Zhiyun introduced its first LED in the MOLUS series as the pocket-sized MOLUS X100, a lightweight portable key light boasting 100W of power and emitting an eye-blinding 3381 Lux. The newly released Zhiyun Molus G200 easily outperforms the X100 in terms of output. With a default 200W output that can be boosted to 300W for extra power, the G200 is a game-changer.
While the compact MOLUS X100 proves to be a handy light for illuminating subjects on the go, making it ideal for social media content creators, the more powerful and larger Molus G200 is likely to capture the attention of studio-based filmmakers rather than YouTube vloggers.
Accessories
In the accessory set, you’ll find a sturdy carrying case, a handy reflector, and a protective cap, along with a power cable. Additionally, the user manual, provided in English, offers concise guidance, enhancing your experience with these items.
Design and Build
The Zhiyun MOLUS G200 head unit exhibits reasonably good build quality for a light in this price range. The light’s casing is fairly robust, although its durability in the event of an accidental drop remains uncertain.
It is noteworthy for its solidity and well-crafted design. Unlike many lights with a Bowens mount that tends to wobble with accessories, the MOLUS G200 stands out as a stable exception.
Moving on to the release button for removing Bowens mount accessories, it is constructed from hard plastic rather than metal.
In contrast to the smaller MOLUS fixtures, the MOLUS G200 features a separate head unit and a power supply/controller. The cable connecting the power supply/controller to the light head spans approximately 2m / 6.6′.
The power supply/controller does not exhibit the same level of craftsmanship as the light head. The casing lacks the same material quality and feels notably more flimsy.
The dimming and CCT adjustment dials lack tactile feedback, contributing to a less satisfying user experience.
Addressing the power on/off switch, it has a somewhat plasticky feel, although this may be a minor point of contention.
On a positive note, the detachable mounting bracket is solid, ensuring a secure lock without any movement.
Weighing in at just 2.2 lb / 1 kg, the MOLUS G200 fixture is lightweight. In comparison, the power supply/controller tips the scales at 2.01 lb / 0.91 kg.
The combination of its small size and lightweight design makes the MOLUS G200 an attractive choice for those who require a portable lighting solution without sacrificing performance.
Brown Mount
Despite its small size, the light still features a full-size Bowens mount which allows you to use a wide array of affordable lighting modifiers.
Being able to use Bowen Mount accessories is a nice feature, but because the light is relatively small, you do need to be careful how big those accessories are that you attach.
If you tried to run any type of lighting modifier that was too big or heavy I would be very concerned about how much weight the light stand mount could handle. I will test how much weight it can handle further down in the review.
Performance and Power
The G200, although small in size, doesn’t compromise on power. With an illumination of 200W, coupled with the efficiency of COB, the Zhiyun MOLUS G200 bare light source can reach an impressive 9460Lux (1m distance, 6500K) at 200W power. When a Zhiyun standard lampshade is added, it can achieve an even higher 61500Lux (1m distance, 6500K). To further enhance its versatility, adding a diffuser makes the light more than sufficient for backlighting in a typical shooting space of 20-30 square meters. No need to worry about illumination under multiple lights.
What’s surprising is the G200’s one-click MAX overclocking mode. By pressing and holding the brightness and color temperature knobs simultaneously, you can instantly boost the power to 300W. In this mode, the illumination can reach an impressive 13800Lux (1m distance, 4300K) from the bare light source. With the Zhiyun standard lampshade, it can reach an astonishing 85800Lux (1m distance, 4300K). This feature comes in handy when a bright environment is needed temporarily.
0-200W power (6500K, standard lampshade) to enter the 300W MAX overclocking mode from 200W (4300K, standard lampshade).
As a modern film and television lighting solution, the MOLUS G200’s parameters cater to the needs of most contemporary scenarios. Its color temperature supports stepless adjustment from 2700K to 6500K. Official data showcases its color rendering index CRI ≧95 and light consistency index TLCI ≧97, aligning with the standards set by major manufacturers in the film and television industry. The G200’s peak illumination under different color temperatures (1m distance, standard lampshade) is ideal for commercial shooting, such as small advertisements and live interviews.
Exploring its high power in a compact size, the MOLUS G200’s continuous performance is attributed to Zhiyun’s independently developed electronic back pressure cooling system. This system ensures stable performance for the high power output of the lamp head. Notably, the FOC variable frequency fan adjusts for heat dissipation based on temperature, operating silently under 50% power. Only when the power exceeds 60% does the fan make a slight noise, remaining mostly negligible and non-disruptive to shooting. In MAX overclocking mode, the fan runs at full load, producing noticeable noise.
