Thanks for the review. As a late commenter and someone now having read most of the other comments, it’s clear that this video omitted two key areas of interest. A) the consideration of those who wear glasses and what each does in terms of reflection and B) how each ones affects the eyes over longer usage periods (especially as the two best ranked ones sit right near the laptop camera).
I just bought the TaoTronics LED Desk Lamp & it literally lights up my world! Easy to assemble, the range from dim to bright is astronomical & the lamp offers various tones from cool to warm. I accidentally purchased two but did not mind because I was able to make someones day & give them a light! THANK YOU !!!!
You can position lights above your face at around a 45-degree angle, and it’ll eliminate the reflection on your glasses. But it won’t get rid of the reflection from your screen; I use dark mode all the time to help with that.
This is one of the best review videos I've seen. I like the way you keep it simple and have the same format for how you review each product. You are easy to listen to, clear and enough information to make a satisfying choice. Thank you :)
Great video Dustin! I have watched several videos on lighting and yours is by far the most practical for laptop users, most comprehensive, and easiest to follow! My only suggestion would be to maybe also show the effect of your ambient lighting (i.e. with and without). Your ambient lighting is better than mine to begin with, so actually your video would have looked way better than mine even if you didn't add additional lighting. I'm also checking out your blog to get the links. Oh yeah... it would also be good to see the effect of the lights and glare on people who wear glasses maybe in your next lighting review.
A word of caution about the Lume Cube; on Amazon found a number of one star ratings because the suction device did not hold the lamp to the computer. You did say the holding surface must be flat and smooth. Most that bought the lamp seem to like its features but a number of folks could not get it to stay in place.
The Neewer Portable lights are PHENOMENAL. They come two in the pack, however, turning on only one of them did the trick. Thanks for the recommendation for those of us newbies and who is also on a budget. The Neewer light pack cost me only $42 on Amazon.
Wish you had demonstrated some of those lights off centre (because looking directly into a light throughout a 2 hour call is "no bueno"... Off centre actually gives a bit more depth to your face, especially when (like you) there's already some natural light on you. I also wish that with the dual light solutions you had put them at different levels from one another (again for both eye fatigue and depth in the face). I use a larger ring light about 45deg to my left and above my hairline pointing at a slight downward angle with a warm setting when there's light coming in the window just to soften shadows and keep the image from blowing out the white balance. I am not a photographer or a marketing person, these are just my observations as someone who is a hermit working from home for almost a year now.
Thanks for the reviews. The Taotronics desk lamp looks like it will meet my needs. I like the fact that it can be used for Zoom meetings and it can be used as a great light source for hobby work at my desk.
I’ve been using my phone flashlight attached to a goose neck clamp on my desk, I wear glasses and with certain angles that I sit up I see the little circle light reflections. Idk if the Lume Cube would do the same , which of these would be best for someone who wears glasses? 🤓
What I can do to adjust the backlight from a window which gets afternoon sun? My computer and 2 screen setup is such that I can’t change the backlight. I’m using a Logitech video camera.
Great review. I agree with your conclusion. If desk space was not an issue, I’d go for the 2 light Neewer solution. But, it always is. The Lube cube is terrific. Thanks
Thank you for the video. Also can you please tell me what you have your computer sitting on to raise it up. I need to get that. It looks like a great option and I have not been able to find one. I have to do video chats for work and my computer sits to low on it's own. Thank you so much!
Hi. Thank you for the review! I was wondering what the make and model is for the stand you have under your laptop. I really like that. Right now, when I am doing a zoom with my PC, I have the PC on top of stacked books. Would prefer an adjustable stand. Thanks for any info.
What do you think about the Philips Hue Playbar lights and getting the dual pack for side by side with color hue and changing them easily thorugh computer controls and wirelessly?
Very helpful review. I decided to go with the Lume Cube. Very impressed with the size and light output. Just what I needed. I’m using a small desktop tripod instead of the suction cup mount.
@Stormy The tripod I am using is the Fotopro FY-583 (Amazon). It maxes out at just over 48 inches with the legs fully extended. But for use on my desk, I don’t extend the legs at all and it positions the light just above the top of my 13” MacBook Pro.
Does the Lume Cube adhere to an IMac? Does anyone one have a lighting product idea that fits on a large monitor iMac and takes up minimal space? Is there a hack to make the iMac screen provide enough backlight? Thanks.
This is a super helpful video thanks for making it! Is the light harsh on your eyes though? With my new job I will be on a lot of video calls all day so wondering if staring at the light would be too hard on my eyes. Thanks
@@bernardpeel7133 yes! I wear prescription glasses with the blue light blockers. The light is not harsh at all, I have the Autonomous Extra Wide LED Lamp to cover my desk for when I’m working on anything but use the Tao Tronics for video calls since it doesn’t seem to hurt my eyes
Very helpful video, until I went to the Lumecube website, and couldn't find this product. They had a similar product to attach to a camera, but it was $169.00! I'd love to know how others purchased the lumecube product you feature. Thank you.
Great review, but I would have loved to see the test completed for people wearing glasses. Very often you will end up with harsh shadows and reflections that ends up creating a poor result
You change the color temperature of the Neewer lights by changing the colored gels that are included. I don't recommend them unless you're never going to run them at full brightness. I've had two sets burn out within an hour when ran on high aim at a wall to soften the effect.
I think the lighting coming from both left and right is much better solution than the one coming straight from the front. This is the set up used in photograph studio.
