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Finding the right ring light can be a real pain. After all, there are thousands of lights on the market today and most have different features that make them suitable for different applications. For example, some are best used as a softbox while others provide low-profile or full-surface lighting.
If you are looking for the right ring light size then you are in the right place.
In this article, we will discuss exactly what you need to know about finding the best ring light size for your specific lighting applications.
Table of Contents
What Is the Most Common Size for a Ring Light?
One of the most important factors to consider when selecting a ring light is the size. Most ring lights are sized between 10 and 18 inches in diameter, though some are larger or smaller. It’s important to choose a size that will fit properly around your subject’s face so they don’t feel uncomfortable or constrained while you shoot.
Ring lights come in different colors and styles, so it’s important to find one that will match your needs and style. Ring lights are typically powered by USB.
The 10-inch lights are considered selfie ring light, while the 18-inch lights are ideal for placing in small rooms rather than on one face.
A ring light has many LEDs. An LED ring light with a larger diameter distributes light more evenly throughout the room. An LED ring light with a small diameter has the LEDs close together, creating a more concentrated ray of light.
Another factor to consider is how much light and zoom you need for your specific shot. Some applications, such as product photography, require precise control over the brightness of ring lights.
However, for most other normal photography applications like holiday shots or casual family portraits, a higher-wattage light might be enough to produce just the lighting you need.
What Size Ring Light Do You Need for Selfies?
![What Ring Light Size Is The Best? [Easy Guide] (1)](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photographybywren.com/f=auto//wp-content/uploads/2022/01/neewer-ring-lights.jpg "What Ring Light Size Is The Best? [Easy Guide] (1)")
Whether you’re a pro or new to the game, your selfie game is bound to get better with time. And it’s not just about having the right angle, lighting, and filter. You also need to find the right ring light for selfies that can bring out the best in your complexion.
The 10-inch lights are considered “selfie” ring lights, they reduce your subject’s shadow and make them appear more balanced in the frame.
You can also find 8-inch and 12-inch ring lights in addition to the 10-inch ones.
If you want to film yourself while holding your smartphone in one hand and an 8-inch ring light in the other. The light can be clipped to your smartphone so that you can remain mobile while you film.
Lights that are 12 inches in diameter will provide a little more illumination than those that are 10 inches or 8 inches. If you choose a 12-inch ring light, you may be able to adjust the color temperature. However, they will also be more expensive and take up more space.
If you’re looking for a ring light that will give your subject more of a “pop” in the frame, then go with the 18-inch lights.
You should avoid buying ring lights that are too large or small as they won’t be able to fit around your face at just the right angle and will result in unflattering images.
What Is the Best Ring Light Size for Filming in a Large Space?
If you’re looking to film a large space like an auditorium or a stadium, then you’ll want to go with the 24-inch ring light.
This size will provide more coverage than the other options and is also able to be adjusted for different angles.
If you don’t have the budget for a 24-inch ring light, then the next best option would be 18 inches in diameter. This size will still provide enough illumination to light up a large space, but it won’t be as versatile. If you decide to go with the 18-inch size, then watch out for shadows on your subject’s face.
If you’re filming in a small space like an individual room or hallway, then one of the 12-inch ring lights will probably work best. As these aren’t as versatile and good at lighting up larger spaces (as they are focused inwards), it may not be worth spending extra money for this size if that’s all that you have available.
What Else Should You Consider Before Buying a Ring Light?
Besides the size and shape of the light, as well as its price, you’ll also want to decide on whether you need a focuser or not, and what color temperature you’d like the light to be. Additionally, make sure that your ring light is compatible with your camera’s mount.
You should pay attention to the following details:
- Color rendering index (CRI)
The CRI (Color Rendering Index) is a metric used to compare the color rendering ability of different lighting technologies.
Subpar lights often have a CRI of 90 or lower. The best ring lights have a CRI of 95 or higher.
The lower the CRI, the less accurate and true to life a light’s colors appear.
- Color temperature
The color temperature of light is the base Kelvin (K) value of that light. When it comes to photography, most professionals use daylight-balanced lighting which has a temperature of 6500K. This means that all colors in the spectrum are rendered accurately without any distortion or clipping.
