Which to buy: amaran 60x or 200x

[ahalpert]

Obviously, the 200x is more powerful. But portability is key. I can run the 60x off 2x NP-F batteries mounted on the side of the head, or a v-mount battery. (But supposedly you can only use half the watt-hours of a typical v-mount battery when running the light at full power because it cuts out at a higher voltage than usual? And I assume the same is true of NP-F batteries or maybe they can't run it at full power at all. Unclear.)

The 2-battery v-mount power bay for the 200x looks large and it's $179, substantially raising the cost of these cheap lights. But more power than the 60x would definitely be helpful when bouncing it or maybe even doing a book light on a talking head from close distance. And I assume that I could use the full capacity of my batteries.

I have a 2-battery power bay for my Nicefoto HA-3300B which is a 300w or so COB. Do we think I could use that to power the Amaran? Is it just a matter of matching voltage, amperage, and cable?

I'm turned on by these particular Amarans because in addition to their sweet price and size, they received a color upgrade recently (on the newly released "S" units). Their color rendering was supposedly pretty darn good to begin with, and my impression is that the redesign lets them deliver better blues which was their weak spot.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...mdmK-RRYeIQb08Pij6MfxCDSveApMMAxoCLcgQAvD_BwE

https://www.newsshooter.com/2021/12/15/amaran-cob-60x-60d-compact-lights-review/

https://www.newsshooter.com/2023/02...nd-cob-60-get-dual-blue-led-chipset-upgrades/

 

[Jim Feeley]

Why not both? :cheesy:

I have an Aputure LS 60x and find is surprisingly useful. But mainly as an accent, bit-o-fill, etc. Overall I like it, and together with your Nicefoto I think you'd have a useful pair. But I can't see using my 60x as a key or solo light in most situations. I'd guess I'd feel the same as the amaran 60x.

Not a complete answer, but hopefully it helps a bit.

 

[Paul F]

I agree with Jim. I have the Godox ML60bi. It puts out 13,000 lux (I measured). I'm very happy with it in regards to it's 2 NPF solution and its very small package. It's great. But as Jim said, you will want more punch, especially in a room with daylight.

That's a great price. Get it and something more powerful.

 

[ahalpert]

Why not both? :cheesy:

I have an Aputure LS 60x and find is surprisingly useful. But mainly as an accent, bit-o-fill, etc. Overall I like it, and together with your Nicefoto I think you'd have a useful pair. But I can't see using my 60x as a key or solo light in most situations. I'd guess I'd feel the same as the amaran 60x.

Not a complete answer, but hopefully it helps a bit.

Well, if I got both then one of them is probably going to spend its life in storage. I want something for run and gun set-ups. It might be a series of PTC's of a specialist talking in front of a painting in a gallery. We shoot like 6 in 60-90 min and I just want some soft-ish frontal fill. Ambient light levels are probably around iso 1250 f/2 1/50 (but 1-2 stops higher on the painting). Or it might be quick talking head interviews interspersed throughout a verite doc shoot.

My bicolor led panels/fresnels are getting long in the tooth in the sense that newer fixtures seem to have far superior color quality. And something like my ha3300b with batteries seems too cumbersome to lug around and stage with this amount of time and manpower, which makes me worried that I might not actually use the 200x as much as I'd like to if I got it.

I've been happy with 2 Weeylite Sprite 40s ganged together on a single light stand. About 3' from talent in the interior light level I mentioned before, I've had good experiences with the color, texture, and output. But from a greater distance or outdoors, they're hopeless. They're each about 1,000 lux from a meter distance, I believe. They're also not terribly high-end fixtures. They go all the way down to 2500k (which is extremely useful at weddings because the receptions often meter <2500k by camera WB and the Weeylites mix well with candlelight). But the color temp doesn't actually change between the 2500k and 2900k setting. Same color until you get to 3000k. Not very impressive.

So my thinking was that at close range, I could bounce the 60x and maybe get to a similar level. From a greater distance or in bright daylight, I might be able to use it with its 14-degree reflector and diffusion cover (although it's definitely a tight beam and a prominent hot spot) to at least give some noticeable fill on talent, hopefully from a tasteful angle.

200x seems like less of a risk of being underpowered (although still a distinct possibility). But I worry that with batteries it will be too cumbersome for me to want to deal with. Maybe that's silly. And it does have ever so slightly better color rendition than the 60x, supposedly.

I've been shopping for new bicolor or RGB fixtures for a while and I always return to the decision that it's not worth the move because I have lights that will do the job already, including many decent lights that are just gathering dust. So, getting something that would make me smile while also being incredibly cheap might move the needle for me. That's why if I thought I could use the 2-battery power bay I already have it might be a decisive win for the 200x because I prefer the form factor and battery options of the 60x and it's also only $175 for the 60x vs about $500 for the 200x + power bay.

