Aputure 120t vs Godox SL60w - LED video light showdown and review

[@TommyCallaway]

I upgraded the fan in my Godox, and now you can't even hear the fan noise at all. It's an easy project and only costs $15. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIiycq2rptBqmNk

[@dschapin]

did you buy it from ebay

[@H-Mproduction022]

Tommy Callaway hm Up

[@AlexMinor]

Pulled the trigger on the godox a week ago because of this video. Just got it in and set it up with a softbox for the first time this morning. Absolutely amazing. You just helped up my production value dramatically. Thank you sir.

[@TommyCallaway]

Glad it helped you bro - amazing little budget light. I can't wait to watch your review of it! ;)

[@YoungBlaze]

It went up to 169 in price lol

[@AlexMinor]

@@YoungBlaze buy it off ebay and u can get it for $110

[@YoungBlaze]

@@AlexMinor i bought the daylight and tungsten version both were 124 on ebay

[@chajaso]

What softbox do you use?

[@DianneCarrington]

Just watched 2 videos on top down lighting, one suggested the Godox SL60w and the other the Aperture 120t. You so thoroughly and eloquently solved my problem. Thank you Tommy. I am now subscribed.

[@TommyCallaway]

Welcome to the club! My budget has increased since this video... but the passion remains. :) Hope you find stuff you like! I put a ton of effort into content these days.

[@GauriSharmaNEET]

What a solid review bro! Superb work!

[@wayoutwestcreatives9769]

Learned about the Godox through your channel and was about to purchase it through B&H when I thought better of it, flipped open KZbin, found your video and will now be purchasing through your affiliate links. Gotta support the YT Creators ya know. Thanks again! Peace!

[@wayoutwestcreatives9769]

Plot Twist. Just clicked on the Godox SL60w link and it says, "page not found." damn it. haha

[@TommyCallaway]

@@wayoutwestcreatives9769 dang it. gotta update the link, thanky ou lol

[@LukePighetti]

Product designer here. Godox made a critical miscalculation with the remote. They added the remote power display as a "feature" while keeping a one-way communications channel, however, in doing so, they made it so that they had to send absolute power values over the air. This means that the remote will override the local settings everytime you use it. Aputure, on the other hand, decided that if they had to use one-way comms, that it would be better to not provide a power display on the remote, so that their signals would be deltas, ie "plus 5%, minus 5%." So with Godox trying to add a feature they ended up significantly harming the overall user experience. This is a common error with "me too" manufacturers looking for an edge in a catalog (such as Amazon). It's hard to sell workflow UX but it's easier to sell a remote with a digital readout. Hopefully they will address that and the loud fan. The funny thing is, if they addressed them both at the same time, it probably wouldn't add any real cost to the product. Thanks for the fascinating product review, it was fun!

[@TommyCallaway]

Thanks for the input!! And thanks for watching. :)

[@TARAJOSU]

I love informative comments that add to the conversation as this one does!

[@amuseworkshop8883]

Really appreciate the comparison. I came into this already knowing the Aputure was better quality all around but did not know to what extent. This video absolutely reassured my decision to purchase a few of the Godox for my use case scenario. The minor inconvenience is quite negligible to me. Thank you for the video!

[@TommyCallaway]

Thanks for your kind words. Comments like these are my motivation to make more videos. :)

[@Anonymous-zw1gd]

Was thinking about the Godox for a while and this video sealed the deal for me - purchased through your link. Thanks for sharing your review!

[@bobhanuman65]

The Godox is an incredible value. I love them.

[@DTSquared]

Great video, just bought one of the Godox's About the remote being limited to 25% you need to press the remote's SET button and change the colour temp to 5600k then press SET again. It will then allow you to go to 10%. I don't think the colour temp of the light actually changes but I'm guessing that the remote is set to stop at 25% for different model/temp lights. Hope that helps others.

