Ring Light or Circle Light is best lighting equipment for YouTube videos as well as for much other still and video photography.

Ring Lights or Circle Lights are used to impart shadowless lighting effect without making everything look dull and lifeless.

In simple terms, a ring light is much like a hula hoop of light, with your lens (or even your smartphone) poking through the open middle.

Here, we take a look at 10 Best Ring Light for Photography and Video. They go on to produce a continuous output of light, and most are AC powered.

In fact, Ring Light is a simple lighting tool for enhancing portraits, beauty shots, selfies, and macro photography.

It is made up of a number of small bulbs forming a circle and even comes as one circular fluorescent bulb. That’s the reason it is also known as Circle Lights.

Circle Light creates an attractive catchlight on a subject’s eyes and emits even, diffused light thereby eliminating shadows.

Ring Light/Circle Light is usually positioned in front of the subject, and the camera is situated in the middle of the ring.

Using Ring Lights, you can beautifully and symmetrically light your subject in various configurations. They are primarily used for lighting close subjects.

Most importantly, they are simple to use.

Circle Lights/Ring Lights go on to impart a special, shiny and professional look to photographs.

However, they are not suitable for big groups of people, or big objects.

Ring Lights go on to light your face in a very flattering way and remove emphasis on zits and wrinkles.

Originally, they were only used by professional photographers.

However, with the upsurge of beauty and make-up Vlogs, they have become a staple in any guru’s toolkit.

Uses of a Ring Light

A ring light is mainly used for photography as well as videography applications.

It is typically utilized for applications such as a portrait, macro photography, as well other applications involving close-up work with only one subject.

It is primarily used in fashion and food photography.

Moreover, Circle Lights are also being used for indoor filming and vlogging.

Photographers and videographers utilize ring lights as they provide more diffused lighting around the subject and go on to reduce the appearance of harsh shadows.

In fact, Ring Light is a very popular tool for a close-up portrait.

It makes your subject “pop” and does not change the contours of the face like and uneven lighting. So, it’s a perfect lighting tool for portraits and selfies.

For example, LED ring lights consist of warm white bulbs that go on to mimic daylight in an indoor setting thereby helping to retain the subject’s natural skin tone.

You can easily make out that a model is facing a ring light as it goes on to exhibit circular catchlights in the subject’s eyes.

It makes the portrait more engaging and attractive as it instantly draws the viewer’s attention to the eyes of the subject.

In macro-photography, ring lights are used to impart front-focused lighting around the subject thereby hiding shadows and help to bring out much detail.

And that’s not all, as ring lights are also used as your fill light in a studio shoot when you have other light sources.

It ensures that you have enough soft lighting to brighten up your subject for a three-dimensional look.

Plus, ring lights make good lighting for videos, as well. It helps to make a subject noticeably better under constant lighting.

In fact, they are the best lighting for YouTube videos and are perfect for vloggers and product reviewers.

Ring light enhances facial features and shows the true colors of the skin. You just have to place your makeup ring light in front of your camera and record away.

Why should you use a Ring Light?

As stated earlier, the reason for using a ring light is that it imparts shadowless lighting.

However, it isn’t flat.

The lens (or phone) is positioned in the middle of the light source.

So, the light source surrounds the optical line of sight.

When you use a ring light, the light falls on the subject from every direction.

It eliminates the shadows completely, and you can clearly see the details of your subject that could have been obscured otherwise.

A ring light is even useful in a non-photographic situation.

For instance, this non-directional light source is a very useful tool when you have to apply make-up to someone.

The ring light can be positioned near the model and can look through the inside opening. You can then apply makeup and make out how it looks.

Besides close-ups, a ring light is also suitable for medium distance views. For close up, there is no shadow, and for medium distance, there is an interesting shadow.

For a head and shoulder view portrait, you get a wonderful shadow and light effect – a halo of shadow that falls away from the subject.

Moreover, a ring light is mostly used for fashion purposes.

It helps to soften facial features and gets rid of the tiring look.

It adds a special glare in the eyes of your model and imparts certain innocence to the face which is a much-desired look in the fashion industry.

Here, we summarize the main reasons for buying a Ring Light:

• A Ring Light is easy to set up and position.
• It creates a neutral zone in the center of subject’s face, thereby de-emphasizing blemishes.
• It creates a beautiful soft glow around the edges.
• They function as best lights for beauty videos.
• Its center functions as a perfect hole for your smartphone or DSLR.
• They are compact enough to be portable.
• It’s very affordable being priced in the range of $100 to USD 300.

