Loving this channel and how you terrorise your neighbours by constantly shining bloody great lights at them! But this was a fantastic, informative review. Hope this channel gets big and you start getting sent review units.
Love the detail, Andrew! Nice gel/iris tip too:) So thankful to be able to point people to your channel when they need more info. Still love the Dedo form factor and Kelvin tunability... so many tools it’s hard to choose!
It annoying how their is no clear winner with every form factor at the moment. 10 years ago we pretty much carried kino, hmi, and tungsten in differct sizes. I really really wanted the LED ETC lights you showed, but so dam expensive here in Australia because of our weak dollar. Budgets are such a joke here too, so this Aputure is the only way I can afford a daylight Leko. I will be doing a quick follow up video on this product if I can get talent clearance to use of photos from a fashion photo shoot yesterday. If I do I would like to mention your video. As your comparisons fill the information gaps in my video perfectly. Especially in relation to the Joker 400, I was surprised buy it's output. I think both videos cover everything you need to know about today's Leko options. I hope Aputure make a glass gobo holder to go in the iris slot and I hope they get the 50 degree lens working, but I suspect it may be hard in this small form factor to not have the optics concaving on gobos.
Wow, this is how reviewing of lighting products should be done, I saw many light reviews from TH-camrs who i thought they give a good information, but it is clearly that when a professional like you Sr. talk we can really see the deep knowledge and information that make the deferent, specially for someone like me who is a professional photographer but new to video world, thank you
I got a spotlight mount the other day. Quite pleased with the versatility (got the 36 degree version) First, it holds up in daylight, used it for projecting a dappled pattern of the floor of a living room and it held up with sun outside (UK sun so...) One thing to watch out for is when the mount is in direct sunlight it can overheat. If you have it outside I would suggest giving the light some overhead shade from direct sunlight with a flag, otherwise it shuts down. It's quite good at projecting slashes of "sunlight" from windows using a clrs lightstream reflector (we were on the third floor of a hotel so nothing could be set outside). You can get convincing sun. (I can't show any pictures yet due to nda/embargo's but will try to post when videos are released.
Thanks for this! I have need for both video studio lighting and live event follow spotting, so this looks like it would overlap very well rather than spending money on a dedicated theater follow spot that I wouldn't use in the studio.
Great video as always! Really the most advanced lighting reviews on TH-cam. And I love the timestamps in the Description in case im coming back for a quick info, Thx Andrew! greetings from Germany.
I really like your reviews and suggestions. Aputure is making good headway towards pro gear. I would love Aputure to come out with either an attachment so I can use my source four lenses or produce a 50, 10 and 5 degree lens. Keep up the great work.
Hi Andrew, any advice if one of the internal blades get stuck? In my case it's the top blade or I guess North if you are thinking in terms of cardinal direction. I can't figure out how to wiggle them loose, my next step is to try and take the whole unit apart but trying to leave that as a last resort!
Great info and insight! I’ve been looking forward to this after your original 300dii review. Just a quick note: no need to add background music to these types of videos, your content is strong enough to not need any unnecessary distraction. For me, listening to this was a little jarring in places because of the music, but I stuck around for the information. Background music is massively overused in films as a quick way to add pace or to provoke an emotional response. But this type of in depth, long-form content just doesn’t need it. Trust in your content, trust in your knowledge to be enough, don’t feel like you have to spice it up! Thanks again!
I'm dyslexic, so I use the background music to cover my audio edits when I get the words.wrong and need to do lots of cuts away shots. If there is lots of music or cutaways you know I couldn't get the sentences out in one go. Especially in the gobo section of this video. The other problem I have is neighbours playing loud music, I had a video pulled by TH-cam for copyright because it was under dialogue But thanks for the tip, I'll dial it back. I think also my Australian accent can make it hard to here what I'm saying so I may slow down just a little.
Gaffer & Gear Fair enough! Sucks about the neighbours! I think it’s maybe more the style of music. This is very fast paced and quite high pitched. A mellower track would be much more suitable. Either way looking forward to future videos.
Hello! I've got a problem with my spotlite. There is one knife which came out from the other side, that is, the knife is no longer standing straight, due to this it is no longer possible to make a circle.
Is it right, that the Spotlight Mount does a 10x output on the 120D like the Fresnel Mount does? If yes, do you see any use of the Fresnel apart from beeing smaller? Thank you for your thoughts!!!
Love your videos with all the details discussed! One little thing you probably missed due to the fact that it is very little is the gel holder on the front. Might be a thing to tell because barn doors do not fit. For the rest, love it! Please keep making these videos!
5 years later, would you still say it holds up with lights other than Aputure 300d? Godox lights (cheap and expensive), Nanlites, those inexpensive but compact Yongnuo and such?
