The Amaran F22c LED Light Mat is NUTS!

[@alex_montoya]

Whoa, output on this thing is amazing

[@themanfromgoteborg]

Been waiting for this. Would never buy anything like this before the DSLR review

[@dslrvideoshooter]

That means a lot to hear Gustaf! Thank you for the kind words!

[@PaulFeinberg]

I would never buy a light mat without hearing Caleb’s opinion first!

[@hyperborean2576]

@@PaulFeinberg only guy on KZbin i trust the reviews is Gaffer & Gear

[@John-e4p1x]

@@hyperborean2576 I wouldnt totally trust him though. I just got an aputure 300d pro based on gaffer and gear, and it is going back. He does have some skin in the game. for him to call the connectors on the apututre "professional" is ofdd they are horrible and prosumer at best.

[@Samskihero]

I have never been this excited for a light before!

[@jeremybassett588]

Great review as always! I'm planning to get at least one of these for an upcoming studio build this year and that output has me super excited.

[@IMDABROWN]

Yes you do light those light mats. You almost convinced me to get one for my mobile desk😆 .

[@OmgItsAlexOfficial]

Nice review! I'm trying to deciding between this and the Nova p300c for overpower the Vegas sun on outdoor productions. Do you think this is strong enough for outdoor mid-day stuff?

[@hippy3000]

Both are not, but if you have to choose the Nova has more output.

[@davidlovephotog2]

What's not to like? Looks portable and then you have the giant brick attached to it and needs big batteries to keep it portable. If it's too small and harsh for a key light then I might as well go with cheaper options if it's just an expensive hair light. I don't need this form factor to blast a background and a tube light or even Aputure MCs can be slapped on a stand with magnets for out of shot hair light or accent. So I don't see a need for this. Also I know I'd never want to break it down and stuff it all back in that huge case. I thought it would be able to roll up and maybe waterproof and more portable, that I would buy.

[@jm1jonas]

Perspective is just an awesome thing. For you it's a "giant brick" and a "huge case", for me it's amazingly small considering i'll usually take a few skypanels S60 to shoots. One Skypanel PSU brick alone weighs more than the F22c with the case and everything in it, plus, i'll have to take a fcking HUGE combo stand for each skypanel vs a c-stand or an even lighter lightstand... Can't wait to get my hands on the F22c!

[@mcgreevs24]

Totally understand if it doesn't apply to you, but the Litegear Lite Cloths (their version of this light) are some of most popular lights in Hollywood right now. A lot of DPs love throwing them above windows to bring up room tone. (Check out Phantom Thread behind the scenes photos for example.) And that's just one of many, many uses. A kit'd out litemat costs $2,000-$5,000 and more. So what Amaran is doing here is actually a pretty big deal for young DPs who can't fork over the cash for a litegear product. To each their own!

[@traxxaspictures]

Any weather seal?

[@L.A.Bustamante]

Does anyone know when these will start to ship? I believe they are only available for pre-order right now. I’m interested in getting a few of these.

[@irisd90]

I'm confused. Isn't Amaran a product of Apature?

[@flyingdiscproductions]

how far does this send out light at a useful output?

[@Loqu4]

Do you think the flex lights will have an Aputure version? The amaran version looks rugged enough for production but it’s kinda weird that they’re realising it via amaran instead of Aputure

[@ianthebrightman]

amaran just means it's designed, meant, and priced for essentially everyone... whereas "Aputure" is to target the indi-pro/pro users specifically. That's not to say others can't use it, but there are clear differences in build materials, extras, hardware options, weatherproofing, etc

[@Loqu4]

@@ianthebrightman right right, i shall wait for the pro version then

[@ianthebrightman]

@@Loqu4 hahaha that’s if we make one! No one ever knows what we could come out with next 😉😉

[@bmozumder]

I don't know why light manufacturers keep arranging the LEDS into a grid pattern instead of a distribution? The grid pattern creates visible grids in shadows, which can be eliminated with a random diffusion pattern without reducing light output with a diffuser.

[@KallusGarnet]

cost

[@harfenspieler]

Be aware that announcing and shipping are two very different things for them.

