Godox has continued to expand its lineup of affordable, high-quality LED video lights with the UL150 and ML60 models. They are both highly versatile daylight-balanced COB “monolite-style” lights with very high color accuracy and output. I was able to test these lights in the studio and tried a few different real world configurations to test them out.
Design and build quality
Godox UL150 Silent LED Video Light
One of the most exciting features of the Godox UL150 is its completely silent, fanless design. Unlike most lights that require a fan to remain cool, the fixture itself is designed to act as a large heatsink so the light remains cool passively. This is a huge plus when you need clean audio.
The build quality is excellent and feels very solid, with a mostly metal construction and sturdy yoke with double-locking rosettes. It features a standard Bowens mount with a nice release lever, making it very easy to use with standard accessories and modifiers. The controller also features a built-in battery plate for standard V-mount batteries, which is convenient when AC power isn’t available.
The fixture is lightweight enough that I was easily able to fly it on a boom arm with a standard C-stand with no problems.
Godox ML60 60W LED Light
The first impression of the ML60 is its compact size. The controls are built directly on the fixture, or you can use the included wireless remote controller. At just 3.55 lb (1.61 kg), the light is very easy to work with and can be mounted creatively in hard-to-reach places. It also features a Bowens S-type mount, so there are plenty of modifiers and accessories that you can use.
Output
The UL150 is very powerful, with an output of roughly 67,000 lux at one meter with the included reflector. It’s dimmable from 0-100%, and has a convenient linear response pattern (e.g. 20% is twice as powerful as 10%, etc.).
To put it through a real world test, I set it up as a key light for a sit-down interview using a “book light” setup, by bouncing the UL150 off of a white bounce board and diffusing it with a 6’ x 6’ lightgrid fabric. In that setup, I was only using the light at 37% output, so there is obviously plenty of power if you need it.
The Godox ML60 is also incredibly powerful for its size. It’s great for product photography, or as a hair or accent light. It can be dimmed from 10-100% This is great if you need a lot of punch, but if you are in a small space and need to dim it lower, you may need to add some scrim or diffusion in certain situations.
Light Quality
Both of the lights have a pleasant spread and uniformity when using the included reflectors, with a relatively quick but smooth rolloff at the edges. Unlike LED panel lights, these are “hard lights” that are shapeable and controllable.
Both lights have very accurate color (CRI = 96 and TLCI = 97), and render skin tones very pleasantly. I would not hesitate to use them as a go-to combination to light interviews. These numbers are very impressive for such affordable lights, and are a definite upgrade.
Conclusion
These models fit right in with Godox’s line of professional-quality lights at very competitive prices. The combination of good build-quality and thoughtful ergonomics, quiet operation, and accurate color makes these a very compelling option for a wide range of video shooting scenarios.
Shop the entire line of Godox products, available at Adorama, here.
Feature photo via Will Miller