It comes down to how far you want to throw the light. For example the 19⁰ is very bright because it is concentrated. But it's such a small projection within 5 metres that it would not be useful in close. But I use then to light the background from a long way away when I can't get lights close
I do the opposite, if I have to throw light a long way I use the 19⁰ lens. In a small room I don't have as much space to get the beam wide so I use a winder lens
@@gaffergear I’m sorry, you got me confused on the last part. You use a 19 if you have a lot of distance to work with. What do you use if you only had somewhere between 12 and 20 feet? Or what would you use to get the really crisp look in your garage from that same distance you were in? Thanks in advance.
@@FlyingJackalope In a small interview space, if I was putting a pattern on a wall behind the talent. I would use a wide lens, otherwise my projection would be too small. Think of it like a camera lens. If you need to see something far away you zoom in (tighter). If the subject is close to you, you zoom out (wider). It's the same with the light.
Agree with them all! You are the greatest gear reviewer. How's this vs the Nanlite projector? And does the Nanlite work on Aputure lights and vice versa?
I saw on another video (DSLRShooter?) that the 36 has a little more CA ,less contrast and distortion than the two tighter beam angles. Just a heads up. Great video!~
@@gaffergear Thanks. I heard that other two lenses were good. Do you have those? Might be worth while making a addendum video comparing all three. Cheers, and thanks for all your effort it is much appreciated.
@@AlexDerrick_DP hopefully I will have a second video up showing why I think the issue with the 36 degree lens is not an issue. That lens is the one used in this video by the way
Hi, may i ask about iris, i would like to get the smallest circle like a small point, which brand of spotlight projection attachment can provide the smallest circle , can you suggest ? Thank you
@@gaffergear thank you, Godox S30 or S60 you mean i think, also i watched your aputure spotlight mini zoom video and you mentioned that you can get very small circle , if we compare Godox s30-s60 and Aputure mini spotlight zoom which one do you suggest? Thank you very much
You ROCK, Dude (that's what we say here in the states., Mate...) What lens would you recommend for corporate and indy filmmaking with the 600D/600X in rooms not much bigger than 50sq feet 19, 26, or 36? Cheers!
@@gaffergear thank you. Can you make a video comparing aputure spot vs nanlite spot. When it comes to lighting and grips, you are my most trusted source. Thank you for replying and all the great content.
@@gaffergear It fits my GODOX fine... I tried to mount it on my forza 300, but I couldn't even see if the COB itself was too wide, as the locking blocks of the Spotlight Mount's bowens mount are just a nanometer too wide. Wtf is up with that. Bowens mount is bowens mount, no?
@@Nicdehouwer Bowen's mount was only ever designed for simple dishes and soft boxes. The only reason everyone (LED COB) is using it is because it's cheap, no licensing fees, because Bowen's went bust. Unofficially, nanlight are working on their own elipsodal mount. Even if it did fit the Forza, the optics would have been soft because of the different COB circumference. The optics on the spotlight mount are apparently at best with the smaller COB of the 120d.
@@gaffergear ok, thanks for the info :) One more thing: I hear Aputure talk about an 'iris' in the spotlight mount.. I haven't found such a control on it. Have you?
I was wondering if you have another mount light can you mount it (by an adapter or by changing the back mount if it's is detachable) and get a clean result? If the focal point is fixed (where the blades are) could it cause a problem for getting clean corners and shape edges of the gobos; right? One feedback to the comparison: You don't see a chromatic aberration in the projection of Aputure, because it is blurry, not sharp and the aberration gets blended as opposed to the super-sharp result of the Dedolight.
Instantly subscribed. Always a pleasure to see people with knowledge do info videos. Salute Andrew! Some thoughts on this light fixture. I own some ETC light fixtures myself and am pretty happy with those. Yeah, hot and heavy I know. :) However, I was thinking about trying the Apurture stuff but after doing some research I'm not sure about it. It is reported that static can kill your controller box and spare parts are a real pain with Apurture say, once a part of your unit is broken you end up buying a whole new one instead of replacing single parts or get a replacement unit from Apurture because .... This goes as far as cables seem not to be replaceble and we all know cables wear out. On the other hand the Apurture service is known to be very good and customer friendly. Still, ordering a new lamp socket or replacing a cable is faster then getting replacement units from China. ;) Thinking about tight schedule and work that needs to be done. Just some thoughts to be aware of.
The cables on this can easily be replaced with non Aputure product. I had a friend blow up a 300D and he had problems getting it fixed. It was suggested theonly solution was to buy a whole new light. In the end he got it fixed by non Aputure engineer's. We have a place in Melbourne "Technical Art Solutions" who seem to be the only guys who can fix stuff. You know what I miss about tungsten lights, we could fix them on our kitchen table!
