I guess "you get what you pay for" holds true - we can not expect Aputure-like build quality for half the price... But you get a lot of light for your money!
It wasn't bad, but the cord situation and the lack of a D-Tap was a deal breaker for me. But still a decent light for the price. Just not for my needs.
I bought the same light and long cable is a plus. It's better to fold it than having it short and have things dangling. The cable going into the controller from the power pack there's no way those pins will get pressure from a bad loop. It's same as audio xlr pins . . . Solid connection.
I like the review (thanks), I'd much prefer knowing if potential down-sides will matter to me or not. I like the light nothing here has put off and I think it has made me more confident to pit it at the top of my list for the price. Thanks again.
Do you have a product recommendation on how to attach the control box to the stand through the V mount, similar to how you did for the battery pack? I got the clamp you recommended in the comments for the battery pack, but can't seem to find a male v clamp mount to attach the control box to
Thx for the review - I just brought the VL150, unfortunately, there was no battery included and I am trying to see if I can buy it separately on amazon, but I can't see it - any idea where to get it? thx
re the hotspot, it's because of the fancy reflector they include... it's designed to focus the light more than a standard 7" reflector. I think they use it as a marketing gimmick as it inflates the lumen figures but in practise it only ends up creating a hotspot
I too dislike reviews that are really ads. This is why I buy the stuff myself (for the most part), so I am not beholden to the manufactures and I can be brutality honest. Thanks!
They are two different lights The 100/200 are really for studio use. This light is more for travel and onset. So it really depends on what your usage is. The Amarans' are a little on the fragile side where the Godox is more solid and built for travel.
@@Ranger7Studios thanks for your response, I will use it for both studio and on location work, i'm trying to choose between the Amaran 200d and the Godox vl150.
I hear that on Aputure D ii vs Godox VL (both 150 and 300w models) the light reflectors on Aputure can wiggle. As in the bowens mount on aputure is not as secure, as snug. Did you find this is the case? If you had the reflector with barndoors in the wind, do you think it would make noise? is it off axis, sagging? does it look like the softbox is sagging in the bowens mount?
I don't think there is any way something would fall off, as they are secure. Even in high wind. It's really a concern about other modifiers and if you need to move a light during a shot, such as panning it or tilting it down during a scene. Then you will most likely get noise in your audio, due to the loose connection. It also has to do with accuracy of the reflector. If it is loose or not in the right position, then the reffectiveness can cause the light to be off in color or beam. That is why it is important for the cob and the dish to be aligned properly. It could hinder the light quality and output. Hope that answers your question!
Get an SL150W and you only have one cable and no bricks. Problem solved. The first version is very affordable now, if you don't mind a tad louder fan compared to the mark II.
@@Ranger7Studios I'd be interested in your opinion of the ml60. I've been really impressed by mine, obviously it's not as bright as the vl150, and I miss not having a bowens mount built in, (although an adapter is availble) but its so small and easy to run with its sony battery plate that I find myself reaching for it at every opportunity.
True. However, I'm only comparing Aputure's build quality (which is the same on the 120d) to the build quality of the Godox VL150. I'm not comparing the power output or price.
@@Ranger7Studios I've used the Aputure 60d 120d & 300d They are awesome lights, I'm personally on the fence.. Do I invest in a Godox system (I have godox strobes) or do I pony up more cash and put it into Aputure. If I go with Aputure, I'd then build into that brand. And same with Godox, if I buy a Godox light.. I'd buy more of them to work together to easier match the color science of the lights. I was considering 1 VL300 & 2 VL150's.
Dude your complaints sound like you rather pay over twice the price for something that does basically the same thing. This light does what it says it does and for an unbelievable price. You sound like you just picked out inconsequential things to cry about just because you couldn't find any real complaints.
These are not really complaints, just some design things I didn't like. And I did say I was being very nitpickey in this video. I also said that it is still a good light and that I am a little spoiled due to owning an Aputure. Still, I wasn't happy with the quality, but I'm on a more professional level with my client work. These are just some things I felt that they could have included. (Some of these companies watch these videos and rely on us reviewers to take suggestions for their next models, which is why I was being so through.) I understand why they didn't, however, the missing features were enough for me to take a pass for my needs. Also, these are some things that NO ONE is telling you. There are a lot of reviewers out there that are just praising this thing and not giving you a whole (truthful) overview, which my reviews are about. These are really just things that I thought could be improved upon or things I wanted people to be aware of. I did the same thing in my Aputure review as well. Anyway, it IS still a good light and very useful for the money, I agree. But it was just missing too much for me (and a lot of others) to be worth it for my work flow. And with so much competition out there, I just wanted to make sure everyone knows what they are getting and post my findings based on my own opinions. Take this video as "Just some things to be aware of when you buy this light."
