The ring light provides professional, studio-style lighting.
So, it has been in my product photography gear for a long period.
In this definitive guide, I break down the key factors to consider when choosing the best ring light for your product photography needs.
Keep scrolling, you’ll pick the best options for ring lights for your product photography from the top ring lights on the market.
Why Ring Lights are Essential for Product Photography
These are called “ring lights” because they are circular in shape and surround the camera lens.
The most interesting things about the ring lights are their ability to evenly light the subject, eliminate harsh shadows, and create a soft and natural-looking image.
Besides, I gain more benefits from using a ring light for product photography including:
- Provides consistent lighting
- Creates a professional and polished look
- Easy to set up and can be adjusted to suit the specific needs
- Can be used for small items to larger products
- Relatively inexpensive than another studio lighting
- Provides a similar level of quality
Now you know why ring lights are more important and popular in product photography.
So, try it for your next product photography shoot.
I can vouch that ring lights can take your product photography to the next level and make your products stand out.
Now, you may be wondering what factors you should think about before selecting the best ring lights. Right?
Key Features to Look for in a Ring Light for Product Photography
Well, it is better to consider the following key features when choosing a ring light for product photography.
1. Brightness
Look for a light with a high luminous flux, measured in lumens, to ensure your products are well-lit and visible.
2. Color Temperature
Make sure the light has a color temperature that matches your desired aesthetic.
3. Size
Keep in mind to consider the size of your products and the space you have available for the light.
Some ring lights are more compact than others, making them more versatile for different setups.
4. Adjustability
Ring light that allows adjusting the angle and height to achieve the perfect lighting for your products.
5. Compatibility
Check that the light is compatible with your camera and any other equipment you are using.
6. Durability
Ring Light should be well-built and durable to ensure it can withstand the demands of product photography.
7. Additional Features
Some ring lights come with additional features like remote control, dimming options, and built-in diffusers.
If you want to get a professional look at your products, I recommend that ring lights are the way to go.
Top Recommended Ring Lights for Product Photography
Here are some top recommendations from my list of ring lights that I use in product photography.
1. Neewer 18-inch LED Ring Light:
Source: neewer.com
- Color temperature: 3200K – 5600K
- Built-in diffuser
- Comes with dimmable remote control
- Adjustable in height and angle
2. LimoStudio 14-inch LED Ring Light:
Source: amazon.com
- Color temperature: 5600K
- Built-in diffuser
- Comes with remote control for easy adjustments
- Tripod stand for added stability
3. GVM LED Ring Light:
Source: gvmled.com
- Color temperature: 3200K-5500K
- Built-in dimmer
- Comes with a remote control
4. UBeesize 17.5-inch LED Ring Light:
Source: amazon.com
- Color temperature: 3000K-6000K
- Built-in diffuser
- Comes with remote control for easy adjustments
- Tripod stand for added stability
5. Godox 18-inch LED Ring Light:
Source: adorama.com
- Color temperature: 3000K-6000K
- Built-in dimmer
- Comes with remote control for easy adjustments
- Tripod stand for added stability
Besides, these 5 ring lights products;
IVISII 18-Inch Ring Light, Inkeltech 18-Inch LED Ring Light, Pixel 19-Inch Ring Light, and Bolt VM-160 LED Macro Ring Light are also good recommendations for product photography lighting.
Getting the Most Out of Your Ring Light: Tips and Tricks
Until you know how to set the ring light up and use it correctly, it’s difficult to get the best results in the product photography shoot.
No worry, I’ ll tell you must know tips and tricks for getting the most out of your ring light.
1. Positions
- Place the ring light in a position that will provide even lighting on your product.
- Make sure it’s not casting any unwanted shadows.
2. Adjusting the angle
- Adjust the angle of the ring light to change the direction of the light and achieve the desired look.
3. Settings
- Set the ring light settings, such as the color temperature and brightness, to match the desired aesthetic.
- Don’t forget to adjust your camera settings with ring lighting.
4. Experiment with distance
- Experiment with the distance of the ring light from the product to achieve different lighting effects.
5. Use reflectors
- Use reflectors to help fill in any shadows and create a more even lighting on your product.
6. Use diffusers
- Use diffusers to soften the light and create a more natural-looking light.
7. Take test shots
- Remember to take test shots
- Then you can adjust the settings as needed to achieve the desired look.
It’s important to note that these tips are general and always give me best outcomes.
However, remember to experiment with ring lights to find what works best for you and your specific setup.
Ring Lights vs Other Lighting Options for Product Photography
There are several lighting options to choose from, including natural light, continuous light, artificial light, and strobe light in product photography lighting.
If you are interested in these lighting techniques, check out my expert guide on product photography lighting in my latest article – it’s a game-changer!
Based on the features and benefits of ring lights, they can be taken into both continuous and artificial lighting categories.
Each option has its advantages and disadvantages.
Here is a comparison of ring lights vs other lighting options for product photography;
| Ring Lights | Natural Light | Other Lighting Options |
|---|---|---|
| Can be less expensive than other lighting options | Free and readily available | Can be more expensive |
| Highly controllable | Can be difficult to control | Can generate heat |
| Provides even lighting | Can change throughout the day | Variety of bulb options are available |
| Consistent lighting | Can be affected by the weather |
Even though Ring Lights are popular in product photography, the best option will depend on your specific needs and preferences for your product photography shoot.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a ring light is a powerful lighting tool for product photography that can help you achieve professional-looking shots.
It’s important to consider key features such as brightness, color temperature, size, adjustability, and compatibility when choosing a ring light.
Keep in mind to use tips and tricks such as adjusting the angle and distance of the light, and experimenting with settings can help you get the most out of your ring light.
Justin Parker is a professional photographer and has been in the industry since 2007. He attended the University of Georgia. Justin combines his passion for photography and his interest in writing to give life to this blog which talks about photography in order to help and inspire young photographers.
