Aputure LS 60x - How Good Is This Bicolor Light? (Spoiler: It's Good!)

[@PavlaVankova]

Great! Finally, someone, who showed that 60x also works with light dome II meaning it's powerful enough.

[@BartJohnsonProd]

Glad I could help!

[@santiagoferreyra4440]

@@BartJohnsonProd nice review !! my very search... how did it behave with the softbox / dome ? for portability, and economic reasons... I would like to start first few months with this light + a couple of modifiers, before I can afford an extra 300x . THANKS BART !!! nice video :)

[@nico_ugarte]

Awesome review; i appreciate when somebody conveys his attention to detail in his work. Thanks🙌

[@BartJohnsonProd]

Thanks for watching!

[@desmondmacnamara6068]

I've literally shot in that space before.

[@russjam]

So you actually used this as your key light with the aperture soft box? Woa! I'm an amateur and was about to pull the trigger and go for the Amaran 200. But you're making me think about getting this instead.

[@BartJohnsonProd]

Yes we did! It was at max power, but it got the job done. The 200d is a VERY powerful light, but if you don't need all that power then I think the 60d/x is a fantastic option. The powering options and the built in lens make it incredibly versatile.

[@mattp.9761]

@@BartJohnsonProd Is it not too much a "focused" light, even at full flood, is it soft enough ? Do you notice any difference in light softness between the LS60 an a COB non focusing light ? Thanks for your excellent and detailed review !

[@hmbojalil]

An incredibly well done job!!!

[@BartJohnsonProd]

Thank you!

[@conrad2nr]

Well done. Very thorough.

[@BartJohnsonProd]

Thanks!

[@TommyCallaway]

That shirt is awesome.

[@BartJohnsonProd]

Thanks! My dogs got it for me!

[@raymondvegaphotographycine4304]

Great information ℹ️

[@BartJohnsonProd]

Glad it was helpful!

[@hellolau]

Hi! Your review is great and now I am even more confused 😅The name 60 suggests that it is less powerful than the 100X and 200X but it seems to actually outperform the Amaran line with its 45° flood light. You even managed to use the light dome in place of the 200X. Could you please let me know how this light compares to the 200X ? From what I understand from your review I could use the LS 60x with its 45° beam angle the same way as the 200X with its 115° beam angle (ie without the reflector) in a modifier like the Light Dome SE or II and have the same output at the and of the day because the beam angle si concentrated and more powerful ? And how does the fan noise compare to the 200X please ? 😊

[@BartJohnsonProd]

Haha sorry if I have added to the confusion! The lights tend to be named based on their wattage, so yes you would assume the 60 has less output than the 200 and 100. And this may be the case if the 60 was bare bulb against the other two, but the 60 has the built in lens that intensifies the light. If they come out with a fresnel specifically for the Amaran 100 and 200 lights, then my assumption would be they would outperform the 60. I don't have a 200x to directly compare the 60x to, but I have done a video about the 200d. And when it comes to fan noise, the 60x blows the 200d out of the water. The 200d can get quite loud compared to the 60x. Hope this helps!

[@tati_bel]

what do you think is better than Light Storm LS 60X 2700-6500K, or Nailite Forza 60C, if we talk about the main criteria: quality, high color reproduction and luminous flux power?

[@BartJohnsonProd]

I prefer the LS 60 series because of the built in lens. The Forza series need an additional lens modifier. Just another thing to pack and carry. But both are very useful and quality lights!

[@GatesRick]

Hey Bart, nice review. I hope you get your hands on the 60D soon. I'd be curious how the output of the 60X at 3200K, compares to the output of the 60D with a full CTO in front. Usually I prefer the greater intensity of a daylight fixture but at the cost of messing with gels. But if the two are more or less comparable at 3200K, I might go with the 60X. Thanks!

[@BartJohnsonProd]

Thats a good point. I will see if I can get a hold of a 60d and test the output with a gel. With all the focus on getting my video done, I totally forgot to order myself more lights than just the review unit! I'll be on the backorder list just like everyone else! Haha

[@GaryGroves]

Nice review.

[@BartJohnsonProd]

Thanks!

[@BasicFilmmaker]

Awesome man!

[@BartJohnsonProd]

Thanks!

[@jbkivontop]

great review. How is the noise level compared to the 300X?

[@BartJohnsonProd]

The light is essentially silent. I have never had any audio issues!

[@GearJones]

Nice review. I know this is a totally random and subjective question, but if you can only have one, LS 60x or Amaran 200x, which one would you, Bart Johnson, want in your kit. I know it’s not an apples to apples comparison, but since you’ve played with them both, I’m curious which one you find most useful for you?

[@BartJohnsonProd]

Personally I would go 60x. Hands down

[@GearJones]

@@BartJohnsonProd I thought you might say that. I think I see a pair of 60x in my future.

[@delasantos]

Thank you for asking this question. This was exactly the kind of question that I was wondering about - being in the market for both!

[@delasantos]

Do you think this 60X could be a key light as an alternative to the 200X? I can only afford one and I thought the 60X might not have enough power ...?

