Reviews |Zhiyun FIVERAY M40 Review

Zhiyun FIVERAY M40 Review

A powerful versatile lighting solution for photographers and videographers

Zhiyun FIVERAY M40 Review
Review

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Saturday March 18, 2023

By Ali Jennings

Price when reviewed

£99

$99
Check current price

Our Verdict

The FIVERAY M40 is a game-changer for photographers who value portability and efficiency. This pocket-sized powerhouse offers incredible value for money, given its performance capabilities and compact dimensions. With a size of 136.5×77.8x29mm and weighing in at only 320g, it is perfect for photographers and videographers who want to travel light without sacrificing quality.

One of the standout features of the M40 is its impressive brightness. Despite its small size, it packs a punch with a maximum power output of 40W, rivaling the performance of larger, more expensive lighting solutions. The device offers a wide colour temperature range of 2700K-6200K, catering to various lighting scenarios with a high CRI index (≥96) and TLCI (≥97), ensuring accurate colour rendition.

The FIVERAY M40 is incredibly easy to use, with dual wheels for precise dimming and adjustments to colour temperature. The 1/4-inch threaded hole on the fold-down mount arms, one on the base and one on the side, allows easy mounting on tripods or light stands with a 1/4-inch adapter, providing a quick lighting setup. The 360° rotational stand further expands its versatility, enabling multiple positioning options to suit different shooting situations.

Despite its numerous advantages, the M40 does have some drawbacks. The most notable is its limited battery life when operating at full power. With a runtime of only 29 minutes, you may need to carry extra batteries or a power source for longer shoots and I found the SmallRig VB99 an ideal partner.

Another downside is the absence of Bluetooth connectivity, which could limit remote control options for those who prefer a wireless setup. Lastly, the M40 has limited light modifier options, potentially hindering its adaptability in some situations.

The FIVERAY M40 is a fantastic investment for photographers seeking a compact, powerful, and versatile lighting solution. While it does have some minor shortcomings, its benefits far outweigh the negatives. The M40’s durable design, build quality, and affordable price make it an attractive choice for both amateur and professional photographers.

For

  • Excellent value for money
  • Exceptionally bright, compact size
  • Highly versatile lighting tool

Against

  • Short battery life at maximum output
  • Lacks Bluetooth connectivity
  • Limited light modifier options

What is the FIVERAY M40

The FIVERAY M40 is a compact lighting solution that delivers powerful illumination at an affordable price, making it an ideal choice for photo and video enthusiasts. This lightweight, versatile light offers plenty of flexibility in terms of power and colour temperature, ensuring that it caters to a wide range of shooting scenarios.

Weighing just 320g, the M40 can be easily transported in backpacks such as the excellent Shimoda Explorer V2 30L backpack and mounted on a tripod or light stand thanks to its 1/4-inch screw thread. This portability, combined with its powerful 40W output, makes it a go-to option for photographers and videographers looking for a convenient yet potent lighting solution.

An optional silicone diffuser is available, further expanding the creative possibilities of the M40. With its impressive performance and flexibility, three M40 lights would make an ideal lighting rig for most users, especially in product photography settings.

Zhiyun FIVERAY M40 Review

Specification

  • Maximum power output: 40W
  • Colour temperature range: 2700K-6200K
  • LED chips: 88 cool light chips and 88 warm light chips
  • CRI : ≥96
  • TLCI: ≥97
  • Mounting options: 2x 1/4-inch threaded holes
  • Power: Built-in 6S/2600mAh Li-ion battery
  • Runtime: 29-minute at full power
  • Charging: PD fast charge protocol

Performance

The FIVERAY M40 excels in delivering on its promises. Its compact size and lightweight design make it highly portable, while the powerful 40W of illumination ensures that it can handle a variety of lighting scenarios. The flexibility to use the M40 handheld or tripod-mounted makes it perfect for easy portrait photography.

Adjusting the colour temperature is a breeze, allowing the M40 to blend seamlessly with natural and artificial light sources. While one light is useful, having three to four M40s in your pack will provide a formidable constant lighting solution. In use, I couldn’t help but think that if the M40 featured Bluetooth control with the ability to control multiple lights simultaneously, it would significantly enhance the experience.

On top of that, an RGB version of the M40 would be a welcome addition, expanding its creative capabilities even further. Ultimately this is a phenomenal product that has so much potential.

Zhiyun FIVERAY M40 Review Zhiyun FIVERAY M40 Review

Final thoughts

The FIVERAY M40 is one of the best compact lighting solutions I have used. Its scope and flexibility make it an invaluable tool for photographers and videographers.

The easy controls and versatile mounting options ensure that the M40 can be used effectively in a range of setups.

While I wish there were more light modifier options beyond the optional silicone diffuser, the M40 still impresses with its capabilities. The lower battery life at full power is a minor drawback, but the PD fast charge protocol helps to mitigate this issue. With the internal power supply, the M40 can provide 10W of power over an hour and a half and in real terms use you switch the light off and on to preserve battery life anyway.

Zhiyun FIVERAY M40 Review

Overall, the FIVERAY M40 is an excellent option for those seeking a powerful, portable, and versatile lighting solution.