Finding the right lighting is crucial for creating impactful photos or videos, but often it feels like you need a truckload of gear to achieve specific looks. I remember struggling to match ambient light or add just the right splash of colour without complex gels and multiple fixtures. This problem isn’t just frustrating; it can limit creative possibilities and make a simple shoot feel overwhelming, especially for solo creators. Having a versatile, high-quality light source would have been a game-changer, simplifying setups and expanding creative options exponentially.
- Full Color Control: Utilizing the same foundational RGBWW chipset found in other Aputure and amaran fixtures, the amaran 150c boasts stunning color quality throughout its expanded 2,500K to 7,500K...
- From Set to Studio: Whether you're an indie filmmaker, owner-operator, or even a photographer or content creator, the amaran 150c helps you achieve the balance between full-color control and an extra...
- Color-Blending Optics: Designed to meet the demands of any set, the amaran 150c is compatible with the largest variety of Bowens Mount modifiers,like the amaran Spotlight SE projection lens and amaran...
What to Look for in a LED Video Light
Before investing in any lighting equipment, especially a versatile piece like a LED video light, there are several factors you absolutely need to consider. Firstly, what kind of projects will you be working on? Are you shooting interviews, product videos, narrative shorts, or photography? The type of work dictates the power and features required. For example, lighting a large set requires more output than a simple headshot. Secondly, colour capabilities are key. Do you need precise white balance control (CCT) to match existing lights or create specific moods, or do you need full RGB control for creative colour effects? Colour accuracy (measured by CRI, TLCI, SSI) is also paramount if faithful rendition of colours, especially skin tones, is important. Think about light modifiers – does the light use a standard mount like Bowens, allowing compatibility with a wide range of softboxes, reflectors, and other accessories? Portability and power options (AC vs. battery) are vital if you plan to shoot on location. Control methods, whether on-fixture knobs, a remote, or app control like the Sidus Link, impact your workflow speed and flexibility. An ideal customer for a light with extensive features like the Aputure Amaran 150C is likely a filmmaker, videographer, or photographer who needs flexibility for various scenarios, values colour accuracy and creative control, and potentially works in smaller crews or solo. Someone who only needs basic white light for simple interviews might find the full RGBWW capabilities overkill, while someone needing extremely high output for large productions might look at more powerful fixtures in the Aputure line.
- 【30 LIGHTING MODES】The LED video light has 3 Color temperatures (2800K, 4800K & 6500K). Equipped with 160 Led beads which offers 12w max power output. Features a high CRI of 85+ for precise color...
- 【MULTIPLE COLOR TEMPERATURE & ADJUSTABLE BRIGHTNESS】Provide 3 Color temperatures (2800K, 4800K & 6500K)to create various lighting atmosphere; This Upgraded Studio Light which is equipped with 352...
- 【Professional RGB LED Video Lights】The new version VL49 RGB LED video light adopts 60 high color rendering led beads, illumination angle up to 120°, the brightness can reach [email protected], topest...
The Amaran 150C Up Close
The Aputure Amaran 150C RGBWW Full Color LED Video Light is designed to be a powerhouse of versatility in a compact, affordable package. It promises stunning full-colour control alongside robust bi-color capabilities, aiming to be a go-to light for everything from set lighting to studio work and photography. When you get the Amaran 150C, it typically includes the light fixture itself, a power supply, and a standard Bowens Mount reflector. It positions itself within Aputure’s “amaran” line, known for bringing high-quality features at more accessible price points compared to their top-tier “Light Storm” series. Compared to earlier, simpler Amaran lights that might have only been bi-colour or basic daylight, the 150C takes a significant leap by incorporating full RGBWW technology, previously more common in Aputure’s professional lights. This specific LED video light is ideal for independent filmmakers, content creators, and photographers who need a flexible lighting solution that can adapt to a wide range of creative demands without breaking the bank. It might be less suited for someone who requires extremely high output to light massive areas or someone needing specialized features like high-speed sync flash capabilities, which this continuous light does not offer.
Here are some pros and cons:
Pros:
* Full RGBWW colour control with wide CCT range.
* Excellent colour accuracy (High CRI, TLCI, SSI).
* Robust 150W output suitable for many scenarios.