[@PelicanNorth]

@@delasantos It's a year later from your comment, and I am working on the same question. Did you make a decision between the two? I have a Godox VL150 that I use for a key light with softbox, and I rarely use it past 20%, so I am thinking the 60x, with the bowens modifier and softbox will work just fine for one person sit-down interviews.

[@mattprince2007]

Was the 60x on spot or flood in the softbox at the "true story" part of the video? Looked very bright for the x model. I was led to believe that the 60d was far brighter at 5500k but from what you showed on that part of the video , that would be perfect for me.

[@BartJohnsonProd]

I believe we had it set to full flood to fill the softbox. The daylight versions will be brighter, but the 60x handled it quite well!

[@OnlyThomasHayes]

I want to use this light as a rim/hair light, but I wonder if it can dim as much as the Mark II. I have a Ninja COB by Viltrox that is way too bright for my small studio. Even at 1% it’s too bright.

[@BartJohnsonProd]

I haven't compared them in terms of how low they can go. I usually do use this as my rim/hair light for interviews. I usually have it between 1 and 10%.

[@OnlyThomasHayes]

@@BartJohnsonProd I ended up getting the LS 60x and it’s perfect for a rim light!

[@usmanqazi2943]

Is it possible to charge the NP batteries while they are connected?

[@BartJohnsonProd]

No this will not charge the batteries.

[@studio-dalmare]

Why going with one of these lights instead of a aputure 120d or cheapest options like amaran 200d. Is there any key difference I am missing?

[@BartJohnsonProd]

The biggest difference is going to be the built in lens system. This allows you to cut and shape the light much easier without the need of an additional fresnel accessory. The 60x is also bicolor, so that is something the 120d does not have. However, the 200x model is bicolor as well. But those lenses for spot and flood adjustments are the real differentiator.

[@jordidalmau8471]

@@BartJohnsonProd Thanks for your response! Shouldn't be an (for example) amaran 200d mounting a fesnel accessory a most cost efficient, more versatile and at the end better (more powerful) option ?

[@laurenthenry]

Quick question. I'm doing a lot of corporate and I want to create a YT channel of tech review in French. So mainly interviews BUT on the side I want to use the 60d or the 60x inside and outside for video clips to use with gels etc...and I need a lot of output to use outside ! Which one would you use ?

[@BartJohnsonProd]

Depending on how bright the sun is outside, you may want a more powerful light. Even the 120d has trouble competing with intense outdoor sun.

[@robertbouchardt3357]

can you link npf batteries that actually work? I got my 60d's today and my npf's don't work..

[@BartJohnsonProd]

I have many generic NPF batteries and they all work fine. I have also heard good things about RavPower batteries and Watson.

[@apples33ds]

Hi Bart, thanks for making this video. How do you know what the correct battery is to buy? I bought a Neewer Vmount 14.8v 95wh but I'm nervous because I don't know what is compatible. Any advice is appreciated!

[@BartJohnsonProd]

Any Amount battery should be able to power this light. It doesn't have a very high draw, so no special high output batteries are needed.

[@ivanyamson]

Subbed! How much different is the max output between a 60d, 60x and 200d? I'm looking for a key light with a softbox but am unsure if a 60x is enough to light a head and chest area in a dark-ish room. Thanks!

[@BartJohnsonProd]

Thanks for the sub! I do have another video about the 200d where I measure its output. I have not been hands on with the 60d, so I don't have those numbers. The 60x and 200d are hard to compare because of the 60x being bicolor and able to spot or flood. I will say that the 200d is a VERY bright light.

[@ivanyamson]

@@BartJohnsonProd I just ordered a 60d for a key. I've seen a few KZbinrs use the 60x as a fill and one as hair light, so perhaps it fits these roles better when complementary to other lights. Thanks!

[@trevorpinnocky]

very nice review....there's a lotta measurements in there... lol

[@BartJohnsonProd]

I know. But whenever I measure something people always seem to want another type of measurement! I figured I’d just get in front of it and do them all!

[@Whaever_1981]

Surprisingly, the R9 CRI value sucks in the Tungsten range!!

[@ghostapi874]

Any idea how sharp the lens resolves a gobo?

[@BartJohnsonProd]

I have seen the demos of the Spotlight Mini Zoom, and they seem to focus the gobos quite well.

[@Ali_ReBORN]

How’s the catchlight with the 60x compared to the 120d II?

[@BartJohnsonProd]

All I can say is I have taken the 60x on every interview shoot since getting it, and the 120d II stays home!

[@Ali_ReBORN]

@@BartJohnsonProd thanks 😊

[@wahidelm4033]

what is the different between this light and amaran 100X ??

[@BartJohnsonProd]

I have not used the 100X, but I can tell you there a ton of differences. Powering options is a huge difference. Also build quality, durability, and ease of use.

[@user-dh5fp4gw1b]

Is it enough for a keylight with a lightdome at 50%?

[@user-dh5fp4gw1b]

The 60d btw, i got one and i think it has more output right

[@BartJohnsonProd]

Yes the 60d will have a bit more output than the 60x I don't think running it at 50% through a soft box would be enough light for a key. I usually run it at 100% with soft boxes.