How to determine the Best Ring Light?

Here, we list out the factors that you should consider while choosing a ring light.

Light Type/ LED count

Although there are different types of light bulb, as far as ring lights are concerned, you have to deal with either LED Bulbs or Fluorescent Bulbs.

In fact, there are some key differences that you need to keep in mind.

For instance, LED lights are more durable and energy efficient while Fluorescent bulbs are more diffused and are cheaper.

Moreover, Fluorescent bulbs add a green tint to your subject, whereas LEDs may add a pinkish tone.

Color Temperature

The color temperature of the bulbs is another very important factor to consider when you need to purchase a light.

It is a number that is expressed in Kelvin and range from 1000-10000, and indicate what color of light is emitted.

For example, lower numbers represent warmer orangish hues, and higher numbers represent bluish light.

Natural default color is mostly preferred for ring lights instead of the warm yellow or bright white.

Typically, photographers need to adjust their camera’s white balance. However, you may have your personal preferences leading to warmer or colder picture.

Moreover, 5500K lights have a neutral white simulating daylight.

Light settings

Different ring lights may feature light settings or dim functionality.

The option to dim your light is much needed because then you don’t have to be under or overexposed.

Plus, you can achieve dimming by using cheap fixes like filters.

Ease of Use

Most of the time, you want a ring light that you just need to plug in and get to work.

You need a quick and simple solution for your dimly lit videos.

The target demographic for Ring Lights is YouTubers who don’t want complicated lighting set up.

Power and Size

Another important thing that you should consider when buying your ring light is the “power” and “size.”

For example, if you need a visible catch light in the eyes of your subject, then you have to go with a much bigger ring light.

However, smaller ones are great for close-ups.

It’s usually good if you go with the one that has a dimmer.

Then you can easily adjust the power based on the distance between your subject and the ring light.

Other considerations for choosing the Best Ring Light:

• Adjustable Beam Spread

The Ring Light should have an adjustable beam spread as well as the direction of propagation.

• Stand Height

The stand height of your ring light should be adjustable so that it can be used for various shoots in multiple environments.

• Portability

Portability is an important consideration for your ring light particularly when you have to shoot at different locations.

Using a Ring Light

When your subject is ready, you need just to place the ring light in front of your camera.

Plus, the lens should be positioned right in the center of the ring so that the light gets distributed evenly on your subject.

You can even use a tripod for holding your camera and ring light in place.

Simply, shoot through your ring light to have a perfect and evenly distributed lighting with every shot.

Limitations of Ring Lights

Well, there are some limitations to ring lights.

One of the main limitations is that they are not very practical for distances that are beyond a medium view portrait.

So, when you want to do a group pose, you have to look for a different light bank, of course.

Ring lights are not the best options to use when you need directional shadows and contrast for your subject.

Moreover, you have to use directional lights when you want to see a good interplay of light and shadow.

You can cover parts of the ring lights, but that can result in heat buildup.

Plus, it takes a good practice to master the ring light art.

So, if you are using a ring light for the first time, it would be better for you to start with less professional ring light before choosing a class.

Take your time to learn about the art and take remarkable photos. Practice makes you perfect, and this is certainly true with Ring Lights.

Now, let’s see the 10 Best Ring Light for Photography & Video.

YouTubers, photographers, make-up artists, and videographers alike will certainly get a great value out of this list of the best ring lights.

Here’s the list for you:

10 Top Ring Light for Video & Photography

 

1. Neewer Ring Light 14-inch LED with Light Stand 36W 5500K Lighting Kit

This Neewer 14-inch LED SMD Ring Light is dimmable with a wide dimming range from 1% – 100%. It has a special LED SMD design and is lightweight, as well as portable.

It is compatible with most of the major Smartphones and all cameras. It emits no ultraviolet and infrared light radiation. It has low heat output, safe and with environmental protection.

Moreover, the Neewer 14-Inch LED Ring Light has more than 50000hrs of service life. The total power is 36W with a color temperature of 5500K. It requires an input voltage of 110-240V. Its outer diameter is 36cm, and the inner diameter is 25.4cm. It comes with plastic color filter set: orange + white

It is shipped with 155cm Light Stand that is constructed from aluminum alloy for exceptional strength and heavy duty work. Plus, it is convenient and easy for people to set up and carry. It comes with solid locking capabilities making it safe lighting equipment when in use.

