Aputure Amaran 100d Review

The Aputure Amaran 100d is one of the most popular budget COB LED lights on the market, and for good reason. It delivers a punchy 100W of daylight-balanced output in a compact body, making it a go-to for YouTubers, streamers, and indie filmmakers. But is it the right light for your setup? Our editorial team compared specifications, buyer feedback, and key decision factors to give you an honest assessment.

Design and Build Quality

The Amaran 100d features a durable polycarbonate housing with a metal mounting yoke. The cooling fins are well-designed, and the fan is surprisingly quiet for a 100W unit. The control panel is minimal: a single knob for dimming, a power switch, and a small display showing brightness percentage. The Bowens mount is robust and accepts a wide range of modifiers, which is a huge plus.

Weighing just over 2.5 pounds (without the adapter), it is lightweight enough to mount on most light stands. The included reflector is basic but functional, providing a decent spread. The build feels solid for the price, though not as premium as Aputure's higher-end LS series.

Performance and Light Quality

With a 100W COB LED, the Amaran 100d outputs approximately 20,000 lux at one meter with the included reflector. That is plenty bright for key lighting in a small to medium room. The color temperature is fixed at 5600K, with a CRI of 96 and TLCI of 97, ensuring accurate skin tones and color reproduction. In real-world use, buyers report consistent output with no flicker at any dimming level, even when shooting at high frame rates.

One limitation is the lack of bi-color capability. If you need to match warm ambient light, you will need to use gels or choose a different light. But for a daylight-balanced key, the 100d performs admirably.

Ease of Use

Setup is straightforward: attach the light to a stand, plug in the AC adapter, and turn it on. The dimming knob is smooth and precise, allowing fine adjustments from 0 to 100%. There is no remote or app, but for many users, manual control is sufficient. The fan has a low noise level, but it is always on, so in dead-quiet environments, it might be picked up by sensitive microphones.

The lack of battery power is a significant drawback for location shooters. You are tethered to a wall outlet, which limits portability. However, for studio or home use, it is a non-issue.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Keeping the Amaran 100d clean is simple. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the housing and lens. The fan vents can accumulate dust over time, so occasionally use a can of compressed air to blow out debris. Avoid using liquid cleaners on the LED panel. With proper care, the light should last for years.

Common Buyer Complaints

While the Amaran 100d receives high marks, some users have noted a few issues. The most common complaint is the lack of battery power, which surprises those expecting portability. Others mention that the fan, while quiet, is not silent and can be heard in very quiet recordings. A few users have reported that the Bowens mount can be tight with some third-party accessories, but this is rare. Finally, the fixed color temperature is a limitation for those needing adjustable white balance.

Comparison with Alternatives

When compared to the Godox SL60W, the Amaran 100d offers 40% more output and better color accuracy. It also has a quieter fan. The Nanlite Forza 60B is a bi-color option but with only 60W output, making it less bright. The Amaran 60x is a smaller, battery-powered version but with lower output. For most users, the 100d strikes the best balance of performance, price, and features.

Final Verdict

The Aputure Amaran 100d is a reliable, high-quality light that excels in studio environments. It is not for everyone, but if you need a bright, accurate daylight source and do not require portability or app control, it is an excellent choice. Check the current price on Amazon to see if it fits your budget.