Getting Started
As someone deeply involved in video production and photography, I’ve often found myself in situations desperately needing adaptable, portable lighting. Whether on location shoots where power is scarce or in small indoor spaces requiring precise light placement, relying solely on traditional fixtures just wasn’t cutting it. The absence of flexible lighting options could severely limit creative possibilities and even derail a shoot entirely, leaving me with compromised footage or missed photo opportunities. Finding a reliable, versatile tube light that could tackle these challenges became essential.
Before investing in any lighting equipment, especially something as specialized as a tube light, it’s crucial to consider your specific needs. These types of lights excel at providing accent lighting, creative effects, hair lights, or even main light sources in a pinch, particularly in tight spaces or for unique visual styles. They are often sought after by videographers, photographers, content creators, and even makeup artists who need flexible, colourful, and easy-to-position light. An ideal customer might be a solo shooter, a small crew, or someone who frequently works on location. However, if you primarily need broad, powerful light for large sets or studio work without any need for colour or effects, a traditional panel or softbox might be a more suitable (and potentially more cost-effective) choice.
When considering a purchase in this category, think about:
* Versatility: Can it provide a wide range of colours and colour temperatures? Does it have effects?
* Power & Brightness: Is it bright enough for your intended use (key light, fill, accent)?
* Portability & Size: Is it lightweight and compact for transport?
* Mounting Options: How easily can it be attached to stands, rigs, or other accessories?
* Battery Life & Powering: How long does it last on its own battery, and can it be powered externally?
* Durability & Build Quality: Can it withstand the rigours of location work? Is it weather resistant?
* Ease of Use: Is the interface intuitive?
- 【Compact Size & Quick-install Design】The flexible Quick-install design enables instant connection of handle/accessories for wireless lighting, 42cm long when stored, 60cm/900g with handle, 75%...
- 【Powerful & Versatile Lighting】The RT25 RGBWW stick light offers max 25W power, [email protected] (5600K), CRI ≥ 96, TLCI ≥ 98, 2500-10000K range, 18 light effects. Ideal for self-broadcasting,...
- 【Multiple Power Supply Options】A 45Wh battery handle provides up to 2 hours of full-power endurance. USB-C on both light stick and handle supports PD fast charging, it can be charged via a power...
Meet the RT25
Enter the SMALLRIG RT25 RGB Tube Light Stick Kit. This kit promises powerful and versatile lighting in a portable, user-friendly package. When you purchase it, you typically receive the RT25 light stick itself, a detachable battery handle, a USB-C charging cable, a carrying bag, and sometimes barndoors (included in the kit variant I’m reviewing). The promise is a compact, high-quality lighting tool capable of handling various creative scenarios. While there are many tube lights on the market, SmallRig, known for their robust camera cages and accessories, brings their build quality and practicality focus to lighting. The RT25 positions itself as a versatile option for demanding users who need reliability and performance in the field. It feels like a solid contender designed for creators who value flexibility and durability alongside lighting quality. This specific light stick is really aimed at content creators, filmmakers, and photographers who need a portable, multi-functional light for everything from vlogging and interviews to creative effects and product shots. If you’re only shooting still life that requires precise, high-power, non-colourable light, this might be overkill, but for dynamic visual work, it fits right in.
Here’s a quick look at its pros and cons:
Pros:
* Excellent build quality and durability (Aluminum alloy, IP54 waterproof).
* Very versatile with wide CCT range, full RGB, and numerous effects.
* High CRI and TLCI ensure accurate colour rendering.
* Multiple mounting options offer great flexibility.
* Battery handle provides good runtime and portability.
* Intuitive onboard controls.
Cons:
* Lacks smartphone app control.
* Battery handle can take a while to charge fully.
* Initial charge state of the battery handle might be very low.
* While portable, its size (42cm) might be tricky to conceal in very tight shots compared to smaller lights.
- Powerful functions, diverse colors, 21 button mode remote control, 7 kinds of lamp color change, adjustment of light brightness, automatic mode, three speed timing, etc., to meet your needs for...