So, it’s a ring light with stand.

The Package Contents include:

1 x LED Ring Light Dimmable Ring Light
1 x 61″/155cm Light Stand
1 x Soft Tube
1 x White and Orange Color Filter Set
1 x Smart Phone Holder
1 x Charger
1 x Bluetooth Receiver
1 x Tripod Head

The light stand has been packed in a separate box inside the big package. The soft tube allows the light to rotate freely for the best position. The Neewer Ring Light is certainly one of the best ring light for photographers, YouTubers, videographers, and make-up artists alike.

2. Diva Ring Light Super Nova 18″ Dimmable Photo/Video Light with 6′ Light Stand

Photographers, as well as videographers, will surely love this perfect studio addition in the form of Diva Ring Light Super Nova.

The Diva Ring Light Super Nova is a professional-quality fluorescent light that provides soft and nearly shadowless illumination.

The Super Nova is perfect for eliminating skin imperfections and can be used to make your subject’s face have a fresh and clean look.

It has been empowered with a dimming feature that can be used to control your light source. It casts a soft dome of light on your subject to complement their makeup thus making this light perfect for portrait and close-up work.

The secret lies in how the light is shaped.

Its unique ring light shape renders a beautiful catch light in the eyes of the subject and makes the eyes sparkle.

The Diva Ring Light Super Nova with a built-in dimmer that allows you to reduce the output. So, you can use the Super Nova where low light is required.
The Diva Ring Light also comes with a diffusion cloth that straps on to the light to soften the light, even more, to offer you a flawless look.

It comes with an 18″ diameter circular black hard plastic housing with a reflective aluminum interior that helps to increase the light output.
The Super Nova has been equipped with a 5400K Bulb.

It generates very little heat, so it can be run for hours without overheating your subject.

The SuperNova set includes:

• 18″ Dimming Diva Ring Light Housing
• 5400K Daylight Bulb
• Diffusion Cloth
• AC Power Cord
• Flexible Gooseneck for a Light Stand
• 6′ Diva Ring Light Stand
• Tripod Z Bracket for a Video Tripod

It accepts 110V – 240V power for worldwide use.

3. Neewer 10086031 Dimmable 18-Inch Diameter 75W Ring Fluorescent Flash Light and Stand Kit

Neewer 18-inch 75W Dimmable Fluorescent Ring Light is perfect for YouTube video, make-up, Selfie, etc.

It can be used for outdoor photo light, filling light indoors, portrait, fashion, advertisement photography, wedding art, shooting video, etc.

The package content includes:

1 x Ring Fluorescent Flash Light
1 x 59″/150cm Light Stand
1 x Soft Tube
1 x White & Orange Color Filter Set
1 x Hot Shoe Adapter
1 x Carry Bag

It comes with white and orange color filter that is made of the highly transparent material. Moreover, the color temperature is stable, and the loss is small.
The accessories include soft tube and hot shoe adapter that make the ring light to work efficiently. The soft tube allows the light to rotate freely for the best position.

The carry bag allows you to hold all the equipment and take them easily with you wherever you want.

It’s an 18 inches/48 centimeters ring light that is perfect for photography enthusiasts.

It comes with 59 inches/150 centimeters light stand that has been made of aluminum alloy for the exceptional strength that makes it suitable for heavy-duty work. Moreover, it is lightweight and can collapse it easily for simple storage and transport. It comes with solid locking capabilities.

It is dimmable, and so it can be adjusted for a perfect shot.

The outer diameter is 18″/48 cm, and the inner diameter is 14″/35 cm. The power output is 75W, and the color temperature is 5500K. The input voltage range is from 110V to 130V.

4. LimoStudio LED 18″ Ring Flash Light Dimmable SMD LED Lighting Kit 5500K

The LimoStudio LED 18-inch Ring Flash Light is ideal for beauty facial photo-shoot. It is easy to set up and can be mounted easily on a light stand.

It is compatible with DSLR camera with hot shoe mount adapter. It comes with a light diffuser that can produce neutral color and can evenly spread light stream for good photo-shoot environment.

The package content includes:

[1 x] 18″ Ring 240pcs LED Flash Light
[1 x] Camera Flash Hot Shoe Mount Screw
[1 x] Photography Studio Light Stand

The contents can be easily placed in a convenient carry bag. It even includes Camera Mounting Adapter Bracket.

