Looking for some powerful lighting for photography and video in the studio? Then perhaps the new Zhiyun Molus G200 might just be worth checking out.
From the same people who created the tiny, funky 100W pocket COB light (Molus X100) the Molus G200 certainly packs a punch when it comes to lighting, especially for work in the studio. The G200 is a bicolor 200W COB video light, but it does so much more than just video.
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 as there are no batteries, 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 G200 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
- The fan is whisper quiet, great for video
- Easy to turn dials for power and temperature, and simple on/off switch
- Has a Bowens mount, perfect for adding all my current light modifiers
- It actually comes in two parts, the light head and the power unit, connected via a cable. Has a handy cable to hang off a light stand
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
Zhiyun Molus G200 — Technical specifications
All of the technical specifications are from their website/marketing material.
- Output Power (Max): 320W
- Input power (Max): 350W
- Cooling Method: Active Cooling
- Power Adapter operation voltage: 100~240VAC 50~60Hz 5~2A
- Color Temperature Range: 2700K~6500K
- Dimming range: 0-100%
- Illuminance In 6500K/100% Brightness (1 meter): 9460
- TLCI Index: ≥97
- CRI (RA) Index: ≥95
- Dimming Range: 0~100%
- APP Control Method: Bluetooth
- Dimensions: (Header) 127×67.5×225 (WxDxH) mm / (Adapter) 164.5×58.9x125mm
- G200 Net Weight: 2.209Kg (without reflector)
- Operation Temperature: -10°～40°
- Extension: Bowens mount
- Light Effects: Music Mode
- Max Power with light reflector: (at 6500K) 61500 Lux at 1m, 2460 Lux at 5m
Zhiyun Molus G200 — 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 a fan, which is fairly 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. As it is only 200W it’s not as bright as say a 400W studio strobe, but excellent for fairly close-up portraits. I wish I had another one.
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).
Out of the box
It comes in a handy carry case with the light and adapter, power cable (not for Australia), a standard reflector and Quick Start guide.
Zhiyun Molus G200 — Power amplified
Thanks to some innovative technology this little light might just change the way you see COB 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.
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. The adapter has a loop attached for conveniently hanging on a stand.
Setup
It’s so simple to use. Place it on a light stand, plug in power, and connect it to the adapter. 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 90cm octobox reflector and a large curved reflector for beautiful soft lighting. I did have to up my ISO to 640, but the portraits are gorgeous.
Model: Summer; HMUA: Hary May; Camera settings ISO640, f/2.8, shutter speed min 1/125 seconds
Zhiyun Molus G200 — 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 90cm softbox in front, using the Bowens mount to soften the light, and it was running on 100% 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.
