This week, we're checking out the Godox ML150Bi, a small LED light that packs a punch with its power options. We'll compare it to the Amaran Ray 120c, run some tests, and look at its features.
What Is The Godox ML150Bi?
The Godox ML150Bi is a compact and user-friendly LED light. It comes with most of the features you'd expect from a modern light in 2026. You can adjust the color temperature from 2,800 Kelvin to 6,500 Kelvin, covering everything from tungsten to daylight. Powering options include AC or a V-mount battery using the included adapter plate, which is great for using cinema batteries.
Features Overview
This light offers several useful features:
- Fan Control: You can manually set the fan to off, medium, high, or auto. If you turn the fan off, the dimmer is locked to 10% power, so you can't use it at full brightness. In auto mode, the fan is very quiet.
- Dimming Curves: It supports linear, S-curve, exponential, and logarithmic dimming curves. Most people find linear works best.
- App Control: You can control the light using the Godox light app, available for iOS and Android. The app lets you group and control multiple Godox lights together.
- NFC Pairing: A nice new feature is NFC pairing, which makes connecting the light much easier than Bluetooth.
- DMX Ready: It can also be used in a wired DMX setup if you purchase a USBC DMX adapter from Godox.
- ML Mount: The light uses Godox's proprietary ML mount for accessories. It's not a Bowens mount, which we'll discuss more later.
- Zoom Lens: It includes the MLZ zoom lens, offering beam angles from 13° to 30°.
- Effects: There are 11 built-in lighting effects, such as TV, faulty bulb, and lightning.
What's Included?
The kit comes with the light itself, the MLZ zoom lens, a metal yolk for mounting, a V-mount battery adapter plate, an AC power adapter with a locking connector, and a semi-hard case.
The Standout Feature: V-Mount Power
Compared to lights like the Amaran Ray 120C, the V-mount battery adapter plate is a major advantage. You can attach your V-mount cinema batteries, and with a 150Wh battery, you can expect about an hour of use at full power. This is a much better solution than USB power, as many battery banks don't supply enough power, and USB PD standards can be inconsistent. The V-mount system is more reliable for powering a light of this size.
Photometrics and Color Quality
Photometric tests show a good amount of light output. The color quality is also good enough for talking head videos, which is a common use case. The light is priced at $259 USD.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Compact Size: Its small form factor is convenient for fitting into tight spaces.
- V-Mount Power: Reliable and powerful battery option.
- Quiet Fan: The fan is barely noticeable, especially in auto mode.
- NFC Pairing: Easy and quick connection to the app.
Cons:
- Proprietary ML Mount: You can't directly use all Bowens mount accessories. However, an adapter is available, but caution is advised with heavy modifiers.
- Flicker Potential: While fine for video at standard frame rates (like 24fps or 30fps with a 180° shutter angle), there can be flicker at high shutter speeds (above 1/750s), which might be an issue for photographers doing high-speed flash sync.
Who Is It For?
This light is a great option for creators who need an efficient way to light talking head videos, interviews, live streams, or other narrative projects, especially when working in smaller spaces. It has enough output to serve as a key light when paired with the right modifier.
Comparison: Godox ML150Bi vs. Amaran Ray 120C
Both lights are priced at $259 USD.
- Color: The Amaran Ray 120C is a full-color RGB light, while the Godox ML150Bi is a bi-color light, making it more focused on lighting people. The Ray can also be used for effects lighting.
- Light Output: The Godox ML150Bi has slightly more light output.
- Power: The ML150Bi's V-mount battery option is preferred over USB. While the Ray has its own Peak batteries, any V-mount battery works with the Godox.
- Color Quality: The Ray has a slight edge in color quality at 5600K, but they are about equivalent at tungsten temperatures (2800K or 3200K).
- Beam Angle: The ML150Bi has a wider beam angle, which is beneficial when using softboxes. The Ray's narrower beam angle often requires specific Amaran modifiers to spread the light effectively.
Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on which features are most important for your specific needs.
More about lighting:
Staff Report
Staff Report
Staff Report