[@SlyLe]

Very good review, answering all the questions I had. Keep up the good work

[@manchester8117]

I was just about to pick-up an Aputure until I saw your review. Thanks for the heads up.

[@JoeMurphysGuitarlessons]

Great video Tommy, really helping me make up my mind, I think ! I am currently using cheap soft boxes, would the Godox improve things ? Also, dont't suppose you could suggest a decent book, yes book, that would be good for grasping the basics ?

[@BillyAldo]

I thought it was just gonna be a usual not so-well-written review on KZbin. But as I stick till the end, I realize this guy talks very fluently, really write his material, has great pronunciation, and is very effective. Good job on the review, I really enjoy your content quality.

[@TommyCallaway]

Thank you :) - You should see my newer stuff!

[@nicklaytonUK]

Good review. I own that godox and it is really really well made and the quality of the light is great. Even the power cable is so long and thick. Highly recommended.

[@vonbexcreativemedia2417]

Long and Thick..... ahahahahah. I'm so immature. :(

[@nicklaytonUK]

blimey, didn't think that one through did I!!!! Although, really it is a substantial cable which was the point I think.@@vonbexcreativemedia2417

[@technotron1014]

Nice video, only one of its kind, so glad to see that. Super pumped for the jinbei review too, so that's awesome. Subbed!

[@tihiandrew]

love your audio quality

[@TommyCallaway]

Thanks buddy

[@CoreyMorrison]

This is a rock solid review, thanks!

[@TommyCallaway]

No prob! Thanks for watching me ramble on about lights. haha

[@broncojonnes]

solid review no bias BS

[@Lumencraft-]

That was really a good review.

[@Rdigav]

Thank you so much for this! Will get the Godox sometime in the future! I subscribed as well, your production value is superb! Keep doing what your doing!

[@mamlukavlogs6353]

good video . was it just one godox during demonstration ?

[@topicruben]

Thanks my friend. After this I think I've made up my mind pretty well! Awesome old video!

[@OskayNejat]

Hi there, thanks for the awesome videos. İ wonder what microphone is that ? your sounding great.

[@MUENTERMEDIA]

What a great review! Thank you so much! Greetings from Germany!

[@OptimusFilmsYoutube]

MUENTERMEDIA Habt ihr den Godox ? Teilt ihr eure Erfahrungen damit ?

[@npmrc]

Set light temperature to 5600 on the remote (yes, you can do this) and you will be able to go below 25%. I don't know why they set incorrect temperature out of the box.

[@KyleAckerProductions]

Took me a week to figure this out when I first got my light. It was super annoying,

[@AlexMinor]

Good to know. I just got mine.

[@RalfeOrtiz]

Could you please explain how to do this on the remote? I couldnt figure it out, thanks!

[@jalu301]

Yes, with 5600K you can seti the light to 10% with the remote

[@jalu301]

@@RalfeOrtiz just press "set" and use the plus button to change it to 5600K

[@cashino]

Thanks for what you said @ 9:38. I was wondering how to change the colour temp on the remote. I also got a grid with my softbox well worth with. The Fan noise for me, not an issue its not really that loud in my opinion. Best review out there TC :-) 👍👍👍👍👍~

[@OsamaAlZubaidi]

Very Useful compassion. Thanks a lot

[@robin1084]

Great video! Are you using a CPL filter on your camera or why do the numbers on the LCD on the remote look washed up?

[@stefanbendik26]

excellent review, I'm sold (for the godox)

[@cherimonique950]

Straight to the point, I like it

[@shaolin95]

I was looking for a couple of LEDs that mount Bowens for my stripboxes as I felt constant would make it so much easier to set those strip lights for those dramatic shots (fitness for example) than using strobes. I was looking at Aputure but I am so happy I found this video cause for the money the Godox seems fantastic for my needs on this.

[@TommyCallaway]

Welcome to the channel, and congrats on saving cash! haha

[@BigCityPalooka]

You have a fun style! Helpful vid. Thank you!

