What's the best video light for the money, at ANY budget? (Aputure, Godox, Falconeyes and Lupo..?)

Get two months of Artlist for free: bit.ly/37z9PvM
I often get asked the question, "What light should I buy?" or "What's the best light?" - so my response is usually "What's your budget" and "what is it going to be used for?" - so without knowing either of those, I can't give a great answer.. but if it's a recommendation you're looking for based on any budget and my experience, this video covers the whole range.
0:00 - Intro
1:08 - $0 to $100
3:32 - How much should you spend?
4:00 - $100 to $150
5:27 - $150 to $250
6:22 - $250 to $500
10:14 - $500 to $1000
14:36 - $1000 to $1500
16:27 - $1500 to $2000
20:40 - $2000 to $3000
22:38 - $3000 to $5000
26:00 - $5000+
27:14 - Why those choices
27:35 - Artlist!
29:00 - Final thoughts
29:39 - Grip
LIGHTS IN VIDEO
($0 to $100)
Aputure MC - geni.us/ivqweVC
Nanlite Pavotube 6c ii - geni.us/B6IkOF
($100 to $150)
Godox SL60w - geni.us/AHlhsZ3
($150 to $250)
Godox SL150w ii: geni.us/aA5gJb5
($250 to $500)
Falconeyes RX-18TD: geni.us/qMzAt [Amazon]
Falconeyes RX-18TDX II: geni.us/pC8cLwa [Amazon]
WALL MOUNT BOOM ARM: geni.us/PMjX [Amazon]
($500 to $1000)
Aputure 120d ii: geni.us/mgcv5
Lupo Actionpanel Full Color: geni.us/osg8NAT [B&H]
($1000 to $1500)
Aputure 300x: geni.us/oCsAUqT [B&H]
($1500 to $2000)
Aputure Nova: geni.us/Oavkk1w
($2000 to $3000)
Lupo Superpanel Full Color 60 (Soft): geni.us/cFJCXA [B&H]
Lupo Superpanel Full Color 60 (Hard): geni.us/wnPZ [B&H]
($3000+)
Velvet Evo1: • VELVETLight EVO 1 // R...
Photonia Chromos 5x100: • RGBWW Fresnel: The Pho...
Velvet Kosmos: bit.ly/2JFXtMk
Arri Orbiter: geni.us/2h8jmi [B&H]
SAND BAGS:
geni.us/gAieb5X [B&H]
C-STANDS:
geni.us/LvAOVl3 [B&H]
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/ tommycallaway
Find me elsewhere:
=============================
INSTAGRAM: / tgcallaway
TWITTER: / tgcallaway
My main camera gear:
=============================
1. Sony A7S III (x3): geni.us/SonyA7s3
2. Sony 18mm f1.8 Lens: geni.us/k4Lsm
3. Sigma 24-70 2.8 Lens: geni.us/BLkFH7N
4. Laowa Probe Lens: geni.us/laowa-probe
Audio gear:
=============================
1. Sennheiser MKH-416 - geni.us/senn-mkh416
2. Mixpre-3 mk II: geni.us/uSmpq
3. My whole audio stand build: • How to build the Youtu...
Music used in my videos:
=============================
Artlist: Get two extra free months when signing up with my link: bit.ly/37z9PvM
This is why I use Artlist - • WHY Artlist.io is ACTU...
Digital assets used in my edits:
=============================
1. Sony A7S3 Luts (matched to Red Komodo): bit.ly/3blVs2Q
2. Audio Processing Preset (in adobe audition): bit.ly/2ZRE4wU
My main lights:
=============================
1. (Key and Backlight) - Aputure 120d ii - geni.us/mgcv5
2. (Top/Hair light): Falconeyes RX-818 - geni.us/I6yBn
3. (Background) Rotolight Titan X1/X2 - geni.us/uGkkC0X
4. (Background) Litepanels Gemini Soft - geni.us/gemini-soft
5. (Background) Aputure Nova - geni.us/Oavkk1w
Disclaimer:
=============================
I earn from qualifying purchases made through the links on my channel with the following affiliate programs:
Amazon Affiliates
B&H Affiliate Program
Adorama Affiliate

[@TommyCallaway]

Did this video help you? Be subscribed, there’s more coming. 💡

[@justmattgray]

Very helpful. The wall mounted boom arm is the one.

