ULANZI VL-81 Bi-Color LED Video Light Instruction Manual

1. Product Overview

The ULANZI VL-81 is a compact and versatile bi-color LED video light designed for various photography and videography needs. Featuring 81 high-quality LED beads with a CRI95+ rating, it provides bright and accurate illumination. Its built-in 3000mAh battery ensures extended usage, while the softbox design minimizes harsh shadows, making it ideal for vlogging, live streaming, and general photography.

A front view of the ULANZI VL-81 LED Video Light, showcasing its square softbox design and the cold shoe mount at the bottom.

2. Product Features

• 81 LED Beads with Softbox: Upgraded VL-81 model with 81 beads, CRI95+, and a softbox for brighter, wider, and softer illumination.
• Bi-Color Adjustable: Features 41 white light beads and 40 warm light beads, offering a color temperature range of 3200K-5600K for quick adjustments to suit different scenarios.
• Rechargeable Battery: Equipped with a 3000mAh built-in lithium battery, providing up to 150 minutes of use at maximum brightness and 480 minutes at minimum brightness after a 3-hour charge.
• Type-C Interface: Convenient Type-C charging port for easy and reversible connection.
• 3 Cold Shoe Mounts: Designed with three cold shoe mounts, allowing for connection of multiple lights for enhanced brightness or mounting accessories like microphones.
• Portable Design: Super mini size (7.6 x 8.9 x 2.5 cm / 3 x 3.5 x 0.1 in) and ultra-lightweight (120g / 4.2oz) for easy portability.
• Wide Compatibility: Compatible with DSLR cameras, GoPro, Sony, Canon, iPhone, DJI Osmo Pocket/Action/Mobile, ZHIYUN Smooth, and other smartphones.

3. Getting Started

3.1 Charging the VL-81

Before first use, fully charge your ULANZI VL-81 LED Video Light. Use the provided USB Type-C cable to connect the light to a compatible USB power source (e.g., computer USB port, wall adapter, power bank). The four red indicator lights on the back of the unit will show the charging status and battery level.

A close-up view of the ULANZI VL-81 LED Video Light's side, clearly showing the Type-C charging port with a cable inserted, emphasizing its reversible design.

The image displays the ULANZI VL-81 LED Video Light with icons indicating its 3000mAh built-in battery, 3-hour full charge time, 150 minutes of working time at maximum brightness, and 480 minutes at minimum brightness.

3.2 Mounting the Light

The VL-81 features a standard cold shoe mount at its base, allowing it to be easily attached to cameras, tripods, or other accessories with a cold shoe adapter. Simply slide the light's cold shoe into the adapter and tighten the locking wheel if available.

This image shows three ULANZI VL-81 LED Video Lights interconnected via their cold shoe mounts and attached to a camera, illustrating the ability to combine multiple units for enhanced lighting, compatible with tripods and various camera setups.

Additionally, the VL-81 includes three extra cold shoe mounts on its sides, enabling you to connect multiple VL-81 units together for increased light output or to attach other cold shoe compatible accessories like microphones.

Two ULANZI VL-81 LED Video Lights are shown, one emitting warm light and the other white light, highlighting their soft light cover for vlogging without dazzling.

4. Operating Instructions

4.1 Power On/Off and Brightness Adjustment

The ULANZI VL-81 features a stepless adjustment knob on one side (typically the left when facing the light) that controls both power and brightness. Rotate the knob to turn the light on or off, and continue rotating to increase or decrease the brightness level.

4.2 Color Temperature Adjustment

Another stepless adjustment knob (typically on the right side) allows you to adjust the color temperature from 3200K (warm light) to 5600K (cool white light). Rotate this knob to achieve the desired color tone for your shooting environment.

This image illustrates the bi-color capability of the ULANZI VL-81, showing the distinct effects of 5600K (cool white) and 3200K (warm yellow) lighting, along with a close-up of the stepless adjustment knob.

5. Care and Maintenance

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the light. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
• Storage: Store the light in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
• Battery Care: To prolong battery life, avoid fully discharging the battery frequently. Charge the light regularly, even if not in use for extended periods.
• Handling: Handle the light with care to prevent drops or impacts, which could damage the internal components or LED beads.

6. Troubleshooting

6.1 Light Not Turning On

• Ensure the battery is charged. Connect the light to a power source using the Type-C cable and check the battery indicator lights.
• Verify that the power/brightness knob is rotated sufficiently to turn the unit on.

6.2 Light Not Charging

• Check the Type-C cable for any damage and ensure it is securely connected to both the light and the power source.
• Try a different USB power source or wall adapter.

6.3 Inconsistent Brightness/Color

• Ensure the battery has sufficient charge. Low battery can affect performance.
• Gently clean the light surface and LED beads to remove any dust or debris that might be affecting light output.

7. Technical Specifications

8. Customer Support

For further assistance, warranty information, or technical support regarding your ULANZI VL-81 LED Video Light, please visit the official ULANZI Select website or contact their customer service directly. Refer to your product packaging for specific contact details or visit the brand's store page on Amazon.

ULANZI Select Store: Visit Store