AputureAmaran 200X S LED Video Light 200W Bi-Color 2700-6500k Bowens Mount Continuous light Bluetooth App Control Silent Fan (Amaran 200XS)

After seeing many favourable reviews, I thought I'd try one on 'deal'. It was pretty good, perhaps a little better than I had expected, so I went on to buy another two similar units - so a solid recommendation from me.... BUT it all depends upon your own needs, expectations and budget. It won't suit everyone!Many pros/cons, but overall solid value for those with modest (beginner) lighting needs. Good value if you don't end up paying 'too much' for it (you will know what what is right for your budget). I'll try to summarise +/- ....Pros:a) Relatively small, lightweight, compact - with a durable (so far) 'plastic' bodyb) Reasonable bright, good output for a 200W COB light - brighter than some other peer competitorsc) Bi-colour and easy to adjust colour temp circa 2700-6500+ Kelvind) Subjectively pretty good, consistent light - and seemingly accurate colour temp(s)e) Benefits from "Sidus Link App" control - possibly best current app (but not full DMS control)f) Bowen's mount - able to take a wide range of standard/light modifiers (subject to limited weight)g) Reinforced metal parts for attaching to light spigot/stand etc - mine are still OK 6+ months laterh) Fan noise is reasonably quiet, usable and power 'brick' modest in sizei) Can run off an Apurture 'power station' 2 V-mounts (but that's an expensive 'extra') which I bought/likek) it's from Apurture - so an entry into their lighting eco system (IMO a good 'budget' quality light)l) As an overall package - it offers pretty fair value (depending on your buying price / competitor prices) and its small form factor makes it quick and easy to deploy, when you just have modest lighting needsm) Best suited to (serious) amateur user/owner needs, but could be utilised in small, paying (quasi professional) lighting sets, augmenting other lights, if used carefully and within it's obvious (budget) limitationsCons:n) It's not pro-grade/industrial quality, so won't survive any heavy 'kicking' but OK if treated 'reasonably'o) It's not going to be bright enough for serious lighting needs: using solo as booklight or in outdoor/sunp) Supplied reflector has uneven hot-spot, otherwise good - but will support a more 'even' reflector dishq) Bowen mount prob. won't take a big/heavy softbox modifier (but not bright enough to use either)r) It's not waterproof - but then nothing in this price class is eithers) Doesn't come with a transit case - necessitating using it's shipping box or finding a separate case/bagOverall, taking everything into consideration, a pretty good quality 'starter' light, suited to careful use. It was better (brighter and more accurate colour) than I expected, represents fair value for money IMO and could be a good entry into the excellent Apurture system, benefitting from SidusLink control. Build quality was also much better than I had expected from a 'plastic' light housing. But clearly not all 'plastics' are equal.Clearly your needs may differ, so only you can judge if it might suit you too.

I’ve long been using Aputure lighting, although it’s not the cheapest in terms of LED COB lights, it is the best value? At this price point it provides the best colour accuracy, brightness and build.I’ve got a number of the Amaran 200X lights, but the 200X S is a little brighter and even better in terms of colour reproduction.It still has the same great build quality (the only weak point being the dial buttons in my experience) and also has a great little display to show brightness and colour temperature. It also has Bluetooth so you can connect via the Sidus link app. The app is fantastic, allowing you to quickly choose settings across a number of lights or easily matching settings.Personally I use this alongside a 300C 200X lights and the B7C - so the app makes setup seamless.Overall, the light is easy to use, light and provides amazing functionality and performance at its price, I highly recommend it.It also comes with an amazing reflector which is worth using if you use them. If now standard bowens light modifiers can be used!

I’ve done a lot of research into different video lighting brands and options. If you want a 200w light, this is the one to get. It’s quiet, lightweight, compact, powerful, well-made, has a high CRI rating, and the Sidus Link app is industry leading. 5*

Lightweight considering its power. Very bright, sturdy and easy to use. Perfect.

Great light. Work well and great value for money.

Easy to setup and use. Lightweight due to plastic casing. Time will tell as to its durability. For the price, it seems a very good deal.

23/06/2023 The fan loudness issue spoken about online has simply not been fixed in the Amaran 200. If you are doing photography this light is excellent. However, if your using this for film STAY CLEAR. It produces a noise that will totally ruin your sound. It's simply not possible to use this on set so you will lose a lot of time using this.The build is great, the power is amazing and the light will be excellent for photography studios. If you are a film maker get the Amaran 100 x Bi-Colour. Sound is significantly quieter and is still a powerful light.

Little bit on the pricier side but it’s worth it for what you are getting. The form factor is fairly small so it’s easy to be mobile with. The light output is simply outstanding. Only downside is the fan noise but it doesn’t effect the quality on shoots so I can live with it