ULANZI i-Light Handheld Light Wand REVIEW: A Long-Term User’s Perspective

The ULANZI i-Light Handheld Light Wand has become an indispensable part of my photography and videography toolkit. Initially, I struggled with inconsistent lighting in my videos, leading to uneven exposure and a generally unprofessional look. This problem needed solving because poor lighting significantly impacts the quality of my work and could even affect my clients’ satisfaction. The ULANZI i-Light promised a solution, and after extensive use, I’m here to share my detailed experience.

Handheld video lights are essential for anyone shooting video or photos where natural light is insufficient or unsuitable. They offer portability and versatility, allowing for quick adjustments and creative lighting setups. The ideal customer for a handheld video light is someone who needs a compact, powerful, and easily adjustable lighting solution for various applications, including filmmaking, vlogging, photography, and live streaming. Those who need extremely high-powered lighting for large-scale productions might find a more robust, studio-style lighting system better suited to their needs. Before buying, consider factors like battery life, color temperature adjustability, brightness output, mounting options (magnetic, 1/4″-20 thread), and the size and weight of the unit. A portable light, like the ULANZI i-Light Handheld Light Wand, is a significant advantage for on-location shoots.

ULANZI Handheld Light Wand, 360° RGB LED Video Light for Photography, 2000mAh Rechargeable Mini...
  • ▶【Portable Handheld Light Wand】Adopting 88 high color rendering led beads, our ULANZI i-Light handheld Light wand features in illumination angle up to 120°, and the brightness can reach...
  • ▶【RGB & CCT & Scene Mode】Integrated with three practical modes in this handheld light stick, ULANZI i-Light boasts its hue adjustable from 0° - 360°, brightness from 0%-100% dimmable, color...
  • ▶【Built-in Rechargeable Battery】With 2000mAh rechargeable battery built in, the RGB light wand can be used continuously for nearly 2 hours at maximum power and 15 hours at minimum. Equipped with...

Introducing the ULANZI i-Light Handheld Light Wand

The ULANZI i-Light Handheld Light Wand is a compact, rechargeable RGB LED light designed for photographers and videographers. It boasts a range of features, including adjustable color temperature (2500K-9000K), 360° RGB color adjustment, and 20 different lighting effects. Compared to other lights in its class, the ULANZI i-Light offers a compelling balance of features and affordability. It’s ideal for vloggers, mobile photographers, and anyone needing versatile on-the-go lighting. However, it might not be powerful enough for large-scale professional film productions or situations requiring extremely long battery life without interruption.

  • Pros: Compact and lightweight, adjustable color temperature and RGB, multiple mounting options, decent battery life (for its size), affordable price point.
  • Cons: Slightly dim LCD screen, the battery life could be longer, a slight magenta cast in certain color settings.
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Exploring the ULANZI i-Light’s Key Features and Benefits

Brightness and Color Accuracy

The ULANZI i-Light‘s brightness is surprisingly impressive for its size. It easily illuminates small to medium-sized spaces, making it ideal for close-up shots, portraits, and interviews. While not as bright as some larger professional lights, its output is more than sufficient for many applications. The CRI (Color Rendering Index) of 95+ ensures accurate color reproduction, resulting in natural-looking and vibrant footage. This was a significant improvement over my previous lighting setup, which frequently produced dull and lifeless videos.

RGB and CCT Control

The ability to adjust both the color temperature (CCT) and RGB color is a game-changer. The CCT allows me to easily switch between warm (2500K) and cool (9000K) lighting, while the RGB function opens up a world of creative possibilities. I’ve used it to create dramatic lighting effects, add ambience to scenes, and even match the light to existing ambient conditions. The intuitive controls make adjustments quick and easy. The 20 pre-programmed scene modes add further convenience, offering ready-made solutions for various shooting scenarios.

Portability and Mounting Options

The ULANZI i-Light‘s compact and lightweight design makes it exceptionally portable. I easily slip it into my camera bag, and it’s ready whenever I need it. The built-in magnet on the back is incredibly convenient, allowing me to attach it to metal surfaces like my camera rig or light stand. The standard 1/4″-20 thread also provides broader compatibility with various tripods and mounts.

Battery Life and Charging

The 2000mAh rechargeable battery provides around 2 hours of continuous use at maximum brightness and much longer at lower settings. While not the longest battery life available, it’s sufficient for most of my shoots. The USB-C charging port allows for convenient charging, and the ability to use the light while charging is a significant plus. For longer shoots, I simply keep a portable power bank with me.

LCD Display

The LCD screen displays the current settings, allowing for precise adjustments. While small, the screen is legible enough for most situations. However, I found that it’s a bit dim in bright sunlight which sometimes makes viewing difficult.

User Experiences with the ULANZI i-Light

Many online reviews echo my positive experience. Users praise the ULANZI i-Light‘s brightness, versatility, and compact size. Many appreciate the RGB capabilities for creative lighting effects. Several users found the magnetic mount to be extremely useful, while others mentioned the battery life as a strong point.

Final Thoughts: Why Choose the ULANZI i-Light?

The ULANZI i-Light Handheld Light Wand effectively addresses the issue of inconsistent lighting in video and photography. Its compact size, versatile features, and easy-to-use controls make it perfect for on-the-go shooting. While there are a few minor drawbacks (dim LCD, slightly shorter battery life, a minor color cast at times), the overall quality and value are excellent. To enhance your video and photo projects and overcome poor lighting issues, click here to check out the ULANZI i-Light today. It’s a solid choice for both beginners and experienced creators.

Last update on 2025-06-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API