 

[Paul F]

So then buy the Amaran which has the most appeal to you and if it doesn't work out, go bigger and Jim and I will tell you 'I told you so' or, if it works out, you can report back that our advice sucked.

 

[Peter C.]

If this is for wedding reception I'd recommend the 60. 200 is more for sit down interviews where you need the extra power for a softbox.

I use a pair of Boltzen https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...focusable.html
The advantage these lights have is that they have a built in fresnel lens gives you the reach necessary for a reception. The other feature that is important is you can control the light remote. Once you put these up high you'll have no access. My two cents about NP batteries the weight up on the head (increase tipping hazard) you won't know when your battery will die, if one of the two run low it will stop and often they won't run on max or their life is short. Still useful if you only plan to use them for like 40 minutes. If you have access to ac then it.

 

[ahalpert]

If this is for wedding reception I'd recommend the 60. 200 is more for sit down interviews where you need the extra power for a softbox.

I use a pair of Boltzen https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...focusable.html
The advantage these lights have is that they have a built in fresnel lens gives you the reach necessary for a reception. The other feature that is important is you can control the light remote. Once you put these up high you'll have no access. My two cents about NP batteries the weight up on the head (increase tipping hazard) you won't know when your battery will die, if one of the two run low it will stop and often they won't run on max or their life is short. Still useful if you only plan to use them for like 40 minutes. If you have access to ac then it.

I'm happy with the weeylite 40s for wedding receptions. I don't need a lot of power. I used to use umbrellas at receptions but they were obtrusive and photographers complained. Weeylites are a clean looking panel. I'd be happy if they were larger but it's a convenient size and obviously softer when I bring it closer in on someone giving a toast. I'm interested in the amarans for quick PTCs and interviews in other types of shoots.

I actually have 2 or 4 of those Boltzens and they're groovy but I haven't use them in a long time. Which is true of many little lights I own

 

[ahalpert]

So then buy the Amaran which has the most appeal to you and if it doesn't work out, go bigger and Jim and I will tell you 'I told you so' or, if it works out, you can report back that our advice sucked.

I'm too cheap to buy both. I have a lot of gadgets I never use and I've made a big push in recent years to avoid impulse purchases. I could return my first choice if it doesn't suit me, but I'm lazy and there's also a sale on them right now, probably meant to coincide with prime day. So I'd love to just...choose wisely...as the knight said to Indy

Any ideas if these 2-battery v-mount power bays are cross-compatible?

 

[Paul F]

That's the problem with advice; there are too many variables and as you know, no advice is like having it in your hands. My experience on advice both giving and getting is that we pretty much ignore the advice and go with our instincts.

 

[Peter C.]

I'm happy with the weeylite 40s for wedding receptions. I don't need a lot of power. I used to use umbrellas at receptions but they were obtrusive and photographers complained. Weeylites are a clean looking panel. I'd be happy if they were larger but it's a convenient size and obviously softer when I bring it closer in on someone giving a toast. I'm interested in the amarans for quick PTCs and interviews in other types of shoots.

I actually have 2 or 4 of those Boltzens and they're groovy but I haven't use them in a long time. Which is true of many little lights I own

I have both mono and flat panel lights for interviews. I use the flat panels 90% of the time for easy of setup. I would only use v mount battery for a key light but prefer ac. NP batteries are ok for hair lights but I prefer mini lights with built in battery for simplicity.

I'd spend my money instead on all the other things, background and hair light, quality stands, boom, mic, even sound blankets, etc this will add more to the end result than a mono light/softbox.

Creating a package that can be loaded on one cart and deployed quick is what's most important.

 

[ahalpert]

That's the problem with advice; there are too many variables and as you know, no advice is like having it in your hands. My experience on advice both giving and getting is that we pretty much ignore the advice and go with our instincts.

Hmm my instinct is that I would enjoy the 60x more but that I need the power of the 200x... my instinct is that if the battery plate I already own can power the 200x, it's kismet calling to me

 

[ahalpert]

I have both mono and flat panel lights for interviews. I use the flat panels 90% of the time for easy of setup. I would only use v mount battery for a key light but prefer ac. NP batteries are ok for hair lights but I prefer mini lights with built in battery for simplicity.

I'd spend my money instead on all the other things, background and hair light, quality stands, boom, mic, even sound blankets, etc this will add more to the end result than a mono light/softbox.

Creating a package that can be loaded on one cart and deployed quick is what's most important.

This is specifically for one-light set ups where I'm holding the camera in one hand and setting the light with the other. I have a variety of lights available for more complicated set-ups. ...although I wouldn't mind trading them all in for newer models with better color... but not worth the coin for me and they're kind of fine

 

[Peter C.]