[@OmegaBlueGroup]

Absolutely! I particularly loved the wall mount boom arm you use for your overhead light and the cast and section. Hearing your reasons for using each light was so satisfying. I’m going to dive into more of your videos before I purchase, but it’s already obvious to me that I need to consider whether I need RGB or whether bicolor would work for my purposes. Lots of things to consider. Thank you!

[@animationscreations3589]

All of these lights are over priced.

[@CrossoverHipHop]

Yes, but it would've been more helpful if you had shown the names of the lights on the screen for newbies like me taking notes.

[@tombuck]

Spending the same amount on lights as on camera/lens is great advice (same with avoiding ultra cheap lights). And Artlist is fantastic- overall this video has everything I've ever wanted! 11/10.

[@TommyCallaway]

Camera holding is an expensive hobby if you wanna do it right! haha. Thanks Tom

[@artcollection4]

This is an absolutely outstanding review! Thank you for the engagement!🙏🏼

[@JaredSpink]

What a great in-depth video on all price ranges. Very helpful Tommy.

[@TommyCallaway]

Thanks Jared :) This one was tough!

[@monomono]

Forget about buying bitcoin... One year later... Some of these lights doubled their price.

[@neiltuiza7095]

This is so amazing. Very helpful and a lot of knowledge can learn. Thankyou sir Tommy!.

[@boywithacamera]

This is great, thank you for putting this together! I've been getting a lot of questions about lights for various budgets--going to just send them here.

[@thebinauralexperience]

This was one of the best videos I've seen on lighting. Thank you.

[@GeraldBertramPhotography]

Wow, epic light video, Tommy. Thanks for the effort it must have taken you to put this together.

[@TommyCallaway]

Thank you bro

[@PaulFeinberg]

Awesome overview.....I love my Falcon Eyes RX-18T and have been super happy with my Godox SL150w ii purchase. Gosh I want the rolling impact stand and of course some impact sandbags. Thanks for all you do!

[@Michael-uo1qv]

Your advice about the cost of your lighting kit being the same as your camera was super helpful. Just got my first kit w/3 VL150s and it makes my a6500 footage look better than any camera upgrade would. Thanks for the help!

[@ToddWhirley]

My lighting Yoda you are. In the last few weeks, I grabbed a couple of ML60 lights ($219 on sale) and a pair of SL150ii ($239 on sale). Super quiet and bright. Seem well made for the price point. Fit my budget and vision for content creation now. I really like the quality of light these put out. Seems like a great value in this price range. Now, I'm obsessing over different types of light modifiers and gathering a collection of various shapes and sizes. I appreciate the time you put into cranking out helpful and high quality content for us, Tommy. Keep it up.

[@TommyCallaway]

The ML60 is another awesome light. Thanks for watching :)

[@everillangel5037]

The Filmmaking gear triangle for anyone working solo is Sound,light,camera. You chose how to balance it but in most cases Sound should be your priority then lighting then camera and lenses. If you have a canon 600D with a decent cellphone lav (as a starter) and a good key light plus 5 in 1 you will get amazing quality overall

[@MrCameraJunkie]

Nice breakdown! see you in the next one.

[@sonicacoustics9176]

This is an awesome review! Really helpful! :)

[@darkknightwithanidea1845]

Great content as always.

[@A2KMedia]

perfect timing, we got sl60 due to your recommendation and now we are moving studio and need to upgrade our set-up. thanks Tommy

[@TommyCallaway]

Congrats on your move :) What lights did you end up going with?

[@A2KMedia]

@@TommyCallaway thanks :) picked up Godox SL150w ii: to start with as it was about 224 usd during a sale. Based on all reviews - hard to beat the price.

