Aputure makes LED lighting for film, video and photography: point-source COB lights, RGB panels, tube lights and the modifiers that shape them. Its store sells two families side by side, the professional Light Storm range and the cheaper amaran range, and the same product can be bought in several output and colour versions.
An Aputure order goes well when you match the light to the job rather than the spec sheet. Output, colour mode, mount and power source decide whether the light earns its place on a shoot, and each of those choices carries a price step.
Light Storm or amaran
Light Storm is Aputure's flagship line. The LS 600 and LS 1200 series are built for rental houses and productions: metal housings, weather resistance on the Pro models, higher output and wired DMX control alongside the app.
amaran is Aputure's own budget brand, sold through the same store. The amaran COB lights, tube lights and panels use the same Sidus Link app and most of the same accessories, with lighter plastic bodies and lower peak output.
For a solo creator or small studio, an amaran light plus a good modifier usually beats a Light Storm light with none. Spend the difference on the softbox.
Buy Light Storm when the light will travel, get rained on, or need to be matched with what a hire company already stocks.
Daylight, bi-colour or RGB
Aputure's naming tells you the colour type. A d suffix means daylight only, fixed around 5600K. That gives the highest output per watt and the lowest price. Gel it or use a filter if you need warm light.
An x suffix means bi-colour, adjustable from warm tungsten to cool daylight. You lose some peak output at either end of the range because only part of the LED array is working.
A c suffix means full colour RGBWW. That adds saturated colours, gel presets and effects like fire and lightning. It costs more per unit of white output, so only pay for it if colour is part of your look.
For interviews and product work, daylight Aputure lights are the value choice. For music video and social content, an RGB Aputure light saves buying gels.
Reading the output numbers
Aputure quotes wattage in the model name, so a 300d draws roughly 300W and a 600d roughly 600W. Wattage predicts brightness within a family, but not between a COB light and a panel.
A more useful figure is lux at a stated distance with a reflector fitted. Aputure publishes these on each product page. Compare like with like: the same modifier, the same distance.
A COB light through a large softbox loses several stops of light. If you plan to shoot through diffusion, size up from the output that seems adequate bare.
Bowens mount and modifiers
Most Aputure and amaran COB lights use the Bowens S-type mount. That is the reason to buy in: the Light Dome softboxes, Lantern, Spotlight Mount and Fresnel all fit, and so do many third-party softboxes.
Check the mount before adding a modifier to an Aputure basket. Tube lights, panels and the small MC lights use their own accessories, not Bowens.
The Spotlight Mount and the larger Fresnel have a weight and heat rating. Aputure lists which lights each one supports; a projection lens on an over-powered light is a fire risk.
Power on location
Aputure's larger lights run from mains through a ballast, and many also accept V-mount or Gold Mount batteries. Check how many batteries a given output needs; a 600W-class Aputure light may need two high-capacity packs for full brightness.
The smaller amaran COB lights often have a battery plate on the ballast or the head itself. If you shoot away from mains, read the battery section of the product page before buying, and budget for batteries and a charger separately.
Sidus Link, Aputure's app, controls the lights over Bluetooth mesh. It is free, but larger productions may want the DMX ports only Light Storm models carry.
Warranty and where to buy
Buying from Aputure's own store gives you the manufacturer warranty and direct support. Grey-market units from marketplaces may not be covered in your region. Register the light after purchase.
Aputure ships from regional warehouses, so delivery times and any import charges depend on where you are. Check the shipping page for your country before ordering a heavy kit.
Returns for change of mind are generally possible on unused gear within a stated window, but Aputure's policy varies by region. Confirm the current return terms and who pays return freight on a large light.
Where the Aputure savings are
The percentage code wins on any Aputure light costing more than $500, which covers most Light Storm models. On an amaran light or a modifier under $500, the $50 code is the larger saving.
Aputure codes are usually one per order and may exclude new releases and bundles. If a code will not apply, try it on the light alone and buy the modifier in a second order.
Aputure's biggest price cuts come with product refreshes. When a new generation of a Light Storm or amaran light launches, the outgoing model drops sharply and is still fully supported.
Bundles with a light, softbox and grid are often cheaper than the parts, and the code usually applies on top. Compare both before checkout.
Common questions
Is amaran the same company as Aputure?
Yes. amaran is Aputure's budget brand, sold through the Aputure store and controlled by the same Sidus Link app.
Do I need the RGB version of an Aputure light?
Only if you use saturated colour or effects. For interviews and product video, a daylight Aputure light gives more output for less money.
Will my existing softboxes fit an Aputure COB light?
If they are Bowens S-type mount, yes. Aputure tube lights and panels use different accessories.
Can I run an Aputure light on batteries?
Most COB models take V-mount or Gold Mount packs, but higher outputs may need two. Check the product page for your model.
| Discount | Type | Get the deal |
|---|---|---|
| $50 off | Promo code | View at Aputure → |
| 10% off | Promo code | View at Aputure → |
| $10 off | Promo code | View at Aputure → |
| $20 off | Promo code | View at Aputure → |