It’s a common scenario for creators, isn’t it? You’re trying to nail that perfect shot, whether it’s for product photography, a YouTube video, or a creative portrait, and the lighting just isn’t cooperating. Maybe you’re relying on inconsistent natural light, struggling with harsh overheads, or just don’t have enough brightness to properly expose your scene. This lack of proper lighting can kill creativity and lead to frustrating reshoots, making consistent, professional results feel out of reach.
- Compact Unit with Stronger Output: GODOX SL60IIBi is more compact and flexible with stronger output for use in smaller studios. And the max. output of the photography light at 1M with standard...
- 2800K-6500K Bi-Color Temperature and 11 Lighting Effects: 2800K-6500K bi-color temperature enables you to quickly match the color of existing lighting; 11 built-in FX lighting effects, such as flash,...
- More Silent Environment: Noise in the scene affects the performance of the video. The upgraded LED fill light are much quieter to provide a more serene environment
What to Consider Before Buying a Continuous Light
Investing in a continuous LED light source can be a game-changer for anyone serious about photography or videography, especially in controlled environments like a home or studio. These lights solve the fundamental problem of insufficient or poor-quality illumination, providing a steady, predictable light source that you can see and adjust in real-time. They are essential for video recording, live streaming, and photography setups where seeing the light and shadow play before you shoot is crucial.
The ideal customer for a continuous video light is someone who needs reliable, consistent light for filming or shooting indoors, is moving beyond basic on-camera flashes or simple ring lights, and wants more control over the look and feel of their visuals. This includes content creators, product photographers, portrait photographers working in studio, and anyone building a dedicated space for visual production.
Who shouldn’t buy a continuous LED light? Someone who primarily shoots events where portability and speed are key, or someone who needs powerful light outdoors against direct sunlight (though some high-output LEDs can help as fill). Someone looking for a simple, cheap solution for occasional use might find a more basic setup sufficient. If you only ever need a quick burst of light for stills and portability is paramount, a dedicated speedlight flash might be a better fit.
Before purchasing a continuous light, think about:
* Output Power: How bright do you need it to be? Consider the size of your shooting space and the distance from your subject.
* Colour Temperature: Do you need a fixed daylight balance, or the flexibility of bi-color (adjustable warm to cool light)?
* Colour Accuracy: Measured by CRI/TLCI, this indicates how accurately the light renders colours. Crucial for professional work.
* Mount Type: Is it compatible with standard modifiers like softboxes or reflectors? The Bowens mount is a common standard.
* Control: How easy is it to adjust settings? Look for on-board controls, remote control, or app compatibility.
* Noise: Does the fan make noise that could interfere with audio recording?
* Size and Weight: Is it suitable for your space and potential need for portability?
- 【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...
Introducing the Lighting Solution
The Godox SL60IIBi Portable Studio LED Video Light is a compact yet powerful continuous lighting fixture designed for smaller studios and content creation spaces. It promises a robust output with flexible colour temperature control and a range of built-in effects, aiming to provide professional lighting capabilities at a more accessible price point than higher-end lights or traditional tungsten/fluorescent fixtures. When you purchase this photography fill light, you typically receive the light unit itself, a standard Bowens mount reflector, a protection cover for the LED, and a power cord.
This specific model, the SL60IIBi, is an iteration of the popular Godox SL60W. The main upgrade here is the “Bi” in the name, signifying its bi-color capability, allowing adjustment from warm 2800K to cool 6500K, whereas the original SL60W is fixed at 5600K daylight. This makes the SL60IIBi much more versatile for matching existing light sources or setting different moods. While top-tier lights like Aputure’s 120D might offer higher output or more advanced features, the Godox SL60IIBi positions itself as a strong contender in the affordable prosumer market, offering significant features for its price.
This product is best suited for independent content creators, small studio owners, online educators, and photographers needing reliable, adjustable light without breaking the bank. It’s not ideal for large-scale film sets or situations requiring extremely high outputs to overpower bright ambient light, nor is it designed for location shoots where battery power is essential, as this unit is AC powered.
Pros:
* Impressive brightness output for its size and wattage.
* Flexible bi-color temperature range (2800K-6500K).
* Multiple control options (on-board, 2.4G wireless, Bluetooth APP).
* Standard Bowens mount for wide accessory compatibility.
* Quieter fan design compared to previous versions.
Cons:
* AC power only, no battery option for portability.
* Build quality is good for the price, but not heavy-duty professional standard.
* Basic display and on-board controls can be a little clunky compared to premium lights.
* Does not include a carrying bag or case.
Exploring Key Capabilities
Having used the Godox SL60IIBi for a while now, I can confidently discuss its various features and the real-world benefits they provide. It’s more than just a light; it’s a foundational piece of lighting gear for setting up a decent studio space.