Also, keep in mind that most people will judge your ring light by its color temperature, so you may want to make sure yours is as close to neutral as possible. Ring lights come with two different output levels: daylight and tungsten/HMI bulbs. If your budget allows for it, go with one of these options (but remember they can both get really expensive).
- Settings and controls
Most ring lights come with a built-in two-speed LED bulb and/or variable light, but some also offer remote vibrators as well. If you plan on using your ring light outside of your studio (either for filming or taking selfies), make sure it has the appropriate weatherproofing to match where you intend to use it.
Another important setting worth noting is whether the switch should be hardwired into the unit or if there’s an option for it to be wireless.
- Power options
While most photographers use LED lights to increase their ring light’s efficiency and versatility, some users like using CFL bulbs (also known as “warm-white” lights) versus cool colors. The reason you may want to play around with these lighting options is because they affect your final image in various ways.
Last Thoughts on Choosing the Right Size for a Ring Light
When choosing the right size for a ring light, it is important to consider your photography goal. A small ring light can be used for close-ups or details, while a larger ring light can create more of an effect.
Additionally, the type of light you choose will affect how far it reaches, so make sure to take that into account as well. Whether you are using a traditional camera flash or a LED ring light, always start with low light to capture your subject from a distance.
It is important to consider the size of the ring light when selecting one for use in photography. Generally speaking, a ring light should be about two thirds the size of the object being photographed. For example, if you are photographing a person’s head and want to use a ring light to add detail and shadow, you would need a smaller light than if you were photographing an object such as flowers.
Pros and Cons of a Ring Light
There are some pros of using a ring light as opposed to other types of lighting. One pro is that ring lights can be more portable and less expensive than other types of lighting.
They also have a wider range of light than other types of lighting, which can make them better for specific uses. Additionally, ring lights can create the illusion of depth, which can be helpful when shooting videos or images.
However, ring lights come with a few downsides as well. For instance, ring lights are not recommended for portraiture because they lack the ability to produce precise lighting and can make people look older than their real age.
Ring light kits have been known to have compatibility problems with certain lenses where shadows can appear more pronounced. Finally, for some photographers using a ring light means less light overall and can make bracketing and other processes required for photo editing more difficult.
What size ring light do YouTubers use?
![What Ring Light Size Is The Best? [Easy Guide] (2)](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photographybywren.com/f=auto//wp-content/uploads/2022/01/20210107112054_546-1024x519.jpg "What Ring Light Size Is The Best? [Easy Guide] (2)")
YouTubers typically use ring lights that are 10 inches and 18 inches. Ring lights 10 inches and under are considered selfie lights, whereas 18 inches and above may illuminate the entire room rather than just a single face.
What Is a Ring Light?
A ring light is a flattering lighting device that is often used to create an illuminated effect around the eyes. It typically consists of a central light surrounded by several bright LED or incandescent lights that are set around the outside of the lamp body. This configuration creates a softly diffused, ethereal light that can be used to add brightness and definition to the eye area, giving you a more youthful appearance.
A good rule of thumb is to place the light approximately 2 feet (60 cm) away from your subject and have it positioned on a tripod stand, if possible. You can also use a reflector or flag as an extra source of light to help ensure that the ring light falls behind your subject, rather than in front of them.
Conclusion
With all the various ball lighting kits available in the market today and options to accommodate any subject, it is safe to say that there is a ring light kit out there for almost anyone’s liking. However, deciding on which option will best suit your photography needs can be tricky with so many different accessories being produced on the market.
Hope you found all your answers regarding which is the right ring light size for you. Thank you for reading this article 🙂
FAQs
What Ring Light Size Is The Best? [Easy Guide]? ›
The 10-inch lights are considered selfie ring light, while the 18-inch lights are ideal for placing in small rooms rather than on one face. A ring light has many LEDs. An LED ring light with a larger diameter distributes light more evenly throughout the room.
What is the best size for ring light? ›Size Matters
Common sizes on Amazon are 12, 14, and 18-inches, and they all perform well. The 12-inch is best when you only want a headshot. If you have the budget get an 18-inch ring light since this will give you more flexibility in its use, and more light.
