Zhiyun Molus X100RGB Review: The Pocket-Sized Powerhouse That Changes Everything
Introduction: Big Power, Small Package
Every creator knows the problem: professional lighting kits are heavy, expensive, and a hassle to set up on location. But what if you could get all that power, versatility, and color in a light that fits in the palm of your hand?
This is the promise of the Zhiyun Molus X100RGB. This 100-watt light is designed to solve all of those problems, offering a portable and powerful solution for filmmakers, photographers, and content creators. Today, we're going to take a deep dive into it and see if it’s actually as good as it sounds.
(Disclaimer: This is the Pro Cam Mackey version, a collaboration between Zhiyun and acclaimed filmmaker Cam Mackey. While Zhiyun has sent me this light to try out, all thoughts and opinions in this review are my own, and they have no say in the final content. With that said, let's get into it.)
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Unboxing the Pro Kit: A Complete Solution
Right out of the gate, the unboxing experience tells you a story about the product. The light comes in a really nice case, and while I don't always use them, it's a great inclusion. But the moment you actually hold the light, you immediately feel how incredibly light it is. It's a completely different feeling from the bulky, cumbersome setups of the past. This feels like a tool you could actually take with you on a long hike, not a piece of equipment you’d have to lug around.
The Pro kit is a complete package. Inside, you get:
The MOLUS X100RGB light itself.
The detachable grip battery, which doubles as a comfortable handle.
A DC power adapter and a 100W PD fast charging cable.
Essential modifiers: the Mini Lens Reflector, the Mini 4-Leaf Barn Doors, and the Softbox 40D.
A power adapter pouch and a storage bag.
I also have the mini Spotlight Attachment, which is an optional accessory but one I would highly recommend if you get this kit. It opens up a world of creative possibilities.
In-Depth Analysis: Performance & Features
Physical Design & Build
Zhiyun’s latest entry into the portable lighting market is a marvel of engineering. The MOLUS X100RGB weighs just 384g, with a palm-sized design. It's the thinnest 100W RGB COB light on the market, with an ultra-thin heat sink and a total body thickness of only 3cm. The body is wrapped in vintage-style leather with precision embossing, giving it a premium texture and unparalleled craftsmanship.
Power & Brightness: Overpowering the Sun
This little light is a powerhouse. On its own, the X100RGB delivers a solid 3,110 lux. But the real magic happens when you attach the Mini Lens Reflector. This innovative modifier uses advanced multi-layer optical technology to eliminate hotspots and significantly boost central illumination. It gives you a peak illuminance of 12,600 lux at one meter in CCT mode, a 4.3x brightness boost that's equivalent to a 300W professional cinema light.
Color & Quality: Vibrant and Accurate
When it comes to color, this light is a game-changer. It boasts a high CRI of 95 and a TLCI of 97, ensuring your colors are accurate and true-to-life. The new light bead arrangement uses high-power RGB film-grade light mixing technology to deliver RGB colors with key light-level brightness. This means you can use vibrant colors not just as a subtle accent, but as a powerful primary light source in your professional setup.
Flexible Power System
The X100RGB has a flexible power system that makes it perfect for any situation. The detachable grip battery offers a comfortable 34 minutes of full-power runtime. It also supports PD fast charging from a minimum of 18W or can be powered directly via a DC adapter for continuous lighting on longer indoor or studio shoots.
The Modifier Ecosystem
The light is equipped with a dual mount system. The proprietary ZY mount supports all of Zhiyun's Mini light modifiers, and with the included adapter, it's also compatible with a wide range of standard Bowens mount modifiers.
Mini Lens Reflector: This ultra-thin reflector provides an incredibly uniform light spot and up to a 5x brightness boost.
Mini 4-Leaf Barn Doors: With a durable metal design and magnetic attachment, these allow for precise control of light on set, letting you add dramatic emphasis or highlight a single subject.
Softbox 40D: This offers a larger, softer light area for a more natural and flattering look, perfect for reducing harsh shadows and achieving a soft, wrapping light.
Spotlight Attachment: This delivers a sharp light projection with adjustable focus. Its small size is a game-changer, allowing you to create high-contrast, dramatic looks that would normally require a much larger and heavier light. The Pro kit even comes with 10 creative gobos to project intricate patterns and shapes, adding a unique layer of depth to your scenes.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Unmatched Portability: It's the thinnest 100W RGB COB light, making it a dream for creators on the go.
Massive Power Boost: With the Mini Lens Reflector, it delivers a massive 12,600 lux, rivaling much larger lights.
High-Power RGB: The vibrant colors can be used as a primary light source, not just an effect.
Flexible Power: The detachable battery, PD fast charging, and DC adapter provide versatile power solutions.
Silent Cooling: The innovative Dynavort technology ensures the fan is quiet, so it won’t interfere with your audio.
Versatile Modifiers: The dual mount system gives you access to Zhiyun's ecosystem and a wide range of Bowens mount modifiers.
Cons:
Limited Raw Output: Without the reflector, the light's raw output is only 3,110 lux, which means this key accessory is almost essential.
Proprietary Battery: The grip battery is proprietary, which can be a limitation for some users who prefer standard battery types.
Final Thoughts & Conclusion
The Zhiyun Molus X100RGB, co-designed with Cam Mackey, has had a real impact on how I approach my shoots. It’s a tool that truly gets out of the way and lets me focus on the story I’m trying to tell. It’s a portable, all-in-one system that empowers creativity and provides professional-level lighting without the fuss. I'm looking forward to using this much more on future shoots.
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