[@ImaginetMedia]

Excellent comparison. Thanks for sharing.

[@new10117997]

Great comparison video. Thanks.

[@idcGTX]

were you jumping from a box when the video started?

[@angelgcastro1]

Going for the Godox. Great vid!

[@MobileFilmmaking]

Thanks for this. I'm getting it today!

[@MattReportPodcast]

Thanks for the review and for the tip to check this out in Caleb’s livestream.

[@TommyCallaway]

No prob! Love watching Caleb, such a knowledgable dude.

[@ajrc1987]

Thank you for the review Toma, Which one has the highest output in terms of light?

[@ThevideoguysIe]

Maybe I missed it but did you mention the spot light comparison ?

[@ponchato]

Only missing info was the beam angle of the lights, but otherwise really nice review!

[@tailgatingfortigers5665]

Great video, I teach production and am looking to get some more lights. In the past when I have bought off brands to save money, they tend to break. In your opinion is the Godox as overall well built to last as Aputure or do you get what you pay for in terms of durability? Thanks!

[@TommyCallaway]

If you’re looking for maximum build quality and durability go with Aputure, no question. Those are tanks built to last.

[@tailgatingfortigers5665]

Cool, great to know - thanks!! Oh - one other related question to that - is do you think all the extra special cables for Apurture's power off set some of Apurture's overall durability. In other words, does Godox's one plug give it overall more durability given all of Apurture's special power plugs that could short out - or are the cables pretty resilient too as I'll have lots of different hands plugging and unplugging these things. Thanks!

[@TommyCallaway]

So I don’t move my equipment around much, but aputure is super durable and they usually replace stuff that breaks if you just ask them.

[@tailgatingfortigers5665]

Awesome, thanks so much!

[@GeoKristaDreamHeartCreative]

Thank you for this good review!

[@m77ast]

This is a good good video - Attention to what we want and helps us to make a purchase. Wow - Hats off sir.... I wish the guys that are making the S1 vs s1H videos had this much attention to detail. All I need to know are the slow mo settings. Its not too much to ask is it... 10 hrs later... Still looking for the info...

[@ilpoveropiero]

Great review, thanks for your efforts. One question: I currently have old 800w tungsten lights for video. How much output would I get with godox in comparison? Thanks!

[@gregjonesdfw]

Good review. What dc battery can you use with this?

[@QuantumProductionsMarketing]

Thank you, it help a lot. Would you recommend tungsten for beginners?

[@TommyCallaway]

I feel like tungsten produces much more beautiful looking skin tones, but I prefer working with daylight (around 5600k) because to my eyes, I like the way daylight light looks in person - it's just a preference.

[@levelup2203]

What light do you recommend me between sl60 godox light and aputure 100D ?

[@ek93765]

Hey buddy, great video... I'm very tempted to buy this Godox SL60w because of its price and quality, Aputure is very expensive for my budget... Do you think the fan noise can spoil an interview audio?

[@TommyCallaway]

No, the fan noise is pretty low.

[@tyronedomingo2587]

Thanks for the review. I was trying to support your channel by purchasing the battery operated Godox but delivery date is more than a month away on Ebay. Sorry, can't do that.

[@TommyCallaway]

No prob! Thanks man, glad you found the video. :)

[@shabayaba123]

I managed to shut my godox off at full power but I was using a beauty dish, which stopped heat from dissipating, turned it down to about 70% then no problems. I'm going to swap out fan with a noctua fan and see if that improves it

[@leifnilsen6107]

Thank you. Nice video

[@77dris]

Man, this is one crispy image. Was this shot 4K and downsampled?

[@TommyCallaway]

Thanks. It was actually uploaded in 4k if you check your settings. Used the GH5, sigma 18-35.