[@ChristianSmith]

Great video! I know they are different lights but what are your thoughts between this and the Nova? What scenario would you want the nova over the F22c?

[@pauldebaets]

Nice product. I recently purchased Intellytech LiteCloth 2.0 LC-160. They seem to be nearly the same. Have you tried Intellytech product?

[@marsgizmo]

Great review and excellent new lights! 👏😎

[@Coeditor4089]

F21c has no fan. I agree the p60c might be an alternative, but the f21c has DMX, which is great for independent professional studios.

[@Bradcurran]

Just got the the f22x and think I’m gonna have to send it back. Fan noise is significant

[@dodmedia]

Honestly if they could bring out a 6ftx4ft version of this for under $2K, I would buy two in a heartbeat. I've used a number of 2x2 flexi panels and I'm always left wishing I had more surface area to play with without having to bust out additional diffusion layers in front of it. Just imagine an overhead 6x4 giving a beautiful soft light while taking up very little space. A low ceiling shooter's dream 🙃

[@ZWAmundson]

Especially on location as often you’re dealing with 10-12ft ceilings!

[@nahlene1973]

falcon makes one at 6x6 i think. 600w full RGB at $2000

[@melvinraschke3204]

Check out intelly tech mega lite cloth :) I use it on basically ever project

[@DavidGriffin]

Your asking for to much. 😂😂😂

[@jsleger3404]

You can find a 3'X4.5'ft with 300w output, made by Intellytech : it's called " Intellytech MEGA-LITECLOTH 2.0". and it's really quick to assemble but it seems they are out of stock almost everywhere

[@KevinStratvert]

Great review, Caleb! Very thorough 👍

[@JeffSu]

Agreed. The quality of Caleb's videos is very similar to the CEO of this cookie company I'm a big fan of

[@KevinStratvert]

@@JeffSu 😊 You're too kind, Jeff! We should catch up at some point.

[@TechSource]

Would you recommend using this as the main source of lighting?

[@jsleger3404]

yes why not?

[@gsmithweddingfilms]

It is insane to me that they wouldn't include the quick release unit... it comes with the 300x which I have, but what if I want to use both lights in one scene? Doesn't seem like that big of an ask for them to include it

[@ClaireMcHardy]

Might be a big ask if its an Amaran product. Im actually asking a question above to find out what the product segmentation and separation is for these 2 brands. Its getting blurry now for sure.

[@gsmithweddingfilms]

@@ClaireMcHardy Yeah that could be it... but I am just as confused as you. I thought Amaran was just a product line within Aputure... but apparently it's supposed to be its own brand entirely? Yet works within the Sidus Link ecosystem? Very strange if you ask me

[@Coeditor4089]

If you need it, you can always buy it and your light costs 70$ more. I think they wanted to keep the price point low, since it's Amaran.

[@creativegreats]

What’s the quick release look like ?

[@robertfeliciano5723]

So thorough. You cover lots of intricacies. That's why 10% of my answers to questions on Reddit are simply links to your videos.

[@timeallofgreatestthe]

Why is Amaran selling a $1K lamp? Aren’t they suppose to be budget-friendly?

[@rectape]

All the chinese products have gone premium prices since Covid

[@ClaireMcHardy]

So when is an Aperture an Aperture and an Amaran an Amaran? I am avoiding this because of the brand expecting a pro level Aperture to be released in future? The two brands are now confusing me. What is it that makes this light more consumer? or is that not what Amaran represents? I think its time to pick a brand name and stick with it Aperture. On the website its showing that Amaran is for smaller more portable products but at the same time they also seem to be on the consumer side. This product seems to blur the lines. I hope they can clarify all this in future. Perhaps with your connections you can reach out and clarify the brand separation and segmentation for viewers like me who are hesitant to shop Amaran branded items for fear that they are somehow sub par to their Aperture branded counterparts.

[@tokekkk]

@ 1:02 I was like what the hell is the UEJEWE brand...

[@Healthpack]

The v-mount says 28.8-7.5A ≥ 180Wh. Does this mean I can't use batteries above 180Wh capacity? Thanks.

