Godox ML60 Review

The Godox ML60 is a compact 60W LED light that has become a favorite among content creators, vloggers, and photographers who need a portable yet powerful lighting solution. With its small footprint, excellent color accuracy, and silent operation, it promises to be a versatile tool for both stills and video. But is it the right light for you? Our editorial team compared specifications, buyer feedback, and key decision factors to give you an honest assessment.

Design and Build Quality

The ML60 is strikingly small, measuring just 3.1 x 3.1 x 4.1 inches and weighing only 1.1 pounds (without the battery grip). It is essentially the size of a soda can, making it one of the most portable 60W lights on the market. The housing is made of aluminum, which feels sturdy and helps dissipate heat. The light stand mount is a metal U-bracket that allows for tilting, but it is not a standard 5/8 inch receiver, so you may need an adapter for some light stands.

The control panel is simple and intuitive, with a single dial for adjusting brightness and a small LCD screen that displays the output percentage and battery level. There is also a power button and a wireless control button. The dial has a slight resistance, which some users find a bit stiff, but it is precise and easy to use.

Performance and Output

Despite its size, the ML60 delivers a surprising amount of light. At 60W, it produces around 2,000 lux at 1 meter with the included reflector, which is comparable to a 600W tungsten light. This makes it suitable for key lighting in small to medium-sized scenes, product photography, or as a fill light in larger setups. The brightness is adjustable from 0% to 100% in 1% increments, giving you fine control.

Color accuracy is excellent, with a CRI of 96 and TLCI of 97, ensuring that colors are rendered naturally. The color temperature is fixed at 5600K, which is a standard daylight balance. There is no bi-color option, so you will need to use gels if you want to match other light sources.

Ease of Use and Portability

One of the biggest selling points of the ML60 is its portability. You can easily slip it into a camera bag or even a large pocket. The included AC adapter is compact, but it does add to the bulk if you are carrying it around. For on-location work, the optional battery grip is a game-changer. It attaches to the back of the light and holds two NP-F batteries, providing about an hour of full-power output with two NP-F970 batteries. This makes it possible to use the light in remote locations without access to power.

The ML60 also supports wireless control via the Godox Light app, which is available for iOS and Android. You can adjust brightness, turn the light on/off, and even group multiple lights for synchronized control. This is a handy feature for multi-light setups, as it eliminates the need to walk back and forth to adjust each light individually.

Accessories and Mounting Options

The ML60 uses a proprietary mini mount, which is a limitation if you already own Bowens-mount modifiers. However, Godox offers a range of dedicated accessories, including a mini softbox, a reflector, and a barn door. The included reflector is a standard 7-inch reflector that attaches via a simple twist lock. To use other modifiers, you can purchase an adapter that converts the mount to a Bowens mount, but this adds extra cost and bulk.

One notable omission is the lack of a built-in umbrella mount. Many lights in this class have a hole in the mount for attaching an umbrella, but the ML60 does not. You will need to use a separate umbrella adapter, which is an extra expense. This may be a dealbreaker for photographers who frequently use umbrellas for soft light.

Battery and Power Management

As mentioned, the ML60 can be powered by either AC or battery. The AC adapter is included and works well for studio use. The battery grip is sold separately, and it is a worthwhile investment for those who need portability. The grip attaches securely and features a standard 1/4-inch thread on the bottom, allowing you to mount the light on a light stand or tripod. The battery life depends on the capacity of the NP-F batteries you use. With two NP-F970 batteries (6600mAh each), you can expect around 1 hour of full-power output. Lower power settings will extend the battery life significantly.

Common Buyer Complaints

While the ML60 has received overwhelmingly positive feedback, there are a few common complaints. The most frequent is the lack of a Bowens mount, which limits compatibility with existing softboxes and other modifiers. Some users also find the proprietary battery grip to be overpriced, especially when compared to the cost of the light itself. Another minor issue is that the control dial can be a bit stiff, making it slightly awkward to adjust when the light is mounted high on a stand. Finally, a few users have reported that the light gets warm to the touch after prolonged use, although this is normal for LED lights with passive cooling.

Comparison with Alternatives

The ML60 competes with other compact 60W lights such as the Aputure Amaran 60x and the Nanlite Forza 60B. The Amaran 60x is a bi-color light with a Bowens mount, making it more versatile for color temperature adjustment and modifier compatibility. However, it is slightly larger and heavier than the ML60. The Nanlite Forza 60B is also a bi-color option with a similar form factor, but it has a built-in fan that can be noisy during video recording. The ML60 stands out for its silent operation and compact size, but if you need bi-color capability or a Bowens mount, you might want to consider the alternatives.

Conclusion and Verdict

The Godox ML60 is a well-engineered, compact LED light that delivers impressive performance for its size. Its excellent color accuracy, silent operation, and portability make it a top choice for content creators and photographers who need a reliable light for on-the-go use. The main drawbacks are the lack of a Bowens mount and the extra cost of the battery grip. If you can work with the proprietary mount and are willing to invest in the battery grip, the ML60 is a versatile and valuable addition to your lighting kit. For those who prioritize modifier compatibility or need bi-color output, the Amaran 60x or Forza 60B may be better options. Check the current price on Amazon to see if the ML60 fits your budget.