Struggling to get decent-looking video or photos when you’re not in a perfectly lit studio is a common problem for creators. Grainy footage, harsh shadows, or just a general lack of polish can really derail your work. If you’re trying to shoot vlogs, product photos, or interviews on the go, relying solely on ambient light can be incredibly frustrating, leading to missed opportunities and subpar results that don’t truly reflect your vision. Having a reliable, portable lighting solution would have made a world of difference for me in countless situations.
When you’re diving into the world of video or photography, especially if you plan on shooting outside of a controlled environment, portable lighting becomes indispensable. It helps you shape light, fill in shadows, match colour temperatures, and add creativity with coloured light. You’d look for a portable video light if you’re a vlogger, a content creator on the go, a product photographer needing fill or accent lights, or even someone doing occasional video calls who wants to look their best. Someone who *only* shoots in a large studio with existing powerful lights probably doesn’t need a light this size, and someone needing massive, room-filling output for feature films might need something bigger.
Before you buy, think about a few crucial things. How much power do you need? (Look at wattage and Lux ratings). What kind of colour control is important – just white balance (CCT), or full colour (RGB)? How accurate are the colours (CRI/TLCI)? What are your mounting options – do you need it on-camera, on a stand, or can you stick it to things? Battery life and charging speed are vital for portability. Finally, consider the size, weight, and whether app control is something that would make your life easier.
- Compact Size: 11.8 x 7.7 x 3.3cm / 4.65 x 3.03 x 1.30in,This mini on-camera light is designed for portability and convenience, making it perfect for photography and videography on the go.
- Dual Control Methods: On-board and amaran App Wireless Control/ Sidus Link App control. Lighting made easy with simplified, custom controls.
- Powerful Illumination & BOOST Mode: One-click boost from 25W to 32W. Bare Light Illuminance Up to 5,908 lux @ 0.5m (4,300K) to light up any space,CCT 2,300K to 10,000K,allowing you to capture stunning...
Introducing the Amaran Ace 25c Video Light
Enter the amaran Ace 25c Video Light. This little powerhouse promises versatile, high-quality illumination in a remarkably compact package. It positions itself as an accessible yet professional-grade RGB portable light for creators who need flexibility. When you pick up the amaran Ace 25c, you get the light itself, a USB-C charging cable, a handy amaran Ace Dome Diffuser, and an amaran Ace Lock to Cold Shoe Adapter. Compared to some older on-camera lights or basic LED panels, the amaran Ace 25c steps things up with its full RGB capabilities, higher output for its size, quick-release mounting, and robust app control via Sidus Link, borrowing some excellent features seen in Aputure’s higher-end products. This specific light is ideal for run-and-gun filmmakers, vloggers, photographers needing portable fill or accent, and anyone who needs a versatile, easily controllable light source that fits almost anywhere. It’s probably not the best choice if you need a single light to illuminate a large scene from afar.
Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons I’ve experienced:
Pros:
* Built-in rechargeable battery offers excellent portability.
* Sidus Link app provides comprehensive remote control.
* amaran Ace Lock system allows for fast, secure mounting.
* Included magnetic diffuser quickly softens the light output.
* Impressive brightness for its compact size, including a Boost mode.
* Full CCT and HSI/RGB control for any colour you need.
* Strong magnetic back adds unique mounting possibilities.
Cons:
* The mobile app needs the phone screen to stay awake during firmware updates, which is inconvenient.
* The battery runtime estimate in the app isn’t always accurate, particularly at lower intensities.
* While the fan noise is reasonable, it is still present and might be an issue in extremely quiet recording environments if placed very close to microphones.
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Diving Deep into Features and Benefits
After spending a good amount of time with the amaran Ace 25c Video Light, its capabilities have genuinely impressed me, especially considering its size. It’s packed with features that make a real difference in day-to-day shooting.
Compact Size and Portability
Let’s start with the obvious: this light is small. Measuring just 11.8L x 7.7W x 3.3H centimetres, it truly fits in the palm of your hand. This tiny footprint is arguably its most significant benefit. It means you can toss it in any camera bag, jacket pocket, or even just hold it discreetly off-camera. For anyone doing vlogging, travel photography, or spontaneous shoots, this is a game-changer. You’re far more likely to have it with you when you need it if it’s this easy to carry. I’ve found myself using it in situations I wouldn’t have bothered setting up a larger light for, simply because it was readily available. It adds professional quality without adding bulk.
Power and Output (25W/32W Boost)
Despite its small size, the amaran Ace 25c punches above its weight in terms of output. It’s rated at 25W, which provides a surprising amount of illumination. According to the specs, it can hit up to 5,908 lux at 0.5m (at 4300K). What’s even better is the Boost mode, accessible with a single click, which temporarily pushes the output to 32W. While this mode uses more power and generates more heat (meaning the fan spins faster), it’s perfect for those moments when you just need that extra bit of punch to cut through ambient light or brighten up your subject. For close-up work, product photography, or as a fill light, this level of power is more than adequate. It allows the amaran Ace 25c to serve as a key light in smaller setups or a powerful accent light in larger ones, offering versatility that belies its form factor.