@@gaffergear Or on set having some spare parts (lamp socket and what not) ready. For my ETC fixtures its no issue to get some spare stuff. Only have to pay attention to the porcelain socket for ETC has two generations.
That's a fair point. Parts on ETC, Arri, Dedo, etc, are quite rugged and they tend to last. Spares can take a bit of time to receive if you're not in US or Europe, depending what they are, but it's also easy to hire an equivelant and accessories when required. Aputure are one of the better companies of their type (as far as I know) re documentation and dealers. In 5 or 10 years how easy (possible) will it be to obtain spares? That's the tradeoff of their affordability. Same with moving lights verses conventionals regarding reliability and repairability.
QUESTION: With the weight of the 300d ii and 300x, which light stands and booms would you recommend that could handle the payload. Most stands/booms I can find can barely handle the payload of the light and softbox (assuming the listed 25 lbs+ weight of the light listed on websites is correct). This modifying seems much heavier. I greatly appreciate your time and consideration of my question. I’m honestly confused and want to make sure I purchase the correct gear. Thank you.
At the end of the video you’re saying that the unit is too close to the wall and you need a different lens degree for the distance. So, should your lens be wider or narrower to get the circles spaced properly? Thanks!
I would go a 50 degree, (if one was available) but apparently (I haven seen it myself) Aputures smaller narrow lenses work good in tight. If so this is unusual and to my knowledge only Deep can do this. Most tighter leko lenses are only good for throwing long distances. I once had a 5 degree that could throw a pattern 100's of meters, but it was useless in a house.
Another great review and walk through as usual! 😎👍 I do have a question, does this work as well with the 300 X with the 2 light engines? Are the patterns as clean? After 3 decades as a gaffer(way back to the 35mm days, ouch) i noticed that people are automatically assume that those patterns are just for a flat surface but if you take that pattern, defocus it and throw it across a busy table top or talking head background with books, plants and office stuff, you can't tell that its from a "stage light" type unit.. The pattern it looks like a beautiful little break up of light coming through some tree branches in the morning, so anyway just my little 2 cents. keep up the good work!
Many thanks for another informative review. If you were to put the Aputure Spotlight mount onto the Nanlite Forza 300, I'm guessing that the results would be completely different (and not as good) as the COB light is actually bigger on the Forza?
Will this mount work with other non-Aputure Bowen’s COB lights? Their fresnel don’t work well with non-Aputure lights because of the precise distance and size of the COB and location of the Bowen’s Mount is relative to where the lens sits.
Hey Andrew, have you compared this to the Fresnel 2X in terms of pure light output? I’d like to see a comparison for 3m and 5m throws but I can’t find them anywhere!
I think on the Aputure site they have all the stats, because it would depend on the beam angle of the lens. I would imagine the 19 degree would be quite intense
Hi there. I need a help. I am about to buy Spotlight Mount mostly for indoor shooting in the studio. Longest distance is about 30ft and i dont know what angle chose 36° 26°or 19°? Or pick up 36°and Iris ? Can somebody help me ? Ty
It depends what size you want your hobo patterns or cuts. I would go the 36 or 26. I think the Aputure website has some good info on the spread as selecting the lens
@@gaffergear Ohhhh I am dumb. I found that info on aputure website. So 36° its right for me. 5,9ft diameter from 9,8ft distance . That´s what I need it will be great for photoshooting eather. Ty for directing me.
@@gaffergear I installed a female bowens braket on my spots, I just want to know if you think it can resist the heat (hmi 800w or 400w par), thank you!
@@jean-patrickpeuvion5373 ohhhh, I don't know if it will ventalate OK. It gets hot in a 300D. Also the optics may be misaligned because they are designed for a COD. I not saying it wouldn't work, but expensive if it doesn't
the Aputure brand light is this similar to a studio flash, ie a broncolor or profoto D 1 etc. or is this a fixed ( steady light), like a war time search light, and how do you get it, as you show the light does NOT come with the lens kit.
@@gaffergear hi. Thanks for reply. I have bowens mount 300w led lights so it sadly wont fit. But I see they are making bowens adapter for forza 60 - do you think this would work? And Merry Christmas 🎄
I found a few negatives on the system: - The blades on the iris are not metal but a very thin material that can be bent by just touching with a finger. - There is play in the yoke, which means a precise tilt is hard to get (you have to tilt a bit more down than you need, and then let it settle) - on the very first job, a piece of dust got somehow inside and jammed a blade. It’s solidly built… but it can’t take the rough handling a source four can take.
