Zhiyun MOLUS X100 and G60 COB Lights

Zhiyun MOLUS X100 and G60 COB Light Review

Welcome to my review of the Zhiyun MOLUS X100 Pro Bi-Color Pocket COB, light, and G60 LED Cob light kit.  This video will cover everything you need to know, including some practical examples and how to operate them.  Thanks to Zhiyun and Ozemu for sending this pack of lights out to the channel.

About this Zhiyun MOLUS X100 and G60 Review

In today’s review, we are checking out a pair of powerful yet tiny LED Cob lights from the good folks at ZHU-WIN.  The two lights we are checking out are the MOLUS G60 and the MOLUS X100.

These mini-COB lights can be used for video production, YouTube studio setups, live streaming, podcasting, or run-and-gun setups where keeping the size and weight down is important.  First, I’ll give you an overview of what you need to know, and then we’ll test the light with some practical examples.  I’ll also show you some comparisons with lights from other brands so you can get a good idea of what these lights are capable of and whether or not they hold up to the competition.

Ethics Disclaimer

A quick disclaimer.  ZHU-WIN, distributed by Ozemu in Australia, has provided these lights for review on my YouTube channel.  No money has changed hands, and my thoughts about these lights are mine.  Unfortunately, ZHU-WIN and OZEMU had no input into my video or written review or did not get to preview it ahead of time.  I’ll link these lights in the description box if you want to check these lights out.

ZHIYUN COB lights Overview

While these two lights look very different, they share quite a few of the same features.  The X100 is a 100-watt light with a flat form factor reminiscent of a mirrorless camera and a larger active cooling fan.  The COB LED is the center part.

 

The G60 is much smaller – roughly the same size as a Rubik’s cube while still providing 60 watts of power.  This also has active cooling so you won’t have any problems with overheating.

 

Powering the Zhiyun X100 and G60 COB Lights

Powering the lights can be done in a variety of ways.  Both lights come with their provided AC adapter, so you can run it as long as you like via mains power.  The power cables are roughly 5m or so, which is long enough for most setups.  However, if you’re in a situation where the cable length isn’t long enough, you can also power them both via USB-C power delivery.

 

If you’re using USB-PD, you’ll need either a 60-watt Power delivery or 100-watt power delivery to get full power out of each.  Using a 30-watt Power delivery with a 60-watt light will work, but you’ll be limited on using the higher brightness settings – the great news is, it will still work – just not up to the maximum brightness.

X100 Battery and Battery Life

The X100 has one other powering method thanks to the provided rechargeable battery.  This makes the X100 the most versatile LED I’ve seen for run and gun work, allowing it to be used at up to 100% brightness without limitations.  Attaching the battery is simple.  Remove the side door and the battery clips into place, and you’re good to go.  You’ll get approximately 35 minutes on a full charge running the light at full power.  The running time will be increased when using the light at a lower power setting.  You can achieve around 2 hours at lower power settings.

 

Controlling the Lights

Both lights are easily controlled, thanks to the two back dials.  Adjust the brightness in 1% increments or press the button to get larger jumps.  The color temperature can be adjusted in the same way from 2700k on the warm side to 6500k on the cool side.  For those new to lights, start at 5600k, white balance your cameras, and take it from there.

 

Get the Best Price here:  B&H Photo| Amazon DE | Amazon UK | Amazon Canada | Amazon AU

Fan Noise Zhiyun X100 and G60

Fan Noise is very low, and unless the lights are positioned right next to a microphone, you won’t have any issues with its noise floor.  The fan is also noticeably quieter than my CL100, which is positioned above my head in the studio.

Accessories

Another benefit to these lights is the included accessories.  Whether you use the G60 or the X100, you have everything you need to get started – except for a light stand.  The Molus X100 Pro comes complete with a Quickstart Guide, Mini Reflector, Carry Bag, Storage Bag, Battery, and Mini Softbox that mounts directly to ZHU-WIN’s ZY Mount.  If you prefer to use your softbox, a Bowens Mount adapter is also included, which is great.

 

The G60 also comes with most of the same accessories as the X100 but with the addition of a handheld tripod stand that screws directly into the bottom.  This is handy when moving it around or positioning it on a table for product shots or live streaming.  The G60 also has a Diffusion dome that can be placed directly on the light.

What is not included with the Zhiyun X100 or Zhiyun G60

The only thing you don’t get in the pack is a taller lighting stand.  You’ll need to purchase those separately.  Stands are often sold with professional lighting unless you’re buying a softbox set, for example.  Not everyone will be buying these for the same job, so it’s not a deal-breaker.

The Reflectors are great for directional lighting, and the softbox or diffusion dome is perfect for softer light.  Softer lights are generally nicer for video or when filming product shots, as you won’t get harsh shadows.  There’s no hard and fast rule.  You can use either based on your own needs and the look you are going for.  I like that we don’t need anything else to get either look – this is appreciated.

Practical Examples

Watch my practical examples of how the Zhiyun COB Lights work for a YouTube studio.  I also compare these lights against my existing lights from COLBOR and Pixel.

Final thoughts:

I shoot a lot outside my studio, especially on my other YouTube channel.  This means I have a bunch of gear I need to pack, and anything to help keep the size and weight down is a huge benefit.  Having functional and lightweight COB lights, I can throw in the car and set up or power in various scenarios is awesome.  I can see these being used the next time I shoot my Guitar Shop series on my other channel.  The days of bringing larger and more fragile softboxes are over.

I like how simplistic the lights are to operate, and the results look nice to my eye.  While neither of these is as powerful as some of my studio lights, I only run them at a fraction of their brightness.  These lights will be a fine addition to most YouTube studio setups.