SmallRig has recently unveiled the RC 220B Pro LED Video Light, marking a significant evolution in its COB lighting lineup. Promising professional-grade performance in a lightweight, compact package, the RC 220B Pro is positioned to be the go-to light for video creators of all levels. I’ve had the opportunity to put it through its paces in real-world production environments to see how it stacks up.
Build and Design
Weighing just 3.64 lb (1.65 kg), the RC 220B Pro is a breeze to transport and set up, making it a great option for run-and-gun filmmakers or mobile studio setups. When I first opened the package, I expected it to be just a part of the setup. However, the included high-quality carrying case actually contained the light, cord, reflector, AC power adapter, and light stand mount, to my surprise.
The build quality feels sturdy without being overly bulky. The body is a solid, sleek composite, while the mount is all metal with a damping feature on the support column. The mount features an umbrella mounting hole with a retaining screw. SmallRig has clearly considered portability while maintaining a robust design.
Key Features
Wide CCT Range and Versatility
The RC 220B Pro boasts a variable color temperature range of 2,700K to 6,500K, offering the flexibility to match various lighting conditions. Whether you're shooting warmly lit indoor scenes, daylight exteriors, or trying to match other lighting sources, the light's wide CCT range ensures accurate color reproduction. With a high CRI of 95+, it delivers exceptional color fidelity, ensuring skin tones and product colors appear natural on camera.
Professional Control Options
Control versatility is one of the RC 220B Pro’s standout features. You can operate it directly from the control panel, through the SmallRig smartphone app, or via DMX for advanced setups.
The dual-dial interface works well, providing dedicated controls over color temperature and intensity, with the clickable knobs allowing you to jump through preset intensity levels and typical CCT set points.
I’m particularly a fan of the app’s intuitive interface. It makes it easy to adjust brightness and color temperature remotely, which is particularly useful when the light is mounted in hard-to-reach places—all without requiring a separate remote or DMX controller purchase. The app also doesn’t feel cluttered or ask for overly intrusive permissions.
Power Options
Flexibility in power options is another major advantage of the RC 220B Pro. The included V-mount battery adapter allows for on-the-go shooting without compromising performance, while the standard AC power adapter works perfectly for studio setups. For even more portability, you can opt for an NPF-series battery adapter.
Unlike similar 200- or 300 W lights with monoblock-style designs, the RC 220B Pro’s AC adapter is a small unit that piggybacks onto the light, taking a standard C13 plug (SmallRig includes a 20 ft cable). By eliminating the proprietary cable or bulky PSU midway down the cord, the light is even easier to place and move around the set, as you just have to cable-manage a regular power cord.
Performance and Testing
One thing I was interested in seeing was how the RC 220B Pro’s redesigned lens and COB setup would work. Compared to the original RC 220B, SmallRig claims it maintains the same brightness while consuming 10% less power. That efficiency is a definite plus for extended shoots, especially when using battery power. In informal testing, I found that I could get the same apparent brightness at lower power levels on the RC 220B Pro, and the light looked as good or better compared to the previous RC 220B.
Furthermore, while the light can get very bright, the heat output compared to older continuous lighting setups is much lower. That makes it more comfortable to work around and allows for shooting more delicate subjects like flowers or ice cream without baking them in the process.
To be clear, this lens setup doesn’t replace a reflector or fresnel. Instead, it structures the light-producing element to provide “uniform light diffusion, true color representation, and light focus,” according to SmallRig’s marketing material. Running the light “bare bulb” still produces a very wide flood of light from the point source, while the included reflector tightens up the spread into a very pleasing beam with gradual falloff at the edges.
The Bowens mount enables the use of all your existing accessories, including softboxes and reflectors, and the results with them mounted were equally satisfying. The light filled all my modifiers without issues, and attaching and removing even the bulkiest modifiers was easy thanks to the top-mounted release button.
The fan-cooled system effectively manages heat without generating excessive noise. During my tests, even at maximum brightness, the fan noise was barely noticeable, making it suitable for interviews and other sound-sensitive shoots. SmallRig rates 100% output at 28 dB, with 20% output capable of fanless, 0 dB, passive cooling.
Final Thoughts
The SmallRig RC 220B Pro LED Video Light is a great choice for anyone looking to step up their lighting game. With its strong output, versatile control options, efficient power consumption, and flexible power array, it’s well-suited for a wide range of video and still photography applications.
At an MSRP of $369.99, the SmallRig RC 220B Pro offers a lot of output in a light with smart design choices. It combines professional features and robust performance at a price point that’s accessible to both independent creators and small production teams.
What really sets it apart, however, is the available discounts. At the time of publication, the light was seeing discounts of $74, pushing it below $300 and making it even more competitive against lights with fewer features from brands like Amaran, Godox, and even SmallRig’s previous RC 220B non-Pro model.
On the topic of alternatives, SmallRig does offer a 5,600K-only version of the light, which provides slightly higher output at the cost of a fixed color temperature. Still, I’ve much preferred the flexibility of a bi-color light and would recommend spending a little more for the bi-color version.
The SmallRig RC220B Pro is available from B&H as a kit that includes the reflector, adapter, cable, and carry bag, or as a two-light, two-softbox kit with a rolling case.
Pros:
- Very lightweight and compact, particularly for the wattage
- Wide CCT range (2,700K–6,500K) with excellent color accuracy (CRI 95+)
- Versatile power options
- Quiet fan cooling system
Cons:
- Use with an NPF battery requires an adapter sold separately
