When a client asks for “one light that does everything”, nine times out of ten we answer with the Aputure LS 300x. It is not the most powerful light in our stock and it is not the newest, but it leaves the warehouse more often than any other. Here is why.

What it actually delivers

From the official Aputure page: bi-colour COB from 2,700 to 6,500 K, CRI and TLCI of at least 96, Bowens mount, up to 350 W draw. With the Fresnel 2X Aputure quotes over 56,000 lux at one metre; bare, between 5,100 and 7,500 lux depending on colour temperature. The head weighs about 7.3 kg and control is complete: 2.4 GHz remote, Bluetooth with Sidus Link, 5-pin DMX.

One thing you should know: Aputure lists the 300x as discontinued, replaced by the STORM 400x. For rental it changes nothing, the output is the same as yesterday and the Bowens accessory ecosystem is huge. If you were planning to buy one, it is a good reason to think twice.

Who we recommend it for

  • Interviews and corporate: one 300x with a large softbox replaces three small lights, and you dial it in from your phone without touching the stand.
  • Commercials and music videos indoors: as key or backlight it has power to spare on small and medium sets.
  • Cine-weddings and documentaries: with V-mount batteries you can take it where there is no outlet.
  • Shaded exteriors: perfect for opening up a face under a porch or in a village alley. Against full sun you need more, and that is when we move to the LS 600x Pro.

Why rent instead of buy

A light like this, new, costs as much as a serious lens, and then you still need a softbox, a stand, batteries and chargers. If you use it on three or four jobs a year, the maths does not work. With us it is 35 euros a day plus VAT, 85 for three days and 125 for a week, reflector, control box and cables included. Delivery and pickup anywhere in Abruzzo at no extra cost.

Three tips from the set

  • Batteries: with a single V-mount the light runs at half power; for full output you need two. If you shoot on location without mains power, tell us in advance and we will prepare the right batteries.
  • Fan: cooling is active. On a scene with location sound, keep the light away from the microphone, or dim it.
  • Control box: keep it within reach. We always notice on day two, when everything has to move and the box is behind the head.

What it pairs with

With the Sony FX3 it makes a small-crew pair: clean high ISO and one well-shaped light. For bigger sets we put it next to the Nanlite Forza 720 as key and keep the 300x for the backlight. The rest is in our kits and the equipment catalogue.

Not sure whether one light is enough or you need two? Tell us what you are shooting and where: we will give you an honest answer, even when it is “the small one is enough”.