Zhiyun Molus B300: Fabulous studio bicolor COB lighting
Looking for some powerful lighting for photography and video in the studio? Then perhaps the new Zhiyun Molus B300 might just be worth checking out. This cool Industrial design packs a punch and unlocks endless creativity.
From the same people who created the Molus B200W, the Molus G200 and the tiny, funky 20W pocket LED light (Molus FiverayM20C). The Molus B300 is a pro quality, pro power studio light for work in the studio. The B300 is a bicolor 300W LED Light, perfect for video and photography. I often teamed mine up with the B200 for the perfect studio lighting.
Just like the B200, straight 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 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, of course, for portraits. Let’s have a closer look!
Note: Zhiyun sent the Molus B300 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: DynaVortTM Cooling system MKV
The fan is whisper quiet, great for video
Easy to turn dials for power and temperature, and simple on/off switch
There is an App for remote control( which is excellent)
Has a Bowens mount, perfect for adding all my current light modifiers
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 (I had to purchase an adaptor)
Does not come with carry pack, only a cardboard box
Zhiyun Molus B300 — Technical specifications
All the technical specifications are from their website/marketing material.
Output Power (Max): 300W
Cooling Method: DynaVortTM Coilling system MKV
Power Adapter operation voltage: 100~240VAC 50~60Hz 5~2A
Color Temperature Range: 2700K~6500K
Dimming range: 0-100%
LUX (5500K/1m): 12400 (without reflector); 63200 (with reflector)
TLCI Index: ≥97
CRI (RA) Index: ≥95
Dimming Range: 0~100%
APP Control Method: Bluetooth (ZY VEGA App)
Dimensions: (Header)245x190x159 (WxDxH) mm / (with bracket)
B200 Net Weight: 2.57kg (without reflector)
Operation Temperature: -10°～40°
Extension: Bowens mount
Light Effects: 13 Various lighting effects
Zhiyun Molus B300 — 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 fans, which are super 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. Even at 300W on 50% power with a beauty dish and softbox it is perfect for studio portraits.
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). Even the Bowens mount is easy to add and remove modifiers.
Out of the box
It comes in a cardboard shipping box, with the light and power cable, 4.5m (not Australian plug), a standard reflector and a Quick Start guide.
Zhiyun Molus B300 — Portable Pro Power
Thanks to some innovative technology, this little light might just change the way you see 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. With the addition of a softbox, it had beautiful diffused light. Being small and light weight it is totally portable.
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.
Setup
It’s so simple to use. Place it on a light stand, and plug in power. 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 85cm octobox reflector and a large curved reflector for beautiful soft lighting. Even in large studio environments, it handled the situation well, as in the fairies below.
Alice – Model : Charley Cox; HMUA: Em Mrietta
Camera settings ISO640, f/2.8, shutter speed min 1/250 seconds (light on 100%, large room)
Joan of Arc – Model: Emily Reinhard, HMUA: Em Mrietta
Camera Settings (edited): ISO100, f/2.8, 160secs (light on 50%, small studio)
Crystals – Model: Elena
Camera settings (edited): ISO640, f/1.8, 1/250secs (light on 50%, small studio)
Zy Vega App
The ZY VEGA app is easily found on the Google App Store (I use Android) and downloaded. Pairing with the light is super easy, start the app, set the device name, choose the device, group etc. Hold your phone near the light til it connects (you need to turn your Bluetooth on) and then you can control power, temperature, effects etc from there. It's easy to use, especially when you're short and you have your lights up high and can't really get to the controls.
Note - Apologies, my phone is quite old and VERY scratched
Zhiyun Molus B300 — The perfect pairing
I also used this in a photography workshop with students for creative portraits (as I did the B200). 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 85cm softbox in front, using the Bowens mount to soften the light, and it was running on 50% 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. Pairing it with the Molus B200 or even the Molus G200 makes for the perfect studio light setup. Stunning rembrandt style or clamshell lighting.
How does this compare to the Molus B200 or the Molus G200? It is slightly larger and heavier than the B200, but it is slightly bigger and heavier than the G200. The power cable connects directly, not through an adaptor. Apart from that the G200 had a brilliant carry pack, the B200 and B300 do not. But they are both brilliant lights for in the studio. In fact, I think this is the perfect addition to my B200.