[@DurjaySarkar]

is this light hot? my softbox with 4 bulbs keep making me sweat all the time

[@arifnh_]

Great explanation man! top

[@charliejamieson6298]

Great video, thank you. In my mind its Ferrari vs. Ford, at the end of the day both cars will get you to the same destination. As a photographer, the client doesnt care about Apurture's online presence or PR machine....its all about the photo. If all this light needs is a CTO gel who is mad enough to buy the other brand at 5+ times the cost? On the basis youre not really more than 20ft from the light, the remote (while not pointless) isnt a reason to discredit the main unit

[@SethParker]

Why don’t you have the SL60Y vs the 120T? That would make more since. Or the 120D vs the SL60W. I do agree with the tungsten key. I love that look.

[@Photographicelements]

So the Aperture 120D & Dii are daylight balanced? What is the CRI of both lights? The skin tones look pretty good for an LED light. Also, grids are available for bowens mount softboxes, virtually eliminating the need for flags. Can you mount the fernel lens from Aperture on the Godox? I've been waiting a long, long time, and requesting, lights with Bowens mounts so I can use ALL of my photography soft boxes. So glad LEDs are now available with Bowens mounts.

[@terrencegarner5958]

Thanks for the review. I am researching lights for my studio.

[@TommyCallaway]

You got it T-dawg

[@OMEGAG]

Thank you for this Video realy helped me

[@TamaraMghraye]

Please if you can tell what stand you are using for the Godox because I have lots of problems with stands and attachments

[@joshsweetdude]

Hey Tommy can you use a gel to change the tungsten to a daylight for the Aputure 120t?

[@firecrackerreviews1637]

Thanks, very interesting! The Godox is even a little cheaper in China where I am :) Seems like great value. Do you think a pair could compete with indirect daylight at 1-2m range? Cheers!

[@TommyCallaway]

I definitely think so. I just tried against indirect daylight, and at 50% power I was blown out at 1m (no diffusion). If you're using diffusion, the pair should be good to go.

[@firecrackerreviews1637]

Wow thanks, you're an angel for trying this ! I have this room with a bay window overlooking sea and beach that would make a great background but my lights are far from powerful enough, with the background correctly exposed I am just a black shape :D I'll get these then, thanks!

[@TommyCallaway]

Good luck! Let me know your results

[@firecrackerreviews1637]

Will do, probably after Chinese New year, the country is just about to shut down for 2 weeks.

[@pauldefaire]

It's a lovely light, just too bad with the magenta cast compared to most other higher end LED's. Makes it a bit harder to use together with other brands.

[@PapayaoverMango]

Great comparison, thank you. No I feel better investing in a Godox.

[@TommyCallaway]

No prob! You should see my more recent videos :)

[@PapayaoverMango]

@@TommyCallaway I am definitely gonna check them out!

[@ChrisMeyerForHire]

Does the Godox flicker when shooting in high framerates?

[@TommyCallaway]

Nope

[@KyleAckerProductions]

I wanted to share some other experiences I have had with this light. First and foremost I have loved everything about it so far. Still more things to figure out as I put more hours on it. Someone over on a personal view forum did a very in-depth look at the quality of light CRI/TLCI/ETC and the thing is super high quality. CRI of 95+ no matter what percent power and TLCI of 96+ for the same. The actual measured output in LUX is better than Godox advertises. They claim 4100 Lux at 1 meter from the subject but it delivers around 5700 Lux at 100% power. This compares to the 120T/D being advertised at around 3000 Lux at 1 meter, but my guess is that it over-delivers as well. They seemed very close in the video. As for White Balance, the SL60W is spot on at 5500K for Daylight where the 120D from Aputure is around 6000K. This isn't bad just something to note when mixing with other lights that may be of different makes or models. Both of these lights are awesome! I would say that if you can swing the price on the Aputure that you should get it as there a level of professionalism and a known quality when working with other creators. They are also built like tanks. The 120D/T Mark II didn't fix some of the issues that people had with the current model so I hear. Should be dropping in the fall. However, don't knock the Godox until you have tried it. I'm looking to grab an SL150w once I have the money for one to round out my kit more. They are super budget friendly if you don't need battery power.