* Standard Bowens Mount for vast modifier compatibility.
* Seamless Sidus Link App control for advanced features and remote operation.
* Integrated, intuitive on-fixture interface.
* Solid build quality with a silent fan.
Cons:
* Lacks a dedicated flash sync function for photography (as mentioned in one review).
* Could be bulkier than some smaller panel lights for extreme portability.
* One user reported a potential display issue (though this seems rare).
* Not the highest output light available if maximum brightness is the only concern.
Deep Dive into the Amaran 150C’s Capabilities
Having used the Amaran 150C for quite some time now, I can confidently say its feature set is incredibly robust for its price point. It’s the kind of light that genuinely expands your creative options. Let’s break down what makes it stand out.
Full Color Control and CCT Range
One of the headline features of the Amaran 150C is its full RGBWW chipset. This isn’t just about adding splashes of colour; it’s the foundation for incredibly versatile lighting. The RGBWW design, using red, green, blue, warm white, and cool white LEDs, allows for a massive colour spectrum and incredibly accurate control over white light. The CCT (Correlated Color Temperature) range spans from a very warm 2500K up to a cool, almost blue 7500K. This wide range is essential for matching various ambient light sources, whether you’re shooting indoors under tungsten bulbs (around 2700K), outdoors in shady daylight (around 5500K), or needing a cooler, more clinical look. The ability to dial in the exact colour temperature makes blending artificial light with natural light much easier and more seamless.
But the colour control goes far beyond just CCT. You have access to a full 360º HSI (Hue, Saturation, Intensity) spectrum. This means you can pick virtually any colour imaginable, adjust its vibrancy (saturation), and control its brightness (intensity). This opens up a world of creative possibilities – adding mood with blues or reds, simulating practical lights like neon signs, or creating stylized looks. The integrated control interface on the light body makes switching between CCT and HSI modes simple, and the dual control knobs are smooth and responsive, allowing for very fine adjustments. For someone like me, who often needs to adapt quickly to different locations and desired aesthetics, having this level of colour control readily available is invaluable. It eliminates the need to carry and fuss with physical gels, which can be time-consuming to set up and reduce light output.
Exceptional Colour Accuracy
Beyond the sheer range of colours and temperatures, the quality of the light produced is paramount. The Amaran 150C boasts impressive colour accuracy metrics, with a CRI (Color Rendering Index) and TLCI (Television Lighting Consistency Index) of 95+. These scores indicate that the light renders colours very faithfully compared to natural daylight or standard tungsten sources, which is critical for professional video and photography. Skin tones look natural and vibrant, and colours in your scene appear as they should, preventing post-production headaches trying to correct colour casts. The light also provides SSI (Spectral Similarity Index) scores: SSI (D56) of 71 and SSI (Tungsten) of 83. SSI measures how closely a light source matches a specific standard illuminant (like D56 daylight or Tungsten) across the visible spectrum, giving an even more detailed picture of colour fidelity, particularly useful for matching different LED lights. These high scores mean I can trust the light to give me accurate colours straight out of the camera.
Robust 150W Output
At 150W of power, the Amaran 150C packs a significant punch for its size and cost. This output level is more than sufficient for many common lighting scenarios. You can use it as a powerful key light for portraits or interviews, fill light to soften shadows, or even as a general ambient light source for smaller sets or rooms. When paired with the included reflector, it provides a strong, directional beam. When diffused with a softbox (thanks to the Bowens mount), it loses some intensity, but the initial power ensures you still have plenty of light to work with, even when softening it significantly. For independent creators or small teams, having 150W means you can light subjects effectively without needing multiple lower-powered lights for basic setups. It provides enough output to overpower some ambient light or create dramatic looks when needed.
Bowens Mount Versatility
One of the absolute best features of the Amaran 150C is the inclusion of a standard Bowens Mount. This is arguably the most common and widely supported light modifier mount in the industry. What this means in practice is incredible versatility. You are not limited to proprietary modifiers; you can use a vast array of existing softboxes, beauty dishes, reflectors, snoots, fresnel lenses, and even projection attachments from Aputure, amaran, and countless other manufacturers. For example, pairing the Amaran 150C with something like the amaran Light Dome Mini SE or the amaran Spotlight SE projection lens (as mentioned in the product description) dramatically changes the quality and shape of the light, allowing for everything from soft, diffused illumination to hard, shaped light with gobos. This compatibility saves money and space, as you can build a collection of modifiers that work across different lights with a Bowens mount, future-proofing your investment in light shaping tools.
