Getting started in photography or videography, or even just trying to improve your smartphone shots, often highlights one major hurdle: poor lighting. I remember struggling with shadows, flat images, and murky video, especially when shooting in less-than-ideal conditions or trying to add some creative flair. Addressing this problem is crucial, as inadequate lighting can completely ruin a great shot or video, making subjects look dull, colours inaccurate, and the overall production feel amateurish. It’s a fundamental challenge that requires a dedicated solution, and a portable lighting source could have made a world of difference early on.
Before you decide on a portable camera light, it’s wise to think about what you need it for. These lights are fantastic tools for anyone needing to add focused illumination on the go – whether you’re a photographer capturing macro details, a videographer shooting interviews, a vlogger trying to look good in any environment, or even someone just wanting better light for video calls. They excel at providing fill light, catchlights in eyes, or accent lighting.
However, if you require extremely powerful light to illuminate a large scene from a distance, or if you need complex colour temperature control (beyond daylight balanced), a small mini LED video light might not be your primary tool. Large panel lights or studio strobes would be more appropriate for those scenarios.
Here are some key factors to ponder before buying:
* Brightness: How much light do you need? Measured in Lux, this determines how effectively the light can illuminate a subject at a certain distance.
* Colour Accuracy (CRI): A high Colour Rendering Index (CRI), ideally 95+, ensures the light accurately represents the true colours of your subject.
* Colour Temperature: Most small lights are daylight balanced (around 5500K), which mimics natural sunlight. Some offer adjustable colour temperatures or include gels for warmth/coolness.
* Portability & Size: Do you need something that fits in your pocket, or is a slightly larger panel acceptable? Weight is also a factor, especially for mounting on cameras or drones.
* Battery Life & Charging: How long does it last on a charge, and how is it recharged? Can it run while charging?
* Mounting Options: Can it attach to your camera’s cold shoe, a tripod (1/4″ screw hole), or metal surfaces (magnet)?
* Durability & Water Resistance: Will it withstand drops or be usable in wet conditions?
* Included Accessories: What comes in the box? Diffusers, gels, mounting adapters, charging cables, and storage cases can add significant value.
Thinking through these points will help you determine if a small, portable LED light is right for your needs and which features are most important to you.
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Meet the ULANZI LED Video Light Waterproof IP68 Camera Lighting Kit
Stepping into the world of highly portable and versatile lighting, the ULANZI LED Video Light Waterproof IP68 Camera Lighting Kit Mini Cube presents itself as a compact powerhouse promising professional-quality light in a tiny package. This little cube, officially known as the Ulanzi L1 Pro Cute Lite (an upgraded version), aims to be the lighting tool you can take anywhere, capable of tackling various creative challenges. It ships with the light unit itself and a generous assortment of accessories designed to enhance its functionality, including a storage bag, barn door, snoot, eight colour filters, a diffuser, a honeycomb grid, a double-head cold shoe adapter, two magnetic charging cables, and a carabiner.
Compared to some older mini LED lights or even basic on-camera lights, the Ulanzi L1 Pro distinguishes itself with its robust IP68 waterproofing and innovative magnetic charging port, directly addressing common issues like water ingress that plagued previous versions or competing designs. It targets creators who need reliability and versatility in diverse environments, from shooting underwater or in the rain to illuminating macro subjects or adding dynamic colour accents. It’s likely not for someone needing the absolute brightest light for portrait photography or illuminating large groups, where bigger panels are necessary, but for close-up work, fill light, or adding a creative spark, it seems purpose-built.
Here’s a quick look at some upsides and potential downsides:
Pros:
* Remarkably small and lightweight (70g).
* Excellent IP68 waterproof rating (up to 10m).
* Good colour accuracy (CRI 95+) and daylight colour temperature (5500K).
* Magnetic charging port is convenient and enhances waterproofing.
* Includes a wide array of useful accessories.
* Multiple mounting options (1/4″ screw hole, magnet, cold shoe adapter).
Cons:
* Battery life at maximum brightness is relatively short (1 hour).
* The built-in magnet could be stronger for more secure mounting.
* Brightness might not be sufficient for illuminating subjects at greater distances or for primary light sources in some scenarios.
* Some reports mention potential issues with the power button durability over time.
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Deep Dive into the Features & Benefits
Having used this light for a good while now, I can speak to how its features translate into real-world use and why they’re beneficial for creators on the go. The ULANZI LED Video Light is packed with features that make it stand out in the crowded market of portable lighting.
IP68 Waterproofing and Magnetic Charging: This is perhaps the most unique and impactful feature. The IP68 rating means it’s completely dustproof and can be submerged in water up to 10 meters (32 feet). For anyone who shoots outdoors, near water, or even just in unpredictable weather, this is a game-changer. I’ve used it confidently in light rain and splashes without worrying about damage. The magnetic charging port is a clever design choice that seals the unit, eliminating a potential point of failure for water ingress that traditional USB ports would have. It’s incredibly convenient to just snap the cable on, and the inclusion of two cables in the kit is a thoughtful touch, ensuring you always have a backup for charging at home or on the go. Being able to charge it while it’s running is also a huge plus for longer shoots near a power source or battery pack.
