Review: Nanlite FC-120B – Compact, Flexible, Reliable?

Anyone who has ever searched for a reliable LED light for smaller productions or content creation knows: the options are huge, and not every light lives up to its promises. With the FC-120B, Nanlite brings a 120-watt Bi-Color COB light to the market – compact, lightweight, flexible. But how does it perform in everyday use?

I used the FC-120B for a few weeks on Reels, YouTube videos, and smaller studio shoots, testing it for you. The light was kindly provided by Dedotec Schweiz GmbH – and unfortunately, it will be returned after the test. My upfront conclusion: the light pleasantly surprised me in several ways.

What’s in the Box & First Impressions

The FC-120B comes in a sturdy but somewhat bulky foam transport case – practical for mobile use. Included are the power supply, a 45° reflector, and a Bowens mount adapter. The latter is usually not standard in this size and price range, so it’s a real plus. Of course, a native Bowens mount would be preferable, but I see the advantage of a smaller mount since it makes modifiers less bulky and more portable.

The light housing is mostly plastic, unlike the Forza series, which often uses metal and carbon. Still, the build quality feels good and robust. Only the tilt mechanism is a bit weak – I would have preferred metal here, especially for larger modifiers. But the FC-120B isn’t really designed for very large softboxes anyway.

Technical Data (Summary)

• Power: 120 W output / 145 W power consumption
• Color Temperature: 2700 K to 6500 K
• Illuminance: up to 22,576 lux (with reflector, 5500 K)
• CRI: >95, R9 >90
• Power Supply: AC adapter or USB-C

In Use: One Light, Many Roles

In daily use, I deployed the FC-120B in various roles – sometimes as a key light, sometimes as a hair light, occasionally as background or B-roll lighting. What convinced me most was its versatility. Thanks to its compact size, it’s quick to position, delivers consistent results, and integrates easily into existing setups.

Colors

Used as a key light with a smaller 85 cm softbox, the output was more than sufficient – even from a bit of distance. The light quality is pleasant, with a slight magenta tint at cooler color temperatures starting around 3200 K. Measurements showed a maximum deviation of about CC30M – visible in the TM-30 graph as slight oversaturation in magenta and blue hues. In practice, this was hardly noticeable and totally acceptable for the price class.

Positively, color consistency across different CCTs is good. The FC-120B matched well visually with my Nanlite Forza 300B, making it a compatible addition if you already own Nanlite lights. For more about compatibility, see our separate blog post: “Which Light Fits Best?“

Only minor visual deviations appeared in blue and red tones – detailed measurement results can be found in the next section.

2700k.jpg Reference (cal.jpg)

2700k 3200k 5500k 6500k

Output

The FC-120B is surprisingly efficient. For YouTube, interviews, or smaller productions, the power is more than enough. Brightness responds smoothly to dimming – at 10% output, measurements showed about 11% of max brightness. Also, the light appears equally bright across all color temperatures – I didn’t need to adjust camera settings for days.

Fan Noise

The fan is audible but not disturbing. In smart mode, it adapts to the environment and stays pleasantly quiet even at 100% power. For very sensitive setups, the fan can be turned off – more about this below.

Controls & App: Full Control

Operating the unit is intuitive: two large dials, a color display, and some buttons – that’s it. The menu is logically structured, and I found my way around immediately without a manual. Color temperature, dimming, FX modes, or fan control can be adjusted quickly – very practical when frequently changing setups.

Even better with the Nanlink app: the connection worked instantly, and I now use the app almost always in the studio. Control the light, save scenes, adjust fan or effects – all conveniently from your phone. Especially handy when the light is out of reach.

USB-C: A Real Advantage

A definite highlight is the USB-C power option. The FC-120B can be powered on the go with a compatible power bank or V-mount battery – perfect for outdoor shoots or flexible setups without wall sockets. I only tested it stationary, as my power banks can’t supply 145 W – but the option alone makes this light mobile and flexible.

Lab Measurements: The Hard Facts

The FC-120B delivers consistently strong values. Without reflector, we measured over 4,300 lux, and with reflector over 15,000 lux – plenty for brighter setups. Brightness remains stable across all color temps (±3%), which helps with quick scene changes.

Color rendering is professional level: CRI over 95, R9 over 90, TM-30 values showing a slightly saturated but natural look. Notably, the SSI at 3200 K is 80 – a very good result for warm lighting moods. At daylight (5500 K), the SSI is 73, a bit lower but still acceptable in this price range.

There is a slight temperature deviation: 3200 K measured effectively at 3401 K (+200 K, MK-1: 18.47) – visually a bit cooler but easily correctable. When mixing multiple light sources, keep this in mind.

Conclusion

The Nanlite FC-120B proved to be a well-thought-out, compact, and surprisingly versatile LED light. Whether as a key light, hair light, or B-roll lighting, it works reliably, delivers consistent results, and is easy to operate. The combination of strong output, USB-C power, and solid color quality makes it especially interesting for creators and smaller productions.

Sure, there’s some room for improvement in daylight colors – but for the price, the FC-120B offers a very balanced overall package.

Got questions about the light or want a comparison with another model? Drop a comment – I’m looking forward to hearing from you!

Partner

Dedotec Schweiz