[@walkaway.]

can i use these lights without cords? are they portable?

[@BartJohnsonProd]

Yes! It has Vmount or NPF battery options. I use these on the road all the time.

[@visualmasters8816]

@@BartJohnsonProd What NPF batteries do you recommend, and what is the run time you get per set?

[@dinthisane]

How long will v-mount battery last and will you need to buy any cables to use the v-mount battery?

[@BartJohnsonProd]

No additional cables needed. They’re all included with the light. The runtime will depend on the size of your battery and what intensity you have the light set at.

[@ericguqin]

wow it's way much larger than the mini!

[@BartJohnsonProd]

Yes it is. Much heavier too. It’s a serious light!

[@visualmasters8816]

Can someone please recommend decent budget batteries for this light? I need them to last up to 3h per charge

[@dima1353]

Please stop praising this light. This is a good light, but everyone praises it, despite its complex and specific nature. Because of these praises, this light may not be a very thoughtful purchase for someone. It is very easy for a reviewer to praise this light, because its beautiful, but for someone who is going to buy an initial lighting setup - $400 is a lot of money. This money can be spent much more wisely. Positive reviews have created such a hype around the world that these things are breaking sales records, according what local stores says. But I insist from experience that this light is too specific to be a first purchase. The truth is that despite the lens, this is the most expensive 60 watt light. Lens can focus luxes, but it does not produce extra lumens, it does not make the light more powerful. With this light, you are buying very few watts/lumens per dollar. The lens does not "squeeze" anything, it can only concentrate. Actually, devices without lens give off more lumens. And it will be noticeable if you attach softbox. This thing looks pathetic in a 90cm softbox. Any other light will both fill it better and be much more efficient in terms of light output through the softbox. Therefore, the thesis about the universality of this light is very doubtful. No, this light is not universal - it is designed for hard lighting tasks. For soft tasks, this is the worst $400 waste imaginable. I mean forgoten godox sl60w would be better ! Speaking of hard tasks, the possibilities of this light are not fundamentally different from the possibilities of ordinary light if you have barn doors, a reflector or a fresnel lens. The lens is quite effective at concentrating light at 15 - But at this angle, the light circle in light becomes large, like size of whole front element and it becomes difficult to make sharp shadows - included barn doors become useless. You can get pretty sharp shadows at 45 begres, but wide angle is not the best side of this lens. 150-200 watt sources with black reflector and barn doors will give around the same output and sharper shadows than this thing at 45 degrees. Speaking of shadows - "spotlight mini" is a nice thing - but an ordinary spotlight for a bowens mount is much, much more effective. Bowens spotlight actually concentrates light from the LED. Just look at the numbers on the Aputure website. Bowens Spotlight in combination with 120d II is 2.5-3 steps more powerful at comparable spot sizes and distances. This allows it to be used for reflection lighting. Spotlight mini and 60x just don't have guts for that. What else do I want to point: - The lens moves under its own weight, and exactly where it is not needed. If you are pointing light up, you most likely want to get a wide spot on the ceiling - and in this position lens rolls back to 15 degrees angle . When you point light down, you most likely want to use 15 degrres to highlight something small and guess which position lens rolls ? - speaking of directing the light down - the stepped clamp not built for precise angle control and it's annoying, And yoke prevents lowering head down. With barn doors you have like -40-50 degrees before it touch yoke. - Aputure calls this device a "travel light", but this is more likely if you travel by car. New amaran 60x/d lights is much much more mobile and can really be carried in a shoulder bag, mounted on the lightest stands and held in hands.... In one hand actually, and camera in another. But head of Lightstorm 60d/x is quite heavy, in addition, there is no way to take the power supply somewhere else - cable is very short. Power can only be on yoke. So load on the stand is no less than something like Godox SL150WII. This is great light. It has a unique set of features and characteristics. But what reviewers miss is that this makes it not universal, but specific. If you need hard light in an overbuild case, with advanced power options included and great bag - this is a great way to spend $400. But if you need really mobile all-around light - buy Amaran 60x/d. And If you just need a universal light for studio for hard and soft tasks - get Amaran 100/200/d/x/Godox SL/Nanlite FS/etc - and you will most likely have money left for one or two modifiers.

[@slices7960]

are these out now ?

[@BartJohnsonProd]

Yes. Links are in the description.

[@slices7960]

@@BartJohnsonProd i guess theyre out of stock or something

[@brittnelsonvideo]

@@slices7960 In stock now ;)

[@slices7960]

@@brittnelsonvideo yeah i ended up getting from Amazon :) but I do need one more!! Great light !

[@chazbarclay]

After this video I'm skipping over any video with purple and pink lit thumbnails.

[@BartJohnsonProd]

How come?

[@Finsterwald_]

Don’t buy this lamp. It has a bug in the Bluetooth module which does not allow any connection or control of the lamp after 6 months. You can then basically throw it away. It’s also not fixable with a firmware update.

[@BartJohnsonProd]

I havent run into this issue with mine. Have you contact Aputure for support?