- Joby Beamo 12-inch Ring Light. The best ring light overall. ...
- Neewer Table Top 10-inch USB LED Ring Light. ...
- Neewer 20-inch LED Ring Light Kit. ...
- Mactrem LED Ring Light 6" ...
- Neewer 12-inch RGB Ring Light. ...
- Neewer Camera Photo Video Lighting Kit. ...
- Ivisii 19 inch Ring Light. ...
- Rotolight Neo 2.
A 10-inch ring light is suitable for close-ups. If you mostly film makeup tutorials, you do not need a light that can brighten an entire room. If you need to fill a room or outdoor space with light, consider getting an 18-inch ring light. The larger size will help illuminate a large area and more of the background.
Is 12-inch ring light Good? ›Smaller ring lights, such as 10-12 inches are ideal for using for smaller subjects such as products and for fairly close-up selfies. They're also great to use with smaller content creation devices, such as mobile phones and the type of premium compact cameras that are often favoured by vloggers.
Which ring light do YouTubers use? ›But what ring light do YouTubers use? 1. Neewer 18 Inch Ring Light Kit With Mirror Included.
What ring light do Tiktokers use? ›An 18-Inch Ring Light Kit That Comes With Plastic Filters
With an overall 4.7-star rating on Amazon, the Neewer ring light comes with a number of endorsements from TikTok users.
Ring lights in the 18-to-20-inch range are pretty common for a very good reason. They are very versatile. For example, they're able to produce an attractive glow from as close as 18 inches or as far as about five feet.
Are ring lights worth it? ›They're perfect tools for making you look good on camera. Long used by professional portrait and macro photographers as well as makeup artists, and perfect for selfies, streaming, vlogging and most photo and video tasks, they have become favorites of social media influencers and content creators of all kinds.
Which ring light is best for makeup? ›| Product | Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Ring Light with Remote Controller and Stand ipad Holder,Makeup LED Ring Lights 60W Bi-Color | 4.5/5 |
| 2. | 10'' LED Ring Light with Stand and Phone Holder, UBeesize Selfie Halo Light for Photography/Makeup | 4.5/5 |
Is an 8 inch ring light Good? ›
8" LED Ring Light Review - YouTube
What is a 10 inch ring light? ›10 inch Ring Light with Tripod Stand and Phone Holder (Ringlight Kit Totally 70" Tall), USB Powered Circle Light for Phone Selfie Photo, Video Recording, TikTok Streaming (10 inch) Visit the LIPETY Store.
How do you measure ring light size? ›PART 1- COMPARISON SELFIE RING LIGHT SIZE & BRIGHTNESS FOR ...
What does a 12 inch ring light look like? ›MIRACASE 12 Inch LED Ring Light Kit Review - YouTube
Is Digitek ring light Good? ›DIGITEK (DRL-18 H C) Ring Light
It comes with a 6-feet stand that makes recording videos at home very convenient. It has dual colour mode and has a temperature colour range that is adjustable between 3200K to 5600k. It comes with easy controls that can adjust the intensity, colour temperature and power.
Product details of Ring Light - 26cm / 10 inch - Ring Fill Light - 3 Color Modes - With Dimmable. Special LED design, lightweight and portable. It Is Widely used in LED light bulbs.It has 96 LED lamp beads for long life without changing bulbs, 3 colors lighting mode.
Is one ring light enough? ›Keep in mind ring lights only provide enough light for one person, or a small area. If you've got a big, elaborate set or backdrop, it's probably best to get several LED light strips, and position them at different points in your room.
Do ring lights use a lot of electricity? ›How Much Power Do Ring Lights Use? Ring lights use between 5 W and 75 W of power on average. Battery and USB-powered ring lights usually consume 5 to 10 watts. Studio-grade ring lights that use power adapters may consume up to 75 W to achieve the maximum light output possible.
Do you need two ring lights? ›Use your ring light as a standard studio light
If you have more than one ring light, you can use them together to create just about any two-light setup that you can imagine. And if the ring lights you own offer an adjustable output, managing your key-to-fill ratios should be pretty easy.
