Are you an avid photographer or videographer looking for innovative lighting solutions to enhance indoor and outdoor shoots? If so, let me introduce you to the Zhiyun Molus X100, a revolutionary 100W pocket COB light that is an absolute game-changer in the world of lighting technology.
Upon first glance, the Molus X100 exudes a sleek, sophisticated design that instantly captivates the eye. But its appeal extends beyond aesthetics; this compact powerhouse delivers unparalleled lighting capabilities that can breathe life into your still life and product shots, creating stunning visual masterpieces in a studio setting. As someone who has had the privilege of using it for such purposes, I can attest to the brilliance it brings to the artistic process.
To further elaborate on our experience with the Zhiyun Molus X100, we were fortunate enough to receive an exclusive opportunity from Zhiyun to put this lighting marvel to the test. We were thrilled to embark on this journey of exploration and experimentation to provide an in-depth and comprehensive review of this product.
Throughout our testing process, we aimed to evaluate every aspect of the Molus X100, from its build quality and functionality to its performance and versatility. With a passion for photography and videography, we immersed ourselves in various shooting scenarios, ranging from controlled studio settings to challenging outdoor environments. The results were nothing short of mesmerizing.
Stay tuned as we delve into the intricacies of the Zhiyun Molus X100, sharing our thoughts and insights on how this extraordinary Light can transform your creative pursuits. Whether you are a seasoned professional or an aspiring enthusiast, this review aims to serve as a guiding beacon, shedding Light on the immense potential of the Molus X100 as a lighting solution for photography and video.
So, without further ado, let’s embark on this captivating journey, uncovering the Zhiyun Molus X100 together.
Coupon Code: IgeeX100
Buy on AliExpress Visit Official Website
Unboxing
The product is packaged in a convenient carrying case, including the Light, a battery pack, a standard reflector, and a power cable. Additionally, customers receive a complementary attachment designed for easy mounting on a light stand.
Design and Build
A lighting fixture with a distinctive cassette-inspired design, setting it apart from traditional models. Its front houses a COB LED panel, while convenient brightness and temperature controls are on the side. A large fan is cleverly integrated into the back’s stylish grate to ensure optimal performance during extended use. The power button and small LCD screen are also on the rear panel.
The Molus X100 has a robust build and offers excellent versatility for various lighting modifiers. However, it includes only one 1/4-inch threaded mount on its base, necessitating a lighting stand with a ball or tilt head for precise light direction.
With user-friendly controls, the Molus X100 caters to beginners and professionals alike. While the accompanying app, soon to be released, promises an array of advanced features, I’ll delve into those in a separate review once it becomes available. What is known at present is that the app will allow remote control of lighting output and access to unique features like music mode. Overall, the Molus X100’s thoughtful design and user-friendly approach make it an ideal choice for photographers and videographers.
How to Setup
Begin by effortlessly charging the battery, and you’re ready to embark on your photography journey. Position it on a light stand, and with a press of the vibrant red power button (remember to hold it down until the LCD beautifully illuminates), you’re ready to go. Fine-tune the power and color temperature effortlessly using the convenient dials while the results are prominently displayed on the user-friendly LCD screen. Elevate your photography game further by adding a reflector or softbox to your setup, capturing flawless shots like never before. Embrace simplicity and creativity in one remarkable package.
Performance
The Zhiyun X100 boasts an impressive power output 100W, delivering an outstanding 3881 Lux without the included reflector and an even more remarkable 17317 Lux with the Zhiyun Mini Reflector. This power level is sufficient for various content creation scenarios within close to mid-sized distances. However, during my testing in a small studio setup, I found the full brightness overwhelming.
Using the Light with the reflector produces a very direct beam, which may not be flattering depending on the application. For instance, capturing product shots and shooting with a model created harsh shadows that were less desirable. To address this, I opted for the optional softbox and other Light shaping tools available as add-ons for the X100. The softbox, my preferred modifier, effectively diffused the Light, providing a more pleasing and softer illumination. Additionally, there’s an optional Bowens mount adapter with an umbrella hole, allowing the use of existing light modifiers.