Integrated Interface and Design
The physical design of the Amaran 150C is that of a classic monolight, which is familiar and easy to work with. The integrated control interface on the back of the lamp head is clean and intuitive. Having the screen and control knobs directly on the fixture means you can make quick adjustments without needing a separate control box hanging on a cable, simplifying rigging and setup. The two control knobs allow for easy navigation through menus and precise adjustments of CCT, HSI, intensity, and effects. The screen provides clear feedback on your settings. The build feels solid, not flimsy, and the mounting bracket is robust, allowing for secure attachment to light stands and easy tilting. It also has a quiet cooling fan, which is essential for video work where audio recording is involved. A noisy fan can ruin a take, so the silent operation is a significant plus.
Sidus Link App Control
While the integrated interface is great for quick local adjustments, the real power of the Amaran 150C, especially its full-colour capabilities, is unlocked through the Sidus Link mobile app. This app connects to the light via Bluetooth and provides comprehensive control over all functions from your smartphone or tablet. This is incredibly convenient when the light is rigged high up or in a hard-to-reach spot. Beyond basic control, the app offers advanced features like accessing the full suite of 9 built-in lighting effects (Paparazzi, Fireworks, Faulty Bulb, Lightning, TV, Pulse, Strobe, Explosion, Fire), controlling multiple Amaran and Aputure lights simultaneously, and using features like Magic Program or Quickshots to program complex lighting sequences or quickly recall saved presets. For setting specific colours or coordinating multi-light setups, the app is indispensable. It turns the light from a simple fixture into a creative tool capable of complex lighting scenarios with just a few taps on your phone.
Build Quality and Portability
The overall build quality of the Amaran 150C feels durable and well-constructed for its price point. As mentioned, the fan is quiet, a small but crucial detail for video production. While it’s not the smallest light on the market, its monolight form factor makes it reasonably portable. It comes with a well-designed carrying case, often made of polystyrene, which, while not the most luxurious material, is surprisingly effective at protecting the light and accessories during transport and makes packing everything away quick and easy. The balance of power and portability makes it suitable for both studio use and location shoots.
Experiences from Other Creators
Scrolling through feedback online, it’s clear that other users share my positive experience with the Amaran 150C. Many highlight its incredible versatility, noting how the combination of accurate bi-colour and full RGB control allows them to tackle a wide range of lighting challenges with a single fixture. The ease of use, both via the physical controls and especially the Sidus Link app, is frequently praised for speeding up workflow, particularly when adjusting lights placed high or far away. Users appreciate the solid build quality and the widely compatible Bowens mount, which lets them use their existing modifiers. The power output is generally considered more than enough for small-to-medium-sized productions and content creation. While the vast majority of reviews are overwhelmingly positive, it’s worth noting that one user did report an issue with the display screen upon arrival, suggesting potential manufacturing variances, although this appears to be an isolated incident based on broader feedback.
Is the Amaran 150C Right for You?
Lighting is fundamental to creating compelling visual content, and poor lighting can severely limit the quality and impact of your work. Without precise control over colour and intensity, you’re left struggling to achieve the desired mood or match different light sources, potentially leading to amateur-looking results and frustrating hours in post-production. The Aputure Amaran 150C offers a powerful solution to these problems. Its exceptional colour versatility with both wide CCT and full RGBWW capabilities, coupled with high colour accuracy, means you can achieve accurate white light and any creative colour effect you can imagine. The 150W output provides ample brightness for most common shooting scenarios, and the standard Bowens mount ensures compatibility with a vast ecosystem of light modifiers, giving you endless options for shaping and diffusing the light. Finally, the intuitive on-board controls and the powerful Sidus Link app make adjusting and controlling the light incredibly easy and efficient. If you’re an independent filmmaker, videographer, or photographer looking for a versatile, high-quality LED video light that offers excellent value and a wide range of creative possibilities, the Amaran 150C is definitely worth considering. To check it out for yourself, click here!
Last update on 2025-07-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API