These Amaran Ace Lights Are Slick!

[@avx111]

I think amaran got jealous when you called those Zhiyun lights cute.

[@todddammit4628]

M20 seems like a way better light than this. Much more versatile, IMO.

[@pedropereira5043]

​@@todddammit4628I've used the M40 extensively since it came out, bought 2 for 120€ (but one, get one free). It's a lot of light, and good colour, but it's let down by the battery. They state 29mn runtime but in reality it's a bit less. And battery life is quite different on both my lights, they must use cheap, inconsistent batteries

[@mooksdfe]

@@todddammit4628 I've seen the reports of M20 getting too hot though while I was researching them. I think one of them was on the official's site product page in the review section.

[@mooksdfe]

@@todddammit4628 Those get too hot though as far as I'm aware.

[@JJARCHIE]

​@@mooksdfethey all get too hot once you start downsizing

[@B-RollBooks]

If Amaran really wanted to make Gerald biased, they should have made a purple one. Even so, I’m still going to buy a couple. Great overview!

[@professordanielcarnauba]

I really appreciate the fact that you always disclose any conflict of interests in your videos. I know, we should take that it for granted: thats the right way to do and all youtubers were supposed to do the same. But we know they don't. That reassures me that your video are reliable. Thanks for that.

[@Tarets]

That literally means the video is not reliable and you should verify the conclusions with other sources. Also, in many countries it's illegal not to disclose such sponsorships, so it's not worth praising, but rather a bare minimum that should be expected.

[@professordanielcarnauba]

@@Tarets I think that's a naïve approach of the issue. Yes, in many countries (in mine too, btw) sponsorships must be disclosed, but this rule is difficult to enforce and many KZbinrs just don't care. Moreover, many of them do comply in a very subtle way ("today will review this product, from company X. You know, company x is partner of this channel and they have just created this amazing product"). Gerald makes it clear from the very beginning that the video is not a review, is a paid presentation - and in this sense, this video is reliable. I am not being cheated. Fellow Filmmaker takes the same approach and no wonder they are two of the channels I feel most confortable to watch.

[@Brandon4Weiss]

@@Tarets I don't think you could put Gerald's disclosures in the "bare minimum" bucket. He absolutely is more up front and detailed in his explanations than most KZbinrs when it comes to potential biases/sponsorships/conflicts of interest.

[@jessehigginson]

Gotta say how much I appreciate the transparency and disclosure here. Top notch stuff.

[@billybobthorton2026]

Possible helpful tip for Amaran that you might be able to pass on to them, for the power system and the always on functionality. Limit the charge of the battery to 80% in a "Always On" mode or something to that effect. That way the battery degradation would be kept to a minimum and thus decreasing the chance of swelling or possible fires (even if the likely hood is low of the latter). Just something a battery conscious viewer wanted to pass along. The lights look great, will def check them out further.

[@Maxwell_Miranda]

Maxwell from amaran here! I heard you and will give feedback to the engineers.

[@spdcrzy]

This depends on the battery, TBH. I've heard that you should do one of two things: if you're going to run it always plugged in, keep it at 100% all the time. But if you're going to regularly use it in both modes, THEN you limit the battery to between 15% and 85% to keep the battery life as long as possible for as long as possible. But maybe that advice is outdated with new battery tech.

[@YoungBlaze]

I've only seen phones do this

[@EricLefebvrePhotography]

Who says that the diaply 100 isn;t really 80% of the actuall battery? Not saying it isn;t but it could be.

[@Photovintageguy]

​@@YoungBlaze some laptops do that

[@s.j.stuart]

I really want to applaud you for the sincere honesty of your disclosures! It's refreshing for a paid KZbinr such as yourself to state in no uncertain terms that their opinion is biassed and subject to the influence of an ongoing (long-standing) financial arrangement with the brand.

[@DiodeFilms]

The pace of development in led lighting is crazy, but I'm here for it.

[@Rasmusleophoenix]

We are soooooo spoiled and I love it❤

[@Cinegavo]

It's also a determent... Because the tech keeps improving, older but still new LEDs are becoming outdated in like under a year.

[@Healthy_Toki]

I've been out of the game, what good stuff has dropped the last year or two?

[@DiodeFilms]

@@Healthy_Toki zhiyun, amaran, godox. A few years ago the 120D was $600, now you can get smaller lights at 300W for that money with bicolor which is becoming the standard rather than a more expensive version. 100W lights are becoming tiny, and you can get big lights approaching 3000w now if you need more output. Plus, there are loads of players in the market now, so they're all competing with each other to innovate and drive prices down.