This is specifically for one-light set ups where I'm holding the camera in one hand and setting the light with the other. I have a variety of lights available for more complicated set-ups. ...although I wouldn't mind trading them all in for newer models with better color... but not worth the coin for me and they're kind of fine

Like Paul said hard to give advice not really knowing the exact situation. I'm just giving you advice based on the traditional interview setup. Your describing something unorthodox... I still stand by one 1x1 panel as the key rather a mono light with accessories. I can't see point of a mono for such a basic setup.

 

[ahalpert]

I was relatively specific about the scenarios and lighting levels I want this Swiss army knife of a light to do for me a few posts back but maybe it was TLDR

 

[Paul F]

Let me confuse you even further. Based on your descriptions, maybe the ML60bi has some features that will appeal to you. Mainly, its built-in 2x NPF holder (removable) and handle. Comes with a remote (some packages). For $75 more that the Amaran you get two batteries and the remote. Maybe you're already sold on Amaran.

https://www.amazon.com/Bi-Color-Port...2-63e904010ad0

 

[Jim Feeley]

200x seems like less of a risk of being underpowered (although still a distinct possibility). But I worry that with batteries it will be too cumbersome for me to want to deal with. Maybe that's silly. And it does have ever so slightly better color rendition than the 60x, supposedly.

Again based on my experiences with an Aputure 60x, I think with the Amaran equivalent, you run into problems where you can't overcome the ambient light as much as you'd like; either the ambient/location light is too bright, coming from the wrong direction.... and any bounce or diffusion will probably make the 60 feel even more underpowered.

I like running lights off batts, and I see that the Amaran 200 and 60 lights are listed as compatible with Aputure's two-battery power station, so in theory the two-batt system you're using with your Nicefoto light could be made to work. Are the cable-to-light connectors the same? Would a custom cable cost almost as much as Aputure's two-batt box? https://www.aputure.com/products/2-bay-battery-power-station/

I still have one 1x1 panel in rotation. As much as I'm ready to retire (ie- sell) it, it's still so handy for OMB stuff. Relatively compact, soft enough (or modifiable), already paid for, easy to set up and move... So I feel for you.

The smaller size of the 60 is appealing, but have you ever said, "I wish I had less output"? ;-)

Good luck with your decision and let us know what you decide!

 

[ahalpert]

Let me confuse you even further. Based on your descriptions, maybe the ML60bi has some features that will appeal to you. Mainly, its built-in 2x NPF holder (removable) and handle. Comes with a remote (some packages). For $75 more that the Amaran you get two batteries and the remote. Maybe you're already sold on Amaran.

https://www.amazon.com/Bi-Color-Port...2-63e904010ad0

I'm pretty much sold on these specific Amaran fixtures because the color rendering seems a cut above. (I'm sure they won't be alone for long.) I wanted to pull up screen shots of the Rf readings from newsshooter... don't have time to right now. But the original versions of these amarans were very good except in dark blue. And now I think the new versions solved that

 

[Peter C.]

I was relatively specific about the scenarios and lighting levels I want this Swiss army knife of a light to do for me a few posts back but maybe it was TLDR

I read the original post that said nothing of the intended use. It's also not really a swiss army knife because it can't be used unmodified for interviews. With a soft box the NP batteries aren't powerful enough to drive such a light. I thought the whole point was to run it off batteries? Panels are more efficient because they use limited diffusion and direct light. I can tell you want to get them and that's fine I'm just discussing the logic. Generally speaking people who want mono to run on batteries get v mounts for a reason.

 

[Run&Gun]

You can always dim a light down or scrim it or diffuse it if it has "too much" power, but you can't add more power to a light that is underpowered to begin with.

 

[ahalpert]

I read the original post that said nothing of the intended use. It's also not really a swiss army knife because it can't be used unmodified for interviews. With a soft box the NP batteries aren't powerful enough to drive such a light. I thought the whole point was to run it off batteries? Panels are more efficient because they use limited diffusion and direct light. I can tell you want to get them and that's fine I'm just discussing the logic. Generally speaking people who want mono to run on batteries get v mounts for a reason.

From post #4. I own v mounts it's just a question of size/weight for this application as well as having more batteries available if both types could be used

I've been happy with 2 Weeylite Sprite 40s ganged together on a single light stand. About 3' from talent in the interior light level I mentioned before, I've had good experiences with the color, texture, and output. But from a greater distance or outdoors, they're hopeless. They're each about 1,000 lux from a meter distance, I believe...

So my thinking was that at close range, I could bounce the 60x and maybe get to a similar level. From a greater distance or in bright daylight, I might be able to use it with its 14-degree reflector and diffusion cover (although it's definitely a tight beam and a prominent hot spot) to at least give some noticeable fill on talent, hopefully from a tasteful angle.

.