[@blacksheep7576]

It’s so great seeing a full range of budgets. Too many videos focus only on the cheapest lights you can buy

[@ToddWhirley]

Looking forward to seeing your review of the Elation light. I replaced all the old par can lighting in our church with Elation Professional LED stage lighting. They've performed beautifully. Great value

[@justmattgray]

Perfectly timed commercial breaks...im in love

[@danielsan360]

Very helpful. Realistic attitude. I subscribed.

[@remywebber5330]

This is what I've been looking for

great vieo man! :) I really enjoyed watching it :) I think jinbei gets often forgotten, which is now a shame because their new efII series with the silent mode is actually pretty great. With a coupon i got the 200 watt cob lights for 250€ and that is something imo. Thei EFD and EFP panel are amazing too, the fan is always a problem but the silent mode makes it worth considering

[@bkelley7729]

Thanks for making this video, would love to hear a little bit about whether these lights can handle high speed frame rates. I know it's something that is tough to know without testing each individual light at high speeds but I'm looking to purchase a light or a couple of lights for my phantom work.

[@evitanfilms5429]

Awesome video. I have been wondering which light to pick up, most of my work consist of filming music videos outdoors and had been leaning towards getting the Neewer led lights

[@MrAlwaysOnTen]

Time for a video on stands! Rolling stands, Cstands, and regular light stands

[@kellenholt6655]

I would be interested in seeing a video about the cheaper LED panels and diving deeper into how they "overdrive" their LEDs. I will admit I have a few of the Neewer RGB Panels (660rgb's) and have been very happy with them, but I do notice that their color blending (even with the diffusion panel) can be a bit hit or miss.

[@antpruitt]

great video. I don't mind the cheap lights for quick product photography. Definitely not at max power, but I didn't realize they burn out quickly as you mentioned. THX

[@electronicbox6990]

Hello Tommy! Great video as always.I want you to try Kinoflo led panels and to hear your oppinion on them.

[@SimplyAwesomeness]

Thanks for all the useful info... Dear KZbin, I was looking for bathroom lights

[@alphaartisan]

Great use of the probe lens!!

[@Exfog]

Hey Tommy, Thank you for the info, as it was extremely helpful! I picked up the Falconeyes RX-18TDX And the Neewer Wall Mount, but had a question I was hoping you could help with...Do you know if there is a good, light weight, Ball Mount that could be fixed to the light, instead of the heavy 90 degree one that comes with the Falconeyes product? I'd like to be able to "swivel" the light a tad more, and although the 90 degree arm would probably allow for that, it is just so heavy, and creates a lot of additional torque on the wall mount, just due to the length of it...Hope this makes sense!

[@jamesmccarthy9150]

Looks like the SL150w ii is on back order for at least another 4-6 weeks. Do you have an alternative in that range for someone that needs lighting sooner rather than later? Love the channel! Super helpful for someone starting new in the video world.

[@TommyCallaway]

I would check the Godox ML60. I did a review of it a few weeks back as well

[@ourclarioncall]

You have good volume levels on your video . That’s something I want to get right Greetings from Scotland

[@TracyDavis904]

Top tier thumbnail Tommy!

[@BitcoinEffect]

Just caught this after clicking 'place order' on the MCs. While I'm glad to know you favor them, I might have gone with the tubes inasmuch as I don't plan on footing for Apertures as a package just yet. Also, I'd like to see you compare the Godox SL-60 with a softbox and grid with the Falconeyes RX-18TD with softbox and grid. As far as I can tell, the price point is similar, and both could be used as a YT capable key in studio and in travel. Give it a whirl?

[@TommyCallaway]

Glad you enjoyed the video! The RX-18TD is a solid win in my personal book if you're traveling.. It can fit in more places more easily as a soft key, has more output, and can be battery powered. No question there.

[@uploadsnstuff8902]

Love your videos! One request : can we have the name of the products on screen when you're talking about them please? Sometimes I miss the beat and I have to go back to make the distinction like between VL/SL or mark II, ... Thanks, keep it up!

[@BiGGMiCC]

Hey Tommy! I saw you today on the live stream. I have a question, would you recommend the Godox UL 150 or the VL series for live cooking streams?