- Super Bright Flashlight: Updated XM-L2 Led, the maximum range up to 100 meters. The diving light can be submerged up to 80 ft. So diving flashlight provides you ultra-bright light when underwater...
Diving into the RT25’s Capabilities
Having used the SMALLRIG RT25 RGB Tube Light Stick Kit extensively over time, I’ve come to appreciate its practical design and robust feature set. It’s a tool that quickly integrated into my workflow, proving its worth in various challenging situations. Let’s break down what makes this light wand such a capable piece of kit.
Exceptional Lighting Quality and Versatility
The core function of any light is, well, light. The RT25 doesn’t disappoint here. It boasts a max output of 25W, delivering up to 2350lux at 0.5m (at 5600K), which is impressive for its size. The real magic, however, lies in its quality and versatility. With a CRI (Colour Rendering Index) of ≥ 96 and a TLCI (Television Lighting Consistency Index) of ≥ 98, it ensures that colours look accurate and true to life, crucial for both photography and video where colour fidelity is paramount. This high colour accuracy means less time spent correcting colours in post-production, saving valuable time and effort.
Beyond standard white light, the RT25 is a full RGBWW light. This means it not only provides precise colour temperature control from a warm 2500K to a cool 10000K, allowing you to match ambient lighting or set a specific mood, but it also offers access to 36000 full RGB colours. Having this range is incredibly useful for creative lighting – whether adding a splash of colour to a background, using it as a stylized hair light, or creating atmospheric effects. The ability to dial in any colour opens up a world of creative possibilities that go far beyond simple illumination. The milky PC diffuser panel ensures that the light output is soft and even, reducing harsh shadows and creating a pleasing quality of light, which is excellent even for close-up work or portraits.
Adding to its versatility, the RT25 includes 18 built-in light effects. These range from practical simulations like police car, fire, and lightning to more abstract pulsing or colour cycle effects. While perhaps not for every shoot, these effects can be incredibly useful for specific scenes or creating dynamic backgrounds in videos, adding production value without needing complex setups. They are easily accessible and adjustable via the onboard controls.
Flexible Mounting and Positioning
SmallRig’s background in rigging is immediately apparent in the RT25‘s mounting options. This light stick is designed to go anywhere you need it. Both the light itself and the battery handle feature 1/4″-20 threaded holes, the standard for photography and video accessories, allowing easy attachment to tripods, light stands, or articulating arms. Additionally, there are 3/8″-16 threaded holes, including one with Arri locating pins for enhanced stability when attaching to compatible gear.
What sets it further apart are the special interfaces like the Nato rail along the length of the light and the quick-install design for the handle. The Nato rail allows for quick attachment and detachment of accessories or clamps, speeding up setup time on set. The quick-install handle is particularly clever, twisting securely into place without fumbling with cables, making the unit feel like a single, well-balanced entity for handheld use. This array of mounting points means that whether you want to handhold it, put it on a stand, rig it to a camera cage, or mount it in an unconventional spot, the RT25 provides the necessary flexibility. This is a huge benefit in dynamic shooting environments where lighting positions need to change quickly and often.
Powering Options for Any Scenario
One of the most critical aspects of location lighting is power, and the SMALLRIG RT25 kit offers multiple solutions. The included 45Wh battery handle provides untethered operation for a significant amount of time – SmallRig rates it at about 2 hours of average use. For many shoots, this is perfectly sufficient, especially for accent lighting or shorter video clips. The handle connects seamlessly to the light via internal contacts.
When you need longer runtimes or access to power is available, the light stick features a USB-C port that supports PD (Power Delivery) fast charging. This port can also be used to power the light directly from a wall adapter or a suitable power bank. This is a lifesaver on longer shoots or when using the light statically for extended periods, like in a studio setup or as background lighting for streaming. Furthermore, the ability to connect larger external power sources, such as V-mount batteries (via compatible plates, often attaching via the Nato rail or threads), provides virtually unlimited runtime, making the RT25 suitable for even the most demanding all-day shoots in remote locations. This flexibility in powering is a major strength.
