Aputure

amaran COB 100x S Bi-Color LED Monolight Review

Reviews
9
Score
87/100
From
$169
Released
January 2023

We've aggregated 9 high-signal reviews and 3 live retailer prices below.

amaran COB 100x S Bi-Color LED Monolight
Available
Our take
Worth buyingPreliminary

Our editorial take on the amaran COB 100x S Bi-Color LED Monolight

The amaran COB 100x S solidifies its position as a go-to recommendation in the crowded market for creator-focused lighting. For a long time, achieving truly accurate color rendition required a significant investment, but the updated 'S' version of this light brings a new level of color quality to an impressively accessible price point. The upgraded dual-blue LED chipset delivers more spectrally complete light, resulting in faithful skin tones and vibrant colors that need less correction in post-production. It's a tangible, professional-level improvement that sets it apart from many budget competitors.

For YouTubers, streamers, or anyone building out a small studio, the 100x S hits a sweet spot. Its bi-color capability provides essential flexibility for matching ambient light or setting a specific mood, while the standard Bowens mount ensures compatibility with a massive ecosystem of softboxes and other modifiers. While its 100-watt output is more than sufficient for typical indoor interview and product setups, those needing to light larger scenes may want to consider its more powerful siblings. The build is primarily plastic, a reasonable compromise for the price, but it feels sturdy enough for regular studio use. It's a smart, high-value investment in core lighting quality.

Best for: Content creators and YouTubers building a home studio who need excellent, flexible lighting on a budget.
What's great
  • Significantly improved color accuracy with new 'S' chipset
  • Excellent value for an entry-level professional light
  • Bi-color temperature control adds versatility
  • Standard Bowens mount for broad modifier compatibility
  • Simple, approachable controls for beginners
  • Lightweight and compact design
Watch outs
  • Primarily plastic construction, though durable for its class
  • Power output may be insufficient for large spaces or bright environments
  • Lacks the advanced features of premium Aputure lights

Synthesized by Geared editors from early expert reviews.

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Overview

About this product

The amaran COB 100x S Bi-Color LED Monolight is a versatile lighting solution featuring a bi-color LED COB. It offers a wide color temperature range and high color accuracy standards for various shooting environments. This monolight includes a reflector and offers Bluetooth control for easy adjustments.

Specs

Lumens
8788
Battery
2x V-Mount Rechargeable (Not Included) or 2x Gold Mount Rechargeable (Not Included)
Dimming
Built-In Dimmer (Continuous) • 0 to 100%
Display
LCD
Item Type
1x COB LED Monolight
Materials
-
Yoke Type
Not Applicable
Beam Angle
18° with Included Reflector, 110° Unmodified
Dimensions
8 x 5 x 5" / 20.32 x 12.7 x 12.7 cm
Color Modes
Daylight, Tungsten
Input Power
48 VDC, 100 to 240 VAC, 50 / 60 Hz
Power Source
AC to DC Adapter (Included) Battery (Not Included)
Inline Switch
No
Built-In Flash
No
Cooling System
Fan
Inputs Outputs
1x XLR 4-Pin Power Input
Umbrella Mount
Yes
Weight Fixture
3.13 lb / 1.42 kg
Wireless Range
328.1' / 100 m (Bluetooth)
Power Pass-Thru
No
Fixture Mounting
1x 5/8" Receiver
Color Temperature
2700 to 6500K
Power Consumption
113 W (Maximum)
Battery Plate Type
2x V-Mount (Not Included), 2x Gold Mount (Not Included)
Storage Conditions
-4 to 176°F / -20 to 80°C
Weight Overall Kit
7.25 lb / 3.29 kg
Operating Conditions
14 to 104°F / -10 to 40°C
Front Accessory Mount
Bowens S
Included Storage Case
No
Mobile App Compatible
Yes: Android & iOS
Preprogrammed Effects
Yes
Included Adapter Cable
1x USA Type-A/B to Unspecified AC to DC Adapter
Included Light Modifier
1x Reflector
Environmental Resistance
No
Mobile App Functionality
Remote Control
Color Accuracy Standard Cqs
95
Color Accuracy Standard Cri
95
Color Accuracy Standard Tlci
97
Wireless Remote Control Type
Bluetooth
Color Accuracy Standard Tm-30 Rf
96
Color Accuracy Standard Tm-30 Rg
100
Color Accuracy Standard Ssi 3200k
89
Color Accuracy Standard Ssi 5600k
87
Photometrics 110 At 3200k 3.3 Ft Unmodified
316 fc / 3410 Lux
Photometrics 110 At 3200k 9.8 Ft Unmodified
37 fc / 405 Lux
Photometrics 110 At 5600k 3.3 Ft Unmodified
338 fc / 3640 Lux
Photometrics 110 At 5600k 9.8 Ft Unmodified
40 fc / 433 Lux
Photometrics 110 At 3200k 16.4 Ft Unmodified
14 fc / 157 Lux
Photometrics 110 At 5600k 16.4 Ft Unmodified
15 fc / 166 Lux
Photometrics 18 At 3200k 3.3 Ft With Reflector
2617 fc / 28,180 Lux
Photometrics 18 At 3200k 9.8 Ft With Reflector
275 fc / 2970 Lux
Photometrics 18 At 5600k 3.3 Ft With Reflector
2833 fc / 30,500 Lux
Photometrics 18 At 5600k 9.8 Ft With Reflector
300 fc / 3240 Lux
Photometrics 18 At 3200k 16.4 Ft With Reflector
99 fc / 1066 Lux
Photometrics 18 At 5600k 16.4 Ft With Reflector
107 fc / 1156 Lux
Live prices

Where to buy

Live prices from retailers. We earn a small commission when you click through - never affects ranking.

  • Amazon
    new● In stockBest price
    $169
    Buy
  • B&H Photo
    new● In stock
    -
    Buy
  • Adorama
    new○ Out of stock
    $199
    Buy
In the wild

Creators who use this

Filmmakers and YouTubers we've spotted using the amaran COB 100x S Bi-Color LED Monolight in their kit.