. So for me not a big concern. Also not sure if it's worth $50 extra.
SUB - Personally if you are doing something that might outlast 2 mid sized Sony batteries then you should probably be finding a different option for power. Most larger options will have battery indicators.
All good stuff sounds like you should go make a very detailed review of these!
are this good for wedding venus ? i’m thinking about getting the godox ml60 bicolors
I have not used these for weddings so I can not verify. However They do seem bright ENOUGH if it was a darker venue and you wanted to do say a "spotlight" on the couple for photo or video.
I can't see how it wouldn't be powerful enough for that.
All that said I can not confirm any of this with the godox as I have not had a chance to play with that light, but godox stuff typically is comparable.
You should really consider getting a light meter
Honestly, I'd never use it.
@colbewells1487 Interesting. Now I'm curious, what kind of studio work do you do?
@@aarontharris I rarely do studio work. I'd say in any given year I only do 5% or less of my jobs in studio.
So with that most of my on location work it is actually significantly faster to adjust light output to the tethered images I see pop up on the laptop. I used a light meter in the past when I thought "everyone/pros used it" and it's like I'm popping the flashes either way. I might as well just utilize a histogram and a preview of the finished product over what a flash meter says.
To each their own and your more than welcome to use one on your work. But for me Zebra's with video and histogram within Lightroom give me all the information I need.
@colbewells1487 Fair enough, we all have different workflows. I'm retired now, but I mostly did studio work -- product and food for SF Bay Area tech companies and restaurants. I found that with some practice I could quickly grab a reading from the main light and use that to set the distance/power of the secondary or snoots. I could usually get pretty close before popping flashes which saved tons of time. Good luck with your channel.
@@aarontharris Congrats on your retirement! That's the other aspect as you stated. My lights are typically within a stop before I even take my first test shot.
Also if you've been shooting since before digital (idk how old you are if you're retired) then yes a light meter was significantly more important then! and if it held over in your workflow that makes a ton of sense too!
Great review...... Thanks
Minor note: 777 grams is 1.71 lbs. There are 454 grams/pound.
You are correct thank you!