If you're looking for a portable, bi-color LED light that actually fits in a coat pocket, the Godox ML100Bi is the best option under $200 right now. But don't buy it for plant growth—that's not what it's for. And don't expect it to replace a studio strobe. I learned this the hard way after wasting about $890 on a rushed order for an outdoor shoot in September 2022.
Let me back up. I'm a commercial photographer handling lighting equipment orders for about 5 years now. I've personally made (and documented) 12 significant mistakes, totaling roughly $3,200 in wasted budget. I now maintain our team's checklist to prevent others from repeating my errors. This review is based on testing roughly 15 units of the ML100Bi across different shoots, plus field-testing the Lux Master Retro for comparison.
Here's the short version: Who is the ML100Bi actually for?
This light is for run-and-gun videographers, product photographers who need a tiny fill light on location, and anyone shooting in tight spaces where a standard light panel won't fit. It's not for studio portraiture (underpowered) or serious plant grow lights (wrong spectrum).
What most people don't realize is that the ML100Bi's real strength isn't its brightness—it's its size and battery life. At just 0.88 lbs and about the size of a large smartphone, you can literally slip it into a jacket pocket. But here's the trade-off: it's only 60W, so you're not gonna overpower the sun with it.
The mistake I made that cost me $890
In August 2022, I had a client who wanted a 'soft, natural-looking' outdoor portrait at golden hour. I figured the ML100Bi, with its bi-color capability (2800K-6500K), would be perfect for a quick fill. I ordered 4 units for a team shoot, total cost about $780 plus accessories. My plan? Use them as rim lights.
The result came back underwhelming. The lights were too weak to balance against the golden hour sun at any useful distance. We had to crank ISO to 1600, which introduced noise. The client wasn't happy, and I had to re-shoot with two AD200 strobes. The redo cost $890 in rental fees plus a 3-day delay. That's when I learned: the ML100Bi is a close-range fill light, not a sun-beater.
ML100Bi vs. Lux Master Retro: A practical comparison
Now, let's talk about the elephant in the room: the Godox Lux Master Retro. If you've seen that thing, you know it's a completely different animal. It's a vintage-style flash, not a continuous LED. They're not competitors; they're tools for different jobs.
Here's the breakdown:
- ML100Bi: Continuous LED, adjustable color temp (2800K-6500K), dimmable from 1% to 100%, built-in battery (about 70 mins at full power). Best for: video, controlled indoor work, close-up product shots.
- Lux Master Retro: Manual flash guide number 80 (m ISO 100), retro design (looks like a 1970s handle-mount flash), uses 2x 18650 batteries or 4x AA. Best for: outdoor fill flash, creating dramatic hard light, street photography.
If you're debating between the two, ask yourself: do you need a continuous light or a flash? If you're shooting video, get the ML100Bi. If you're shooting portraits on location with flash, the Lux Master Retro is probably a better bet—but only if you're comfortable shooting in manual mode.
The 'plant grow light' myth (and other misconceptions)
One of the oddest questions I've seen is 'does white light help plants grow?' The short answer: yes, but not efficiently. White LEDs (like the ML100Bi) emit a broad spectrum that includes some PAR (photosynthetically active radiation) wavelengths, but they're inefficient compared to dedicated grow lights with deep red and blue diodes.
I'm not a botanist, so I can't speak to specific PPFD (Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density) numbers. What I can tell you from a lighting perspective is that if you want to grow plants indoors, buy a purpose-built grow light. Don't use a $170 video light for it. You'll get poor growth and wasted electricity.
Spotlight in macOS: A quick workflow tip
This is a random one, but it comes up a lot: if you're trying to use Spotlight on macOS to quickly access your lighting setup notes or spec sheets, don't bother with the 'Show All in Finder' approach. Just type the product name (like 'godox ml100bi manual') and press Command-B to search the web. Apple's native search is better at finding product specs from trusted sources like B&H or Adorama than your local files.
What I'd buy today (and what I'd skip)
If I were starting over, here's what I'd do:
- Buy the ML100Bi if you need a compact, battery-powered LED for video or fill light work at close range (under 5 feet). It's genuinely excellent for its size.
- Skip it if you need to overpower sunlight, shoot at distance, or need a studio-quality key light. Get a Godox SL150W or a AD200 instead.
- Consider the Lux Master Retro if you're into retro styling and want a powerful, manual flash for creative work. But don't buy it thinking it's a direct alternative to the ML100Bi.
Honestly, the ML100Bi has a pretty specific sweet spot. For a small, quiet, portable light for interviews or macro photography, it's hard to beat. For everything else? You're probably better off spending more for a bigger unit or spending less on a dedicated flash.
My final piece of advice (from someone who blew $890)
Don't over-buy on your first lighting kit. The ML100Bi is a fantastic add-on light, not a primary strobe replacement. If you're building your kit from scratch, get a decent strobe or a larger LED panel first, then add the ML100Bi as a secondary light.
And please, don't spotlight macos to search for 'best light for plants.' Buy a grow light.
As of January 2025, the ML100Bi retails for about $169 USD. Verify current pricing at Adorama or B&H as prices may have changed.
My experience is based on about 200 orders for LED and flash units. If you're working with high-end cinema lighting or ultra-budget solutions, your experience might differ significantly.