[@DiodeFilms]

@@Cinegavo yeah, don't get a new light if you're not ready to use it RIGHT NOW, haha

[@CalifarmerDave]

As ridiculous as it might be, I would love a home lighting kit or more house style lighting options from Amaran. Clean lighting, saturated colors, no flickering for video chats and the occasional stream, not being locked to big name smart lighting ecosystems, etc. Sounds like a dream!

[@shadowshapers]

You’re going to love what products they have coming next.

[@Work_Data_PV]

look at those eyes in the last couple seconds of the video... dont they just brighten your day up? bless you man you bring joy to us 1 magnet at a time. (my favorite items are also magnets, Dice, and batteries.)

[@MasterLemon98]

and now we absolutely need the 150c and 300c review

[@OvalordRadio]

Great overview...going to buy 2 of them! Thanks Gerald for the awareness!

[@sknol]

Is Patrick feeling better? May your families be in good health for the holidays!

[@JSHFilms]

I just placed an order for 2 of these items! I'm excited to add more lighting kits for my weddings. I'll use them to light up the key or fill in on the go, especially during speeches or for on-camera lighting during dancing scenes.-camera lighting during dancing scenes.

[@RavikantRai21490]

I ordered this. This is better than the lume cube. I had been contemplating whether or not to get a light of this form factor. This one made me go for it.

[@jamillsantiago]

Gerald, I liked the video just because you went above and beyond disclosing your conflict of interest while overviewing this item. That was a masterclass on how to ethically talk about products on YT.

[@redletterdayspnw]

Dang I just bought the Aputure MC (Non-Pro) as an on-camera light. Probably could have gone with the Ace 25x and saved a little. Oh well! The thing I love about your review is that, even though you disclosed the on-going relationship you have with Amaran and you may have a certain amount of bias, it still contains practical and scientific information that we need to make a calculated decision. It's never just a "trust me bro" review. Well done, Mr. Undone!

[@seanchang4442]

Recently, I’ve come across some incredible camera lenses, portable lighting, and even guitars that truly stand out in both design and performance. As consumers, we’re fortunate to benefit from the innovation and competition in these fields.

[@dinoschachten]

The only thing that stood out to me as a potential point of criticism could be the fact that you add the grid before the dome - narrowing your angle only to spread out again with the dome - or am I missing something here?

[@rgsauve]

I noticed that too and started cracking up. I'd still pick a few though.

[@Maxwell_Miranda]

Maxwell from amaran here! You would use the grid without the dome in use but when packing it up its just easier to attach them all together.

[@aratafreecs3445]

Very glad you did the demonstration in the end. I checked out the lights on amazon before you mentioned the price and was pleasantly surprised. They are very reasonably priced, even in Europe! I can't say I really need them, but there were some instances in the recent past where I had wished I had a light like this with me. And for that price, putting one or two in the trunk of my car or my backpack before a shoot doesn't sound like a bad idea.

[@InvadersDie]

Boost mode means higher voltage, that means the LEDs will have a shorter life. The thing about LEDs is that the Volt/duration is not a linear thing but it works both ways. I don't know what kind of voltage and temp amaran is running their LEDs at but if you use silent mode the battery will likely be the first thing to die, using boost the battery might outlive the LEDs. If you visit them at some point you should for sure ask them about this.

[@Zack-Hates-Youtube]

Damn, these lights look amazing. I'm probably going to buy four of them!

[@RichBarschdorf]

Yes I love magnets too, they’re so handy.

[@PenFriends]

Making a pixel variant of this would be awesome! Especially with this power option.

[@IskyIskandar]

did anybody get theirs (non-kit version) and also 1:25 not get the soft carrying case that Gerald shows in the unboxing?

[@Mike0193Azul]

Appreciate the little comparison with the F7 and MC pro, was wondering how this one fared. 💚 Wonder how it compares to Zhiyum m20/m40/x60. Also, hoping the the diffuser and grid stay on there tight.. since it seems to be magnet only. Magnet only attachments without a safety clip-release are so flimsy and easy to lose while recording! 💡 Should’ve added a safety release system.

[@JjackVideo]

I like the more analog controls. It's very refreshing in a world of useless apps filling up my phone

[@trashbag8124]

Huge agree here! Companies should save the thousands they use for developing apps and streamline analog controls

[@karsten24]

Can we expect sometimes soon a review of the Canon C400 maybe? Would be really great! Thanks and best,

[@ckhicks]

This was fun, thanks mate.