After watching this video for 3 mins the most that I understood Is that literally there Is a lot of plastic that comes with this product or you actually dislike a lot products made of plastic 🤔
They you've missed everything. The way the cord hangs can bend the pins, the bad connection to the v mount, the awful hanging strap and the lack of a D-tap. I said there was one, but upon a closer look, it's capped off. There were a lot of design flaws in this. Hopefully they will see this and take this in to account for the next model.
@@Ranger7Studios dont worry I saw the rest of the video and actually thanks for the review I Just felt like I should Point out that there is too much plastic overall 7 of 10 ign score lol
I haven't seen a proper review of a LED light yet. This one is no different. When you buy a professional old school light their foot-candles are measured at 10feet. So you know that when you switch it on the power you get is measured at reasonable useful distance. These lights are measured at ONE and HALF feet. So of course when you switch them on and they're just not up to the task of throwing the light any decent distant to be actually useful outside of any situation that doesn't require the subject to sit still. Try using this light as a main heavy lifter in a low light situation and see how far you get. That's why you get buyers remorse. I just wish these companies would be honest. It's not like these things are pocket change.
So... I know that 3 meters is what everyone SHOULD be measuring at (I seem to think 1 meter is an American thing.). That is why I don't give measurements or take readings. I don't have that kind of space. Also, I don't have a meter. This is more of a what's missing/ what I don't like about this light. It's not a metrics review. For me... It was about how messy the cords were and the lack of a D-Tap that made this a return. I also bought this with the full intention of returning it, as I have more professional lights. I was just curious as to why people were buying this over something that was better quality. So in a sense, this is a very honest review. I never promised readings or accuracy in the review. Just criticism of the quality of the build. Also, I'm about 8 FT. from the screen here, so I'm closer then most.
@@Ranger7Studios thanks for the reply. I don't mean to have a dig at you. It's just so frustrating that these lights a bloody expensive and you get them home and they're piss poor for pretty much everything that isn't a sit down interview. 👍😊
@@JWS1968 I feel ya man. That's why I went with an Aputure 300D II as my main light for these videos. I think that's kind of the thought behind these lights anyway. They really are for sit down interviews because a lot of indie filmmakers/noobs do that kind of work mostly. :)
Me pagaron cero dólares. Realmente no soy un fan de esta luz. La nueva serie Knowled es mucho mejor y de mayor calidad. Esperemos que entren algunos de esos pronto.
What it boils down to is I really did not like the build quality or user interface with this light. However, it seems that Godox has listened to their customers and are beginning to improve as new lights come out. I'm really liking what I ma seeing now vs how ever many years ago this was.
I guess "you get what you pay for" holds true - we can not expect Aputure-like build quality for half the price... But you get a lot of light for your money!
It wasn't bad, but the cord situation and the lack of a D-Tap was a deal breaker for me. But still a decent light for the price. Just not for my needs.
I bought the same light and long cable is a plus. It's better to fold it than having it short and have things dangling. The cable going into the controller from the power pack there's no way those pins will get pressure from a bad loop. It's same as audio xlr pins . . . Solid connection.
Mine bent due to the pressure after a while. So... :/
@@Ranger7Studios hey the same happened to me and i've been looking for a replacement , have you any luck ?
I like the review (thanks), I'd much prefer knowing if potential down-sides will matter to me or not. I like the light nothing here has put off and I think it has made me more confident to pit it at the top of my list for the price.
Thanks again.
Like I say in the video, it's all really my personal preference. Others may feel differently.
Do you have a product recommendation on how to attach the control box to the stand through the V mount, similar to how you did for the battery pack? I got the clamp you recommended in the comments for the battery pack, but can't seem to find a male v clamp mount to attach the control box to
I've been using this attached to a super clamp. The I can attach the ballast via the v-mount. amzn.to/3Q7nkK8
Thx for the review - I just brought the VL150, unfortunately, there was no battery included and I am trying to see if I can buy it separately on amazon, but I can't see it - any idea where to get it? thx
Look for V-Mount batteries. There should be several there.
@@Ranger7Studios any recommendation as these vary from 100 to 300$ - thx
@@Ranger7Studios what are the specs? is this good enough: Neewer V Mount/V Lock Battery - 95Wh 14.8V 6600mAh Rechargeable Li-ion Battery?
re the hotspot, it's because of the fancy reflector they include... it's designed to focus the light more than a standard 7" reflector. I think they use it as a marketing gimmick as it inflates the lumen figures but in practise it only ends up creating a hotspot
This is what I call a review. Not those advertising crap pretending to be a review.
