Zhiyun CF100 Review: The Best Portable Light I've Tested in 2025

The Zhiyun CF100 packs an impressive 2610 lux of portable lighting power into a sleek light stick design, matching the output of a 100W incandescent bulb. After extensively testing various lighting solutions throughout my career, I've found this level of performance remarkable for its size and $179 price point.

As a professional photographer and videographer, I know how crucial reliable portable lighting is for both photo and video work. The CF100 offers versatile color temperatures from 2700K to 6200K, while its built-in effects simulate everything from police lights to candlelight. Additionally, the DynaVort cooling system with six fans keeps it running quietly during extended shoots.

Whether you're shooting portraits, products, or interviews, this light promises professional-grade illumination without breaking the bank. In this hands-on review, I'll share my real-world experience with the CF100 and help you decide if it deserves a spot in your gear bag.

Upon unpacking the Zhiyun CF100, I immediately noticed its refined stick-light form factor. Despite housing a powerful lighting array, the CF100 maintains a streamlined profile measuring 502×46×47mm and weighing just 945g. This balance between power and portability makes it an excellent option for photographers and videographers who need professional-grade portable lighting without excessive bulk.

Key Technical Specifications

The CF100 delivers impressive performance specifications that punch above its weight class. In standard CCT mode, it produces 1370 lux at 1m (6500K), but switching to max power mode boosts output to 2610 lux at 1m (4300K). This versatility offers flexibility for various shooting conditions.

Color accuracy is exceptional with a CRI of ≥96 and TLCI of ≥98, ensuring true-to-life color reproduction essential for professional work. The color temperature range spans from 2700K to 6500K, covering everything from warm indoor lighting to daylight conditions.

For creative lighting setups, the HSI mode allows complete color control with hue (0°-360°), saturation (0-100%), and intensity (0-100%) adjustments. The RGB capabilities produce dedicated channel outputs of 55.2 lux (red), 143 lux (green), and 23.8 lux (blue) at 1m, perfect for creative background lighting effects.

Build Quality and Design

The CF100's construction feels robust yet practical. Consequently, the 324 LED chips are arranged behind a durable diffusion panel, creating even illumination across the light's surface.

Control is handled through an intuitive rotary dial with an integrated button that functions as both power switch and mode selector. The interface allows switching between FX, HSI, and full power modes with different button press combinations.

Notably, Zhiyun's DynaVort cooling system with six internal fans keeps the CF100 running efficiently without noticeable noise, even at maximum output. This thermal management is crucial for maintaining performance during extended shoots.

What's in the Box

The CF100 comes as a complete lighting solution including:

• CF100 stick light with built-in 6S/2600mAh battery
• Adjustable/removable barn doors for controlling light spill
• White diffuser pouch for softening light output
• PD charging cable
• Storage bag for transport and protection

The light features a standard 1/4-inch thread at the base, enabling mounting on any standard light stand or tripod. This thoughtful design element enhances the CF100's versatility as a portable lighting tool that can be used handheld or mounted for consistent illumination during longer shoots.



Real-World Performance in Professional Settings

Testing the CF100 in various professional scenarios revealed why this portable light has quickly become indispensable in my workflow. The light's versatility across different shooting environments demonstrates its practical value beyond the impressive specifications.

Portrait Photography Results

Initially, I was skeptical about using a stick light for portraiture, yet the CF100 proved remarkably effective. At full power (4300K/100%), the 2610 lux output created beautiful catchlights in my subjects' eyes. The included diffuser pouch softened harsh shadows effectively, producing flattering light even in challenging environments. For one outdoor golden hour shoot, I positioned the CF100 as a fill light to balance the natural sunset, creating dimension without overpowering the ambient glow.

Product Photography Lighting Tests

The CF100 truly shines in product photography setups. Its adjustable barn doors allowed me to create sharp edges or soft shadows, adding depth to product images. The high CRI (≥96) and TLCI (≥98) ratings ensured accurate color reproduction—absolutely critical when photographing items where color fidelity matters. For small products, I found the HSI mode particularly useful as it let me fine-tune hue, saturation, and intensity separately.

Video Interview Lighting Quality

For interview lighting, this portable lighting solution exceeded expectations. I tested it as both a key and fill light on a corporate interview project. The powerful output illuminated subjects clearly even in large conference rooms. The CF100's silent cooling system with six fans prevented any audio interference, a crucial feature often overlooked in portable lighting for video work.

Low-Light Performance Analysis

Perhaps most impressive was the CF100's performance in challenging low-light environments. In a dimly lit office setup, the max boost feature provided ample illumination without harsh shadows. The light maintained consistent output thanks to the DynaVort cooling system, even after 45 minutes of continuous use at high intensity. For nighttime outdoor shoots, the CF100's power-to-weight ratio made it an exceptional primary light source where traditional lighting would be impractical.



Portable Lighting Kit Integration

Integrating the CF100 into my existing portable lighting setup has proven remarkably straightforward, primarily due to its versatile design and power management system. Unlike bulkier lighting solutions, this stick light offers professional-grade illumination without the typical setup headaches.

Setting Up On Location

The CF100's compact form factor makes it exceptionally easy to transport and position in any environment. With a standard 1/4-inch thread at its base, I can quickly mount it on any tripod or light stand in my kit. For impromptu shoots, the lightweight 945g design allows for handheld operation when an assistant is available.