[@TommyCallaway]

Thank you for the depth of your review / experience, I’m sure many others will find value in your experience. :) I also still love this little light. Best value ever.

[@rapbisnar]

Thanks for your input! Might just save up for the 120dMKii

[@OneCharmingQuark]

Can you test the Pixapro LED100D MKII+ or LED200D MKII? Pixapro claims that they are more powerful than the Aputure lights, but they are much cheaper. The LED100D MKII+ even supports V-mount batteries. I've heard some complaints about fan noise, so it would be nice to have a real and direct comparison with Aputure.

[@larrymccreary946]

Good info, but am curious how the Godoz work in higher frame rates such as 60 or 120, have you tested this?

[@TommyCallaway]

Watch my latest video. It was all about that.

[@daveyking]

Great stuff

[@ouiaan]

It'll be awesome if u make a video about the white balance :)

[@TommyCallaway]

I will consider it! I have the next 15 videos planned so far. Haha :)

[@JonJoshChua]

Would the Godox work with the fan and body cover remove? Since the fan is noisy, with the body cover removed, would it cool without the fan?

[@polymetric2614]

I'd actually like to know this too. That's literally my only concern with the Godox.

[@TommyCallaway]

It’s really not that loud; it’s totally acceptable for a light like this. It doesn’t need any modification.

[@creativesymon]

I think too much time spent on the remote, but valid all the same. But the Godex remote 'looks' nicer :) But you have just saved me a fortune. I can get a bunch of these for one 120D! Now to research if I can fit the Light Dome II to this.

[@creativesymon]

ps. Subbed :D

[@TommyCallaway]

Watch my latest video on the godox. It’s relevant here - there is flicker at high frame rates, still a good light but not for high frame rates unless it’s at 100% power.

[@creativesymon]

@@TommyCallaway Yeh, I did see that...thanks. But for 24p stuff it's perfect. I won't be doing slow mo under studio light. And thanks for the vid on the fan mod :)

[@TommyCallaway]

@@creativesymon Excellent. Then definitely save some cash! No prob :)

[@brandontemple20]

aperture is 299 shipped on adorama right now

[@nazimzafri]

Thanks!

[@linastardust3535]

I came for the lights but ended up more interested on the microphone he's using

[@TommyCallaway]

For this video, I believe it was the blue baby bottle. For my more recent videos, it’s the Senny MKH-416

[@linastardust3535]

@@TommyCallaway awesome! thank you!!

[@DRAMAFLS_official]

Great video I will use your link lol

[@kadegregory5818]

Curious you said the one that had battery was only a few bucks more I can’t seem to find that version of it

[@TommyCallaway]

It’s like $350 I didn’t realize it was so much more.

[@djovak3236]

What would you suggest if I buy this light as a FILL(rim) light?

[@TommyCallaway]

It can function as any light you need in a standard 3 point setup, just depends on what modifiers you're using (softbox, fresnel, etc)

[@shaolin95]

I bought two godox and neither remote has the issue yours have

[@Petramojomusic]

What about color inaccuracy from godox?Is it true?I was about to buy it and now I am worried

[@Gunt4sh]

Will that diffuser work and clip onto the Godox without any adapters?

[@r3visuals592]

How did you get rid of the fan noise from you videos using both of these lights? I'm worried about the fan noise on these lights.

[@TommyCallaway]

While the fan noise exists, it’s basically negligible on an external audio track, and anything that is picked up (say your mic is way too close to the light) can be filtered out with the click of a button in adobe audition.

[@theshopper6902]

Is godox SL 60w output quite warm color comparing to LED tubelights?

[@jeremyfoster8726]

so i'm set to film an interview in a dental office and will use a boom mic.... how loud is the fan on the godox. it's the ONE thing that's keeping me from buying it over aputure...

[@TommyCallaway]

After 5 minutes at 100%, the aputure and godox fan noise are the same level. It's pretty quiet. If you're booming a shotgun, you won't hear it.