The models in our guide give you rough estimate of the price range of ring lights, which can run as little as $6 or a much as $189. However, there are pricier ring lights available for more professional or specialized uses. For example, some models can cost as much as $500, but are extremely powerful and versatile.
How many watts should a ring light be? ›
The Flashpoint ring light has an 80-watt circular bulb to provide constant illumination for even, shadow-free lighting. It will work with any system, film or digital, and mounts on a light stand.
What ring light does Kim Kardashian use? ›Watch firsthand as Kim Kardashian describes her experience using the hottest makeup light to hit the market in years!
What size ring light do I need for laptop? ›So if you want a ring light that you can use outdoors—tethered to a laptop or USB power bank, without an outlet nearby—a ring light that's 12 inches or smaller is ideal. Some ring lights that are 14 inches or larger have a USB port for charging your phone while it's attached to the ring light.
Do ring lights make you look better on Zoom? ›The most flattering and even light for video conferencing is created with ring lights. These doughnut-shaped lights produce a soft light that smooths out harsh facial shadows and reduces the look of any lines and wrinkles. Some of them are compact enough to fit even the smallest of home offices and not get in your way.
How long does a ring light last? ›The good news is that most modern ring lights use LED bulbs. That means you can use them for an average of 50,000 hours, which is a really long time. The best and the most well-manufactured LEDs can even last 100,000 hours.
What can I use instead of a ring light? ›A more compact and perfect alternative to ring lights – Logitech Litra Glow Review. Logitech Litra Glow Review – Everyone wants to look their best in front of the camera: whether you are a content creator, streamer, YouTuber, or even just an average Joe who is having a video call meeting with colleagues at home.
Do ring lights hurt your eyes? ›There is no indication of damage happening to the eyes during most ring light use. But there is some definite eye strain and possible headaches that can occur from the LED lights flickering quickly and the blue light that is emitted from them.
What light do makeup artists use? ›Both experts agree that white light is the best for makeup application because the colors will be true to tone. If white light isn't an option, do your best to steer clear of the below kinds of lighting to avoid potential beauty blunders.
Are selfie ring lights worth it? ›Are selfie ring lights worth it? Whether or not selfie rings are worth the investment depends on how often you take selfies and whether you are concerned about the quality of your photos. If you enjoy taking selfies and are committed to taking high-quality photos, then selfie rings are absolutely worth the money.
Should I use a ring light for makeup? ›Anyone who's done their makeup under the sickly pallor of fluorescent bathroom lights knows that it's not ideal for perfecting coverage. There's a reason backstage dressing rooms are known for their mirror game, and a ring light lets you bring the same universally gorgeous lighting into your home (or handbag).
What light do influencers use? ›
Ring lights have been referred to as 'glamour' or 'beauty lights' for this very reason. It makes the subject appear with an almost artificial perfection, perfect for influencers and beauty bloggers alike.
Is a 10 ring light Good? ›Verdict. I recommend the Sensyne 10” Ring Light. It's excellent value for the price. It's brighter than most other budget ring lights, the tripod is great, and the color temperature range is good for daylight.
Why are ring lights good? ›Using a ring light when taking pictures produces perfectly balanced lighting that is evenly distributed on every side of the model or object that the users want to focus on. Ring lights allow the users to create high-quality photos and videos without the burden of spending a lot of money for the shoot.
Which Neewer ring light is best? ›The Neewer 18" Bi-Color with Digital Output is by far the best ring light we've tested, thanks in particular to three unique features, the first of which is a digital readout.
How many inches ring light is good for makeup artist? ›8″ ring lights can be cheap, around $30.
In this case, a 10 inch to 14 inch ring light will do a great job. If you simply need an additional source of light for doing your makeup or taking photos, there's no need to splurge on an expensive light.
The average women's ring size is 6 and the average men's ring size is 8½ Guessing your partner's ring size correctly can be done with a little common sense. If you have a petite partner, it's likely that their hands are smaller with slender fingers, so try starting at a size 4 or 4½ for women, and around a 7 for men.
What ring size is 7 cm? ›...