[@berkano_plays]

Just recently got a pair of Zhiyun M40 lights, pretty happy with them overall... Clip-on diffuser sees better than the silicon diffuser that is available for M40 though... I also have a pair of Zhiyun Quick Detach quarter-inch mounts, kinda same usage as acelock. Bluetooth option is sweet though, now I'm jealous :D

[@MatthewTyndall]

Just got the Zhuyin Molus x60, how does the brightness compare to that? I also just got the small rig 60b.

[@LorenzoDalviseReview]

Hi! What was the power on the final test with the umbrella?

[@TechHunterOfficial]

I was no expecting that price. When you compared the prices at the end, I thought you were taking the mick!

[@howevisual7099]

Cam settings (ISO/f-stop) on the key light demo at the end? Freaking amazing price! Glad I got an MC Pro but damn do I wish these existed back then, I would have definitely liked to have saved a little $$. Love Aputure for continuing to add to their line of products continuously.

[@Maxwell_Miranda]

Glad you like the product! amaran has a lot more exciting products coming.

[@slimmetry]

​@@Maxwell_MirandaAnything else before the end of the year?

[@Maxwell_Miranda]

@@slimmetry👀

[@navpreetsingh8156]

The Zhiyun lights are in this bracket, the 40w and 25w lights are competing with this so it would be impossible for Amaran to overprice this, I'm still waiting for the day they drop a panel 3 times the size with a bigger battery then I have a fully powered panel

[@Maxwell_Miranda]

Maxwell from amaran here! This light is actually brighter than those competitors. More announcements to come!

[@nigussusolomon643]

I'm still waiting for the C80 and the C400 review. I am waiting on your review to buy one

[@TradeshowThomas]

useful with that diffuser

[@spdcrzy]

The ability to attach to rounded surfaces is an incredible win.

[@macandbern]

Imagine if Aputure just let you do your actual thing and realised that their sales would spike even more because their products are actually good enough to stand up to a real Gerald Undone review,. I hope one day they realise what a unique reviewer you are and give you free reign. . . 🙏 Keep it up regardless.

[@nikilragav]

Power level, ISO, aperture for your final demo scene? Bonus points if you have the lux measurement thru the umbrella. Thanks! Looks good. Finally a reasonably priced small light from Aperture it seems.

[@nicholasteixeira9601]

nice video as aways!

[@odilermatov7988]

Gerald, please do Canon C80 review =)

[@Antzeid]

Is it really bias if you know you are bias? Keep posting, nice to see you still doin it!

[@chepilevski]

We can’t trust you 🙈🤣🤣 You are the best man, everything video related I ever got was based on your opinion 🤗

[@bhgemini]

At least in the US. It looks like the prices you quoted are only via the Amaran store. Amaran's Amazon store front is showing $82 for the X and $117 for the C.

[@geraldundone]

That's peculiar. I'll let them know. They're $69 at B&H too. 💡 amaran Ace 25c: geni.us/OTgSzcW 💡 amaran Ace 25x: geni.us/Bx77QR

[@YoungBlaze]

Hmmm zhyiun still has this space on lock

[@mantenbrink]

Are you going to review the new 1200x with blair engine? I've talked to the Aputure employee at IBC half an hour about this light and it really seems like an insane upgrade, probably something that is going to replace the whole product line soon

[@williamdlc3]

An Amaran Ace that’s iPad sized but rivals a 60w light would be killer

[@Kenflyer]

Awesome little but powerful light. Unfortunately i cant find any reseller for germany at the moment. :/ Gerald do you have some information on when it will be available in germany?

[@TheSeniorTec]

I'm kinda a Apature/Amaran fan too! Way cheaper than the Apature MCPro!

[@relaxwithme3266]

Bro I still use the F7 to this day!

[@photosbyjames_]

Keen to hear peoples thoughts on whether this one or zhiyun m20c

[@adrinaik93]

What an interesting fixture... The thing is, I bough a couple of MC Pros not long ago, which I used a lot on set, and apart from the fact that the MC Pros have built in CRMX, which is a huge plus for pro gaffers, I don't see the advantage over the 25c when used with the Sidus Link app. In fact, I only see advantages on the 25c: huge output compared with the MC Pro, and as someone who's grabbed the MC Pro after being powered for a while at full or close to full power, those things burn!, so I am a fan of the fan... It is like Aputure themselves, with the Amaran brand, are cannibalizing their own Aputure products.

[@AlexKnightVancouver]

This looks awesome. Sold!

[@definingslawek4731]

This or zhiyun m20?

[@BrendonKPadjasek]

I'm Gerald Undone and I love magnets

[@Joshrwms87]

Hope that new cable comes with a right angle?

