Aputure LS C120D II vs Godox VL150 | Comparison

In this post, we’ll be comparing two famous LEDs in the market: Aputure LS C120D II vs Godox VL150. Aputure LS C120D II is a 180W COB LED model from the Aputure Light Storm lineup and an upgrade to the first generation C120D LED. Godox VL150, on the other hand, is a 150W COB LED from the Godox VL series that comes at a much affordable price than the LS C120D II. Let’s see how they both compare and if one offers a better value for money than the other.

Price Comparison | Aputure LS C120D II vs Godox VL150

Aputure LS C120D II vs Godox VL150

Photometrics

The 150 W powered Godox VL150 delivers 6400 lux at 1 m with a bare bulb. This luminance value increases to 61000 lux at 1 m with the reflector. In comparison to VL150, the 180W Aputure LS C120D II offers a brighter output of 7000 lux at one meter with a bare bulb. When coupled with a 2X Fresnel the lux value increase to an incredible 67000 at 1m. Note that Aputure LS C120D II can only produce only 24000 lux compared to the 61000 lux at 1m with the in-box reflector. This difference in light output is obvious here due to the wattage difference. Aputure LS C120D II no doubt is capable of offering a brighter output than VL150, it loses against the Godox model when it comes to light output per watt.

Winner: Godox VL150 (Amazon) – Offers brighter light output per watt than Aputure LS C120D Mark II

Power Ratings & Connectivity

Aputure LS C120D II has a higher 180 W rating compared to the 150 W of Godox VL 150. Both models share the same operating current(2A) and power supply rating, AC100~240V 50/60Hz. In addition, both models use the same battery plate 1 x V-Mount. In terms of connectivity, Aputure LS C120D II features a 5-pin XLR whereas the Godox VL150 is equipped with a 4-pin XLR power input connector.

Color Temperature

Aputure LS C120D II boasts a persistent 5500K color temperature whereas the Godox VL150 offers a range of 5600K ± 200K temperature. In addition, the cooler Aputure LS C120D II also features a higher TLCI (≥97) than the VL150 (≈95). However, both models offer a CRI rating of 96.

Winner: Aputure LS C120D II (Amazon) – Offers slightly better color accuracy than Godox VL150.

Dimming

Dimming functionality in LEDs come in extremely handy. This saves a lot of time as it eliminates the need to change the lighting to control the brightness that suits a scene. Aputure LS C120D II features non-linear dimming from 100% to 1% in <10% fine adjustments. The Godox VL150 provides better control over the lighting by providing a linear control. It is dimmable down to 0% from full brightness.

Winner: Godox VL150 (Amazon) – Offers slightly better control over dimming.

Other Features

Godox VL150 is lighter than the Aputure LS C120D II. VL150 weighs 1.79kg (3.95 lb) whereas Aputure LS C120D II weighs 2.2kg (4.85 lb). Both models also feature a cooling fan with very less or no noise. This is very helpful while recording videos as a silent fan will not deteriorate the audio quality.

Specifications | Aputure LS C120D II vs Godox VL150

After the above analysis, it is safe to say that the performances of both Aputure LS C120D II and Godox VL150 are on par with each other. The build quality of the Godox model is also good as the Aputure LS C120D II.

Our recommendation: Godox VL150 (Amazon) – Offers better value for the money.