The X100 also excels in its color temperature capabilities, offering a wide range from 2700K to 6500K, which accurately simulates natural Light at any time of day. Its color accuracy is top-notch, boasting a ≥95 CRI rating, ensuring minimal discernible hues in the captured footage.
To complement this impressive lighting unit, the Zhiyun ZY Vega app proves to be a valuable asset. While it may have a simple interface, it performs excellently. During my tests on Android, I effortlessly connected the X100 to the app via Bluetooth, enabling easy setup and wireless firmware updates. The app also provides convenient control over the lighting, allowing the grouping of lights and individual adjustment using a brightness slider.
Its versatility makes the X100 shine, particularly with the small tripod option. This combination opens up possibilities for illuminating challenging and hard-to-reach areas. With the added benefit of remote control through the app, adjusting settings becomes a breeze with just a few taps on your phone, offering a whole new world of lighting possibilities at your fingertips.
Battery
When powering up the Light, the options are genuinely diverse, offering users a range of methods. Three different power supply methods – a dedicated 24V power supply, USB-C PD, and a battery – add versatility to the product, making it a compelling choice for various scenarios and setups.
The USB-C connection, in particular, opens up a world of possibilities for the lamp. With this feature, the Light can draw power from multiple sources, such as a laptop computer’s power supply or a substantial power bank. This means that even if you’re on the go or in a location without a dedicated power outlet, you can easily power the lamp using your laptop charger or a high-capacity power bank. To put this into perspective, let’s take our most substantial power bank has a 65W capacity, as an example. Thanks to the lamp’s intelligent USB power management, it operates efficiently and can deliver up to 65W of power for approximately one hour. Now, that’s quite a clever and practical feature, allowing you to use the lamp for an extended period without worrying about finding a power source.
On the other hand, the dedicated battery explicitly designed for the X100 model is a nifty addition to the Light’s power supply options. This battery allows you to enjoy full-intensity lighting for around 30 minutes. The added benefit of this battery is that it doubles as a handle, enhancing the lamp’s practicality and making it easy to carry around. It’s a neat little feature that adds to the overall user experience.
However, as with any product, there are some considerations to consider. One drawback is that the power supply appears more extensive or significant than the lamp. While this might not be a dealbreaker for everyone, some users might find it slightly inconvenient.
Additionally, the dedicated battery has received some criticism with the lamp. One potential improvement could involve incorporating a V-Mount adapter, allowing users to use standard batteries with the lamp. By doing so, the compatibility of the Light would be expanded, and users could choose from a wider variety of readily available batteries, potentially addressing concerns raised by specific customers.
Read Also: Zhiyun MOLUS G60 Review: Your Portable Lighting Solution
Verdict
The Molus X100 by Zhiyun exceeded our expectations and left us in awe of its capabilities as an exceptional COB light. This lighting solution has been meticulously designed with creative professionals in mind, offering many features within its compact and lightweight design.
Including the DynaVort Cooling System is nothing short of groundbreaking, ensuring the Light remains cool even during extended use while delivering impressive power. The Bluetooth Mesh Efficient Remote Control also adds convenience and ease of use, enhancing the overall experience.
Of course, such technology does come with a higher initial cost. However, after putting the Molus X100 through its paces, its performance and versatility more than justifies the investment. Its adaptability is also a central selling point, with the Bowens mount adapter, battery module, and optional extension plates allowing users to customize and create a lighting system tailored to their specific needs.
One minor drawback we encountered during our review was the need for a tilt bracket. Nevertheless, this little issue can be effortlessly resolved using a lighting stand equipped with a tilt head or opting for compatible tripods such as the 3LT Punks Billy 2.0 or Vanguard VEO 3 263CB.
In summary, the Molus X100 emerges as a near-perfect tool for photographers and videographers, elevating their artistic endeavors to new heights. The possibilities and opportunities it opens up for creative expression are awe-inspiring. We wholeheartedly recommend this outstanding lighting solution to professionals eager to enhance the quality and impact of their videos and photographs. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or an aspiring artist, the Molus X100 will help you achieve your vision with unparalleled results.
Coupon Code: IgeeX100
Buy on AliExpress Visit Official Website