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I will preface this review by stating that I am not a professional photographer, but I do have to take a lot of photos due to the nature of my work.
I previously reviewed the Zhiyun Fiveray M40 Video Light, and I loved it. It felt perfect for my needs, providing high-power LED lighting in a small portable battery-powered design.
The new Zhiyun Molus X100 follows along the same lines but amps everything up for a more professional solution.
Molus X100 Specification
- Maximum output power: 100W
- Brightness adjustment range 0-100%
- Color temperature range 2700K-6500K
- CRI/TLCI: CRI ≥ 95 TLCI ≥ 97
- Illuminance maximum power, without reflector: 3.881(lux)
- Illuminance maximum power, with reflector: 17.317(lux)
- X100 grip battery capacity: 15600mAh
- X100 grip battery runtime (maximum power): 30min
- X100 grip battery charging time: 2H 33min
- X100 grip battery type-C port max. input/output power: 30W
- Power adapter rated output voltage/current: 24V/5A
- Operation temperature: -10℃ to 40℃
- Product size without reflector and battery: 14,4×9,4×3,6cm / 5,67×3,7×1,42 inch
- X100 grip battery size: 5,2×9,4×6,1cm / 2,05×3,7×2,4 inch
- Product net weight (without reflector and battery): 385g / 13,58 oz
- X100 grip battery net weight: 439g / 15,49 oz
Zhiyun Molus X100 vs Fiveray M40
The Zhiyun Molus X100 is similar to the Fiveray M40 as it has the same LED panel design with dial controls and covers a similar colour temperature range.
The Fiveray M40 uses an LED panel covering the entire side of the device with a power output of 40W.
The Molus X100 has its LEDs concentrated into a circular area in the centre of the unit, and these LEDs can hit a maximum output of 100W. Both units require a fan to keep things cool, but the Molus X100 requires a much larger fan.
The dials on the Fiveray M40 have no digital readout, so you can’t be precise with your settings, while the Molus X100 provides both the power and temperature settings via an LED.
The Fiveray M40 has a built-in 2600mAh battery that is charged via USB-C and can run for about 30 minutes.
The Molus X100 doesn’t have a built-in battery, nor is it supplied with one as standard. You instead use the included power pack to charge it. There is also a USB-C port which can accept up to 100W power delivery and is therefore powerful enough to drive the light.
There is an optional attachable grip battery with a 15600mAh and the same 30-minute run time. This can be charged with 30W USB-C power delivery. It is a proprietary battery that connects to the lights with a six-pin connector.
The LEDs on the Molus are placed that way because it is possible to mount accessories on the frame surrounding it.
Zhiyun Molus X100 Accessories
Without the accessories, the Zhiyun Molus X100 would just be a more powerful version of the Fiveray M40, but it is these accessories that make it really different.
Around the LEDs is what Zhiyun call a ZY Mount, and included as standard, you get a mini reflector.
You can then get the combo or pro pack additional items which include:
- X100 grip battery
- Bowens mount adapter (ZY mount)-B
- Storage bag
- Pocket light strap
- Mini softbox (ZY mount)
- Grid
In Use
My photography skills will not do the Molus X100 justice. However, I have found it to be superb for product photography. Using a handheld tripod, I am able to use the camera while holding onto the light at the same time. With the battery, softbox and tripod attached, the total weight is 1.2kg which makes handling it very easy. Using it with the softbox has worked brilliantly well at eliminating shadows and avoiding reflections or inconsistent lighting.
I normally only use the light for a few minutes at a time, and I barely notice the fan kick in. Due to the size of the fan, the noise it generates is less noticeable than the higher-pitched noise of the Fiveray M40.
I think the main problem people will have with this lighting system is the use of proprietary connectors for the accessories. The range of accessories is suitable for my needs, and you can use Bowens S-Type accessories via the mount adapter, but this adds to the bulk.
I do like the fact that both the camera and battery can use USB-C, and you can get 100W PD power banks, so you can still power the lights should the main battery die.
Price and Alternative Options
At the time of writing, I have not been informed of the price of the ZHIYUN MOLUS X100 or its accessories.
The Zhiyun Fiveray M40 is priced at £100, and there is also the Fiveray F100 100W RGB LED Video Light Wand which is priced from £249.
There are some COB LED lighting products with Bowen S-Type accessory mounts that have V-lock battery mounts for either 26V or BP130 batteries.
All the options I can find seem to be considerably larger than the Molus X100.
The Godox ML60 60W is perhaps the closest alternative I can find, which is priced at around £215.
Zhiyun Molus G60
It is worth noting that Zhiyun should also be launching the Molus G60. The is a cube-shaped light with a 60W output and is also compatible with any of the ZY Mount accessories. However, this appears to lack any option for a battery.
Overall
I personally love the Zhiyun Molus X100; it is superb for my needs. I have predominantly been using the softbox accessory while reviewing it, as it makes product photography much easier.
I am chronically lazy and messy, so I hate having to pack up things and then set them up again when I need them. This is small enough that I don’t particularly need to pack it away and store it after each use. With the softbox, battery and tripod attached, it sits easily on my shelf without taking up too much room, ready to be used as and when I need it.
Most of my reviews are very price centric, and at the moment, I don’t know the price. However, this is geared more towards the professional market, where price should be less of an issue.
Originally posted on mightygadget.co.uk – Follow on Twitter – Instagram – Facebook – Mighty Gadget Latest Reviews
The company and product names are supposed to be capitalised, but I hate having excessive capitalisation throughout the content.
ZHIYUN MOLUS X100 LED Lights Review Rating
Summary
The Zhiyun Molus X100 is superb. Its portable and modular nature makes it incredibly convenient to use. As far as I can tell, there are few, or no, other products that are capable of providing the lighting power this achieves in such a portable and battery-powered package.
Overall
90%-
Overall - 90%90%
Pros
- Small modular lighting system
- Good range of accessories
- No comparable products competing
Cons
- Proprietary mounting system
I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.
As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.
In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.
