Some time again, I had the chance to evaluation the 100W Fiveray F100 Lightstick in addition to examine it to the earlier technology FR100C. Nonetheless, as compact as Zhiyun’s lightsticks are, typically you want one thing a little bit extra transportable. That’s the place a lightweight just like the pocket-sized Fiveray M40 is useful. Because of Zhiyun for sending this one out for evaluation.
Options
One of many largest advantages of the Fiveray M40 is its measurement. It measures in at 5.37 x 3 x 1.14 inches and weighs lower than one pound. This makes the Fiveray M40 simple to slide in a pocket for on the go or toss in a bag with out weighing you down.
The following smartest thing concerning the Fiveray M40 is its output. The brightness of this tiny mild is type of laborious to understand. It’s past spectacular how a lot mild the M40 places out for its measurement and it really works nice as a fill mild and might even step in for a key mild in a pinch. Particularly, when you’ve got a number of M40s readily available.
On prime of being shiny, the Zhiyun Fiveray M40 affords temperature controls starting from 2700-6500k with a CRI of over 95 to offer a variety of lighting choices with correct colour. Whereas we’re with reference to colour, there aren’t any RGB choices on the M40—however that’s positive—as a result of it allowed Zhiyun to squeeze in additional LEDs to offer elevated brightness.
One other characteristic I like concerning the M40 is how Zhiyun included two screw-hole mounts for tripods together with a rotating arm. This makes it handy to mount the Fiveray M40 vertical or horizontal whereas having the ability to rotate it to simply the correct angle.
Lastly, we’ve come to battery life which might be monitored with the 4 LEDs on the again. The Fiveray M40 can run at 40W for as much as half an hour or a little bit over 90 minutes when set to 10W. It’s powered by two built-in 18650 rechargeable batteries and makes use of a USB Sort-C port for charging.
The excellent news is it may be totally charged in as little as half-hour when utilizing a 50W succesful charger. The M40 additionally works whereas charging, so for those who’re close to an outlet or have an influence financial institution with sufficient output, you may run the M40 for longer intervals.
Efficiency
The Zhiyun Fiveray M40 is tiny and very shiny. Nonetheless, it’s not the softest mild supply on account of its compact measurement. It appears to be like finest when feathered off to the facet or when bounced off of a ceiling or wall. It’s a very good factor the M40 is so highly effective since you’ll lose some mild by modifying it, however that’s true of any mild supply. Regardless of the cruel direct mild and brief battery life, the true benefit of the M40 is its portability, versatile mounting choices, and having the ability to cost it whereas it’s in use.
Moreover, Zhiyun additionally made the Fiveray M40 simple to make use of with easy controls, making it easy to set the temperature of the sunshine and the depth with a roll of the dial.
For video shooters, you’ll need to be careful for fan noise whereas utilizing the M40. The brighter it’s and the longer you utilize it, the louder it will get. It turns into even worse if it’s additionally charging whereas in use. This isn’t an issue for those who’re taking pictures photos, however for those who intend to make use of it for stay streaming it might get picked up in your mic. Though, in my expertise, the fan noise is kind of low.
I’ve taken the take a look at photographs on this evaluation utilizing my smartphone simply as in my previous Zhiyun opinions to point out how utilizing a high quality mild just like the Fiveray M40 can actually make all of the distinction it doesn’t matter what digital camera you’re utilizing.
Closing ideas
Zhiyun has outdone itself with the Fiveray M40. It has mixed tremendous shiny LEDs right into a sturdy compact housing with colour temperature choices and nice controls. It’s simple to mount, simple to make use of, and might be charged whereas in use. All of those add as much as a implausible mild to make use of for images and videography. The one caveats is the minimal fan noise and comparatively brief battery life. In addition to that, the Zhiyun Fiveray M40 makes a superb addition to your package, and at solely $99 it makes it tempting to select up a couple of.
