Choosing the best COB LED video light [TOP 9]

Choosing the best COB LED video light [TOP 9]

Video lights are quite a broad category of equipment - among them you will find panels in every possible size, sticks or tubes, and each model offers completely different possibilities. However, the least attention is paid to LED COB lights, while they are one of the best achievements of the filmmaking market. Let's take a closer look at these gear and see what Quadralite and Godox have to offer in 2022. 

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What are COB LEDs?

Simply put, it is a special type of tiny diodes, combined into a single chip. Compared to classic DIP and SMD diodes that can be found in LED panels, they offer significantly higher light output with superior uniformity - all due to their unique design. They also consume significantly less power during operation, but are extremely fragile and require adequate protection from damage. 

differences between the most popular types of LEDs

What to look for when choosing a video LED light?

It's no secret that proper lighting is the key to creating outstanding videos – no matter what content you plan to convey in it. Every filmmaker who ties his future to YouTube, streaming or the world of cinema should have a set of lights on hand that will allow him to realize his creative plans regardless of the time of day or year. However, this is an extremely individual issue, and the purchase decision should be supported by a thorough analysis of your own needs – only on this basis should you consider what you expect from a particular light. 

The choice of the right model should primarily depend on what kind of footage you plan to record with it. For narrow shots, such as for streaming, video reviews, tutorials or craft videos, a small light source will be completely sufficient for you. If, on the other hand, your career is heading towards the role of a lighting engineer on the sets of films, TV series or music videos, you will need powerful lights that will cover the entire frame with their light.

A lighting technician with a video LED light working on a set

Budget also plays a key role in choosing an LED lamp for filming. After all, every filmmaker has different financial possibilities – some will look for inexpensive solutions, while others are keen on maximum functionality and top quality performance. Thankfully, the LED lighting market is extremely saturated and diverse, so everyone has the opportunity to find a light that exactly fits their every need. Let's take a look at some of the basic issues to consider when buying a video LED light:

Size doesn’t mean everything

The size of the lamp is the first parameter that can help us determine the strength of its light. Mostly it goes hand in hand with the power and price of the device, although this is not a rigid rule. The film lighting market continues to develop rapidly, so that the lamps available today feature more compact housings than those produced even as recently as 5 years ago. 

All the cables and batteries

LED lights are generally divided into two groups: the first is exclusively AC-powered, while the second also allows wireless operation on rechargeable batteries. So your final decision should depend on what kind of projects you plan to tackle – plug-in lights are perfect for studio spaces, but battery-powered lights will be indispensable outdoors, especially if your budget doesn't allow you to rent a power station or generator.

Video LED light with a softbox and grid

Figuring out the luminance

When we try to estimate how intense the light of a given device is, the value specified in watts is very often the first thing we look at. While it can give us a relative idea of the light's capabilities, it is not a reliable indicator of the strength of its luminous flux – watts only specify power consumption, which can be different even for devices with similar light output. An excellent example is the Godox ML30 and LC30 lights, mentioned in the list below.

When looking for information about the power of the light, pay attention to the parameters given in lux (lx) - they specify the intensity of the light output at a given distance from the light, usually 0.5 and 1 m. However, it, too, depends on the modifiers used, and the measurements are taken very often with bowl reflectors that greatly amplify the intensity of light.

Hot and Cold

LED lights usually come in two versions –  with a fixed color temperature, usually around 5600 K (Daylight) or with the ability to change it (Bi-Color). The adjustment ranges vary from one device to another, but mostly they allow setting the light tone from very warm to cool. Models offering a fixed color temperature are also generally slightly stronger than their bi-color counterparts, but changing the character of their light will require the use of appropriate correction filters: warming (CTO) and cooling (CTB).

Godox LED COB video lights and light modifiers

Shaping the light

Creating the right effect or mood in a film often requires the use of light of a different character. For this reason, it is worth checking whether the model you are considering offers the possibility of connecting light modifiers. Many lights are equipped with the popular Bowens mount, thanks to which you can connect softboxes, bowl reflectors and many other accessories that change the character of the light, but smaller devices usually use dedicated modifiers. 

Keep it cool

Lights can emit significant amounts of heat during filming, especially if they are set to high power output. To prevent overheating, their design uses cooling elements, usually in the form of a fan. However, some models are equipped with special heat distribution systems, so they can simultaneously offer relatively high light output and remarkably quiet operation. Selected lights also offer a special silent mode of operation, which prevents the fan from activating, but it usually limits the maximum power of the light at the same time.

Godox M200 LED COB lights on a film set



Top 9 video LED lights at Foto-Tip

Looking through the articles and guides about LED lights available on the Internet, you've probably noticed that none of them focus exclusively on COB lights – very often they also cover small LED panels or mix flash units with continuous lighting. That's why we decided to prepare our own chart, where you will learn about the best LED COB lights with a COB chip available in our store. Check out what the Quadralite and Godox brands have to offer!