[@brzrko]

Make a video on Fujifilm Xm5 please.

[@shawnfoodfever]

great sharing 😍😍

[@calebbrown3602]

Even tho you are bias I still appreciate the disclosure and trust you more

[@Enlightenment_2025]

Impressive, indeed!

[@playeronthebeat]

What I just don't like about the Amaran lights is that they suck if you want to integrate them into any kind of smart studio setup. It's just sad. My only complaint for the lights, I own. I just wish that they would provide an open API for their BT/WiFi lights so that they can be integrated with Elgato or Home Assistant for example to really integrate them further into the studio if you don't want to use their app(s). But those lights are lookijg amazing!

[@AgentStarke]

A lot of the Amaran stuff is really nice. Which is good since I'm too poor for Aputure.

[@TheArtofPassionNZ]

what mic and recorder setup are you using for this video. Its so clean!

[@rickbiessman6084]

Pretty sure he uses a Sennheiser MKH416. Don’t remember what he plugs it into, but if you check out his last tour of his own studio, he’ll mention it there.

[@Brandon4Weiss]

@@rickbiessman6084 unless he's changed, he's used an mkh50 for a while now, I believe running into a Sound Device...something. I can't remember which model, maybe the mix pre6? He was going into a Zoom F6 for a while, but that might be a long time ago at this point.

[@stuartrankin4851]

Gets hot,sometimes buttons don't work as well as they should. Yih can struggle with them on a shoot which is a bit embarrassing. Very portable and usually all you need for quick interviews,app is ok. Good buy if on a budget

[@VisiVisuals]

I thought they gonna release a new small COB panel like other brands

[@shadowshapers]

What if this is not their last release for this year?

[@shadowshapers]

Are you wanting a COB light or a panel light? They are different things 😉

[@RafaelUnplugged]

Anyone know if these will work with the app. nvm haha 5:07 +

[@ErisedMediaCo]

Can you power this via USB for semi permanent installation without ruining the battery? (ie: can you bypass the battery?)

[@shadowshapers]

Yes you can. Watch to about 8:00 for the answer.

[@RichBarschdorf]

I have the older Amaran Fi, these lights look like much better upgrade to the old one I have.

[@efleschner]

Can you share what the approximate settings were when you used it as a key light, please? Are these the same settings as the A cam setup? Sometimes it helps put things in perspective.

[@julian.cameraman]

It's a pity I've bought 2 combo set of Zhiyun m20c :) But anyway, much satisfied with these ;)

[@verebellus]

what i dont understand with these magnetic lock things is, if it needs the clip thing in addition to the magnet, what do the magnets really do?

[@matp2470]

I just bought one X and one C and I must say the overal build quality is great. However, Boost Mode doesn't seems to make any difference The fan tend to have some trouble to run sometime for no reason (and the Ace just shut down with a fan icon display) I plug the X overnight and it comes from 100% to 0% in like 3 minutes, I pluged it for about 5 minutes and it comes back to 100%. So my concerns are much software oriented and I hope a firmware update will fix all theses issues soon. Any of you guy have similar issues ? Thanks Gerald for your, always, great and fun to watch review ❤

[@SirWaddlesworth]

I got two of the C version. They're definitely nifty little lights, but I had a similar experience with boost mode. I don't have a lux meter or anything, but surely it would make some visible difference?

[@mrshaheedmalik]

Amaran Undone! 😂

[@LittlePineMedia]

D-Tap would’ve made this amazing for ENG style cameras, very cool light though! I run a F7 on my work cam and have been scared for when it dies as it’s discontinued and there hasn’t been an equivalent

[@brianbaade]

You can get a DTap to USbC cable and run it

[@LittlePineMedia]

@@brianbaade try telling that to engineers who wish we were still using cameras from 20 years ago 🙄

[@brianbaade]

@@LittlePineMedia Not really sure I understand the issue. I work with broadcast trucks all the time and some do have outdated equipment. I bring my own bits all the time. For around $100 you can get this light and a USBC to Dtap adapter cables. Bring it with you and show them it works

[@MrMoviePhoneEx]

I kept on waiting for how it comparison between this and the MCPro units and then that price point hit... That's crazy, but I guess it's because Amaran is the loss leader affordable version of Aputure?? Or is the MCPro just priced too high for what you're getting?

[@shadowshapers]

It’s because the MC Pro has Lumenradio CRMX built in, which adds about $100 to the cost of the unit. This light does not.