[@AshConnaughtonDP]

Great video as always dude! One thing ill say is i dont reccomend using Gaffer tape with the magnets on the Pavotube 6C if you are trying to fix them to walls, Gaff is super adesive and can actually rip paint and wall paper pretty easily! a far safer option is paper tape :) be careful with gaff!

[@TommyCallaway]

Great advice!

[@imnotrandy6984]

Thanks much for the video. Do you have the link handy for the arm that holds your falcon eye? That’s a great system for a low price and is very versatile. Does the bi-color come with the egg crate? I read that it comes with diffusion but I didn’t know if that means the egg crate. Thanks in advance.

[@TommyCallaway]

Sure do. amzn.to/37KUkTj - and yes, comes with an egg crate and diffusion soft box thing. all in one package.

[@puddytat62]

I do like the nanlight 6C since you can easily mount to a C stand along with a boom mic saving you a whole stand if you need to do a super quick interview or stand up. Adjusting levels is a bit of a hassle since there's no app that I am aware of. Enough throw and soft enough. The only issue I have with these internal battery lights is if the battery starts to die. Can you change these ? They basically become like cell phones or watches... need replacement every few years.

[@pretor706]

Subtle! Long video with good music. No reading for the ad. Love that idea.

[@TommyCallaway]

Thank you. I have a couple creative integrations, this one was definitely one of my favorites.

[@pretor706]

@@TommyCallaway I'm still watching. 10:25 the change of pace here boom! Killer 🔥

[@GarrettMusic1]

i'm probably going to go for the aparture 120d

[@isaacsalem3459]

Great video! Would love a year later update, though maybe not much has changed

[@BugBobsWildWorld]

Very informative and helpful, Tommy. Thank you.

[@LegonDamien]

The way they test waterproof meters is by putting them in specially designed containers that can simulate the water pressure, so they just test pressure of different depths until the light breaks.

[@electronicfellows2113]

would your overhead falcon eyes (with the softbox + grid) work as a key light? Also, is the quality of light coming out of the 120d mark ii different compared to a godox vl 150 or sl-60? or do they provide the same quality of light but different build quality, brightness & features? the space i would use it in is similar to yours (with some 2000k bulbs on the back wall for mood) & the subject is a dj mixing music. trying to go for more of a rather cinematic look where the dj console lights show up nicely as opposed to a very bright/harsh room. thank you in advance for any input : )

[@zoanyway]

Highly recommend painter's masking tape instead of gaffers tape when you tape those clever and useful Nanlite metal plates to a painted wall. HIGHLY. And use a nice big chunk of it, especially if you're taping to a ceiling. Don't ask me how I know...

Jinbei brought out a new ef II 200 watt light i got for 250 with a coupon code, i can run completely silent ... and so far i like it a lot

[@silversulu]

Get that Titan measured up against this lineup :). Another one that'd be interesting would be the Hive Lighting Super Wasp 575C

[@TommyCallaway]

It’s not here yet... it could change the game a bit.

[@hazelapuli]

honestly, I want all these lights!

[@TommyCallaway]

Welcome to the family, lights are the best.

[@Praxiszooms]

I actually like the music :)

[@amrit02]

Hey Tommy , I have the Aputure Amaran 200D and considering adding a Godox VL300 as a replacement for my keylight , and use the amaran 200d as my fill light . Different brands , but daylight balanced. Do you think it would cause a problem in output ?

[@marcoeastwood]

hey Tommy - have you used / tested the Swit roll LED lights (S2620, 2610) - If so, what are your tohugts compared to Falcon Eyes?

[@sebastiangomezmusic]

Would you recommend an Aputure 60c, or would an MC be good enough as a keylight? I teach music online so for me the most important things (after good lighting) is keeping heat and fan noise down so I've thought LED panels would be best for me.

[@FalloutUrMum]

I typically film hiking videos and outdoor stuff with a handheld canon m50 or DJI osmo pocket. Obviously, I typically use sunlight, but I am getting to a point where I want lighting for my stuff but I need it to be portable and lightweight. What would you recommend then?