It offers color temperature control ranging from 3200K to 5600K. Plus, you get brightness control, and high lumen value output.

The ring light can surely be a great addition to your studio. It is LED and so perfect for long runs. Plus, you get sheer amount of dimming that makes this product shine outright.
And you can change the brightness power too. So, you can adjust the lighting according to your need.

5. EACHSHOT ES240 Kit {Including Light, Stand, Phone Clamp, Tripod Head} 240 LED 18″ Stepless Adjustable Ring Light

EACHSHOT ES240 Kit is another superb Ring Light option. It has amazing quality and perfectly suitable for photographers and videographers alike.

It allows you for capturing close-shots, portraits, fashion, make-up, shooting video, outdoor photo light, filling light indoors, advertisement photography, and wedding art.

Plus, it is easy to assemble. It comes with two different plastic filters, white and orange. And it offers dimmable light with a wide dimming range from 1% to 100%. So, adjust the amount of light for the photo shoot easily.

It even comes with a light stand that is lightweight. It has a special LED SMD design, lightweight, and portable. There is no ultraviolet and infrared light radiation. Plus, it offers low heat output, safety, and environmental protection.

Moreover, it has a long service life of more than 50000 hours.

Overall, you will certainly like the product.

Specifications:

• Light Source: LED SMD
• LED Bulbs: 240 Pcs
• Shape: Ring
• Outer Diameter: 18 in / 48 cm
• Total Power: 55W
• Color Temperature: 5500K
• Dimmable: YES
• Dimming range: 1%-100%
• Total illumination: 4800LM
• CRI (Color Rendering Index): >83
• Adapter: Universal

The package content includes:

1x 18″ LED SMD Ring Light
1x Orange Plastic Filter
1x White Plastic Filter
1x Ball Head
1x Phone Holder
1x Adapter
1x Plug
1x Bag
1x Light Stand

6. FalconEyes DVR-300 Dual Color 300 LED Ring Light

The FalconEyes® DVR-300 Dual Color 300 LED Ring Light is perfect for glamour, concert, wedding and product photography. It is also suitable for amateur as well as professional video recording, and macro videography.

This LED Ring Light comes with a unique ring structure which makes it suitable for single light shooting. It is wonderfully suited for shadowless shooting and eyes light.

Plus, the FalconEyes Ring Light is absolutely safe. It safely lights up your subject without subjecting them to a lot of heat. It is perfect for interviews and imparts soothing light to the person you are interviewing.

It comes with the adjustable dimming feature. Plus, the ability to change color temperature using the built-in dials is a very welcome feature. You can adjust the light’s tone and radiance. It has its own wall plug and power converter.

Specifications

• Power: 19W
• Voltage: 9V/3A
• Net Weight: 750g
• LUX: 0.5M (8300); 1M (1800); 2M (390)
• Color temperature: 3000K-7000K
• Central Aperture: 120mm
• Size: 35 x 26.5 x 10.8 cm
• Input: AC100V-240V, 50/60Hz; Output: DC9V, 3A; Plug Type: US

The Package Content includes:

1x DVR-300DVC LED Ring Light
1x Diffuser
1x Power Adapter
1x Camera Bracket
1x User Manual
1x Pergear Cleaning Kit

7. Neewer Camera Photo/Video 18 inches/48 centimeters Outer 55W 240 Pieces LED SMD Ring Light

This Neewer dimmable 18 inches / 48 cm LED SMD Ring Light has a wide dimming range from 1% – 100%. It has a special LED SMD design and is lightweight, plus thoroughly portable.

It emits no ultraviolet and infrared light radiation. It has low heat output and is safe and environmental protection.

It can be used for outdoor photo light, filling light indoors, fashion, wedding art, portrait, shooting video, advertisement photography, etc.

It comes equipped with a universal adapter with 2 plugs (US/EU Plug).

However, it does not include a light stand.

That said it comes packed with Neewer’s signature awesome carrying bags.

Moreover, it has an easy setup, and you can have it up and on in merely few minutes.

It emits pure white light and doesn’t get hot.

It can illuminate the entire face; decrease shadows, and is dimmable.

It’s full LED and so uses a fraction of the power.

It comes with plastic color filter set of orange and white filters.

They can be used to diffuse the light so that there are no harsh shadows on the subject.

It offers a high distance throw as compared with the average LED production light.

Overall, it’s an amazing ring light.

