How to Choose a Ring Light - Buying Guide
Here are some key points to consider:
- Choose the diameter of the ring light based on the size of your camera.
- To get the perfect shot, consider its lighting features.
- To make setting up and using the ring light more convenient, look into its extra features.
- Check the weight and material of the ring light.
For more information, read through our buying below.
1
Choose the Diameter of the Ring Light Based on the Size of Your Camera
When choosing which ring light size is best for you, it is important to take into consideration what it is that you're trying to light. You may be presented with two measurements for your ring light; the outer diameter and the inner. The outer diameter tells you the length and width of your ring light while the interior diameter gives you an idea of how thick it is.
If You Like Vlogging on Your Phone, Go for a 5-8-Inch Right Light
If you love vlogging or taking video content with your phone, a small LED ring light is recommended for a more detailed shot. Its compact size is convenient when you're on the go, especially considering how easy it is to carry around compared to larger-sized ring lights.
Make sure to buy one that is outdoor photoshoot-friendly and can be charged or plugged in easily. USB-powered ring lights make for the best choice in this kind of setting, since you can easily plug them into your laptop, phone, or power bank. This goes for longer shoots without you having to worry about battery life!
If You Often Take Pictures and Videos Using Your Mobile Device or Compact Camera, Get a Small 10–12 Inch Ring Light
Ring lights that measure around 10-12 inches are ideal for smaller content creation devices,such as your mobile phones, compact cameras, and your laptop camera. These products are ideal for close-up selfies and vlogs.
Appropriately sized stands create better light for your subject and can cost less than larger models.Take note that your smaller-sized ring lights should still have space to fit your device inside it. This is where you have to consider the inner diameter of the ring light and the clamp size for your device.
If You Use a DSLR Camera or a Bigger Gadget to Capture Photos and Videos, Opt for a Large 14-18-Inch Ring Light
Remember that the bigger the ring light size is, the more intense your brightness levels can be. Larger-sized ring lights that measure 14-18 inches are ideal for larger subjects and can be used for your DLSR Camera or bigger content creation devices.
It has a wider scope in terms of lighting and can spread across a greater surface area. These products are amazing for broader shots or if you want multiple subjects in your photos or videos. It is also ideal if you want a portrait angle where your subject is standing.
2
To Get the Perfect Shot, Take Into Consideration the Lighting Features
Whether you're making content for a YouTube video or taking a really good selfie, good lighting will always be essential. Good lighting is crucial to the quality of the videos, and photos that you takeーthis is where the ring light comes in.
LEDs Last Longer and Illuminate the Subject Better Than Fluorescent Lights
The LEDs in the ring light are acluster of small bulbs wrapped in a plastic tube and bent to form a circle. It resembles a round tube of bright fairy lights. Both LED and fluorescent lights share the same purpose but LED lights fulfill your lighting needs better.
LED lights have cooler, pinkish tones, while fluorescent lights give a warmer, greenish hue. In terms of efficiency and durability, LEDs are energy-efficient and have a longer life span. The maintenance cost is at a minimum as well.
Moreover, LED lights do not have issues with overheating flickersdue to prolonged use. They are also more preferred as a light source in ring lights because their light travels in a uniform direction, giving more focus on the subject's details in photography and video. The bulbs are also easy to replace and do not contain toxic chemicals.
A Ring Light With a CRI of 90 and Up Produces More Vivid Colors on Photos or Videos
The color rendering index or CRIshould be carefullyconsidered, especially when deciding on how you intend to use your ring light. Ring lights with a color rendering index of 90 and above are considered to have the best quality, while those that range between 80 and 90 are decent enough. Remember that the higher the CRI, the more precise your shots are when it comes to color.
Adjust the Lighting According to the Environment by Choosing One With Various Color Temperature Settings and Brightness Levels
Ring lights with different color temperatures and brightness levels can give your shots some volume or can add effects to a particular scene or background. Warm, cold, white, yellow, or rainbow are some examples of common brightness modes.
Warmer lights tend to enhance the healthy glow of the subject, while the cold white light replicates the daylight in the roomand gives it an outdoorsy vibe. Some ring lights that are equipped with rainbow lights can switch from a single color to another. This confetti of color is great if you want to add different effects to your photos and videos.
3
To Make Setting Up and Using the Ring Light More Convenient, Look Into Its Extra Features
Most ring lights come with several features. Some features may be standard across all kinds of ring lights, but some products may have features that are more specific. Let us help you to determine some important features that make your experience with a ring light more convenient and enjoyable.
Opt for One That Has an Adjustable Neck and Height to Get the Best Angle
There is a lot of work to put in when you're trying to get that perfect angle for your photos and videos. A convenient way to do this is to have a ring light that you can easily set up at your desired angle. There isn't anything more frustrating than when your ring light can't bend the way you want it to.
Most models of ring lights come with flexible necks, but their pan rotation degree may differ from product to product. Some models come with 180-degree pan rotation, while others have up to 360 degrees. The latter is definitely more convenient and provides more leeway when setting up the best lighting.
Different models come with tripods that extend to different heights. Choose one that can cater to your needs. If you're most likely to take a headshot portrait, go with a ring light that surpasses your height to avoid shadows. If you're taking flat lay content, make sure that your ring light is higher than the base for your photograph or video.
USB or Plug-in: Select the Power Source Depending on Where You Plan to Use the Ring Light
Another thing that you must factor in when choosing a ring light is to consider how it's powered. Ring lights are either powered through a power socket or a USB. If you're staying indoors, opting for a ring light with an AC/DC adapter is logical.
If you're someone on the go and would most likely take photographs outdoors, choosing a USB-powered ring light would be more convenient, as you wouldn't have to worry about finding a power socket. You could also bring a power bank to connect it with if you want a device that is lighter than your laptop.
See if It Comes With Additional Accessories Such as a Phone or Camera Holder, Tripod, and Bluetooth Remote
After you decide why you're purchasing a ring light, you must carefully consider which additional accessories would work well for your purpose. Some common accessories would be a phone holder, a tripod stand, a mic clamp, and a Bluetooth remote. A ring light cannot be properly used if its accessories are missing, such as itstripod and device holder.
Some right lights come with a tripod stand for stable light use when shooting, while others prefer to mount it on the wall. There are also ring light stands that haveaheavy, flat base ideal for placing on tabletops. Some products also come with mirrors or carrying bags to take your equipment when moving around.
4
Check the Weight and Material of the Ring Light
Plastic is lightweight and affordable, so it is the most common material for ring lights. This caters to more potential buyers than metal-bodied ring lights since they are way heavier and not ideal for mobile photoshoots.
Taking this into consideration, products made out of plastic may easily break whereas a metal ring light body is sturdier. Aluminum is more durable and heavy but is still light enough to easily be carried around. This goes for a better alternative when it comes to picking which ring light material is best for you.