[@jeremyfoster8726]

i may get an aputure later. do you know if the aputure light dome for the 120 would fit this Godox?

[@TommyCallaway]

They're both Bowens mount, so they should. Aputure's reflector fits on the godox.

[@EmadElSammad]

@@jeremyfoster8726 Why do you want the Aputure light dome instead of the Godox doom? IS it because it's rounded? I had the exact same thought too.. Also was the fan sound a problem when you bought it? thank you and hope your interview went well!

[@marcomark8]

Would I be able to light up a wedding reception dance floor with the Godox SL60W from approx. 20 ft away where the plug in usually is located at a banquet hall. Thank you, Mark

[@TommyCallaway]

With no soft box, you would probably need two to be safe. 20 ft is far.

[@rayrapphaelbisnar]

On the led itself, there's a plastic part bordering it, but 2 sides of the border is lifted whereas the other 2 sides are flushed. Is this normal?

[@mgr5550]

I heard at lesser than 50% brightness it registers flicker on video recordings. And you have to go way beyond 125/s shutter speed to counter it. Is that true ?

[@TyroneLT]

How does the Godox compare to the 120t Mark II?

[@TommyCallaway]

120 mark 2 only comes in daylight (120d mk ii), and I don't own one yet - but the 120d mk ii has way more features, including DMX control and special effects, so it can mature with you as a filmmaker. The godox is a cheap way to get some high quality light into your shots.

[@looppp]

lol I like this guy's sense of humor

[@fangshizhu9383]

Hi Tommy, have you compared the Auputure 120d ii and the Godox sl60 color? I am thinking of building a 3 light kit with 1 x 120 d ii with 2 Godox sl60 for interview shot and white background studio profile picture shot (120d as main light, godox sl60 as white backdrop light). Don't know if they would match.

[@TommyCallaway]

Hey there - Solid question. I have a spectrometer / color meter to measure TLCI, CRI, CCT, lux/lumens and flicker coming into the studio soon so I can measure all the lights with certainty. :) . We might find some interesting matches! It should be here next week, stay tuned, going to make a bunch of videos with it about many of the lights I've reviewed over the years.

[@fangshizhu9383]

@@TommyCallaway Wow, that reply was fast! Awesome. In Tom Ryan's review (kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6K3q4V8eauff9E) at 5:28' & 5:51', he found that the 120d has a bit more green cast and the godox has a bit more purple cast, which makes me concern how well they could match (as daylight color) in general shooting scenario. Cannot wait you see your new video. Thanks for the good work!

[@alq8i79]

I’m an artist and i need the spotlight for still life ,, can i keep it on for 4 to 6 hours ? Thank you

[@WestonNey]

Mark Rober music!

[@IUSECAMERAS]

greeeeeeeat review!!!!

[@enriquevp77]

Is it possible to use the Godox SL60 along with some of the Lithium battery packs offered by Godox in order to make a portable kit? Which battery pack could be suitable for the power demand of the Godox SL60? Thanks in advance for any help provided :D

[@ganeshnaravian2798]

Enrique Vega Pineda I think there is a SLB60W version

[@taylorgoodin3513]

Looking to recreate sunlight through the window would the godox 100w be an overkill ?

[@JonniArmani]

You are a riot,) cheers

[@joshdiditt]

Can that softbox you have in your link fit both of the lights?

[@TommyCallaway]

Yes, it fits both lights. it's a little snug on the Aputure - but once it's on, it's good to go. I used it for a solid year before going to a deep parabolic.

[@joshdiditt]

@@TommyCallaway Ok. Thanks for the reply. Im getting either the Godox SL60W or the FalconEyes 48TD

[@youngodyssey16]

Hey , I want to do a full body Photo shoot with the godox slb60. Will I be able to us a Impact 7' Parabolic Umbrella (Silver) with it? Will the godox output be Powerful enough