Zhiyun Molus X100 review: Powerful LED lighting

Looking for some powerful lighting for photography and video in or out of the studio? Then perhaps the new Zhiyun Molus X100 might just be worth checking out.

This tiny, funky 100W pocket COB light certainly packs a punch when it comes to lighting, especially for still life and product shots in the studio. I have not had a chance to record many videos as yet, but I am sure this tiny little light will be more manageable than my big, clunky video light. I also love anything that can be cordless.

Out of the box, it’s pretty simple to use. The battery requires charging (takes about 3 hours), and then you’re ready to go. This light is incredibly powerful. You can set it anywhere from 1% to 100%. For a product shot, under 10% was more than adequate, which will extend the battery life. Let’s have a closer look!

Note: Zhiyun sent the Molus X100 kit to review. However, this is a completely independent review. All thoughts about this light are our own.

Pros

• Powerful and runs on a battery — no cables
• Variable controls for power and color temp (2700K — 6500K)
• Minimalist design, cool funky retro/vintage vibe
• Small and lightweight, easily fits in your hand
• Pocket COB light — a COB light is a panel of LED chips packed together very close
• Intelligent cooling with heat sink and fan
• The fan is whisper quiet, great for video
• Bluetooth connectivity for remote control
• Easy to read LCD panel for color temp and illumination ratio

Cons

• Came with limited light modifiers, but optional modifiers are available to buy
• Battery pack took about 3 hours to charge
• The battery on full power apparently lasts about 30 minutes
• It did come with a DC power cord, but not for Australia

Zhiyun Molus X100 — Technical specifications

All of the technical specifications are from their website/marketing material.

• Output Power: 100W
• Cooling Method: Active Cooling
• Runtime (with Battery Grip): 30 min (100% dim)
• Color Temperature Range: 2700K~6500K
• Illuminance In 4500K/100% Brightness (1 meter): 3881 lux
• TLCI Index: ≥97
• CRI Index: ≥95
• Dimming Range: 0~100%
• APP Control Method: Bluetooth
• Power Adapter Output Voltage/Current: AC100V~240V (50/60HZ)
• Power Supply Method: PD adapter, DC or Battery Grip
• Dimensions: 144.5x94x36.1 (WxDxH) mm
• X100 Net Weight: 385g
• X100 Grip Battery: 6x2600mAh
• X100 Grip Battery PD Charging Time: 2H33MIN （19.6V/1.4A 28W)
• X100 Grip Battery DC Charging Time: 2H24MIN （9.7V/3.1A 30W)
• X100 Grip Battery Size: 52.8x94x61 (WxDxH) mm Weight — 439 grams
• Operation Temperature: -10°～40°
• Extension: 1/4″ Threaded Hole
• Max Power: 100w
• Color Temp Range: 2700K — 6500K
• Light Effects: Music Mode
• Battery runtime: 30 min
• Max Power modern with light reflector: 17317 lux

Zhiyun Molus X100 — Versatility

You can adjust the light intensity and the color, I like 5600k. But that is really just a personal choice.

Ergonomics are great. There are warnings about it getting hot to the touch. But as I have not been using it at 100% or for long periods (no more than 3 hours) it didn’t really get very hot at all. It does have a fan, which is fairly quiet.

Built for professional exterior lighting for videos, podcasts etc. You can run on DC Power or fast charge via Type-C USB port.

Build quality

Small and sturdy, dials are firm and stable but easily turned. The battery locks in securely and comes off easily.

Out of the box

It comes in a handy carry case with the light, the battery pack a standard reflector and a power cable (not for Australia). I was also sent the attachment for sitting on a light stand.

Zhiyun Molus X100 — Lightweight yet mighty

Thanks to some innovative technology this little light might just change the way you see COB LED lights. Small and compact but very powerful for professional exterior (or interior) lighting. Great for streaming as well as product photography. Versatile and adaptable to whatever you want to use it for. And the best part, simple to use.

Mounting

I simply mounted mine on a light stand with the supplied bracket. You could mount it on a boom arm as well. has a standard tripod thread.

Setup

It’s so simple to use. Charge the battery and you’re set. Place it on a light stand, and press the red power button (you need to hold it in until the LCD lights up). Adjust the dials for power and color temp, will be output on the LCD screen. Add a reflector or softbox and shoot.

Final thoughts

I actually used this in a product photography workshop with students for three hours. They were impressed with how good it was and how easy it is to use as I was. It is a terrific light to add to my studio. I placed a small diffuser in front to soften the light, and it was only running on 4% of power output for the product shots required. That’s pretty impressive. The fact that it is so small and lightweight and runs on batteries is a big plus for me. While it is not particularly cheap, it’s on par with many good quality lights currently available.