The MOLUS G200’s ability to work continuously is underlined by its electronic back-pressure cooling system. The fan operates silently, triggered only when power exceeds 60%. At 100% power, fan noise is slightly noticeable within 2m but significantly reduced beyond. In MAX overclocking mode, the fan runs at full load, and official statements suggest an overheating protection mechanism. In practice, during actual measurements in a 25-degree environment, these mechanisms were never triggered. The Zhiyun MOLUS G200 maintained stability in the brightest mode during prolonged overclocking, with only a slight touch of warmth on the lamp head’s front end.
In MAX overclocking mode without a lampshade, the G200’s high brightness can be utilized for practical applications using reflections from walls, pineapples, or ceilings as overall ambient light.
Connectivity with APP
The ZY Vega app takes center stage. Upon downloading the app, you’ll find yourself navigating through a series of terms and conditions that demand your agreement.
- Once you’ve given your consent, a prompt will emerge, requesting permission for the app to utilize Bluetooth.
- Moving forward, the subsequent task involves crafting a Set within the app’s interface.
- With your Set in place, the next step entails adding fixtures to enhance the lighting experience.
- As you introduce a fixture, a mere 5-10 seconds are all it takes to configure and set it up seamlessly.
- Upon completion of this process, the device or devices involved will be neatly listed in the main window.
- By clicking on a fixture, the user is seamlessly transported to the control interface, providing a plethora of options.
Within this interface, you gain the power to effortlessly adjust the CCT and brightness of the lighting. An extensive selection of light sources awaits your exploration, exclusively accessible through the app.
Notably, two additional modes, exclusive to app users, stand out. First is the CCT Gel mode, offering the application of CTO gels for Tungsten or Dysprosium lamps.
The second intriguing mode is CCT Pair, where the app prompts access to your camera. This feature allows you to select an external lighting source, press match, and witness the light attempting to replicate it. Keep in mind that, due to its nature as a Bi-color fixture, it can only replicate specific lighting sources.
The app, designed with user-friendly features, proves to be reasonably efficient and intuitive. However, it’s essential to note that the reliance on Bluetooth introduces a slight lag between making adjustments on the app and observing them manifest in the light.
Verdict
The ZHIYUN MOLUS G200 stands out in the crowded market of lighting solutions, boasting incredible flexibility for both amateur and professional photographers and videographers. Unlike other lights, it requires a bit more time to set up, particularly if you’re accustomed to battery-operated lights or simpler models like the X100. However, this minor inconvenience is easily overshadowed by the exceptional level of control and power the MOLUS G200 offers. Although the absence of a V-Mount power option slightly limits its convenience, this doesn’t significantly impact its performance and versatility.
Moreover, the Zhiyun MOLUS G200 has room for improvement. Its lack of support for a V-mount battery power supply poses a challenge for outdoor shooting. Additionally, the absence of built-in light effects such as lightning or TV screen simulations is noticeable. I’m hopeful that future firmware updates might address these issues. Even in MAX overclocking mode, the brightness adjustment remains somewhat limited, not offering a substantial difference from the standard mode. The lamp’s housing, made of composite material, could benefit from an upgrade to aluminum alloy, considering the typically harsh environments of film and television equipment use. We’re also excited about the possibility of Zhiyun introducing an RGB version of the MOLUS G200.
The Zhiyun MOLUS G200’s lightweight, high power, professionalism, and ease of control are commendable. Its excellent brightness, color temperature, and color rendering make it ideal as the primary light source in small and medium-sized commercial photography, and as a fill or contour light in larger setups. Its compatibility with Bowon bayonet and standard light stand interfaces allows for mixing various lighting accessories, boosting efficiency. The compact size of the MOLUS G200 is a game-changer, potentially transforming your shooting habits and overall process. It’s a professional film and television light that comes highly recommended for teams frequently engaged in small product shoots, character interviews, live broadcasts, corporate promotions, and advertising shoots.
The Zhiyun MOLUS G200 excels as a robust and flexible lighting solution. It simplifies the creation of complex lighting arrangements and delivers outstanding color accuracy, and its user-friendly interface makes it easy to harness its full potential. While the G200 is pricier than many other 200W lamps, the quality and versatility offered by its app justify the investment, making it a valuable tool for a wide range of applications.
Read Also: Zhiyun Molus X100 Review: Worthy For Photographers and Filmmakers?