We have divided the lights in all the categories below into three financial thresholds – budget, mid-range and professional devices, offering the widest spectrum of possibilities. Each of them also offers the possibility of connecting light modifiers – the vast majority of them use the now-standard Bowens mount, the only exception being Godox lights from the LC and ML series, which use dedicated accessories. The vast majority of the models in the list come in both Daylight and Bi-Color versions.


NOTE!
The lumination parameters given below were measured with the included reflector
attached to the light, which significantly increased the intensity of its output.

1000 lux is equivalent to an exposure of   1/50 s  •  f/2.8  •  ISO 100



LED lights up to 60 W



On a budget – Godox LC30

Godox LC30 Daylight Bi-color LED video light ranked

Daylight Bi-Color
Power: 33 W 38 W
Illuminance
(1 m):
9600 lux 8890 lux
Dimensions: 8 ⨯ 8 ⨯ 9 cm
Power
supply:
AC adapter  
Battery
Other: FX effects
In the kit: Diffuser
Power cable
Mounting adapter

CHECK THE PRICE

Our first and cheapest proposal is an extremely compact light source, similar in size to an ordinary coffee mug. It owes its surprisingly intense light output to a built-in reflector, but because of their size, they only work with the dedicated ML-CD15 and ML-CS1625 accessories. Inside their housing is a small fan, which works so quietly that no microphone will catch it, even when the lights are placed very close.



Mid-range – Quadralite SVL-400 Plus

Quadralite SVL-400  LED video light ranked

Daylight
Power: 40 W
Illuminance
(1 m):
No info :(
Dimensions: 25 ⨯ 14 ⨯ 20 cm
Power
supply:
AC adapter  
Battery
Other:
In the kit: Carry-bag
Power cable
Mounting adapter

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Quadralite SVL-400 is a simple, entry-level LED light, available only in Daylight version, with a color temperature of 5600 K. However, it is the only one in this category, offering the possibility to connect softboxes and other light modifiers with a Bowens mount weighing max. 1 kg. This model will be a good solution for any filmmaker who cares about maintaining a uniform appearance of any recorded material. The light also comes with a sturdy carrying bag.



PRO gear – Godox ML30

Godox ML30 Daylight Bi-color  LED video light ranked

Daylight Bi-Color
Power: 37,6 W 40 W
Illuminance
(1 m):
45700 lux 41100 lux
Dimensions: 12 ⨯ 12 ⨯ 9 cm
Power
supply:
AC adapter  
Battery
Other: FX effects
Remote control
In the kit: Reflector
Power cable
Handle
NP-F plate

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The choice of this light was not an easy one – it may not give the impression of being professional, but it is extremely functional and versatile. Thanks to its two types of power supply, it will work well both when filming in the studio and outdoors, and its aluminum housing will withstand regular work in intense conditions. A special handle allows you to mount the light on a lighting tripod or conveniently illuminate dynamic scenes while handheld.

Like its smaller sibling in the LC series, the ML30 LED light offers FX effects and uses identical dedicated light modifying accessories. Its parameters can also be adjusted remotely, from the functional Godox Light app. As part of the ML series, its more powerful 60-watt version is also available.

LED lights up to 100 W


On a budget – Quadralite VideoLED 600

Quadralite VideoLed 600 Daylight Bi-color  LED video light ranked

Daylight Bi-Color
Power: 60 W
Illuminance
(1 m):
6490 lux 8800 lux
Dimensions: 14 ⨯ 18 ⨯ 23 cm
Power
supply:
AC adapter  
Battery
Other:
In the kit: Reflector
Power cable

CHECK THE PRICE

Another example of a light for a small film studio - this model can be powered only by a power cable. Although it offers only basic functions, the list of its advantages includes, above all, extremely compact dimensions and a solid metal housing. The difference in light intensity is due to the included reflectors - the Bi-Color version is equipped with its new version, which is able to "squeeze" an extra 2000 lux from the device. 



Mid-range – Godox SL100

Godox SL100 Daylight Bi-Color  LED video light ranked

Daylight Daylight
Power: 100 W
Illumination
(1 m):
≈ 32100 lux
Dimensions: 24 ⨯ 21 ⨯ 13 cm
Power
supply:
AC adapter  
Battery
Other: FX effects
Remote control
In the kit: Reflector
Power cable

CHECK THE PRICE

If you're looking for the most power possible on a not-so-substantial budget, the SL series lights will be a hit. In addition to exceptionally strong light output, these units have relatively compact dimensions. As with almost every Godox lamp in our list, the SL100 model comes in Daylight and Bi-Color versions, but can only be powered from an AC outlet. There are also many other lights available throughout the SL series, with varying capabilities and a wide price range – from the older, cheaper SL60W to the latest SL300II.