[@MrMoviePhoneEx]

@@shadowshapers very useful, but not how I use mine in most cases. Maybe I’ll pick some of these up instead :)

[@shadowshapers]

@@MrMoviePhoneEx These would be an excellent solution for you then!

[@smartintech2]

I will wait for a joke to mount my P60c before I purchase the next thing from Amaran. Maybe someone from Amaran marketing reads this. (btw the ProAM thing isn't available atm)

[@stephenpena7813]

I need that new cable! Lol tha KS for reminding me about kondor blues warranty last time I commented lol they got me my replacement purple hdmi for my xt5 and monitor so now I don't have to use my cheap ass one lol how would these lights compare to the original rgbww amaran mc?

[@MuhammadFloyd]

since ive been looking for an f7 replacement. is it safe to run the boost mode all the time?

[@mark_barrentine]

Question, is the light less bright when using USB-c PD to supply main power versus running off of the battery? For the F7 this was the case but not for the d-tap. I still have the F7, purchased after your review. Best light I have ever used, bright, and three power sources (Sony NP-F, usb-c, and d-tap). Sadly Aputure Amaran no longer makes this light.

[@FlaggerLife]

What are the things that annoy you about the Aputure Amaran F7?

[@lukogs]

Does the screen flips If you attach it via ¼ thread? Cause it makes the light upside down and it would be dumb see the screen that way. I dislike proprietary adapter and I assume a General user like me would simply use the already existing cold shoe mounts and adapters connected to the thread.

[@marquism1799]

That quality of a mini light for $69?!?! I'll take 12 of them!

[@johnyvds2331]

the price says 117 dollars american on amazon, soooo, whats the deal?

[@EricLefebvrePhotography]

Why do I fell like that condor blue cable needs a 90 degree plug? That USB C pluf REALLY protrudes from the body.

[@davistaishi]

what's tm30?

[@fiszu4075]

Dose anyone else fell like he gave us a few hints that this was reviewd at a gunpoint? Gerald! Blink twice at the beginning of the next video, we'll call the swat team.

[@od628]

Is the box made from recycled material? I'll only buy if the box is eco friendly. 😜

[@titan4260]

I have these lights. If I turn them off from the app the battery will drain within a couple of days. Annoying. So I have to manually turn them off

[@OrangeNooob]

is this Ace Lock compatible with DJI system? they seem kinda similar

[@Maxwell_Miranda]

Maxwell from amaran here! It's not the same mount.

[@stuartswindellcampoy8483]

Does putting the diffuser in top of the honeycomb defeat the purpose ? Haha

[@REVIEWSONTHERUN]

Cool!✌️

[@Nordic_Ventures]

weather sealed?

[@Maxwell_Miranda]

The amaran Ace 25x/c series are not IP rated. We had to do this to allow heat dissipation reasons

[@todddammit4628]

@@Maxwell_Miranda Why no kickstand? Why no NPF option? Why no barn doors? This could've been so much better. You guys are playing catch up to Zhiyun and even Godox at this point and you're not doing it well. Where's your answer to the M20? Where's your answer to the ML100? Where's your answer to the G300? Where's your answer to the FH50? There's a ton of amazing innovation in the light space, but you guys are ceding the marketing for anything below $600 and I don't understand why.

[@shadowshapers]

@@todddammit4628What if Amaran is not done releasing products for this year?

[@RB-vf9xn]

Dude use 90° connectors on your cables please

[@martybeyer]

They don't ship to Australia?? That's a shame - and a bit weird 🤔

[@Maxwell_Miranda]

That should be fixed soon.

[@touchtennis]

Tried the zhiyun 15’s and they’re junk. Sadly I tried your link and it doesn’t ship to England. Neither link.

[@geraldundone]

Thanks for the heads up. I made some localized amazon links. It appears they are available on Amazon UK: 💡 amaran Ace 25c: geni.us/OTgSzcW 💡 amaran Ace 25x: geni.us/Bx77QR

[@touchtennis]

@@geraldundone thanks mate. Ordered!

[@FrankNazario]

i dont like the mount... i preffere the screw holes.

[@bradleykussy]

Anyone catch how much brighter the X is than the C?

[@kidcoma1340]

The reason I wouldn't spend much more on these kind of lights is the battery degradation. Use them for a couple of years and you can basically throw them in the trash or keep them wired all the time.

[@TheRealHarrypm]

As an amazon vine reviewer, its funny seeing LED lights poping up, as a lot of companys test there entry products via 3rd partys and you can see all these pre-production models sold and then listings go poof after 3 months of collecting feedback.

[@3n61n33r]

Niiiice!