Wow you have had some problems. The yoke is adjustable, mine had some play in it initially and I complained, I can't remember how to do the adjustment now because I only had to do it the once. But if you get on one of the Facebook forums and ask they will run you through it. It was very simple and took about two minutes. I've never had a problem with my blades jamming, I just wish they rotated.
I don't have the time, or work on jobs that allow for an intern unfortunately I get about 5 requests a month, so I'm guessing it's dam hard to get a start now. Best of luck and don't give up
@@gaffergear The videos you make are certainly more than an adequate education, I was compelled to inquire after hearing you describe the importance of creating relationships in your "best advice" video, that's where it's at! Multitude of appreciation from me to you for choosing to share your experience here on TH-cam. Cheers mate!
Your vocabulary, style of speech, progression of ideas in each section, and sense of humor is second to none on TH-cam. You're a great teacher.
this channel is gonna be big, mark my words
He's really great isn't he?
As a videographer you got me excited for gaffer work. Thanks a lot for your great videos!
Loving this channel and how you terrorise your neighbours by constantly shining bloody great lights at them! But this was a fantastic, informative review. Hope this channel gets big and you start getting sent review units.
Love the detail, Andrew! Nice gel/iris tip too:) So thankful to be able to point people to your channel when they need more info. Still love the Dedo form factor and Kelvin tunability... so many tools it’s hard to choose!
It annoying how their is no clear winner with every form factor at the moment. 10 years ago we pretty much carried kino, hmi, and tungsten in differct sizes.
I really really wanted the LED ETC lights you showed, but so dam expensive here in Australia because of our weak dollar.
Budgets are such a joke here too, so this Aputure is the only way I can afford a daylight Leko.
I will be doing a quick follow up video on this product if I can get talent clearance to use of photos from a fashion photo shoot yesterday.
If I do I would like to mention your video. As your comparisons fill the information gaps in my video perfectly. Especially in relation to the Joker 400, I was surprised buy it's output. I think both videos cover everything you need to know about today's Leko options.
I hope Aputure make a glass gobo holder to go in the iris slot and I hope they get the 50 degree lens working, but I suspect it may be hard in this small form factor to not have the optics concaving on gobos.
Gaffer & Gear both of you do such a great job! I work in the industry in New York and have learned so much for you two. Keep up the great work.
Wow, this is how reviewing of lighting products should be done, I saw many light reviews from TH-camrs who i thought they give a good information, but it is clearly that when a professional like you Sr. talk we can really see the deep knowledge and information that make the deferent, specially for someone like me who is a professional photographer but new to video world, thank you
Thank you for having a clean concise description! It is refreshing and informative!
Hands down, best channel on TH-cam for lighting and Gaffer advice. No one else even comes close. Thanks for all your awesome videos!
Outstanding constant light with the optic in studio photography rendering a sunlight look with crisp shadows. Good review too Andrew !!
I got a spotlight mount the other day. Quite pleased with the versatility (got the 36 degree version) First, it holds up in daylight, used it for projecting a dappled pattern of the floor of a living room and it held up with sun outside (UK sun so...) One thing to watch out for is when the mount is in direct sunlight it can overheat. If you have it outside I would suggest giving the light some overhead shade from direct sunlight with a flag, otherwise it shuts down. It's quite good at projecting slashes of "sunlight" from windows using a clrs lightstream reflector (we were on the third floor of a hotel so nothing could be set outside). You can get convincing sun. (I can't show any pictures yet due to nda/embargo's but will try to post when videos are released.
Thanks for the tip, much appreciated
Thanks for this! I have need for both video studio lighting and live event follow spotting, so this looks like it would overlap very well rather than spending money on a dedicated theater follow spot that I wouldn't use in the studio.
What a fantastic quality review by a pro.
Have you tried this with other LED monolights? Does the light focus just as good on other brands?
Great video as always! Really the most advanced lighting reviews on TH-cam. And I love the timestamps in the Description in case im coming back for a quick info, Thx Andrew! greetings from Germany.
Just discovered this channel, your videos are really helpful, I am a startup videographer.
Great Video very informative, obviously you know what you're talking about .
I really like your reviews and suggestions. Aputure is making good headway towards pro gear. I would love Aputure to come out with either an attachment so I can use my source four lenses or produce a 50, 10 and 5 degree lens.
Keep up the great work.
Hi Andrew, any advice if one of the internal blades get stuck? In my case it's the top blade or I guess North if you are thinking in terms of cardinal direction. I can't figure out how to wiggle them loose, my next step is to try and take the whole unit apart but trying to leave that as a last resort!
Great info and insight! I’ve been looking forward to this after your original 300dii review. Just a quick note: no need to add background music to these types of videos, your content is strong enough to not need any unnecessary distraction. For me, listening to this was a little jarring in places because of the music, but I stuck around for the information. Background music is massively overused in films as a quick way to add pace or to provoke an emotional response. But this type of in depth, long-form content just doesn’t need it. Trust in your content, trust in your knowledge to be enough, don’t feel like you have to spice it up! Thanks again!
