As a photographer, I need quality equipment to meet the specific needs of each of my projects. This is especially true when it comes to lighting: sometimes you need more power, sometimes you need portability, and sometimes you need a little of both. I have recently been traveling with my camera and was booked to go to Spain with hand luggage only. This naturally limits the type of photography equipment I can pack. this is when Lumecube XL With maximum continuous light power in a small package, caught my attention.
First impression and design
unboxing Lumecube XLInitial impressions were great due to the premium feel of the packaging. I had already seen the size description online, but couldn’t believe how remarkably small the light is – no bigger than an onion. Yes, I measured with onions. Can such a small unit deliver the power that its specifications claim? At a glance, Lumecube XL It doesn’t look much different from other small LED lights, but the magic lies in its COB (Chip-on-Board) LED technology, which allows the tiny unit to pack a whopping 60 W of power, much less than the popular mains-powered corresponds to the intensity of. Big lights in a small package.
Color range and power output
an extraordinary feature of Lumecube XL Its full-spectrum RGB control and color temperature range of 2,700 K to 7,500 K is ideal for both natural and stylish lighting. Unlike traditional lights that require gels to create color effects, the LumeCube XL offers color changes without compromising brightness, allowing greater versatility. I used the RGB function in many still-life shoots and found it extremely helpful in setting mood and atmosphere without additional modifiers. For this reason, it is ideal for video makers and photographers who like to experiment with color, with continuous color temperature control for precise white balance.
I needed a secondary color to improve the mood of an image I worked on, so I installed an old LED continuous light that I already had and added a gel to the front of that unit. The difference in scale really struck me: both were 60 W LED lights, but the LumeCube XL was about a fifth the size of the other light and much easier to work with.
Ease of use: app controls and adjustments
The control system of the LumeCube XL is another key feature. Using the Lume Control app, the lighting can be controlled remotely, which is great for fine-tuning adjustments without interrupting the shoot. It was also surprisingly user-friendly; My cat accidentally changed the color of the lights by pawing at the app’s color wheel!
With seven special effects including loop, strobe, lightning and fire, creators can easily customize lighting instantly for a variety of creative effects. Although this isn’t something I normally use, this option is for those who shoot with creative effects.
For old-school practical adjustments, the light’s onboard controls include an LCD display that makes it easy to navigate the settings. This was a detail I appreciated when adjusting color and brightness in the middle of a shoot without using my smartphone. Although I have just one LumeCube XL, the Bluetooth Mesh feature allows multiple units to be synced, enabling multi-light setups with separate controls for each.
Portability and battery life
Traveling with the LumeCube XL was a breeze. I took it with me on a recent trip to Spain and to a small island off the west coast of Scotland. It fits easily into my hand-luggage backpack along with my camera, lens, and iPad. Its portability initially piqued my interest, and pairing it with the optional battery grip means you can take it anywhere.
I photographed a cat café before it opened to the public and brought along the LumeCube XL. Cats can be extremely tough models in front of the camera and can be temperamental with flash, so I had high hopes for the LumCube XL’s consistent power in this scenario. It performed amazingly. I was moving around a lot, so I hand-held the light to follow the cats as needed. This versatility is a testament to the pairing of the light with the Power Grip battery.
After a month of testing: pros and cons
Pros
- Compact and lightweight: It’s surprisingly small given the power it provides, making it perfect for travel and location shoots.
- App and onboard controls: Both options make it easy to adjust settings without stopping the shoot, and the app is very intuitive.
- Full-spectrum RGB and special effects: Eliminates the need for gels, opening up new creative possibilities with special effects.
- Bowens Mount Compatibility: Adaptable to various modifiers, expanding its versatility.
Shortcoming
- No built-in battery: This makes sense given its compactness, but the separate battery grip adds to the cost.
- Auxiliary Cost: Additional items like Bowens adapter, battery grip, and softbox increase the total investment. However, investing in just the battery and the Bowens mount is enough for most needs.
- cooling fan: While quiet, the fan does make noise, which can be a concern in silent recording settings.
display with accessories
I did not test all available accessories, but I used them Power Grip Portable Battery GripThe Bowens Mount Adapterand this xl softbox,
The included diffuser dome works well, but the separately sold XL softbox is worth considering for better diffusion. While softbox reduces brightness (as is normal with forward propagation), this can be easily compensated for by increasing the power of the light or adjusting your camera’s ISO settings, which modern sensors can capture well without significant noise. Handle it well. paired with xl softboxi can see Lumecube XL A great option for content creators.
Thanks to its clip-in locking rod system, the XL Softbox folds up neatly like an umbrella for easy transport and storage, which is right in line with the quality I’ve come to expect from LumCube. The Bowens Mount Adapter allowed me to use my favorite Beauty Dish modifiers with the LumeCube XL, making it highly compatible with non-LumeCube accessories.
lumecube power grip portable battery Offers 74.52 Wh capacity with DC and USB-C options for recharging. It feels sturdy, is made of durable aluminum alloy, and is great for use on the go. The battery lasts for over an hour at 100% brightness and over two hours at 50%, which is plenty for most on-location shoots.
final thoughts
I didn’t expect to write such a glowing review, I’ve used compact continuous lighting before and was underwhelmed. Overall, I am very impressed with the LumeCube XL COB LED. It’s a great choice for content creators who need a compact, portable, and powerful light with pro-level features. Versatile enough for both video and still photography, its app-controlled functions make it easy to use.
This little powerhouse punches well above its weight. While 60 watts won’t cover every situation or dominate the sun, its performance and convenience make up for it Lumecube XL A worthwhile investment for both casual and business use.