[@internetmarketingpla]

I've just ordered a Falcon eyes 24TDX ii and wondering if I should have order the x version of this instead. This is another 50watts. You've used both haven't you? How does this compare to the Falcon Eyes? I'm thinking in terms of durability and reliability instead. Obviously Sidius Link is also a consideration as it would work well with my other Amaran lights. Fan noise particularly concerns me. Do you find this quieter or louder than the 24tdx ii?

[@hufman9807]

Constructive criticism: I really don't like the talking head grade. Everything about it looks unnatural and distracting, from the high noise floor to the compressed hues all wrapped together with flat contrast.

[@hufman9807]

The 4k videos ends up looking like 720p

[@TechnoBabble]

I wasn't really paying attention until I saw this comment, but you're right. The talking head shots look weirdly soft with blocky noise in the sweater.

[@Gmakamian]

Hey Caleb, what light do you recommend that doesn't have any fan noise? I only need around 100-150w. I've been using The Aputure's but the fan noise is too much for my needs. Thanks!

[@jannesasdflkasd]

Quick question, since this light is only capable of 50% if you use 14V Vmount batteries, how is that compared to the other Aputure lightpanels? For example the 2x1 version. Is that smaller light capable of doing more (100%) power on a 14.4v vmount? I think a lot of us don’t have the big 26/28V vmounts

[@robfigueroa]

Not to mention the cost....I'm wondering when I would actually ever need to use 100% of power. 26v are 2-3x more in cost.

[@robjackson9364]

Stoked for this light and I pre-ordered. The Aputure website says the fixture alone is 1.9lbs, with the soft box 6.25lbs. Can you verify that the soft box modifier weighs 4.35lbs (bracket, velcro box, diffusion, and grid)? Seems kinda heavy and would make booming as a solo operator more challenging. Thanks in advance!

[@jonpurkis]

Did you find out if this is true? I thought the whole point of light mats was lightness but it doesn't sound light at all. And I agree, I was interested in it for solo use but it doesn't seem that it would be any better than what I have at that weight.

[@robjackson9364]

@@jonpurkis Tis true. Kinda ridiculous. Based on looking at their website, the amaran 200x with the light dome se would have similar output, have larger surface area, and weigh less! Downsides being the depth of the light + dome and it only being bi-color. I've only used it once on a shoot and my main takeaway is that it takes a lot of time to setup, I think I could setup my 600x in the same amount of time. DP's are now using tubes for back lighting, large sources for key, and bounce or neg for fill. I don't see where this product fills the gap...except overhead lighting in small spaces haha. Hope this feedback is helpful.

[@ags911]

@@robjackson9364This is good for setups in tight spaces really.

[@Calderonvideo]

everyone is making tubes, but the mats were forgotten, Im glad they are back! awesome vid!

[@ChaserProductions]

I like it but too much things to tracks of too small pieces

[@dylanjohndickerson]

Awesome review, Caleb 🙌 I definitely gotta pick this one up.

[@soupwetforever]

When you opened the bag, I read uejewe as the brand name.

[@UrDomb]

What are the dimensions for the F22C’s case? Their website/B&H are unclear.

[@mr.frandy7692]

Step number one for me would be to cover up the bigass goddamn logos on the side of the softbox. They really love you to walk around with a giant advertisement for them don't they....

[@p.t.ngwolo1003]

Would you put this in one of your mobile setups…I saw you used a falcon eyes on your last one…

[@ГорПогосян-ц4ш]

Hello Please send me these adapters, these are old, they are dug out and are practically unsuitable for work.🤮🤮🤮

[@Reedith]

how solid is that dmx usb connection like don't want to have to be re plugging that every so often

[@357jokes1]

Do you know how it compares to the westcott flex kit??

[@dustinbloodgood]

Kind of surprised there was no criticism of the x-frame mount. Nothing actually locks the frame into the corners of the mat, so with a bit of shaking, the model I used came off of the frame fairly easily. This is definitely a problem if I'm arming it out from a stand and sending it up high (the stand will sway and bounce exponentially more the higher you send it/further out the arm extends). I like lightweight mats specifically because they're easy and safe to mount on a menace arm/boom arm set up over talent or a subject. I'm probably not putting this over anyones head just for the fact that it comes out of the frame so easily. At least the model that I used. Big fan of Aputure, not a huge fan of Amaran products.