One of the standout features is its Compact Design with Stronger Output. Despite being relatively small (dimensions listed as 14D x 23.6W x 21.5H Centimetres), this unit packs a punch. Godox states a maximum output of 25100 Lux at 1 meter with the included standard reflector. In practice, this translates to plenty of light for most small to medium-sized rooms and subjects. For me, it was a significant upgrade from weaker light sources. The ability to dim the light precisely from 0 to 100% is invaluable, allowing for fine-tuning the exposure without having to physically move the light or rely heavily on camera settings alone. The benefit here is obvious: brighter output means you have more flexibility. You can use larger modifiers that naturally reduce light output, position the light further away for a softer effect, or simply have enough power to illuminate your subject effectively even when shooting at lower ISOs for cleaner images. It solves the problem of your light being the bottleneck in achieving proper exposure and depth of field.
The 2800K-6500K Bi-Color Temperature is a massive advantage over the single colour temperature SL60W. The ‘Bi’ in SL60IIBi means you can adjust the light’s warmth or coolness. 2800K is a warm, incandescent-like glow, while 6500K is a cool, slightly bluer-than-daylight look. 5600K, the standard daylight temperature, sits right in the middle. This flexibility is incredibly useful. You can match the colour of existing ambient light (like indoor lamps or window light) to avoid mixed colour casts, or intentionally set a mood, like a warm, cozy feel or a cool, modern look. For video production, especially, seamless colour matching is key to consistent footage. Trying to correct drastic colour shifts in post-production can be time-consuming and sometimes impossible without sacrificing quality. Having this bi-color range directly from the light simplifies the workflow significantly.
Another practical feature is the 11 Built-in FX Lighting Effects. While not something I use daily, these effects like Flash, Storm, TV, Broken Bulb, Candle, Fire, and Firework can add a layer of creativity to specific projects or video sequences. Being able to quickly dial up an effect without needing external triggers or complex setups is handy for narrative video or creative shoots. It expands the potential uses of the video light beyond just simple illumination, adding production value to your work with minimal effort.
One of the most appreciated improvements in this version is the More Silent Environment it creates. Older or cheaper continuous lights are notorious for their noisy cooling fans, which can completely ruin audio recordings in the same space. Godox specifically mentions upgrading the fan design for quieter operation in the SL60IIBi. While not completely silent (no fan-cooled light is), it is noticeably quieter than many competitors and previous models I’ve encountered. This is crucial for videographers and live streamers who need clean audio. You can place the light closer to your subject without worrying about excessive fan noise being picked up by microphones. This feature directly addresses a major pain point for content creators working in confined spaces where the light and microphone are relatively close together.
Control is made flexible with Multiple Control Methods. You have the dual knobs and four buttons on the back of the light itself, which are straightforward for basic adjustments. However, the inclusion of Godox Light APP control via Bluetooth and 2.4G wireless remote control (remote sold separately) makes a huge difference in workflow. Being able to adjust brightness and colour temperature from your phone via the app, or with a dedicated remote, means you don’t have to constantly walk up to the light, potentially disturbing your setup or workflow. This is particularly useful when the light is mounted high up or in a difficult-to-reach position. The wireless flexibility offered by this studio video light adds convenience and efficiency to your shooting process.
Finally, the inclusion of a Standard Bowens Mount is non-negotiable for anyone wanting to use lighting modifiers. The Bowens mount is the industry standard for attaching softboxes, reflectors, snoots, barn doors, and other light shaping tools. The Godox SL60IIBi comes with a standard reflector, but its real power is unlocked when you attach a softbox or umbrella. These modifiers transform the harsh, direct light from the LED chip into soft, flattering light that is perfect for portraits, interviews, and product shots. Without a standard mount like this, your options for shaping the light would be severely limited, hindering your ability to create professional-looking results. The Bowens mount ensures compatibility with a vast ecosystem of affordable and professional light modifiers already available on the market.
Voices from Users
After spending time with the light myself, I looked online to see what other users were saying, and the feedback largely mirrored my own positive experience. Many reviews highlighted the impressive brightness, noting it was a significant step up from smaller lights or ring lights they had used previously, effectively mimicking natural daylight. The bi-color capability was frequently praised as a key feature worth the slight price difference over the single-colour version, offering much-needed versatility. Users also found the app control intuitive and convenient for making adjustments remotely. The power cable length was unexpectedly mentioned as a positive point by some, providing good reach. While the powerful output was appreciated, a common minor critique was the lack of an included carrying bag, suggesting the need for separate storage to protect the unit.
Final Thoughts
Lighting problems can severely limit your creative potential and the quality of your visual content, leading to frustration and wasted time. Solving this issue with a reliable, powerful, and flexible light source is essential for anyone looking to produce professional results consistently. The Godox SL60IIBi addresses these challenges head-on. Its significant output, versatile bi-color range, and standard Bowens mount compatibility make it an excellent choice for home studios and small-scale productions. If you’re ready to elevate your lighting setup and overcome common illumination hurdles, this LED video light is definitely worth considering. To check it out and see pricing details, Click here.
Last update on 2025-07-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API