ZHIYUNM40 LED Video Light, FIVERAY M40 40W Bi-Color Portable Light Panel for Photography 14000 Lux@0.3m 2700K-6200K CRI 96+/TLCI 97+ Built-in Fans Support PD Fast Charge

As a passionate hobbyist photographer, I’m always on the lookout for gear that’s not only portable but also powerful enough to meet the demands of varied shooting environments. The Zhiyun M40 LED Video Light has impressed me in just about every way, from its compact design to its exceptional brightness and versatility.Compact Yet Incredibly BrightAt just 320g and roughly the size of my hand, the M40 packs a serious punch for its size. I’ve found its maximum brightness to be more than sufficient for most scenarios, whether I’m shooting in low-light interiors or creating dramatic lighting setups outdoors. It won't compete with the sun, but nothing this small ever could. The adjustable dial for brightness is a standout feature, giving me precise control to dial in the perfect amount of light with ease.Impressive Color AccuracyThe color accuracy claims—CRI 96+ and TLCI 97+—hold up well in my experience. The M40’s bi-color capability, with a range from 2700K to 6200K, has made it easy for me to switch between warm and cool tones, depending on the mood I’m aiming for. The continuous dial allows for seamless transitions between color temperatures, and I’ve been able to achieve just the right balance in a wide variety of situations.Cooling and DurabilityOne thing I was initially concerned about was heat management, especially with such a small yet powerful light. To my surprise, even after extended use, the light hasn’t heated up enough to trigger the built-in cooling fans, which is reassuring. While I haven’t had to rely on the fans yet, the fact that the light stays cool during operation is a big plus.Portable and User-FriendlyFor an on-the-go hobbyist, the fast charging is a game-changer. It makes it easy to charge the M40 quickly between shoots, so I never have to worry about running out of power when I need it most. The light fits snugly on any tripod with its quarter-inch screw holes, and the build quality feels solid enough to endure a bit of rough handling. That said, I do wish Zhiyun had included a carrying case or bag. While it fits in my pockets, it's slightly bulky, and I’d prefer a little extra protection when tossing it in my camera bag. Thankfully, it’s sturdy, so I’m not too worried about it getting knocked around.Final ThoughtsAll in all, the Zhiyun M40 has become a must-have in my lighting kit. It’s compact, bright, and versatile, offering excellent color accuracy and easy portability. If Zhiyun had thrown in a carrying case, it would be perfect, but that’s a minor gripe for an otherwise exceptional product. Highly recommended for anyone needing a powerful yet portable light source!

I love taking pictures of my family, but I always seem to struggle with getting the lighting just right. I decided to buy a light panel that I could use anywhere. I own other Zhiyun products (their AI powered gimbals are fantastic!), so I checked what they offered first. Compared to other products on the market, I found everything I needed in this Fiveray M40 (40 watt) Pocket LED light. Amazon had the best deal on this light compared to all the other photography stores I checked.I was impressed with the piece of technology I received when my package arrived. This thing is quite a professional unit in terms of build quality and ease of use. The range of light warmth and brightness is honestly amazing for such a small item. I particularly like that I can mount the light on my tripod in either the horizontal or vertical position. The sample pictures of a house plant included in my review are a good example of how perfectly I'm able to adjust the warmth and brightness to provide truly flattering light. The pictures you see are no lighting and lit by the M40 at 4500k warmth and only 15% brightness! As you can see, the green leaves are vibrant as a result of having correct lighting. I'm convinced all my family photos will be moved up to professional quality as a result of using this light. I intend to buy the silicone diffuser cover for the M40 soon. For an extra $10 I can turn my living room into a portrait studio!The light quick charges, too. I was able to get it fully charged in about an hour using a USB-C PD quick charger. The manufacturer says this light will last for about 30 min at full brightness- which is just insane battery life in my opinion because this light gets blindingly bright at full power. The fan kicked on when I was using it recently after about 30 min on medium brightness and I could barely tell the cooling fan was on as it was super quiet. The M40 did get a little warm but it wasn't too hot to hold.I think this panel light could be a great addition to a live streamer's or a product reviewer's equipment kit. It works perfectly for my family photo needs and fits neatly into my camera bag so I can take it anywhere. I continue to be impressed by Zhiyun's product quality and affordability.

Zhiyun, for those not familiar with the brand, is a well-established name in the gimbal world. They are known for producing solidly built and performing models of various capabilities and prices. So, it comes as no surprise that this puny light that weighs less than a pound (320g) and footprint of no more than a smartphone can deliver such solid performance.The build quality is top notch, even though it is fully made from plastic (except for the built-in metal stand). It does not feel at all flimsy, due to the high-quality plastic used. The dials feel smooth and clearly labeled for utility. The built-in stand that you can swing out to use as a leg on its own or attach to a C stand (with 2 ¼” mounting holes) assuredly stays in place wherever you swing it out to. And the unit looks slick. It reminded me of a sci-fi film prop.In use, the battery life is plenty. Unless you’re using it at its full brightness all the time, it should last you well over 30 minutes. For reference, the light ran for 90 minutes at about quarter brightness. On full blast the battery will run for about 25 to 30 minutes.The color accuracy when using the built in dial indicator is spot on. The temperatures range from 2,700 – 6,200k, so it does warm and cool lights, depending on the need. As for its operating temperature, it always ran rather cool, thanks to its built-in fan and abundance of vents.At the price the M40 is offered, I think this is a no brainer for those looking for a dependable on-the-go lighting solution. If you are new to Zhiyun, start with this, you will not be disappointed.