I'm dyslexic, so I use the background music to cover my audio edits when I get the words.wrong and need to do lots of cuts away shots. If there is lots of music or cutaways you know I couldn't get the sentences out in one go. Especially in the gobo section of this video.
The other problem I have is neighbours playing loud music, I had a video pulled by TH-cam for copyright because it was under dialogue
But thanks for the tip, I'll dial it back.
I think also my Australian accent can make it hard to here what I'm saying so I may slow down just a little.
Gaffer & Gear Fair enough! Sucks about the neighbours! I think it’s maybe more the style of music. This is very fast paced and quite high pitched. A mellower track would be much more suitable. Either way looking forward to future videos.
@@alex_pasquini thanks for the feedback, much appreciated
Awesome video, again! Learned a lot - now on to Part 2!!
incredible content, thanks a lot! just got the spotlight myself and super excited with the first uses already :) cheers from germany!
Hello! I've got a problem with my spotlite. There is one knife which came out from the other side, that is, the knife is no longer standing straight, due to this it is no longer possible to make a circle.
Is this with the iris?
Hello mate do you know if they’re still going to make a 50 degree lens? I’d love to have something wider
Seriously doubt it
Hey thank you, great video just what I need. I have a question hope you can respond. Is it the same function/type as godox S30 with 85mm projection?
Yes, just bigger, and not as sharp
@@gaffergear great thanks, appreciate it!
I can’t decide if I should get the 19, 26 or 36 degree! Im using in a small/medium set, I suppose a 26 will work fine?
Is it right, that the Spotlight Mount does a 10x output on the 120D like the Fresnel Mount does? If yes, do you see any use of the Fresnel apart from beeing smaller? Thank you for your thoughts!!!
Love your videos with all the details discussed! One little thing you probably missed due to the fact that it is very little is the gel holder on the front. Might be a thing to tell because barn doors do not fit. For the rest, love it! Please keep making these videos!
10:30
@@gaffergear woww, fully missed that part! Thanks!
@@gaffergear woww... Fully missed that. Thanks!
Does anyone have any idea how this compares output wise to a joleko 800?
Very happy I found your channel, I’m based in Melbourne also.
5 years later, would you still say it holds up with lights other than Aputure 300d? Godox lights (cheap and expensive), Nanlites, those inexpensive but compact Yongnuo and such?
@@dennypilot9856 no
@@gaffergear sounds like it's only a good investment for those planning to upgrade from 300d II to 600d
Thanks Andrew for another very thorough review.
I want to ask about the difference between led spotlight lenses (36, 26,19) and what are the effects or functions of each lens?
It comes down to how far you want to throw the light. For example the 19⁰ is very bright because it is concentrated. But it's such a small projection within 5 metres that it would not be useful in close. But I use then to light the background from a long way away when I can't get lights close
So, for smaller environments would you simply use a smaller degree lens or how does that work? 36, 26 and 19.
I do the opposite, if I have to throw light a long way I use the 19⁰ lens. In a small room I don't have as much space to get the beam wide so I use a winder lens
@@gaffergear I’m sorry, you got me confused on the last part. You use a 19 if you have a lot of distance to work with. What do you use if you only had somewhere between 12 and 20 feet? Or what would you use to get the really crisp look in your garage from that same distance you were in? Thanks in advance.
@@FlyingJackalope In a small interview space, if I was putting a pattern on a wall behind the talent. I would use a wide lens, otherwise my projection would be too small.
Think of it like a camera lens. If you need to see something far away you zoom in (tighter). If the subject is close to you, you zoom out (wider). It's the same with the light.
@@gaffergear Makes sense. Sounds like I need the 19 for the smaller spaces i normally shoot in.
Agree with them all! You are the greatest gear reviewer.
How's this vs the Nanlite projector?
And does the Nanlite work on Aputure lights and vice versa?
Would you recommend using this attachment with the Prolycht Orion 300 FS?
I think I tried it in the Orion 300 episode
I saw on another video (DSLRShooter?) that the 36 has a little more CA ,less contrast and distortion than the two tighter beam angles. Just a heads up. Great video!~
It will do that if your too close to the wall, that's why I'm pressed up against the far wall in my workshop.
Just checked again, yes their is some slight concaving even at a distance
@@gaffergear Thanks. I heard that other two lenses were good. Do you have those? Might be worth while making a addendum video comparing all three. Cheers, and thanks for all your effort it is much appreciated.
@@AlexDerrick_DP hopefully I will have a second video up showing why I think the issue with the 36 degree lens is not an issue.