[@mosiarmstrong]

Hey Tommy, you recommend spending for lighting about what you spent for your camera and lenses. I am just starting out with a crafts channel and I don't even have a camera at all. I will be using my 3 or so year old Samsung Galaxy S9. What would you then recommend I use? Thank you.

[@malcolmxedmonds]

Hey Tommy whats the best lightweight led panel to fly overhead. In this episode you used a Falconeyes setup. But if you were going higher end what has the best TMV/CRI but is still light enough and you can put an Octodome or bigger diffuser? Any suggestions will be gratefully received. Cheers

[@TommyCallaway]

If I were going bigger, I would use the intellytech mega LC or intellytech LC-120 (which I use every day! it's a 3x1 form factor canvas light). I mentioned the Mega LC in this video, and have a video review of it on my channel. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXWmq3mBr8ippMU

[@MaSsanSC]

I just got aputure 120d as keylight(used) for $500. I was planning to purchase neewer 660 as my hair/ accent light, but your words on cheap LEDs concerns me. Do you think it's bad idea to get cheap LED light even for accent/fill light? by the way, I've been watching every single video that you posted. Love it. Keep up the good work!

[@TommyCallaway]

Thank you. Yeah, I’d stay away from neewer for white light if it’s a fill. If it’s a hair light, it matters less.

[@MaSsanSC]

@@TommyCallaway thank you! I assumed it'll matter less if I use them as hair/accent light since I'd be only using them at 20~40% power but wasn't sure.

[@geezer2tech154]

Any updates to the $250-$500-$1000 range? Thanks!

[@andreaslupp637]

I love how you just casually stuck your Laowa probe lens in the shot, as in "just this gear I have lying around"

[@TommyCallaway]

I was trying to establish “ambiance.” ..or maybe it was “dominance” - I can’t remember which.

[@andreaslupp637]

@@TommyCallaway hahahah, great video btw.

[@Mexploitation]

I just bought the Falcon eyes F7 mini , it does more than the Aputure MC but at half the price.

[@xavpil2]

I wish I’d see those in action. Where / how / what scenario would you use them? Obviously overkill for KZbin studios

[@ac1320]

All that info, and all I remember is that probe lens shot of the reflector.....lol!

[@TommyCallaway]

some of my best work right there. haha

[@FTGTapGod]

Great video as always. Been debating lights for the longest time. I've been pretty torn between investing in a companies LED lineup (Intellytech, Litepanels, Litegear, and Aputure mainly) or just go with what I'm used to and pick up a used Arri 1k/650 Kit which would save a significant amount of money being around $1000-1500 for a 4 light kit. I will admit I have a limited experience with LEDs, but from what I have used, the cheaper LED options just don't perform very well. With tungsten, I'm less worried about strange shifts in color, but I lose out on the potential convenience not having to worry about power and heat. Do you have much experience with Tungsten and HMI lights? Definitely going to check out LUPO after your rec, but would there be any other product lineup you would send me towards on the LED side of things? Something that would compete in color accuracy, but give me all the benefits of LED. Oh and P.S. I'm guessing they test the water resistance by submerging the light and then bringing the light out, plugging it in, and turning it on lol.

[@TommyCallaway]

Haha, so there's a lot in this question. Traditional tungsten will always give you the best color for skin tones, because your skin has red/orange hues and that's the kind of light you are putting out on the subject. So using daylight (5600k) LEDs like the aputure 120d/300d, you'll see a big difference in color.. but using tungsten CCT (2700k) with modern LEDs it's mostly indistinguishable in terms of color accuracy these days, like on the aputure 300x or Lupo's fresnels (they sell tungsten color LED fresnels as well.. i recommend the dual color though, from my experience the power tradeoff for bi-color convenience is worth it). If you check Intellytech though, they've got preorder open on the new Light cannon Pro Bi Color II - which is super bright and bi color, i don't know when it ships though, but that's probably your best bet on a dedicated fresnel to match tungsten colors.. and for power.. the aputure 600d is also shipping now, which is the most powerful LED available, but it's in daylight, so you'll need to figure out how to gel it without melting your gels to match tungsten with it. And for testing water resistance, there's an IP rating system, it's complicated.. lol.

