Phone Ring Light Buying Guide

Phone ring lights have become a popular gadget for photography enthusiasts and social media influencers. These compact and lightweight devices can improve the quality of photos and videos taken with smartphones, providing better lighting and enhancing details. If you are looking for a phone ring light, here is a buying guide to help you choose the right one for your needs.

Benefits of using a phone ring light

Before going into the specifics of phone ring lights, let's first understand why they are useful. Here are the primary benefits of using a phone ring light:

1. Better lighting: Phone cameras are limited in low-light conditions, and the built-in flash can produce harsh shadows and unflattering skin tones. A phone ring light provides a soft and uniform illumination that can improve the overall quality of the shot.
2. Enhanced details: A phone ring light can bring out more details and colors in your photos and videos. It can highlight the texture of a subject or reveal subtle nuances that were previously hidden in the shadows.
3. Portable and easy to use: Phone ring lights are small and lightweight, making them easy to carry in your pocket or purse. They are also easy to attach to your phone, and most of them don't require any additional apps or settings.
4. Versatile: Phone ring lights are not just for selfies or portrait shots. They can also be useful for product photography, food photography, outdoor scenes, and more.

Types of phone ring lights

Now that you know why a phone ring light can be beneficial, let's look at the different types of phone ring lights available in the market:

Clip-on ring lights

Clip-on ring lights are the most popular type of phone ring lights. As the name suggests, they attach to the edge of your phone or tablet using a spring clip or a suction cup. These ring lights usually have a circular shape with LED bulbs, which provide a 360-degree illumination around the lens.

Clip-on ring lights come in different sizes and brightness levels, ranging from a few lumens to several hundred lumens. Some models also have adjustable color temperature and dimming settings, which allow you to customize the light to your liking.

Clip-on ring lights are easy to use and affordable, making them an excellent choice for beginners or casual users. They are also compatible with most smartphones and tablets with a flat edge, including iPhones, Samsung Galaxies, iPads, and more.

Cases with built-in ring lights

If you prefer a more integrated solution, you can also buy a phone case with a built-in ring light. These cases have a ring light around the camera lens or on the back of the case, providing a diffuse and even illumination.

Phone cases with ring lights are more expensive than clip-on ring lights, but they offer better protection for your phone and a more streamlined look. They are also easy to remove or replace, so you can switch between different cases as needed.

However, phone cases with ring lights may not be compatible with all phone models or brands, and they may not have the same brightness or color temperature options as clip-on ring lights.

Mini ring lights

If you want a more portable and versatile option, you can consider a mini ring light or a selfie ring light. These ring lights are smaller and lighter than clip-on ring lights, and they usually have a cylindrical or rectangular shape with a clip or a stand.

Mini ring lights come in different styles and colors, and many of them have a rechargeable battery or a USB connection. They are ideal for traveling, outdoor activities, or spontaneous photo shoots.

However, mini ring lights may not have the same brightness or color temperature as clip-on ring lights or cases with built-in ring lights, and they may not attach securely to all surfaces or angles.

Features to consider

Once you have decided on the type of phone ring light you want, there are several features you should consider to get the best value for your money:

Brightness

The brightness of a phone ring light is measured in lumens, which indicate the amount of light emitted by the LED bulbs. The higher the lumens, the brighter the light.

Clip-on ring lights usually have a brightness range between 50 and 500 lumens, while cases with built-in ring lights may have a higher range. Mini ring lights may have a lower range of 10 to 100 lumens, depending on the size and style.

The brightness you need depends on the type of photos or videos you want to take, the environment where you will shoot, and your personal preferences. For example, if you like to take selfies in dimly lit places, you may need a brighter ring light than if you only use it for casual snapshots.

Color temperature

The color temperature of a phone ring light indicates the warmth or coolness of the light, and it is measured in Kelvins (K). The lower the Kelvins, the warmer the light; the higher the Kelvins, the cooler the light.

Most phone ring lights have a color temperature between 2700K and 6500K, which covers a range from warm yellow to cool blue. Some models also have a bi-color setting, which allows you to adjust the color temperature between warm and cool tones.

The color temperature you choose depends on the mood or style you want to convey in your photos or videos. Warm tones are more flattering for skin tones and create a cozy atmosphere, while cool tones are more crisp and modern.

Battery life

The battery life of a phone ring light is essential if you plan to use it for extended periods or without access to a power source. Most clip-on ring lights and cases with built-in ring lights have a built-in rechargeable battery that can last from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the brightness and frequency of use.

Mini ring lights may have a shorter battery life, especially if they are powered by disposable batteries. Some models have a USB port that allows you to recharge the battery or use it as a power bank for your phone.

Make sure to check the battery life of the phone ring light before you buy it, and consider getting a model with a longer battery life if you plan to use it frequently or in remote locations.

Ease of use

The ease of use of a phone ring light depends on how easy it is to attach it to your phone, adjust the brightness and color temperature, and turn it on and off.

Clip-on ring lights and cases with built-in ring lights are usually straightforward to use, as they don't require any additional apps or settings. Some models have a touch sensor or a remote control that allows you to control the light from a distance.

Mini ring lights may require more adjustments and manipulation, depending on the type of clip or stand they have. Some models may also have a complex interface or a limited number of settings.

Choose a phone ring light that is easy to use and that fits your phone and your shooting style.

Price

The price range of phone ring lights varies from $10 to $100, depending on the type, brand, and features. Clip-on ring lights are generally the most affordable, while cases with built-in ring lights and mini ring lights can be more expensive.

Consider your budget when choosing a phone ring light, but also weigh the quality and durability of the product against its cost. A cheap ring light may not last long or may have limited features, while a high-end ring light may have more than what you need.

Conclusion

A phone ring light is an excellent accessory for anyone who wants to enhance their photography skills or showcase their creativity online. Whether you choose a clip-on ring light, a case with a built-in ring light, or a mini ring light, make sure to consider the features that matter most to you, such as brightness, color temperature, battery life, ease of use, and price.

With the right phone ring light, you can take stunning photos and videos that capture the beauty of the world and the uniqueness of yourself. Happy shooting!