Erik Naso
Veteran
Here it is! Sorry it took so long. Hopefully I covered what you all are interested in.
Hands On Review of the Aputure Light Storm COB 120d Daylight Version LED Light
- Thread starter Erik Naso
- Start date
Here it is! Sorry it took so long. Hopefully I covered what you all are interested in.
wannabeapilot
Well-known member
Nice review Erik!
puredrifting
Major Contributor
Great job on your review as usual Erik. I am curious though, I welded up a custom steel speedright for my Lightstorm LS 1S that allows me to mount my small Chimera to it and I have found the output to be good. I woud suppose there would be little reason for me to buy the COB 120D over using my existing LS 1S as a key source, the output on the LS 1S looks as if it is comparable. The COB 120D obviously has a smaller foot print but not a big concern for me.
ozmorphasis
Well-known member
I'm guessing it really comes down to how much flexibility you want in being able to shape the same fixture. There is a lot more that can be done with the COB, especially with a fresnel lens...whenever that comes out. I don't own one, but like you I have the LS1s. I love it, but it does sound nice to be able to use bowens mount modifiers. I wish these $600-ish COB lights were more in the 200w range though.
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Erik Naso
Veteran
Thanks!
The output of the LS 1s is much greater than the COB 120d. Here are the foot candle readings.
Aputure Light Storm Ls1s (25˚)
7 feet 383 FC
10 feet 190 FC
ozmorphasis
Well-known member
Thanks for taking the time to do this review Erik! As usual, thoughtfully put together.
However, is your statement and comparison above true once you focus the beam of the COB to 25 degrees? I know you don't have the fresnel yet, but just asking because of the way you phrased output of one light versus another.
The Lowel light is 75 FC at flood (which is 53 degrees).
The COB120 is 57 FC, but at 120 degree beam angle.
We really do need a comparison that includes the fresnel. I think I heard that it should also be coming out in January.
Erik Naso
Veteran
I waited to release my review in the hopes that the Fresnel would be released and I would be able to include it in the full review. Unfortunately it didn't happen so I went ahead and did it. So many factors involved with the unknown Fresnel that it's to tough to make a definitive statement on output but I will say the output will be greater. How's that for a crappy answer. :-D I hope it ships with barn doors too.
Another some what disappointing issue is that Aputure made some pretty hefty statements on output when the COB 120t was announced. They stated it was 1K but that rating was with the fresnel attached and probably focused pretty tight. That was why I wanted to add the comparison to the Arri and Omni to put that to rest. We finally know what the COB 120d is actually outputting. It's very close to a open face Lowell Omni but with daylight color.
As far as release date Aputure told me it will be released at the same time as the COB 120d in early January.
puredrifting
Major Contributor
Thanks for your response Erik. That leads me back to, if I already have two of the Aputure Lightstorm LS 1S, typically one used as a key source and one as a fill source, it might behoove me to buy the three light kit of the CAME TV Boltzen 55 watt fresnels, which look like they would work great as hair lights, rim lights and BG lights for throwing patterns. The COB 120D looks like a nice option but it is fairly large and heavy in comparison to the Boltzen 55s. When you get your Boltzens, it would be much appreciated if you could light a scene with your LS 1S as key/fill and the Boltzens as hair and or BG lights to see how the color temp match between the two brands is.
Erik Naso
Veteran
I can do that and I think you're right. I needed a smaller fresnel that's why i'm interested in the Boltzen's as well. Would like to see your DIY frame you made for the Ls 1s.
puredrifting
Major Contributor
Here it is. Took a few trys to get the geometry right so the Chimera would have enough tension.
Attachments
Erik Naso
Veteran
Just got the new fresnel today. Did a quick test for output tonight. Check out my updated review for comparisons and foot candle ratings.
http://eriknaso.com/2016/12/21/aputure-cob-120d-hands-on-review/
I need to spend more time testing it out but here is the features.
It's made of high impact plastic. It's a dark grey color and I do find this odd but don't care really. It's light very light.
The lens is plastic. At first I thought it glass but it's not. This also doesn't matter. So long as lens does what it's designed to do plus plastic should be more durable and also lighter. The 120d holds the fresnel with no issues. No slipping at all.
You have multiple focus settings from 12 degree to 42. The fresnel body is vented and doesn't get overly hot at all. More as I test it but i'm pretty happy with it so far.
puredrifting
Major Contributor
Yes, easily. I saved all of the little bolts and nuts and the doors in one gallon freezer bag. I didn't like the softbox options for the LS 1S, they are too shallow and too cheaply made for my usage and I own six of the small Chimeras and a Medium Quartz Pro. I have not yet tried the LS 1S through the medium, that might look good too, I think the LS 1S has enough horsepower to punch through the medium?
puredrifting
Major Contributor
Do you know yet how much the fresnel lens will retail for? I would be concerned about long term heat exposure warping or making the plastic brittle. When it comes to lighting, usually heavier is better even though it is a PITA to haul around or fly with. It's like Lowel lights. They are great but compared to better built lights like Arris or Moles, they are flimsy and seem to bend and break a lot more.
Erik Naso
Veteran
I reached out but haven't got the pricing yet. I don't think heat will damage the plastic body of the fresnel. It just doesn't get that hot. It's vented as well. That's the ridges you can see in the picture. I had it on for several minutes and it just wasn't that hot. We shall see.