Product information.
| Product Dimensions | 33 x 12 x 31 inches |
|---|---|
| Item model number | ZBD-12C-1 |
| Batteries | 1 CR2 batteries required. (included) |
How To Set Up A Ring Light - YouTube
How do I get the best Tiktok lighting? ›LED lights are generally the best choice – they're energy-efficient, they're not too costly, and they provide an effective way to light simple videos. They come in different configurations – not only is there the popular ring light, but also strip lights and panels.
What is Digitek ring light? ›
DIGITEK® (DRL 018) Professional 46 CM (18 inch) Big LED Ring Light with 2 Color Modes Dimmable Lighting, Photo-shoot, Video shoot, Live Stream, Makeup & more, Compatible with iPhone/ Android Phones & Cameras. Visit the Digitek Store.
Which ring light is best for Tiktok in India? ›- APSOLIGHT 10 Inch Selfie Ring Light with 7 Ft Tripod St... White. 3.8. ₹955. ₹2,299. ...
- mobicell Selfie RGB Ring Light with Tripod Stand LED Di... White. 3.8. ₹1,055. ...
- airtech 10 Inches Big LED Selfie Ring Light for Smartph... White. 3.8. ₹973. ...
- Trending. Mindfied Selfie Ring Light with 60" Extendable Tripod S... Golden, White. 3.8.
A halo light or commonly known as a ring light, as the name suggests, is circular in shape. It comes with an option to hold your camera in the middle of the ring so that your shots look well-lit from almost any angle.
Can you use ring light for professional photography? ›In addition to overall studio lighting, a professional photographer or videographer may use a ring light to ensure their subject's face is evenly lit with a pleasing, soft light. In the era of smartphone photography, LED ring lights are an increasingly common photography accessory.
Are ring lights good for photography? ›We know ring lights are a great tool for photographers, but are they good for product photography specifically? The simple answer is, yes! Ring lights are great for getting the perfect glow on whatever product you're photographing.
Can a ring light hold a camera? ›If your ring light comes with a stand, adjust and position it to your liking, or set up a tripod. Then place the ring light on the stand or tripod. Depending on the type of ring light you choose, you might also be able to mount your camera or smartphone on the ring light stand.
How many inches ring light is good for makeup artist? ›8″ ring lights can be cheap, around $30.
In this case, a 10 inch to 14 inch ring light will do a great job. If you simply need an additional source of light for doing your makeup or taking photos, there's no need to splurge on an expensive light.
Product details of Ring Light - 26cm / 10 inch - Ring Fill Light - 3 Color Modes - With Dimmable. Special LED design, lightweight and portable. It Is Widely used in LED light bulbs.It has 96 LED lamp beads for long life without changing bulbs, 3 colors lighting mode.
What size ring light is best for zoom? ›Ring lights in the 18-to-20-inch range are pretty common for a very good reason. They are very versatile. For example, they're able to produce an attractive glow from as close as 18 inches or as far as about five feet.
How do you measure ring light size? ›PART 1- COMPARISON SELFIE RING LIGHT SIZE & BRIGHTNESS FOR ...
Does the size of the ring light matter? ›
Size: Ring lights come in a number of sizes, but the ones in our guide fall between 4.6 and 18 inches. The larger the ring, the more light it'll create, so think about where you're planning on recording videos or taking pictures, and what time of day your shoots will take place.
What ring light does Kim Kardashian use? ›Watch firsthand as Kim Kardashian describes her experience using the hottest makeup light to hit the market in years!
How do you choose a ring light for makeup? ›If you're buying a ring light, you want an LED bulb because they are the most effective lights. Plus, if you want a light that will last for hundreds of hours, you should opt for LED lighting option.
How big is a 30cm Ringlight? ›Dimensions: outer diameter 260mm.
What is the largest size ring light? ›The Saturn Pro 48″ Bi-Color LED Ring Light is undoubtedly the best ring light (opens in new tab) if you want sheer size and pure power, with its 48" / 121cm head pumping out 1200W incandescent equivalent or 2200 Lux at up to 3 feet – both of which are more than enough to illuminate a full-length subject, multiple ...