PRO gear – Godox UL60

Godox UL60 Daylight Bi-Color  LED video light ranked

Daylight Bi-Color
Power: 60 W 78 W
Illumination
(1 m):
31000 lux 27800 lux
Dimensions: 23 ⨯ 12 ⨯ 26 cm
Power
supply:
AC adapter  
Battery
Other:

FX effects
Remote control
DMX

In the kit: Reflector
Controller
Power cable

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UL series lights are a real rarity among our selection – they are the only ones that don't have a built-in fan, as it has been replaced by a specially designed heat dissipation system, to which they owe their silent operation. They can be used even on the quietest film sets, where ambient sounds are as important as the image itself.

Thanks to the two types of power supply, you can take them with you literally anywhere – they are perfect both in studio conditions and outdoors, powered by V-Lock batteries. The DMX port on the back of the housing allows you to connect the lights to the appropriate consoles and controllers, and the sturdy metal U-Bracket provides convenient mounting of the light on any light stand and almost unlimited adjustment of its angle. 



LED lights over 100 W



On a budget – Godox LA150

Godox Litemons LA150 Daylight Bi-Color  LED video light ranked

Daylight Bi-Color
Power: 190 W
Illumination
(1 m):
84800 lux 66600 lux
Dimensions: 21 ⨯ 15 ⨯ 22 cm
Power
supply:
AC adapter  
Battery
Other: FX effects
Remote control
In the kit: Reflector
Power cable

CHECK THE PRICE

A budget solution for aspiring filmmakers, the LA-series lights are extremely compact, AC-powered studio units that offer extremely intense light. However, the small size of the housing juxtaposed with the high power output makes them have a higher tendency to overheat, making it impossible to omit a fan in their design, which may prove a bit too noisy for some. For this reason, we recommend them mainly for the sets of music videos and other productions, where sound is being added in post-production. 



Mid-range – Godox VL150

Godox VL150 LED video light ranked

Daylight
Power: 150 W
Illumination
(1 m):
61 000 lux
Dimensions: 30 ⨯ 14 ⨯ 18 cm
Power
supply:
AC adapter  
Battery
Other: Remote control
In the kit: Carry-bag
Reflector
Power cable
Controller

CHECK THE PRICE

Looking for a solution that's the best compromise between price and light power? Meet Godox VL150 – thanks to its exceptionally strong light, surprisingly quiet fans and two types of power supply, you will be able to use it for various productions, from YouTube videos to professional feature films. The lighting in this series is only available in Daylight version – you will need to buy filters that change the color and color temperature of the light to fully use its potential. The VL lights can also be controlled from the Godox Photo mobile app. Each model includes a sturdy U-Bracket, which allows you to freely operate the angle of the light, as well as a sturdy carrying bag.



PRO gear – Godox M200

Godox M200 Daylight Bi-Color  LED video light ranked

Daylight Bi-Color
Power: 230 W
Illumination
(1 m):
No info :(
Dimensions: 43 ⨯ 23 ⨯ 14 cm
Power
supply:
AC adapter  
Battery
Other: FX effects
Remote control
DMX
In the kit: Carry-bag
Reflector
Power cable
Controller

CHECK THE PRICE

We close our listing with one of the best and most powerful lights available at Godox. The M-series light was designed with professional work in mind and combines all the features found in the manufacturer's lights – FX effects will allow you to achieve a specific mood in the frame, and remote control from a smartphone will make it easy to quickly change the character of the light, even when it is mounted high on a stand. The most ambitious productions will also benefit from the DMX function, which also makes it possible to control the light from the appropriate consoles and controllers. 

All Godox M Series units come in Daylight and Bi-Color versions and feature an extremely quiet cooling system. Despite their rather bulky size, the lights can be powered not only by an AC adapter, but also by two V-Lock batteries. The specifications of the 200 and 300 models probably omit the value of their light output by mistake, but you can be sure that these are powerful lights – by comparison, the most powerful 600-watt model of the series offers as much as whopping 198,000 lux at the distance of 1 meter. Each light comes with a sturdy carrying bag, which will perfectly protect the equipment during the numerous transfers between film set locations. 

Godox M200 LED video lights Daylight Bi-Color



Summary

As you can see for yourself, choosing an LED light without proper knowledge of light is not a simple matter at all. Browsing through the thousands of models available on the market, we are inundated with millions of functions and parameters, and each device, according to the manufacturers, obviously has only advantages, which does not make our task any easier. On the other hand, not so long ago, the purchase of even the smallest 30-watt LED light for filming was associated with a considerable expense, and now in 2022, almost everyone can find something for themselves in a budget that suits them. By the same token, we hope that the information in the above post will make your decision-making process a little easier when buying film lighting.

All the lights mentioned in the article can, of course, be purchased from our store with free delivery within Poland and a 2-year warranty. If you will also need accessories for the lights, such as tripods or light modifiers, feel free to contact us – we’ll prepare a comprehensive offer that will exactly match your equipment budget.



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