The Amaran 100d and 200d are affordable, display excellent color handling and output, and fit neatly into an ecosystem of available accessories. Still, I can’t help but wonder if these lights are in danger of taking away some of the luster of the Aputure 120d MK II. If you were already considering the Aputure 120d MK II, then you have some serious decisions to make here when comparing it to the Amaran series — decisions that mainly come down to exterior build quality and cost. The Amaran was one of the first lines of products that changed the no-to-low-budget film industry, as it was one of the first affordable light fixtures that standard camera batteries could power—offering silent and reliable performance at a fraction of the price of lighting units at the time. This is where it can initially get confusing. See, several initial Aputure products held the Amaran title, like the Aputure Amaran Tri-8, the Aputure Amaran AL-M9, and even the self-titled The Amaran. Aputureis aimed towards high-end users and professionals who want the best lighting system to aid them in their productions. Amaran,on the other hand, is for the newcomer to the video/photography space, online content creators and even streamers who need an affordable option that can provide a clean light source without spending hundreds of dollars.

You can also find well-priced accessories for the LED units they produce (though very limited in choice); these include soft boxes and light modifiers, cables and handles and grips. I grabbed a few measurements on my Sekonic C-700U Spectrometer to see how accurately the Amaran 100d handled color temp (kelvin) and output (lx) from a distance of 3 ft and with the included reflector attached. Here are my readings with a target of 5600K: Amaran 100d Sekonic C-700U results. Image Credit: Graham Sheldon Please note – The Aputure 120d Mk I is now discontinued and replaced by the Mark II model. Which offers a slight boost in brightness performance, offering a 20w increase in power) Designed with the familiar monolight form factor, intuitive design, and solid core features, the 100d LED Light from Amaran is a 100W light source with 5600K color and a CRI/TLCI rating of 95/96 to indicate advanced accuracy in color rendering. The Lightdome SE is more compact and pairs well with the less substantial yoke on the Amaran 100d and 200d. More details on the new Lightdome SE can be found here. Image Credit: Graham Sheldon / CineD ConclusionBoth Apertureand Amaranproducts are regarded as some of the best you can get in regards to lighting units for their performance, build quality and listening to consumers to improve on products/firmware updates.

The light is dimmable from 0 to 100%, and while you can make light intensity adjustments locally on the fixture, you can also make them via Bluetooth with your smartphone and a free app. The 100d has eight built-in customizable effects, an umbrella mount, and a Bowens reflector mount for access to Amaran light shapers and also those many other manufacturers that use this popular mount. The 100d is ready for worldwide use via its built-in 100-240V power supply, but it will also run on optional batteries when AC power is unavailable.

Main Features

Both fixtures feature a Bowens S-Type mount which opens up a whole range of excellent accessories from Aputure. Take a look at Cined to see what’s already been covered. Everything from the Fresnel 2X to barn doors/space light and lanterns accessories are available and there’s also a new Lightdome SE softbox specifically designed for the Amaran line. Lighting is a crucial element in the film and video industry. It plays a key role in setting the mood and creating the desired atmosphere for a project. With the increasing demand for high-quality video content, professionals need access to reliable and effective lighting equipment. However, like the camera and lens department, the lighting section on any online outlet is also inundated with various models and choices. Often leading the consumer to a paradox of choice. When Aputure announced a series of affordable “ Amaran” daylight and bi-color lights alongside their live stream deep dive into the flagship 600d Pro, it came as a surprise. The Amaran 100d and 200d are both hundreds of dollars-cheaper when compared to the Aputure 120d MK II which raises questions for the consumer. What are you giving up in exchange for these savings? And, is what you are giving up worth the tradeoff? Let’s find out.

Do you need the ability to change the color temperature within the fixture or will gels do? For adding gels to the Amaran 100d and 200d, you’ll find the Aputure barn doors available here. Image Credit: Graham Sheldon / CineD Accessories If, based on the above, you’re starting to get a little concerned, know that where these fixtures really shine (pun intended) is in the color temp accuracy and output/cost/size ratios. This is great because in the end what matters in a light is how it looks on camera, right? I think this is fantastic for all of the solo shooters out there. Rather than having to get up each time you need to add more light you simply select the light on the app and with a swipe of your finger you’re all set.Built-In Lighting Effects. Toggle through Paparazzi, Fireworks, Lightning, Faulty Bulb, TV, Pulsing, Strobe, and Explosion, effects. Upgraded High SSI LED Design: SSI (D56): 86+ —Significantly Improved Spectral Continuity and Light Quality First, let’s discuss what both brands offer; each offers powerful lighting equipment for studios and enthusiasts, light-shaping accessories, and lighting software. The difference? Price, features and materials used.