[@FTGTapGod]

@@TommyCallaway thanks for answering. Yeah it was a bit loaded... Hard to ask specifics in a short comment. But I appreciate it and that was kind of what I have experienced. I'll definitely check out that pre-order. I guess my only follow-up would be have you noticed any measurable difference in light quality going from a daylight or tungsten LED to a bi-color? In the past that was my big issue with LED bi-color or RGB panels was the extreme shift in color representation, but I'm sure modern LED options are a lot better in that regard.

[@FTGTapGod]

@@TommyCallaway oh and I didn't realize it had an ip rating. I thought they just gave an arbitrary depth rating lol.

[@TommyCallaway]

@@FTGTapGod Yeah, the older RGB panels used RGB to represent daylight / white, modern panels like Lupo are RGBWW so they have a tungsten, daylight, and rgb chips for colors, so it's a lot better now. Even the Arri Skypanel used RGB to represent tungsten so it looked awful.

[@FTGTapGod]

@@TommyCallaway yeah my bad experience came from the Skypanel... Great to hear there's more options in the RGBWW space now. And I really do appreciate you taking the time to answer me. I've used, rented, and owned a lot, but it's hard making purchase decisions when so many options are available to you and you haven't tried all of them (super first world problems lmao). Your perspective is invaluable and I'll be looking into all of the options you recommend. I'm definitely more of a camera nerd and have been gearing up to make some Z Cam F6 review/comparison content. You are definitely one of the few channels that pop up on my feed that give me a good baseline for professional content. Really enjoy your production value and it'll be something I strive for in my future content. Cheers man!

[@cinedorks9331]

Serious question, how reliable would you rate that Neewer wall-mount boom arm? Their stuff is hit or miss for me, but I find their less tech/electronic related gear fares much better on the reliability scale. Could definitely use something like that for my office studio setup, so it piqued my interest.

[@TommyCallaway]

I've installed, moved, and reinstalled them twice. Highly reliable.

[@TommyCallaway]

(Been using for about a year+)

[@cinedorks9331]

@@TommyCallaway That's what I like to hear! Definitely adding it to my list. Thanks!

[@garyclement5527]

If I purchased 10 Aputure lights, 120Dii, 300dii and the 300x, and need to have one remote control (which comes with each light), can I control all 10 lights with one remote control? Or do I need to automatically purchase a DMX Board?

[@rafaelribeiro5501]

Quick question. Do you use the Godox lights (SW60w and SW150W) with a diffuser or not?

[@ChristianSmith]

Great video! what would you recommend for a small hair light under $200? I have the Apature 120d ii, I'm about to order the 300x, and I have 2 MC's. Would you use an MC as a hair light or go with something like the Intellytech pocket Cannon Mini, or something else? Thanks for your help and great content!

[@TommyCallaway]

Thanks Christian. The MC’s make a great hair light. If you’re in the Sidus link ecosystem it makes a lot of sense to stay in it - aputure is also releasing the 100x and 100d soon (they’re on preorder status) which would be a great budget option if you’re always plugged into a studio and don’t carry them around much.

[@ChristianSmith]

@@TommyCallaway Thanks for responding! That’s cool I wasn’t sure if the MC would be good for a hair light or not since it can’t be shaped. The 100d definitely looks interesting but I’m looking for something a bit smaller like the MC or even the Nanlight Forza, something that would work well.

[@TommyCallaway]

@@ChristianSmith I can't spill any beans.. but look at this one, and sign up for B&H's notification when available: bhpho.to/37pZZPI

[@ChristianSmith]

@@TommyCallaway Sounds good, thanks again!

[@leviof1996]

Just starting out... would you recommend 2 nanlights 6c tubes as key lights?

[@dariorotafoto9918]

Thanks! I would like to ask you what you think about the godox vl150 or godox ul150.