[@ALEX__96T]

Unfortunately this a problem with a large percentage of youtube reviews in regards to camera/cinema equipment. Predominately, the reviewers test and review the products within a studio environment and less so in a real film setting or less than perfect scenario. Not a dig at Caleb but I notice it a lot. Someone like Gaffer & Gear is the go to for reviews on stuff like this - although I believe he has a backlog of stuff to review! Looks like a great light and Caleb as always gives a rational review!

[@psysword]

Gaff the fu..k out of the light! Lol

[@mr.frandy7692]

yeah I'd be gaff taping the living shit out of those corners. what a silly design.

[@koalamusik]

Why don't you show us the effects? 😭

[@pkendall99]

DPs don't care about fan noise, that's the sound guy's problem 😂

[@tyutje]

Actually first :O Love your vids man!

[@NixPerada]

Great review! would you rather recommend this to rig up the ceiling to light a cyclorama wall or the amaran 150c would still be good option for ceiling mounts?

[@vojtasjedyny]

If you're okay with losing warranty, you can replace standard noisy fan with Noctua NF-A4x20 FLX. This is one of the quietest premium fans for desktop PCs. Additionally you can also use low noise adaptor cable (Noctua NA-SRC7) to lower RPM, so there's even less noise.

[@evgeniy9582]

have you done that? are you sure it fits inside the case?

[@anonymissed3611]

13:08 fan noise test. Too bad it can't be off at lower output.

[@PhotographerVA]

I have the following lighting gear and would love your help with a bit of guidance. I'm a professional photographer of over 22 years and understand lighting but appreciate your thoughts! 3 Aputure C-198s 1 C-198C 1 Aputure Amaran HR672S Panel LED 1 Pixel 120 (bowens style 120w) 1 Neewer CB-150 (bowens style 150w) 2 Dracast S Series 30 W Panel Style LEDs Lantern Style Diffuser Various other diffusers and reflectors. How would you go about using this kit for simple interviews, youtube videos, product videos, and the occasional on location shoot ?

[@innastateStudios]

Great info as usual 👍 thank you ! I’m really interested in that clamp 🗜️ control unit to Cstand. Trying to find it, anyone know the name of this item ? Thanks 👍

[@pablomarin1746]

I can stand that much fan Noise, it is to loud for my liking plus I dont like the x Frame system.

[@Natalianyberg]

I beg you, how do i connect it to sidus app

[@ravigowdayelajith]

How to direct light without controller?

[@marinrealestatephotography]

It's great that it has lots of features, but it doesn't seem like it is all that bright. Notice at 11:14 that Caleb was shooting at f/2.8 at ISO 800 on an a7 IV at 1/50th shutter speed (so I am assuming at 24fps). So if you are shooting on m43 where you MIGHT not want to go over ISO 800, you are going to need an f/1.4 lens to get the same exposure. (If Caleb didn't have it at full power, then of course that changes the equation.)

[@ГорПогосян-ц4ш]

Have them send me two new X adapters.

[@psysword]

You should be directing your own movies or a top Hollywood consultant. You're a true film school gem of a teacher. So sincere.

[@jimpiterson4052]

Caleb, thanks for this great video. I wonder if this is just what I needed so I can purchase it. Let me explain. I have an interactive panel (a touch screen TV of sort) to do youtube videos teaching my content and I use the interactive panel to illustrate my points. I use one light on either side of the panel so it does not reflect off the screen. The problem is that then, my face is sort of dark. Do you think that adding a light like this on a boom arm pointing down to my face my be the best solution or do you think there is a better way? Of course I would also use this light for other purposes, such as colored background, etc. Thanks in advance.

[@nicodehnhardt466]

how many watss ?? the f22c ??

[@digitalcollaborationtools3371]

I love your reviews, Caleb. Do you know of any similar lights that would not require a giant power supply and control box? I travel a lot and would love a light like this for setting up video conferencing when on the road.

[@Natalianyberg]

I cannot see any bluetooth button

[@evilarhan1]

1:04 Uejewe!

