Looking for some powerful lighting for photography and video in the studio? Then perhaps the new Zhiyun Molus B200 might just be worth checking out. This cool Industrial design packs a punch and unlocks endless creativity.
From the same people who created the tiny, funky 100W pocket COB light (Molus X100), the Molus B200 certainly packs a punch when it comes to lighting, especially for work in the studio. The B200 is a bicolor 200W LED Light, perfect for video and photography.
Out of the box, it’s pretty simple to use. It runs on power, so it’s not really suitable out of the studio, but it’s ready to go once plugged in. This light is quite powerful. You can set it anywhere from 1% to 100%. I have used it for product shoots, behind-the-scenes and setup videos and even for portraits. Let’s have a closer look!
Note: Zhiyun sent the Molus B200 kit to review. However, this is a completely independent review. All thoughts about this light are our own.
Pros
- Powerful, runs on main power
- Variable controls for power and color temp (2700K — 6500K)
- Minimalist design, Small and lightweight, easily to clip to light stands
- COB light — a COB light is a panel of LED chips packed together very close
- Intelligent cooling with heat sink and fan: DynaVortTM Cooling system MKV
- The fan is whisper quiet, great for video
- Easy to turn dials for power and temperature, and simple on/off switch
- There is an App for remote control
- Has a Bowens mount, perfect for adding all my current light modifiers
Cons
- Came with limited light modifiers, but you can add your own
- No batteries, runs on mains power
- It did come with a power cord, but not for Australia (I had to purchase an adaptor)
- Does not come with carry pack, only a cardboard box
Zhiyun Molus B200 — Technical specifications
All the technical specifications are from their website/marketing material.
- Output Power (Max): 200W
- Cooling Method: DynaVortTM Coilling system MKV
- Power Adapter operation voltage: 100~240VAC 50~60Hz 5~2A
- Color Temperature Range: 2700K~6500K
- Dimming range: 0-100%
- LUX (5500K/1m): 8370 without reflector/ 39900 (with reflector)
- TLCI Index: ≥96
- CRI (RA) Index: ≥96
- Dimming Range: 0~100%
- APP Control Method: Bluetooth
- Dimensions: (Header) 146x181x160 (WxDxH) mm / (with bracket)
- B200 Net Weight: 1.27kg (without reflector)
- Operation Temperature: -10°～40°
- Extension: Bowens mount
- Light Effects: 11 Various lighting effects
Zhiyun Molus B200 — Versatility
You can adjust the light intensity and the color, I like it set to 5600k. But that is really just a personal choice.
Ergonomics are great. It does have fans, which are super quiet. I have been using it as a constant light for product photography, as well as video recording. At 100% was a bit harsh, but pop on a softbox and it’s terrific. Great for portraits in the studio. I also used it in the studio for a portrait workshop and all the students thought it was terrific to use, so simple. Even at 200W on 50% power with a beauty dish and softbox it is perfect for studio portraits.
Build quality
Small and sturdy, dials are firm and stable but easily turned. The cable locks in securely and comes out easily. The knobs and switches for rotating the head or mounting on a light stand are really easy and comfortable to use (I have a lot of problems with small fiddly dials with my hands these days). Even the Bowens mount is easy to add and remove modifiers.
Out of the box
It comes in a cardboard shipping box, with the light and power cable, 4.5m (not Australian plug), a standard reflector and a Quick Start guide.
Zhiyun Molus B200 — Power amplified
Thanks to some innovative technology, this little light might just change the way you see LED lights. Small and compact but very powerful for professional interior lighting (or possibly external if there is a power source handy). Great for video (or even livestreaming) as well as product/portrait photography. Versatile and adaptable to whatever you want to use it for. And the best part, simple to use. With the addition of a softbox, it had beautiful diffused light.
Mounting
I mounted mine on a light stand, it has a standard thread. You could mount it on a boom arm as well. The Bowens mount for reflectors meant I could use any of my current light modifiers.
Setup
It’s so simple to use. Place it on a light stand, and plug in power. Flick the power switch and you’re good to go. Adjust the dials for power and color temp. Add a reflector or softbox and shoot. It’s that simple. I used it for a Studio portrait session with a 65cm octobox reflector and a large curved reflector for beautiful soft lighting. Even in large studio environments it handled the situation well, as in the fairies below.
- Model Fairy: Nicola Paige; HMUA: Teighan Felton
- Camera settings ISO1,000, f/2.8, shutter speed min 1/125 seconds (light on 50%, large room)
- Model Warrior: Emily Reinhard; HMUA: Em Mrietta
- Camera Settings (unedited): ISO100, f/2.8, 160secs (light on 50%, small studio)
Zhiyun Molus B200 — A terrific lighting addition to the studio
I actually used this in a photography workshop with students for creative portraits. They were impressed with how good it was and how easy it was to use as I was. It is a terrific light to add to my studio. I placed a 65cm softbox in front, using the Bowens mount to soften the light, and it was running on 50% of power output for the portrait shots required. That’s still pretty impressive. The fact that it is so small, lightweight and easy to use is a big plus for me. While it is not cheap, it’s on par with many good quality lights currently available.
How does this compare to the Molus G200? It is smaller and weighs less, the power cable connects directly, not through an adaptor. Apart from that the G200 had a brilliant carry pack, the B200 does not. But they are both brilliant lights for in the studio. In fact, I think this is ther perfect addition to my G200.
Available from Zhiyun, B&H, or Amazon.