As LED lights continue to get smaller, lighter, cheaper, and more powerful, video creators who previously would've relied on natural light and 5-in-1 bounces are suddenly able to create dynamic, layered imagery that aids their story and takes their craft to the next level. One of the innovators in this space has certainly been SmallRig, a company that for years was mostly known for their camera cages. They've made huge strides with their lighting lineup in recent years, and the new RC 220B Pro Bi-Color LED Monolight marks one of their best attempts yet to bring high-end features to a prosumer price point. This 220W COB light is compact and well-equipped, packing a lot of punch into a small package. We put the 220B Pro through its paces in a studio environment and have returned with some thoughts.
Portability and Power Meet
The most exciting thing about this light for a lot of people is going to be its size and weight. Pictures don't do it justice, but at less than 4 lb and a mere 6.5 x 6.1 x 4.7", this thing is tiny. That means less space in your bag, yes, but also the ability to throw it into corners and pockets of your location with ease. I still used a sandbagged C-Stand because I had one handy, but this thing can definitely pair well with smaller light stands or improvised rigging material. The AC power supply plate that slots into the V-mount battery receptacle on the back of the light is also super tiny, a welcome change from the days of massive monolight power supplies. Switch to using V-mounts and you'll have a little more bulk, but you'll be cable free and have even more nooks and crannies to wedge the light into.
220W is nothing to scoff at. Sure, it can't really compete with the sun and I'd avoid using this as your key light for any complex or nuanced set-up, but it's more than enough throw for home studio use or a lot of fill light situations. The included reflector helps shape the light, while the 220B Pro's standard Bowens mount means you can swap the reflector out for a variety of accessories like a softbox or Fresnel lenses. Be careful when using the light with a softbox or other diffusion material though, as you may start to come up a little short on final output. There's a reason most production-ready lights start at 300W, but 220W is close enough to find a spot in your arsenal. SmallRig also claims the updated Pro model has a new lens that has better output, distribution, and color accuracy than the original 220B from 2022.
Light, Power, and Control Your Way
The other main selling point for this light is going to be its versatility. Though not RGB, its 2700 to 6500K variable color output is very respectable, and the light has nine effect modes including Paparazzi, Television, Lightning, Party, Flame, Fireworks, and more. With no RGB colors at its disposal, these effects aren't quite as vivid as you might be used to but being able to adjust their intensity and frequency is a nice touch. Control options are strong overall, with intuitive menus and knobs on the unit itself, as well as smartphone app control and a DMX mode (though that requires a SmallRig DMX adapter).
As previously mentioned, the 220B Pro can be powered through different methods. The back of the light has an integrated V-mount battery plate, but out of the box that's hidden by the pre-slotted-on AC Power Adapter unit. The cable is fairly long, and this will be the best way to get full consistent power. Removing the AC Adapter and slotting on a V-mount battery will make the light portable, but if your V-mount is under 20V, you'll be capped at 150W / 68% intensity. SmallRig says you can use an NPF/L-series adapter plate, but that will cap the light at 60W / 27% intensity. Maybe useful in an emergency, but far from ideal. I appreciate SmallRig giving us options, but if you need the full 220W intensity, you're better off sticking to mains power.
Accessories and Ideal Use Cases
In addition to the reflector dish, the 220B Pro comes with a nice, padded carry bag that's useful for storage and transport. Many creators will want to pair the 220B with a softbox but should be careful not to buy one too big. The lightweight nature of the fixture becomes a hazard here, as a heavy softbox could easily tip it forward unless weighed down with sandbags. Easier set-ups may involve external diffusion such as a bounce or sheet. Barndoors or Fresnel lenses should be no problem and can certainly make this light adaptable as an accent for set-ups that demand a more powerful key and fill. A built-in umbrella hole on the body is also a nice touch.
So, who is this light best for? Without a doubt, content creators working in home studios, podcast studios, or controlled environments could benefit greatly from such a small unit with good specs. Higher-end users could have it as a bonus or accent light on bigger set-ups, though needing an adapter for DMX control and V-mounts to make it portable does limit overall flexibility. If you're working on complex multi-person shoots, this probably isn't the light for you. If you're mostly working solo, wanting bang for your buck and a COB light that can hit all the core checkmarks, the 220B Pro suddenly becomes worthy of a very serious look.
For more information about the SmallRig RC 220B Pro Bi-Color LED Monolight, including additional features, specs, and highlights, be sure to check out its detailed product page. Or drop us a line below, and we'll do our best to answer all your comments and questions.