[@TommyCallaway]

They're great lights. I would probably lean towards the SL-150 mk ii though. Here's my video covering both of those: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGazZWaMabmlndU

[@danasuechilds]

With regards to the Falconeyes RX-18TD or any panel that has different size options (Falcon has a smaller version RX-12T that is $179), what are the determining factors for what size is needed? If you have a smaller studio space or doing product photography, would the smaller size then suffice?

[@TommyCallaway]

The bigger the light source, the softer the output will look without additional diffusion, which is generally more pleasing. Also generally they have more max output the larger they get. Don’t buy more than you can afford if you’re not getting paid to do it yet though. ;)

[@danasuechilds]

@@TommyCallaway Thanks! I like the appeal of the flat panels because of their space saving capabilities and shape flexibility. I've got a small space to deal with and so some of the traditional style lighting in conjunction with softboxes, especially domes will probably be a no-go.

[@user-to9ls8xb8v]

Don’t forget our ZSYB led panel light ❤❤❤

[@Germannn]

hello tomy, why nobody speak about the titan x2 o titan x1 rotolights ? light panel and flash in one

[@TommyCallaway]

Just haven't had it in my hands yet.. but that changes next week! Got the X1 en route. Video review coming soon.

[@Germannn]

@@TommyCallaway finally, PD this week I had the eos 2 and anova and I was testing out and mind blowing the color quality and accuracy hope they send you the trigger for flash 📸

[@diogoalmeidavisuals]

I know you mentioned that the 600D is coming, but for currently available lights this list has a Forza 500 shaped hole 🕳

[@TommyCallaway]

I’ve never had my hands on one.. perhaps the list will be different next year!

[@AshConnaughtonDP]

I just got a forza 500 and absoltely love it!

[@Davinchielwxp]

Would you recommend the Luxli brand?

[@teno-will1369]

What’s your opinion on Nanlites Forza series?

[@crystalballoonstudio]

What is the core difference between a $150 LED light panel（like GVM 1200D）and a $5,000 LED light panel（like Arri Skypanel and Gemini)? Why can their prices vary so much? Are they even using the same LED technology?

[@4purs]

since the 120d ii got discontinued do you have any alternate recommendations ?

[@TommyCallaway]

Sticking with Aputure, I really love the 60x. The 300d ii is closest to the 120d ii in terms of supported product line though. The amaran 150c is worth a look though, it’s a fantastic light if you’re just using for home studio.

[@vexphoto]

Dude, thanks for the video. But way too many commercials. When watching on a tablet, KZbin puts these 5 to 10 minutes long videos of other people as commercials which totally screws you over...

[@TommyCallaway]

Sorry, it’s automatic.

[@joseffallnhauser9591]

hi, have you ever used LUXLI lights?

[@jordanfish]

Any thoughts on the Luxli Taiko?

[@TommyCallaway]

I've heard really good things from everyone that owns one, but don't have my hands on it yet though so I can't give any real advice

[@ErikWildemanFilms]

I consider myself a total light noob, so please be a little bit patient. Since a year now all my clients request a 'talksow setup'. A desk with a presenter and up to four guests. I would like it to be portable. Do you have any suggestions for a setup? For like 20K in total? With rigging?

[@TommyCallaway]

Talkshow setup is usually very flat.. consider +2 lights for key/fill to guests, so if you had 3 people on screen, probably 5 lights acting as key + fill, a back light for each, and whatever set lighting you needed for the background. You're probably looking at 8 aputure novas (high output, great value lights, control whole set with an ipad) with travel cases, several c stands, sand bags, grab 2 intellytech fast frames for quick deploying diffusion. If you need battery power.. well, it's going to get way more expensive.

[@TommyCallaway]

Actually, 6 novas, and pick up 4 of the new Aputure 60x for your backlight kit.

[@ErikWildemanFilms]

@@TommyCallaway Thanks man! I really appreciate this! I'll give it some time to figure things out! :)

[@carlosramme9455]

MANY THANKS I MAKE HAIR PHOTOS FROM THE BACK AND FRONTSIDE COULD YOU RECOMENT ME THE Aputure 120D Mark 2 FOT THAT

[@NilsCodes]

Time to get you to 40k!