That lens is the one used in this video by the way
Hi, may i ask about iris, i would like to get the smallest circle like a small point, which brand of spotlight projection attachment can provide the smallest circle , can you suggest ? Thank you
That's a very good question, I would say dedo or the smaller godox lights
@@gaffergear thank you, Godox S30 or S60 you mean i think, also i watched your aputure spotlight mini zoom video and you mentioned that you can get very small circle , if we compare Godox s30-s60 and Aputure mini spotlight zoom which one do you suggest? Thank you very much
Question: does any other brand of iris fit in this mount? I find the one from Aputure is way too fragile to be practical.
I haven't come across anything, I have had problems with the iris being damaged on rentals.
You ROCK, Dude (that's what we say here in the states., Mate...) What lens would you recommend for corporate and indy filmmaking with the 600D/600X in rooms not much bigger than 50sq feet 19, 26, or 36? Cheers!
It totally come down to what your intentions are, how wide a beam you want, but my gut for 50ft throw is 26.
So you said the widest isn36 degree. Does that mean to get the narrowest beam of light, I have to use the 19degrees?
The beam diameter is the widest you can go. But you can narrow the beam with the blades or the iris to anything that suits
@@gaffergear thank you.
Can you make a video comparing aputure spot vs nanlite spot.
When it comes to lighting and grips, you are my most trusted source.
Thank you for replying and all the great content.
But do they work on other brands of COB leds? Like the Nanlite Forza 300? Need to know, because I wanted to combine these two.
Won't fit a Forza, the forza COB is too wide and it can't mount
@@gaffergear It fits my GODOX fine... I tried to mount it on my forza 300, but I couldn't even see if the COB itself was too wide, as the locking blocks of the Spotlight Mount's bowens mount are just a nanometer too wide. Wtf is up with that. Bowens mount is bowens mount, no?
@@Nicdehouwer Bowen's mount was only ever designed for simple dishes and soft boxes.
The only reason everyone (LED COB) is using it is because it's cheap, no licensing fees, because Bowen's went bust.
Unofficially, nanlight are working on their own elipsodal mount.
Even if it did fit the Forza, the optics would have been soft because of the different COB circumference. The optics on the spotlight mount are apparently at best with the smaller COB of the 120d.
@@gaffergear ok, thanks for the info :)
One more thing: I hear Aputure talk about an 'iris' in the spotlight mount.. I haven't found such a control on it. Have you?
@@Nicdehouwer it's sold seperatly.
Wow great review and Thank's for all you tips
Will this work with any light that has a bowens mount? I am using a Godox 150
The optics are aligned for the Aputure lights. So it might work, but it might not
I was wondering if you have another mount light can you mount it (by an adapter or by changing the back mount if it's is detachable) and get a clean result? If the focal point is fixed (where the blades are) could it cause a problem for getting clean corners and shape edges of the gobos; right?
One feedback to the comparison: You don't see a chromatic aberration in the projection of Aputure, because it is blurry, not sharp and the aberration gets blended as opposed to the super-sharp result of the Dedolight.
I think an adaptor mount would throw out the alignment.
If you live in Melbourne your welcome to come over and give it a try.
Instantly subscribed.
Always a pleasure to see people with knowledge do info videos. Salute Andrew!
Some thoughts on this light fixture.
I own some ETC light fixtures myself and am pretty happy with those. Yeah, hot and heavy I know. :)
However, I was thinking about trying the Apurture stuff but after doing some research I'm not sure about it.
It is reported that static can kill your controller box and spare parts are a real pain with Apurture say, once a part of your unit is broken you end up buying a whole new one instead of replacing single parts or get a replacement unit from Apurture because ....
This goes as far as cables seem not to be replaceble and we all know cables wear out.
On the other hand the Apurture service is known to be very good and customer friendly.
Still, ordering a new lamp socket or replacing a cable is faster then getting replacement units from China. ;)
Thinking about tight schedule and work that needs to be done.
Just some thoughts to be aware of.
The cables on this can easily be replaced with non Aputure product.
I had a friend blow up a 300D and he had problems getting it fixed. It was suggested theonly solution was to buy a whole new light. In the end he got it fixed by non Aputure engineer's.
We have a place in Melbourne "Technical Art Solutions" who seem to be the only guys who can fix stuff.
You know what I miss about tungsten lights, we could fix them on our kitchen table!
@@gaffergear Or on set having some spare parts (lamp socket and what not) ready. For my ETC fixtures its no issue to get some spare stuff. Only have to pay attention to the porcelain socket for ETC has two generations.