Compact Size and Portability: At just 41mm x 41mm x 38mm and weighing only 70 grams (2.46 oz), this really is a mini cube light. It easily fits into any camera bag, pocket, or even just clips onto a backpack strap using the included carabiner. This extreme portability is the core of its appeal. It means you can bring quality lighting to situations where you otherwise wouldn’t, like attaching it to a drone for creative aerial shots (though ensure your drone can handle the weight and placement!), using it for macro photography, or simply having it as an emergency light. Its small footprint means it won’t weigh down your camera setup or take up valuable space in your gear.
Professional-Quality Light Output: Despite its diminutive size, the light offers decent illumination. It boasts 1000 Lux at 0.5 meters and 300 Lux at 1 meter. While this isn’t studio-level power, it’s more than sufficient for illuminating subjects up close, providing crucial fill light to remove harsh shadows, or adding that essential catchlight in the eyes for portraits. The daylight balanced 5500K colour temperature is standard and mixes well with natural light. The high CRI of 95+ is genuinely impressive for a light this size and price point, ensuring that colours captured in your photos and videos appear accurate and vibrant, which is vital for professional-looking results. The diffused 60º beam angle provides a soft, even light distribution without harsh hotspots, which is more flattering for subjects.
Flexible Brightness and Battery: The four distinct brightness levels (25%, 50%, 75%, 100%) offer flexibility depending on your needs and the ambient light conditions. Need just a subtle touch? Use 25%. Need maximum power for a darker scenario? Go to 100%. The built-in 800mAh lithium battery provides up to 4 hours of runtime at 25% brightness, which is decent for longer uses where full power isn’t necessary. At 100%, you get about an hour, which is enough for many quick shoots or specific moments where maximum output is needed. The two-hour charging time is reasonable, especially since you can keep using it while it’s plugged in. While the battery life at full power isn’t marathon-like, the ability to charge on the go with a power bank mitigates this somewhat.
Versatile Mounting Options: The inclusion of a standard 1/4″-20 screw hole on the bottom is essential. This allows you to mount the portable fill photography light onto virtually any tripod, light stand, camera cage, or magic arm. This opens up a world of positioning possibilities. The built-in magnet is another clever touch, letting you quickly stick the light onto any magnetic metal surface – like poles, railings, or car bodies – for unconventional lighting angles without needing additional grip gear. The included double-head cold shoe adapter also means you can easily attach it to a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or camcorder with a cold shoe mount.
Comprehensive Accessories: This is where the kit truly shines. The sheer variety of included accessories significantly enhances the light’s utility. The barn door and snoot allow for precise control over the light beam, letting you shape the light and prevent spill. The honeycomb grid further tightens the beam for a more dramatic effect. The diffuser softens the light output, reducing harshness. The eight colour filters (gels) are fantastic for adding creative colours to backgrounds, creating mood, or even adjusting the white balance slightly (though its primary use is coloured effects). The storage bag keeps everything organized, which is crucial for a kit with so many small pieces. This full package makes the camera lighting kit much more than just a light source; it’s a portable lighting system. However, it’s worth noting that some users have reported their specific kits not including the colour gel sheets despite the description, which is a frustrating inconsistency if you’re buying specifically for those. My kit, fortunately, did include them, but it’s something to be aware of.
While the light feels reasonably solid for its size, some users have commented on it feeling a bit fragile, particularly the power button mechanism. While mine hasn’t failed yet, it’s something to handle with care. The built-in magnet, while useful, isn’t incredibly strong, so relying on it for secure mounting on vertical or awkward surfaces might require caution or supplementary rigging. And as mentioned, while the brightness is good for close work, don’t expect it to light up a full-body portrait from several feet away.
Overall, the combination of waterproofing, portability, respectable light quality, and the extensive accessory kit makes this ULANZI mini cube light a highly versatile tool for creative lighting in many challenging situations.
What Others Are Saying About the Product
Looking around online, it’s clear many users share my positive experience with this little light, highlighting its compact size and the interesting possibilities it opens up, particularly for macro photography or adding unique lighting effects. Many appreciate the versatility offered by the included accessories. The magnetic charging system also receives praise for its convenience and contribution to the waterproof design. Users have reported successful use in various creative scenarios, including challenging low-light or wet environments.
However, feedback isn’t universally glowing. Several reviewers noted that while the light unit itself is good, their package specifically did not contain the colour gel sheets despite being listed, leading to disappointment. There were also comments about the magnet being weaker than desired and the battery life at max brightness being limited. A notable concern raised by more than one user is the durability of the power button over time, with some reporting it ceasing to function after limited use, which is a significant drawback for an otherwise robust-looking product.
Wrapping Things Up
Ultimately, the challenge of achieving good lighting for your photos and videos remains a constant hurdle for creators of all levels. Without adequate illumination, your subjects can look flat and lifeless, colours inaccurate, and your production quality can suffer significantly. This is where a capable and portable lighting solution becomes indispensable.
The ULANZI LED Video Light Waterproof IP68 Camera Lighting Kit Mini Cube offers several compelling reasons why it could be a great fit to help you solve this problem. Its IP68 waterproofing means you’re not limited by weather or environment, opening up new creative avenues. The incredible portability ensures you can literally have quality light in your pocket, ready whenever inspiration strikes. And the extensive kit of modifiers allows you to shape and colour the light, providing versatility that belies its small size.
If you’re looking for a highly portable, durable, and versatile lighting tool to add to your gear bag, especially if you shoot in challenging conditions or need creative accent lighting, this mini video light is certainly worth considering. To find out more or to check it out for yourself, Click here.
Last update on 2025-06-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API