One minor drawback here, as noted by others, is that the battery handle can take a considerable time to charge, sometimes feeling slow compared to other modern rechargeable devices. While it does eventually reach full charge, planning ahead is necessary if you intend to rely solely on the handle’s internal battery for multiple sessions. Also, some users have reported the handle arriving with a very low charge state initially, requiring a long first charge.
Robust Build and Smart Design Details
SmallRig is known for its build quality, and the RT25 lives up to that reputation. The body is constructed from aluminum alloy, which feels sturdy and durable, capable of withstanding bumps and knocks typical of on-location production. This material also aids in heat dissipation, contributing to the noise-free operation of the light – essential when recording audio nearby. The PC diffuser panel feels robust and provides that nice, soft light quality mentioned earlier.
A standout feature for outdoor work is the IP54 dust and water resistance rating. While not fully submersible, this protection means the light stick can handle light rain or dusty environments without issue, giving peace of mind when shooting outdoors in less-than-perfect conditions. The USB-C ports have protective covers to maintain this resistance.
The design includes thoughtful elements like the detachable barndoors. These snap on and off easily and extend along the length of the light, allowing you to control the spread of light effectively – useful for isolating a subject or preventing light spill. The ergonomic handle provides a comfortable and secure grip for handheld use, and it even has LED indicators on the back to show the remaining battery level at a glance. The integrated 0.96″ OLED screen displays all the critical information – mode, colour temperature, brightness, battery status – clearly, even in bright conditions.
Intuitive Control and Portability
Operating the RT25 is straightforward thanks to its well-designed onboard controls. A scroll wheel and a few buttons allow you to navigate menus, adjust settings like brightness, colour temperature, hue, saturation, and switch between modes and effects. The interface is intuitive and quick to learn, meaning you can make adjustments rapidly on set without needing to consult a manual every time. This ease of use is a significant advantage in fast-paced shooting environments.
The kit is designed with portability in mind. The light stick itself is 42cm long and weighs just 534g, making it easy to pack into a standard photography backpack. The included padded carrying bag keeps everything organized and protected during transport. While it’s compact and lightweight, it still packs a punch, making it a genuinely portable yet powerful lighting solution.
A minor point of criticism, echoed by some users, is the absence of smartphone app control. In an age where many modern lights offer this convenience, it’s a feature that feels notably missing on the RT25. While the onboard controls are good, app control often allows for finer adjustments, easier saving/loading of presets, and remote operation, which can be beneficial in certain setups. However, for its price point and the quality of its other features, the lack of an app isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker for everyone.
What Others Are Saying
I’ve looked around online to see what other people who have purchased and used this SMALLRIG RT25 light stick think, and overall, the feedback is quite positive. Many users are impressed by how much power and functionality SmallRig has managed to build into such a compact and portable device. People love the quality of the light output, noting the accurate colours and wide temperature range. The versatile mounting options and sturdy construction are frequently praised, with many appreciating the IP54 rating for outdoor work. While some mentioned wishing for app control or finding the battery handle slow to charge initially, the general consensus is that this is a reliable, high-performing light wand that offers excellent value and is a valuable addition to their creative toolkit.
Final Thoughts
In creative visual work, insufficient or inflexible lighting can severely limit your output and frustrate your efforts. Getting the lighting right is fundamental to achieving professional results and bringing your vision to life. The complications of poor lighting – harsh shadows, inaccurate colours, inability to create mood – are problems that demand a reliable solution. The SMALLRIG RT25 RGB Tube Light Stick Kit is a great fit for solving these problems for several reasons: its outstanding versatility with a wide range of colours, temperatures, and effects; its robust and thoughtful design, including multiple mounting options and weather resistance; and its flexible power solutions allowing for both portable and extended use. If you’re looking for a powerful, adaptable, and well-built light stick to enhance your photography or videography, this kit is definitely worth considering. To learn more or pick up your own, Click here.
Last update on 2025-07-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API