Full Colour Control (RGB, CCT, CRI/TLCI)
The colour capabilities of the amaran Ace 25c Video Light are extensive. It offers a CCT range from a warm 2,300K all the way up to a cool 10,000K. This wide range means you can easily match existing light sources, whether you’re under tungsten bulbs, daylight, or anything in between. On top of that, it’s an RGB light, giving you access to millions of colours via the HSI mode (Hue, Saturation, Intensity). This is fantastic for creative lighting effects, adding colour washes to backgrounds, or matching specific brand colours. The colour accuracy is also impressive, with CRI/TLCI ratings of 95+. This high rating is crucial because it ensures that colours look natural and true to life under the light, which is essential for skin tones and product photography. Being able to dial in the exact colour and temperature gives you immense creative control that you just don’t get with basic bi-colour lights.
Dual Control (On-board & App)
Operating the amaran Ace 25c is straightforward thanks to its dual control methods. There are intuitive on-board controls (a dial and a few buttons) that let you quickly adjust brightness, CCT, and cycle through modes without needing your phone. However, the true power comes from the Sidus Link mobile app connection via Bluetooth. The app offers a much more detailed and precise level of control. You can easily punch in exact CCT values, select specific colours on an HSI wheel, access built-in lighting effects (like paparazzi, fire, lightning, etc.), update firmware, and organize multiple Amaran/Aputure lights. Controlling the light remotely via the app is incredibly convenient, especially when the light is mounted out of easy reach on a stand or high up. Setting up specific colours or effects is much faster and more visual through the app interface. While the on-board controls are good for quick adjustments, the app unlocks the light’s full potential.
Mounting Versatility (Ace Lock, Magnetic)
The amaran Ace 25c features the new amaran Ace Lock quick mount system on its base. This is a robust, secure mechanism that allows for one-second installation and removal from compatible accessories. The included adapter converts this mount to a standard cold shoe connection, meaning you can easily slide it onto your camera’s hot shoe or any standard cold shoe mount on cages or rigs. The adapter also has a 1/4″-20 thread, allowing you to mount the light directly onto tripods, light stands, or articulating arms. This versatility is excellent. But wait, there’s more! The back of the light has a built-in magnetic silicone pad. This strong magnet lets you stick the amaran Ace 25c Video Light onto any ferrous metal surface – metal doors, shelves, poles, cars, etc. This magnetic capability opens up a huge range of creative mounting possibilities without needing extra clamps or stands, which is incredibly useful on location.
Powering Options (Built-in Battery, PD Charging)
A major benefit of the amaran Ace 25c Video Light is its integrated rechargeable battery. This cuts the cord, making it truly portable and quick to deploy anywhere. The battery life is respectable for a light this bright: up to 4 hours 40 minutes in Silent Mode (lower output, no fan) and around 70 minutes at maximum standard output (25W). For most shooting scenarios, especially using it as an accent or for shorter takes, this is plenty. What sets it apart is the super-fast PD (Power Delivery) USB-C charging. You can get from 0% to 80% charge in just one hour, and a full charge (0-100%) takes only 1 hour 30 minutes. Being able to quickly top up the battery with any standard USB-C PD charger (like the one for your laptop or phone) adds another layer of convenience, eliminating the need for proprietary chargers and reducing downtime between shoots. You can also power the light directly via USB-C while shooting, though this won’t necessarily charge the battery simultaneously depending on the charger.
Build Quality and Design Details
The physical design of the amaran Ace 25c feels solid in the hand. While the main body is made of high-quality plastic, it doesn’t feel cheap or flimsy. The base plate with the Ace Lock is made of durable aluminum. It feels like a device designed to be used on location. The integrated cooling fan does a good job of managing heat, especially when running at higher outputs or in Boost mode. As noted, the fan noise is present, but it’s generally at a reasonable level – noticeable in a silent room but usually easily masked by ambient noise or audio recording further away. The magnetic pad on the back is covered with a soft silicone layer, which is a thoughtful touch as it helps prevent scratching the surfaces you stick it to. The included magnetic diffuser is also well-designed, snapping easily onto the front to provide softer, less harsh light, which is often desirable for portraits or close-up work.
What Others Are Saying About the Amaran Ace 25c
Looking around online, it’s clear that many users are finding the amaran Ace 25c Video Light to be a valuable addition to their kit. People frequently praise its ease of use straight out of the box and appreciate the overall solid build quality for its price point. The powerful output for such a small unit is a consistent highlight, with many noting its versatility for various photo and video applications. Users seem happy with the convenience of the built-in battery and the effectiveness of the remote app control for making quick adjustments. While there are mentions of the app having some minor quirks, like the firmware update process or the battery estimate display, the general sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many considering it a “game changer” that offers great value.
Final Thoughts
Poor lighting is one of the quickest ways to undermine the quality of your video and photography, resulting in unprofessional-looking content. Solving this problem is essential for anyone serious about creating compelling visuals. The amaran Ace 25c Video Light offers a compelling solution. Its key strengths lie in its exceptional portability thanks to its size and built-in battery, its impressive power and full-colour versatility for creative control, and its convenient mounting options including the strong magnet. These factors make it a highly adaptable tool for a wide range of shooting situations where traditional lights would be cumbersome. If you’re looking for a powerful, versatile, and ultra-portable lighting tool to elevate your content, the amaran Ace 25c is definitely worth considering. To learn more or to purchase your own amaran Ace 25c Video Light, click here.
Last update on 2025-06-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API