That's a fair point. Parts on ETC, Arri, Dedo, etc, are quite rugged and they tend to last. Spares can take a bit of time to receive if you're not in US or Europe, depending what they are, but it's also easy to hire an equivelant and accessories when required. Aputure are one of the better companies of their type (as far as I know) re documentation and dealers. In 5 or 10 years how easy (possible) will it be to obtain spares? That's the tradeoff of their affordability. Same with moving lights verses conventionals regarding reliability and repairability.
Nice video! In my small studio 5mx5m, what lens would be best ?
If you are intending it for backgrounds, the wider the better in that space
Any reason why you couldn't use the Nanlite 300 on this mount? The power of the nanlite is appealing but I really like this mount.
It won't fit on the Forza mount. I've tried
@@gaffergear Nooooo!!!! I had dreams of adaptability. Thanks!
@@Dfproductions865foryou tell me about it, I have 4 x Fora 500s.
Nanguang are working on their own projector mounts, but I would not hold your breath.
Great review! HAve you heard about the new Aputure LS 600X Pro? It also has a Bowers mount. Is the Spotlight Mount compatible with the LS 1200d Pro?
LS 600x is in my workshop, data has been collected for the review.
@@gaffergear is the review already published?
@@edgarin not yet, waiting for official launch in the USA
@@gaffergear can’t wait for your review on it!
QUESTION: With the weight of the 300d ii and 300x, which light stands and booms would you recommend that could handle the payload. Most stands/booms I can find can barely handle the payload of the light and softbox (assuming the listed 25 lbs+ weight of the light listed on websites is correct). This modifying seems much heavier. I greatly appreciate your time and consideration of my question. I’m honestly confused and want to make sure I purchase the correct gear. Thank you.
I use steel combos (brand not so important). I use steel because its heavier, if you get aluminium then you will need an additional shot bag.
@@gaffergear , thank you so much!
At the end of the video you’re saying that the unit is too close to the wall and you need a different lens degree for the distance. So, should your lens be wider or narrower to get the circles spaced properly? Thanks!
I would go a 50 degree, (if one was available) but apparently (I haven seen it myself) Aputures smaller narrow lenses work good in tight. If so this is unusual and to my knowledge only Deep can do this.
Most tighter leko lenses are only good for throwing long distances. I once had a 5 degree that could throw a pattern 100's of meters, but it was useless in a house.
Thank you!
Another great review and walk through as usual! 😎👍
I do have a question, does this work as well with the 300 X with the 2 light engines? Are the patterns as clean?
After 3 decades as a gaffer(way back to the 35mm days, ouch) i noticed that people are automatically assume that those patterns are just for a flat surface but if you take that pattern, defocus it and throw it across a busy table top or talking head background with books, plants and office stuff, you can't tell that its from a "stage light" type unit..
The pattern it looks like a beautiful little break up of light coming through some tree branches in the morning, so anyway just my little 2 cents.
keep up the good work!
Many thanks for another informative review. If you were to put the Aputure Spotlight mount onto the Nanlite Forza 300, I'm guessing that the results would be completely different (and not as good) as the COB light is actually bigger on the Forza?
The forza COB has a wider COB and doesn't fit the mount.
I discovered this last night
Many thanks for replying sir
Oh snap. That's important :(
@@Nicdehouwer I found out two days later. I have a second video on the spotlight mount with more info.
Will this mount work with other non-Aputure Bowen’s COB lights? Their fresnel don’t work well with non-Aputure lights because of the precise distance and size of the COB and location of the Bowen’s Mount is relative to where the lens sits.
It's the same with this.
It's a very tight hug between the COB and first condenser lens. So a Forza won't even connect.
Gaffer & Gear thank you so much!
Hey Andrew, have you compared this to the Fresnel 2X in terms of pure light output? I’d like to see a comparison for 3m and 5m throws but I can’t find them anywhere!
If I get a chance I'll put it up at 3m. It's currently out on a long job.
Gaffer & Gear that would be awesome! I was shocked to see that the Fresnel 2X actually beats the Spotlight in terms of output in your 300X comparison
If I want raw output should I get the aperture fresnel attachment or the spotlight mount?
I think on the Aputure site they have all the stats, because it would depend on the beam angle of the lens. I would imagine the 19 degree would be quite intense
Best review online!
Hi there. I need a help. I am about to buy Spotlight Mount mostly for indoor shooting in the studio. Longest distance is about 30ft and i dont know what angle chose 36° 26°or 19°? Or pick up 36°and Iris ? Can somebody help me ? Ty
It depends what size you want your hobo patterns or cuts. I would go the 36 or 26.
I think the Aputure website has some good info on the spread as selecting the lens
@@gaffergear Ohhhh I am dumb. I found that info on aputure website. So 36° its right for me. 5,9ft diameter from 9,8ft distance . That´s what I need it will be great for photoshooting eather. Ty for directing me.