I too dislike reviews that are really ads. This is why I buy the stuff myself (for the most part), so I am not beholden to the manufactures and I can be brutality honest. Thanks!
I have a vl150 and the Dtap on my controller looks like it’s fake. I have no battery at the moment but it looks like it’s not a real connector.
I just ordered the vl 200. Coming from a sl60 and jinbeii 60
The 200 is built better. They combined the controller box to make less of a mess.
@@Ranger7Studios whoop!
Well if these are the cons... i buy myself one
Yea, there were just a few hiccups for me, personally. Didn't really fit my needs.
great video, what if you have to choose between this one or one of the new amaran lights from Aputure?
They are two different lights The 100/200 are really for studio use. This light is more for travel and onset. So it really depends on what your usage is. The Amarans' are a little on the fragile side where the Godox is more solid and built for travel.
@@Ranger7Studios thanks for your response, I will use it for both studio and on location work, i'm trying to choose between the Amaran 200d and the Godox vl150.
What do you think about the fan noise?
it's fine. Don;t bother me at all.
I hear that on Aputure D ii vs Godox VL (both 150 and 300w models) the light reflectors on Aputure can wiggle. As in the bowens mount on aputure is not as secure, as snug. Did you find this is the case? If you had the reflector with barndoors in the wind, do you think it would make noise? is it off axis, sagging? does it look like the softbox is sagging in the bowens mount?
I don't think there is any way something would fall off, as they are secure. Even in high wind. It's really a concern about other modifiers and if you need to move a light during a shot, such as panning it or tilting it down during a scene. Then you will most likely get noise in your audio, due to the loose connection. It also has to do with accuracy of the reflector. If it is loose or not in the right position, then the reffectiveness can cause the light to be off in color or beam. That is why it is important for the cob and the dish to be aligned properly. It could hinder the light quality and output. Hope that answers your question!
@@Ranger7Studios not really: the question was if you noticed sagging in aputure lights, to cause color shift/beaming.
Get an SL150W and you only have one cable and no bricks. Problem solved. The first version is very affordable now, if you don't mind a tad louder fan compared to the mark II.
I actually just ordered an Aputure Ameran 100X. I hear those are pretty good and the fan is pretty quiet.
Good Information, Keep It Up.
If you can live with a 60w light, I'd just get the Godox ml60, it's a lot less hassle.
I just bought one. :)
@@Ranger7Studios I'd be interested in your opinion of the ml60. I've been really impressed by mine, obviously it's not as bright as the vl150, and I miss not having a bowens mount built in, (although an adapter is availble) but its so small and easy to run with its sony battery plate that I find myself reaching for it at every opportunity.
any overheating problems? I'm finding that mines turns off after 30 to 40 mins of used at 40% I dont know if i have a defective unit
It shouldn't do that unless you are using it under extrema heat. I'd exchange it for another one.
@@Ranger7Studios no extreme heat regular room temps honestly
@@Ranger7Studios I found the issue and it’s so funny I never noticed it… the fan never turns on that’s why it shuts down when it over heats
I wonder if it comes with the battery when you buy it? I didn’t see if it was mentioned
Nope. That is separate. You can plug it in though.
Aputure 300D price vs Godox VL150 is also more than double the cost.
True. However, I'm only comparing Aputure's build quality (which is the same on the 120d) to the build quality of the Godox VL150. I'm not comparing the power output or price.
@@Ranger7Studios I've used the Aputure 60d 120d & 300d
They are awesome lights, I'm personally on the fence.. Do I invest in a Godox system (I have godox strobes) or do I pony up more cash and put it into Aputure.
If I go with Aputure, I'd then build into that brand. And same with Godox, if I buy a Godox light.. I'd buy more of them to work together to easier match the color science of the lights. I was considering 1 VL300 & 2 VL150's.
Can u mention thw name of the clamp used to hold the battery
CAME-TV V Mount Clamp on Amazon.
Would you recommend the vl150 over the amaran 100x or 200x?
I would only because of the v-mount option on the Godox. There is a separate power option for the Aputures but it's more expensive.
Do you have a link to that super clamp with the v-mount?
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07Y9JFM8X/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
@@Ranger7Studios Thank you!
Can you please tell me which battery to purchase?
14.8 volt 190W V - mount battery
Dude your complaints sound like you rather pay over twice the price for something that does basically the same thing.