What truly sets this portable lighting solution apart is its flexibility in positioning. The vertical LED arrangement creates a distinctive light pattern that works well for both standard and creative lighting setups. The included barn doors effectively control light spill, allowing precise illumination even in confined spaces.

One afternoon while shooting in a cramped office setting, I appreciated how quickly I could adjust the CF100 without disrupting the flow of the session. The intuitive rotary control system made fine-tuning brightness and color temperature remarkably simple, altogether eliminating the need for extensive menu navigation.

Battery Life in Extended Shoots

Battery performance stands out as perhaps the CF100's most practical feature for professional work. Equipped with six 2600mAh internal batteries, this light delivers impressive runtime across various power settings. At full power in CCT mode, I consistently achieved over an hour of continuous operation.

The runtime varies significantly based on your selected settings:

• MAX Mode (4300K at 100%): 31 minutes
• CCT Mode (6500K at 100%): 1 hour 6 minutes
• CCT Mode (6500K at 50%): 2 hours 27 minutes
• CCT Mode (6500K at 20%): 5 hours 34 minutes

What truly elevates the CF100 for professional use is its triple power supply compatibility. The light supports simultaneous charging and usage via built-in battery, DC input, or PD charging. In fact, during a recent all-day product shoot, I kept the light running continuously by connecting it to a power bank, essentially creating an uninterrupted portable lighting solution that never faltered throughout the session.



Value Comparison: CF100 vs. Other Portable Lighting Solutions

Analyzing the market position of the CF100 reveals why this light has garnered attention among photography professionals searching for effective portable lighting solutions.

Price-to-Performance Ratio

At $179 for the combo package, the CF100 hits a sweet spot in the portable lighting market. This price includes the light stick, barn doors, diffuser, and storage bag—a complete lighting solution ready for professional use. Comparatively, many competing RGB lights with similar output typically cost $200-250, yet offer fewer accessories or lower maximum brightness.

The CF100's value proposition centers on its impressive 2610 lux output at 1m, which surpasses most similarly-priced alternatives. The triple power supply option (built-in battery, DC, and PD charging) provides flexibility that budget-friendly options often lack. Although not the cheapest option available, the performance-to-price ratio places it firmly in the "professional value" category for portable lighting kits.

Comparison with Zhiyun Fiveray F100

The CF100's closest relative is Zhiyun's premium F100 model, priced $70 higher at $249. Despite the price gap, these lights share remarkably similar specifications:

• Both offer 100W maximum power output
• Both contain 324 LED chips
• Both provide approximately 31 minutes of runtime at maximum power.

However, there are notable differences. The CF100 delivers marginally higher peak illuminance (2610 lux vs. 2300 lux at 1m) and features a slightly wider color temperature range (2700K-6500K vs. 2700K-6200K). Additionally, the CF100 produces more powerful RGB output, with red (55.2 lux vs. 36 lux), green (143 lux vs. 100 lux), and blue (23.8 lux vs. 19 lux).

How It Stacks Against Non-Zhiyun Alternatives

When compared with popular alternatives like the Godox AD300Pro, the CF100 offers different advantages. While the Godox provides more raw power for key lighting, the CF100 excels in portable fill lighting and creative RGB effects. Likewise, compared to ring lights such as the Elgato Ring Light or Lume Cube Pro, the CF100 offers greater versatility through its form factor and effects capabilities.

For photographers requiring continuous portable lighting, the CF100 occupies a distinct niche between budget tube lights with harsh output and costlier professional continuous lighting systems. Overall, the CF100 represents excellent value primarily for content creators, product photographers, and videographers who need versatile, color-accurate lighting in a highly portable form factor.



Conclusion

After extensive testing across multiple professional scenarios, I can confidently say the Zhiyun CF100 stands out as one of the most versatile portable lights available today. Though initially skeptical of its stick-light design, the CF100's powerful 2610 lux output and professional-grade color accuracy have consistently delivered exceptional results for both photo and video work.

The combination of silent operation, reliable battery life, and thoughtful features like barn doors and diffusion options makes this light particularly valuable for professional photographers who need dependable portable lighting. Additionally, the triple power supply system ensures uninterrupted shooting, while the intuitive controls allow quick adjustments without disrupting creative flow.

Despite some competitors offering higher raw power output, the CF100's $179 price point delivers remarkable value, especially considering its complete accessory package and versatile RGB capabilities. Based on my experience, this light proves ideal for content creators, product photographers, and videographers seeking professional-quality portable lighting without excessive bulk or complexity.



FAQs

Q1. What is the maximum light output of the Zhiyun CF100?

The Zhiyun CF100 has a maximum light output of 2610 lux at 1 meter when set to 4300K in max power mode.

Q2. How long does the battery last on the CF100?

Battery life varies depending on settings. At full power in CCT mode, it lasts over an hour. At lower settings, it can run for up to 5.5 hours on a single charge.

Q3. Can the CF100 be used while charging?

Yes, the CF100 supports simultaneous charging and usage via its built-in battery, DC input, or PD charging, allowing for uninterrupted operation during extended shoots.

Q4. How does the CF100 compare to other portable lights in its price range?

The CF100 offers excellent value at $179, providing higher output and more versatile features than many similarly priced alternatives, making it ideal for professional use.

Q5. Is the CF100 suitable for both photo and video work?

Absolutely. The CF100's powerful output, color accuracy, and silent operation make it versatile for various professional applications, including portrait photography, product shoots, and video interviews.