The Package Contents include:

1x LED SMD Ring Light
1x Orange Plastic Filter
1x White Plastic Filter
1x Adapter
1x US Plug
1x EU Plug

Specifications

• Light Source: LED SMD
• LED Bulbs: 240 Pcs
• Shape: Ring
• Outer Diameter: 18 in / 48 cm
• Total Power: 55W
• Color Temperature: 5500K
• Dimmable: YES
• Dimming range: 1%-100%
• Total illumination: 4800LM
• CRI (Color Rendering Index): >83
• Adapter: Universal
• Plug: US/EU Plug
• Input Voltage: 110-240V

8. Neewer 18 inches Dimmable Camera Photo/Video 75W (Equivalent to 600W) Fluorescent (Light only) for Photo Studio Portrait Video Photography

It’s an 18-inch / 48 cm ring fluorescent flashlight.

This Neewer dimmable fluorescent ring light comes with a reinforced flexible arm which moves freely and never drops.

It has an extra long cord and heavy duty thumb screws.

It’s been equipped with awesome features that make it a perfect choice for photography enthusiasts.

It’s coming out to be essential light equipment for perfect selfies and portraits. You can also use it for beauty related videos.

Plus, it’s much cheap and perfectly fits your budget.

It offers the perfect balance of light on the face and eliminates all shadows. Moreover, it’s a dimmable ring light and really big with super bright lighting.

However, it doesn’t come with a diffuser cloth and light stand.

Specifications:

• Light Source: Fluorescent
• Color Temperature: 5500K
• Shape: Ring
• Power: 75W
• Outer Diameter: 18 in / 48 cm
• Inner Diameter: 14 in / 35 cm
• Dimmable: YES
• Input Voltage: 110-130V
• Plug: UL CSA

Package Contents Include:

1 x Ring Fluorescent Flash Light

9. AW Pro 19″ Dimmable Ring Light 75W Fluorescent Photo Video Studio Portrait Lighting 5500K w/Bag

It’s an AW 19-inch 5500K dimmable ring light.

It offers the ideal level of light intensity.

It’s perfect for photography, videography, and filmmaking.

It helps you to create gorgeous portraits.

You can use it for creating awesome YouTube videos.

It is easy to set up and offers a slot in the middle of the ring for attaching the hot shoe. It even offers a wrap-around light which helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles or blemishes.

The 4Pcs white color filters have light transmission plastic material for soft light.

It renders soft shadowless light.

It comes with a case bag that makes transportation easy and offers good protection.

It is lightweight and portable.

Overall, it’s an amazing ring/circle light for photography.

The package content includes:

1x Ring Light
1x White Color Filter Set
1x Case Bag

10. Neewer 48 Marco LED Ring Light

The Neewer 48 Marco LED Ring Light is perfect for MACRO photography (close-up). It’s an awesome LED Circle Light.

It includes as much as six different thread adapter rings (49mm, 52mm, 55mm, 58mm, 62mm or 67mm) and so can fit various lens models on the market.

It is best for providing continuous and stable semi light or full light for meeting high photography needs.

It consists of 48 pieces LED offering high luminance with lower static power consumption.

Moreover, the ring can be rotated for creating variety lighting effect.

It’s lightweight and easily portable.

It is perfect for any type of indoor or outdoor environment.

It offers two different power input modes for continuous light – 2 x AA batteries or DC power via the included AC adapter.

It requires no ring light stand as it can be mounted directly on the camera lens.

Specifications

• The weight of Ring Body: 125g
• The weight of Control Unit: 60g
• The weight of Electricity Charger: 115g
• The weight of Step Ring: 100g
• LED Index: Approx. 15GN (all light on)
• Coiled Cord Length: Approx. 100cm
• Voltage Range: 100-240V/50-60Hz
• Electric Power Consumption: Approx. 5w (all light on)
• Power Source: AA batteries¡Á2, or DC3V
• Working Hours: 1.5 hours with 1.5V alkaline batteries; 1 hour with 1.2V rechargeable batteries

Package Content Includes:

1 x LED Macro Ring Light
1 x Power Control Unit
1 x AC Power Adapter
6 x FREE Adapter Rings (49mm/52mm/55mm/58mm/62mm/67mm)
1 x Manual

That’s all from us in this presentation on 10 Best Ring Light for Photography & Video. We hope that it proves highly useful to you. Please share the post on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Google Plus. We welcome your comments and suggestions.