[@TommyCallaway]

Looks like we may hit it before the end of the year!

[@falsedragon33]

You can test waterproof depth by manipulating pressure. The only difference in depth is the pressure against the seals. Quite simple really.

[@sandro6691]

To test waterproofing to 30m, they probably put it in a pressure vessel

[@pierrepaniagua]

Thoughts on the aputure al-f7?

[@TommyCallaway]

It's a good light, but for the money, the MC is a better value these days. I also prefer to avoid NP style batteries - i don't like them lol. The only light i currently own that uses them is the Lupo Smartpanel, and it's roughly $150, and I rarely use it because of the battery type.

[@TylerEdwards]

Nova....love :)

[@BuildABergGroup]

Don’t sleep on GVM also. They have great products for an affordable price.

[@eddienyambe5046]

It would be nice if you had added pictures to this video.

[@nakulmohur9638]

Check the rotolight titan And how about hmi ?

[@TommyCallaway]

I have the Titan now. Review coming soon!

[@GabrielTobing]

This guy: Same amount of your camera system. Camera: $1000+ Wallet: I still have PTSD from when you bought a Pro GPU and used me.

[@GNOBNX]

First off I want to thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge of and light options for the budgets, but have you or are you aware of the ROTOLIGHT series? Especially the TITAN X1/X2? Seems you could've cut cost on having a few of those LUPO's for the price of one TITAN providing it's multiple functionality. Love to see a comprehensive review of these lights. rotolight.com

[@TommyCallaway]

I have a Titan X1 on the way to the studio this month. Couldn't provide any real input because I've never actually held one yet.. stay tuned. :)

[@GNOBNX]

@@TommyCallaway Oh snap! My lighting HERO! Lol! Eager for the review...

[@_johnvalentine]

Alrighty then...I’m 2nd guessing myself, now. Should I go with the Intellytech x-100 or splurge and go with the Aputure 300x? I want to build a good 3 light kit and after watching this video (thanks for all the info) I’m thinking (1) 300x and (2) X-100’s or is it smarter to go all Aputure because of sidus link? Thanks again, Tommy!

[@TommyCallaway]

That's a tough question bro. The intellytech x-100 offers a lot of value with the size, built in fresnel, and build quality - if you throw your lights around hard, the intellytech might last longer.. they feel like solid steel - but you then lose the ability to take advantage of sidus link with future aputure fixtures if you grow within that brand of products, which would be a bummer.. particularly whenever this one comes out: www.aputure.com/products/ls-60d/ - if you're buying lights today, get a 300x, a 120d mk 2, and an intellytech X-100. Decide which one you like better, return the other one, and buy a 2nd of the one you like more would be my best advice.

[@_johnvalentine]

@@TommyCallaway That’s a great idea! Thanks, man! We all appreciate your hard work!

[@NewerSing]

My cameras are barely 10% of cost of my gear, and I really want more light and grip than anything on my cameras

[@DimplePoji]

Looks like the tesseract in Avengers

[@silversulu]

I love Aputure, too but #backorderedintothestoneage

[@FreshToTheExtreme]

ok Tom get off my case...I will invest in some lights first.. not a c500 mk ii!

[@BugBobsWildWorld]

What is that small tripod on the table?

[@TommyCallaway]

the one from an ifootage monopod, they sell them individually now. Link: amzn.to/33SAq86

[@TommyCallaway]

or did you mean the one on the aputure MC? I don't remember where I picked that one up from.

[@BugBobsWildWorld]

More importantly, what do you have attached to it?

[@TommyCallaway]

@@BugBobsWildWorld sony a7siii w/ probe lens, quick release plate, v mount to dtap w/ clamp adapter from Bebob, dtap to USB-C converter from hawkwoods. All to get a 60w USB-C output for my A7Siii fed thru Vmount batteries.. because i have tons of v-mount batteries.