Head to head
Aputure Amaran 100d S vs SmallRig RC 120B (2027)
Head-to-head: Aputure Amaran 100d S versus SmallRig RC 120B on colour accuracy, temperature range, output and app ecosystems.
Aputure Amaran 100d S
The daylight COB benchmark with Sidus Link and a Bowens mount.
- Type: 100W daylight COB point light
- Colour: 5600K fixed, CRI 96+ / TLCI 96+ class, SSI (D56) 86 class
SmallRig RC 120B COB Light
A 120W bi-colour COB with punchy output and SmallRig app control.
- Type: 120W bi-colour COB point light
- Colour: 2700K to 6500K, CRI 95+ / TLCI 96+ class maker rated
Our recommendation
Buy the Amaran 100d S for colour-critical, daylight-controlled work and the Sidus ecosystem. Buy the RC 120B for mixed-light locations where one light must be both tungsten and daylight. Your shooting environments, not the spec sheet, should make this call.
Colour range versus colour purity
The SmallRig spans 2700K to 6500K; the Aputure is fixed at 5600K and spends its entire design budget on rendering that one temperature superbly, with published SSI scores the SmallRig does not match. Flexibility versus purity is the honest framing.
Output
Both are 100W class COBs with five-figure lux ratings through their reflectors, the SmallRig rated higher on paper at 120W. Through the same softbox at interview distance, exposure differences are small; modifier choice matters more than the gap.
Ecosystem and control
Sidus Link is the more mature multi-light app with scenes and a professional user base; SmallGoGo is capable and improving. Both lights take Bowens modifiers, so your softbox investment is safe either way.
Choose Aputure Amaran 100d S if…
- You control your set lighting completely
- Skin tone accuracy is your top buying criterion
- You plan a multi-light Aputure set over time
Choose SmallRig RC 120B COB Light if…
- You shoot in homes and offices with warm practicals
- You want one light to cover every colour temperature
- You want maximum rated output per dollar
Questions, answered
Which is quieter for dialogue?
Both are well behaved at interview distance. The SmallRig's quiet mode and the Aputure's fan tuning are comparable; placement and power level decide what the microphone hears.
Which holds resale value better?
Aputure, on brand strength and ecosystem demand. The SmallRig's value case is made at purchase, not at resale.
Can I mix them in one set?
Yes. Set both to a matched temperature, white balance the camera manually, and control them from their own apps. Colour rendering differences are small enough for most delivery work.