This light does what it says it does and for an unbelievable price. You sound like you just picked out inconsequential things to cry about just because you couldn't find any real complaints.
These are not really complaints, just some design things I didn't like. And I did say I was being very nitpickey in this video. I also said that it is still a good light and that I am a little spoiled due to owning an Aputure. Still, I wasn't happy with the quality, but I'm on a more professional level with my client work. These are just some things I felt that they could have included. (Some of these companies watch these videos and rely on us reviewers to take suggestions for their next models, which is why I was being so through.) I understand why they didn't, however, the missing features were enough for me to take a pass for my needs. Also, these are some things that NO ONE is telling you. There are a lot of reviewers out there that are just praising this thing and not giving you a whole (truthful) overview, which my reviews are about. These are really just things that I thought could be improved upon or things I wanted people to be aware of. I did the same thing in my Aputure review as well. Anyway, it IS still a good light and very useful for the money, I agree. But it was just missing too much for me (and a lot of others) to be worth it for my work flow. And with so much competition out there, I just wanted to make sure everyone knows what they are getting and post my findings based on my own opinions. Take this video as "Just some things to be aware of when you buy this light."
@@Ranger7Studios fair enough, I guess for future designs this serves a purpose in getting them to further refine it.
@@Ranger7Studios agree
I believe that dtap is output only.
Actually it's non functioning. That's why it's capped off. According to Godox. :(
LOL!!!! This is not a review. It's a rant/complain video haha!
Are you serious? Obversely there's a hot spot because you're using the reflector which is designed to make a hot spot.
Not all dishes have hot spots. A lot of them do, but not all. It's usually a result not a design choice.
long cord isnt a con.
Didn't say it was.
After watching this video for 3 mins the most that I understood Is that literally there Is a lot of plastic that comes with this product or you actually dislike a lot products made of plastic 🤔
They you've missed everything. The way the cord hangs can bend the pins, the bad connection to the v mount, the awful hanging strap and the lack of a D-tap. I said there was one, but upon a closer look, it's capped off. There were a lot of design flaws in this. Hopefully they will see this and take this in to account for the next model.
@@Ranger7Studios dont worry I saw the rest of the video and actually thanks for the review I Just felt like I should Point out that there is too much plastic overall 7 of 10 ign score lol
I haven't seen a proper review of a LED light yet. This one is no different. When you buy a professional old school light their foot-candles are measured at 10feet. So you know that when you switch it on the power you get is measured at reasonable useful distance. These lights are measured at ONE and HALF feet. So of course when you switch them on and they're just not up to the task of throwing the light any decent distant to be actually useful outside of any situation that doesn't require the subject to sit still. Try using this light as a main heavy lifter in a low light situation and see how far you get. That's why you get buyers remorse. I just wish these companies would be honest. It's not like these things are pocket change.
So... I know that 3 meters is what everyone SHOULD be measuring at (I seem to think 1 meter is an American thing.). That is why I don't give measurements or take readings. I don't have that kind of space. Also, I don't have a meter. This is more of a what's missing/ what I don't like about this light. It's not a metrics review. For me... It was about how messy the cords were and the lack of a D-Tap that made this a return. I also bought this with the full intention of returning it, as I have more professional lights. I was just curious as to why people were buying this over something that was better quality. So in a sense, this is a very honest review. I never promised readings or accuracy in the review. Just criticism of the quality of the build. Also, I'm about 8 FT. from the screen here, so I'm closer then most.
@@Ranger7Studios thanks for the reply. I don't mean to have a dig at you. It's just so frustrating that these lights a bloody expensive and you get them home and they're piss poor for pretty much everything that isn't a sit down interview. 👍😊
@@JWS1968 I feel ya man. That's why I went with an Aputure 300D II as my main light for these videos. I think that's kind of the thought behind these lights anyway. They really are for sit down interviews because a lot of indie filmmakers/noobs do that kind of work mostly. :)
cuanto te pago Aputure para hablar mal de Godox?. es tan evidente
Me pagaron cero dólares. Realmente no soy un fan de esta luz. La nueva serie Knowled es mucho mejor y de mayor calidad. Esperemos que entren algunos de esos pronto.
This guy farms dislikes - a lot of them
Again... I do mention that I am an Aputure user and they these are just nitpicks and things that didn't work for me.
This guy is a complain box
What it boils down to is I really did not like the build quality or user interface with this light. However, it seems that Godox has listened to their customers and are beginning to improve as new lights come out. I'm really liking what I ma seeing now vs how ever many years ago this was.