GODOX VL150 Review

analogs said:
That's one of the challenges as it has open vents but it is still usable. There are a couple of videos of people using it for styles like music videos, photography, background projections.

I haven't used the Aputure spotlight, so I am not sure of what the light loss there would be, but have you seen the price Aputure is asking? That's 6 times the price, $150 vs $900! As for me, I am not going to spend $900 to get some window or custom shadows in a scene/image that I would rarely use, when I can get that with a $150 unit.
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You can certainly use it in a dark room, but for paid work it's more or less useless with continuous lights because you just can't get it bright enough.
It's got to cut the output by half or more from bare light, so compared to using a reflector, you're losing 2-3 stops of light at least (guessing, if not more).
The aputure spotlight actually makes the light brighter which is great (they posted their photometrics with different lenses and lights)
Also it's $500usd in kit. Where did you get $900 from?

The ot1 pro was like $200 or something. Aputure is definitely worth the money instead of trying to use practical gobos. I'm going to wait for v2 though, I'm sure they'll improve it, you can't rotate the gobos in the aputure which seems annoying.
 
Hi scotchtape, I am using Australian dollars and referring to the optical snoot I have.
$139.99 AUD for this cheap optical snoot https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/produc...au-22&linkId=d7218e8294d0954803d5f3769cd90217
The Aputure Spotlight is about $900 AUD at retail stores.
I think the Godox S30 at about $500 AUD is also another cheaper option at a smaller size https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/produc...au-22&linkId=2debf3952c3dc3f566df63e050f85639

scotchtape said:
You can certainly use it in a dark room, but for paid work it's more or less useless with continuous lights because you just can't get it bright enough.
It's got to cut the output by half or more from bare light, so compared to using a reflector, you're losing 2-3 stops of light at least (guessing, if not more).
The aputure spotlight actually makes the light brighter which is great (they posted their photometrics with different lenses and lights)
Also it's $500usd in kit. Where did you get $900 from?

The ot1 pro was like $200 or something. Aputure is definitely worth the money instead of trying to use practical gobos. I'm going to wait for v2 though, I'm sure they'll improve it, you can't rotate the gobos in the aputure which seems annoying.
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I think the VL is the update. Not sure of the differences. Probably a boost in build quality and output?
 
morgan_moore said:
Sorry if ive not read all - whats the difference between VL and SL apart from price?
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The most noticeable is that the SL(version 1 and the improved version 2) is wall power in one complete unit, whilst the VL has a separate controller/ballast and can be battery or wall power operated. VL has a smaller head, can use an APP and I think it might be slightly brighter when comparing the 150 models. Best to check the specs or brochures and compare.

If everything you need is in the remote control, I don't see the need for the VL if you don't plan or cannot afford the batteries to begin with.
 
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The VL150 came in late yesterday.
I did a few tests this morning and I have to say, this light offers great bang for the buck.
Enough so that once my wife's head is turned I'll pickup the VL300.
 
scotchtape said:
You can certainly use it in a dark room, but for paid work it's more or less useless with continuous lights because you just can't get it bright enough.
It's got to cut the output by half or more from bare light, so compared to using a reflector, you're losing 2-3 stops of light at least (guessing, if not more).
The aputure spotlight actually makes the light brighter which is great (they posted their photometrics with different lenses and lights)
Also it's $500usd in kit. Where did you get $900 from?

The ot1 pro was like $200 or something. Aputure is definitely worth the money instead of trying to use practical gobos. I'm going to wait for v2 though, I'm sure they'll improve it, you can't rotate the gobos in the aputure which seems annoying.
Click to expand...

I picked up the Aputure spot during a recent sale for $399, and I’m mainly excited to try using it with a bounce for key light with the fixture mounted down near the ground in situations where space is problematic, ala the CRL system. Of course, typical gobo uses are great too. Only thing I don’t like is the overall length when combined with a 300dmk3. Much longer than a typical leko.
 
I picked up vl150 last week used it on a job today. The light is well made has so many great features. Even though it’s incredible bright, shooting through diffusion saps the brightness. As soon as you get into lighting a larger space with more than one person... I could see where the 300 would come in handy. Love that it has an umbrella holder.
 
I'm undecided between the SL150ii and the VL150. What benefits are there for having the controller separate and visa versa? Obviously one can be powered by Vmount batteries, but the whole thing seems more clunky. It seems the standard though to have this separate. Thoughts?
 
Controllers not 4m in the air are not good. Its a problem I have with my lupos - dimming when they are on a big stand.

Not sure of the Godox layout but an external controller is good.

Personally I would not be keen on an app (what with me being old and all)
 
philerskine said:
I'm undecided between the SL150ii and the VL150. What benefits are there for having the controller separate and visa versa? Obviously one can be powered by Vmount batteries, but the whole thing seems more clunky. It seems the standard though to have this separate. Thoughts?
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With more powerful lights they separate the power supply for 3 reasons:
1. Weight. You don't want all that weight at the top of the light stand. If you add batteries it gets really top heavy.
2. Heat. The power adapter generates a lot of heat. If it was built into the light you'd need a loud fan to keep it cool.
3. Size. It allows them to keep the light small.

It's also nice to have the controller down low where you can easily see it and change brightness.
 
Have and have been using the VL300 in a variety of shoots. Love it! great light.
Need to buy two more but deciding between two more VL300s or two VL150s or one more VL300 and one VL150.

I am often running the VL300 at 50/60% output with a 47" Parabolic softbox so in those cases, I'd be running the VL150 wide open,
which I don't like doing, you need some extra headroom with lighting.
 
puredrifting said:
Have and have been using the VL300 in a variety of shoots. Love it! great light.
Need to buy two more but deciding between two more VL300s or two VL150s or one more VL300 and one VL150.

I am often running the VL300 at 50/60% output with a 47" Parabolic softbox so in those cases, I'd be running the VL150 wide open,
which I don't like doing, you need some extra headroom with lighting.
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How low can they dim?
 
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