@@PMPFotoVideo not at all, it's an unusually helpful web site
Can you use standard leko lenses with this system? Or can you only use Aputure's proprietary lenses?
Fits only aputure
hi,does if fits godox sl 60/100/150/200 lights??
I love the phrase "flat stick". Do you know where that phrase comes from? This channel is phenomenal! Thanks for all the info you provide!
Refers to having the accelerator pedal in a car flat to the ground.
I didn't realise how many Australian saying I use.
@@gaffergear It's great, keep up the Aussie slang, mate.
Do You know weather You Can use the forza 500 with this or it will heat up and damage it self and the mount?
Won't mount to the forza. The bigger cob on the forza doesn't fit in the space before the first internal lens
Boo!
Can this be used with flash as well? Or only continuous lighting?
I don't know, but doubt it
Is it safe to use this with a Aputure 600D on full power?
Yes, but it's not optically as good.
Is this going to work with nanlite forza 300?
I don't think it fits on the mount. Nanlite do have a projector attachment
Thoughts on using it on the 600d?
Great review :) did you notice the edges were curved when cutting the light with the 36 degree lens?
Yes, but only at a curtain distance, closer than about 3 meters.
Just checked again, their is some slight concaving even past 4 meters.
This will be in an update video soon
I'm a cinematographer and this is too valuable..
$500 just flew out of my pocket.
Hi, it is good metal construction? Can I use it whit 2k fresnel tungstène light or hmi 800w par? (Can ressist heating?) Thanks for the review 🙂
I doubt it would even mount
@@gaffergear
I installed a female bowens braket on my spots, I just want to know if you think it can resist the heat (hmi 800w or 400w par), thank you!
@@jean-patrickpeuvion5373 ohhhh, I don't know if it will ventalate OK. It gets hot in a 300D. Also the optics may be misaligned because they are designed for a COD.
I not saying it wouldn't work, but expensive if it doesn't
Can you use color gels for this aputure?
Yep, gel holder on the front. Not Hot enough to melt them
the Aputure brand light is this similar to a studio flash, ie a broncolor or profoto D 1 etc. or is this a fixed ( steady light), like a war time search light, and how do you get it, as you show the light does NOT come with the lens kit.
I accidentally deleated a question.
Answer:
The mount doesn't get hot to use
..and they still haven't made that 50 degree lens for it
I don't think they will
Why dont you use a source four?
I would love to see their new RGBALC units
@@gaffergear Are they making one?
I really like spotlight mounts, but the costs seems to be quite ridiculous, they cost more than 300w lights nowadays :-/
Have a look at the Forza 60 projection mounts, bright and very affordable. I now have 8 for my Forza 60cs
@@gaffergear hi. Thanks for reply. I have bowens mount 300w led lights so it sadly wont fit. But I see they are making bowens adapter for forza 60 - do you think this would work? And Merry Christmas 🎄
Does this output parallel light?
Not sure what you mean!
Do you know what the weight is?
The heavyist is the 36 degree, 5.11Kg or 11.3lbs
I found a few negatives on the system:
- The blades on the iris are not metal but a very thin material that can be bent by just touching with a finger.
- There is play in the yoke, which means a precise tilt is hard to get (you have to tilt a bit more down than you need, and then let it settle)
- on the very first job, a piece of dust got somehow inside and jammed a blade.
It’s solidly built… but it can’t take the rough handling a source four can take.
Wow you have had some problems.
The yoke is adjustable, mine had some play in it initially and I complained, I can't remember how to do the adjustment now because I only had to do it the once. But if you get on one of the Facebook forums and ask they will run you through it. It was very simple and took about two minutes.
I've never had a problem with my blades jamming, I just wish they rotated.
Mast sir like
Nice one dude. Sub'd!
Do you offer internships?
I don't have the time, or work on jobs that allow for an intern unfortunately
I get about 5 requests a month, so I'm guessing it's dam hard to get a start now.
Best of luck and don't give up
@@gaffergear The videos you make are certainly more than an adequate education, I was compelled to inquire after hearing you describe the importance of creating relationships in your "best advice" video, that's where it's at! Multitude of appreciation from me to you for choosing to share your experience here on TH-cam. Cheers mate!
@Gaffer & Gear
Your profession is switching on an electric lamp?!
And cutting, shaping, diffusing artificial and natural light.
Don't forget carrying bags full of sand over beaches.
@@stokkies2 - That is honourable. Most commoners do the opposite and steal sand from the beaches.
Your poor neighbors! Hahahahaha... Great review!!!!
So long tho! Doesn't seem great for tight spaces or up against a wall.
your background music is too overpowering. it's hard to listen to what your saying