[@duffyror]

Would love to hear your thoughts on the DNG Dash pocket LED

[@WetheDepressed]

Great job! Could you do a video on 26/27 Volt V-mount batteries and what the best and or most high value options would be. I'd love to see a full video on your best kits for outside (no a.c. power) shooting.

[@michaelpoczynek]

Excellent review as always, Caleb. Thanks, and have a great day!

[@DanielAx]

Hey Caleb, are you planning on reviewing the new SmallRig lights?

[@Julian-zd9kx]

Great Video as always! Banging presentation! But I have 1 Question: Can you recommend putting this light on a Mic Stand and put that Mic Stand on a C-Stand, like you did with the Falcon Eyes a couple of Years ago? Thank you for all your doing and keep up the great Work!

[@bubbleman91]

Damn I'm early today 😅

[@PaulFeinberg]

I have been waiting for this video….you are the light mat king!

[@7ombische]

Thanks Caleb. The versatility yo get makes these a no brainer. Preordered 2 of these. My supplier expects to ship them to me late June.

[@JacobVossFilms]

Can this be powered with the Amaran Powerstation?

[@sparkwilkie2577]

Will be great if there can be a video comparison between this and the intellytech version, this seems very promising tho!!

[@cnihon5894]

Great video! Is this the final version of the light meant for sale or is this a pre-production version for reviews?

[@DJBFilmz]

What about the cord built into the light? Doesn't that way it down?

[@bbrunorocha]

how is the output in rgb/hsi mode ? did you measure as well ?

[@zhuber]

people are so goofy about fan noise, couldn't even hear it lol

[@Nissan370_z]

can't you just use card bord with led strips attached to it and do the same thing?

[@Lee-ness]

This is the most helpful video out there. Thank you!

[@2365Films]

Excellent review. Considering this for my studio now...

[@neffknows1]

The idea of using an XLR connector for power on a set scares me.

[@CodakChris]

YALL DO KNOW THIS IS APUTURE

[@psysword]

You're absolutely full of inspiring information

[@ludvikherrera]

Will the output on this light be strong enough for capturing photo portraits at ISO 100 or 200 and minimum of 1/250 shutter speed and f/8 or narrower?

[@R____D______]

Probably not quite enough output. In the video at 11:15 you can see at the bottom of the screen Caleb's camera settings and the light is at full output.

[@aramatkinson]

That locking system looks pretty great compared to some of the flexi mats I've used in the past 👌👌

[@Bo_Hazem]

Impressive for tight spaces and for hanging it above! Price-wise it's actually better than other brands I've seen before.

[@adinbradic7092]

How about updated video for budget led lights?

[@KingDarius266]

I absolutely love the audio in your videos. Your voice is so soothing.

[@vivianvo.visuals]

Audio so good, it hit at the very first second of this video omg

[@jasp2003]

Does it take a 14.8v battery? Or a 26v ??

[@HoodDiariesUK]

Which V-mount would you recommend for the Amaran F22C? 🫡

[@all0932]

Thanks for this detailed video!

[@madman1128]

Yes I was waiting for an in depth review! Thanks man!

[@GrillingwithPapaJ]

Another great review, thanks

[@JeremyWilliamson]

THIS THING IS RIDICULOUSLY COOL!!!

[@tresagah]

Is there a link for that clamp?

[@umbramann1139]

Aonther quality review.

[@Jbobonline]

Caleb - that is amazing. Thank you for your hard and quality work.

[@anonymissed3611]

What overhead Mic do you use?

[@kevindiossi]

Dude, you are the best. So I've been looking at this light and they just went on sale at B&H. I have an event to video indoors on a show floor and these seem perfect. Of all the product videos I've watched today - you're the only person to cite the reduction in power when using traditional 14.8 V-Mounts - which was my plan entirely. My backup plan is the 60C. So now I'm going to watch your video on that.

[@robfigueroa]

do you mean amount of time on the battery or the actual illumination will be 1/2?

[@kevindiossi]

@@robfigueroa illumination is reduced, yes.

[@robfigueroa]

@@kevindiossi Thank you....Guess I need a 26v...ugh. So expensive. ove $400

[@Roz-Inspire-Video]

Awesome …thanks Caleb