This person who created this video, does not have a background in lighting portraits. Directly front??? Completely no shadows is only good for make-up tutorials.
What would you recommend with a desktop IMac. The back is smooth but curved so not sure the lume cube would work. Its 20 inches high so would the Taotronics desk lamp be tall enough?
I'm missing any mention of using two lights and making one brighter (the key light) than the other (the fill light) as used by photographers. Full face illumination should not be the goal as IMHO faces look washed-out.
Dustin, great video, my only real comment is , that the lume cube seems to me that it is glaring directly into your eyes, although it did not seem to affect you. Please comment
just wanna say that I use a cone desk lamp covering the cone with a sheet of paper in order to diffuse the light. But I look forward to get me one of this gadgets.
@@cesarvegamx he’s using a video conferencing platform to look as realistic as possible as you would in a video conference. No sense in showing how spectaculair it would look in 4K since that’s not the purpose of this video.
That last ring light is not an option if you have a stationary setup with a big separate monitor, cause the camera is mounted on the center of that. Perhaps if it had a tilt function you could mount it next to the monitor camera.
If it's ok to mention a word of caution, the neewer panels draw 2 Amps of power each and if you have a laptop or computer with USB sockets capable of delivering 2 Amps (or 4 for both) you have a special computer. Please, please us a wall socket adaptor instead
An excellent review and beautifully presented. Really helpful as I had no idea about the lighting source I would need for online teaching, zoom etc. I'm just about to order the Taotronic light. Thanks a lot for this.
Logitech has a new light, Litra Glow, that hooks on to a monitor or laptop. It is powered by USB A and has adjustments for brightness and color temperature. It has a nice diffuser. I like the fact that it runs on USB power (not battery) and provides very good light. It can also be mounted on a tripod. I bought two of them! I like the Lume Cube light too.
This was really helpful! I love the desklight! I'm using a desktop computer for videoconferencing and was wondering if you have any very inexpensive clip on microphone suggestions/links. I don't want anything complicated to set up or expensive, just something to improve the quality I get from my pc. Thanks!
could you do a video on using the lights for say 1, 2 , 3 hours when we have long meetings as I feel that lights being close to you may tire your eyes .. thank you good informative video.
Thanks for the review. As a late commenter and someone now having read most of the other comments, it’s clear that this video omitted two key areas of interest. A) the consideration of those who wear glasses and what each does in terms of reflection and B) how each ones affects the eyes over longer usage periods (especially as the two best ranked ones sit right near the laptop camera).
I havent read the comments but how many users really eat their glasses?
@@hbbaxter9199 haha, I’d best to and change that to ‘wear’ ;-)
I just bought the TaoTronics LED Desk Lamp & it literally lights up my world! Easy to assemble, the range from dim to bright is astronomical & the lamp offers various tones from cool to warm. I accidentally purchased two but did not mind because I was able to make someones day & give them a light! THANK YOU !!!!
Do you use it for virtual video meetings? I am curious if it would be beneficial to light up my space for TH-cam videos
Your lighting looks decent and your tips were helpful. Consider upgrading your audio to match the standards of your lighting.
Thank you this is most helpful. I have bought so many unsatisfactory lights and now I'll try the Lime Cube.
I'd like to see you do the video wearing glasses. I have found that lights in certain positions cause a reflection from the glasses.
You can position lights above your face at around a 45-degree angle, and it’ll eliminate the reflection on your glasses. But it won’t get rid of the reflection from your screen; I use dark mode all the time to help with that.
Very useful information!
use one light at 45° from one side, and another diffuse at the other side at 45°. Always avoid lights from next to or behind the camera.
Great point, Tom! I forgot to mention that in the comment I just left for Dustin, lol
@@GrimmChronicles DARK MODE - that have something to do with Batman?
This is one of the best review videos I've seen. I like the way you keep it simple and have the same format for how you review each product. You are easy to listen to, clear and enough information to make a satisfying choice. Thank you :)
I've been shopping for a light solution, found this very helpful. Thank you!
what about lighting options for people who wear glasses. Because it causes lot of glare and lot of reflection on the otherside.
Great video Dustin! I have watched several videos on lighting and yours is by far the most practical for laptop users, most comprehensive, and easiest to follow! My only suggestion would be to maybe also show the effect of your ambient lighting (i.e. with and without). Your ambient lighting is better than mine to begin with, so actually your video would have looked way better than mine even if you didn't add additional lighting. I'm also checking out your blog to get the links.
Oh yeah... it would also be good to see the effect of the lights and glare on people who wear glasses maybe in your next lighting review.
Hello and thank you, do you have any idea about how the Whellen works if you wear glasses?
Thank you! I'm sold on the Lume cube!
A word of caution about the Lume Cube; on Amazon found a number of one star ratings because the suction device did not hold the lamp to the computer. You did say the holding surface must be flat and smooth. Most that bought the lamp seem to like its features but a number of folks could not get it to stay in place.
Thank you! I appreciate you taking the time to do the reviews and providing your feedback, both pro and con.
The Neewer Portable lights are PHENOMENAL. They come two in the pack, however, turning on only one of them did the trick. Thanks for the recommendation for those of us newbies and who is also on a budget. The Neewer light pack cost me only $42 on Amazon.
Don't run them at full brightness for too long or they will burn out. I've had 2 sets go bad.
Wish you had demonstrated some of those lights off centre (because looking directly into a light throughout a 2 hour call is "no bueno"... Off centre actually gives a bit more depth to your face, especially when (like you) there's already some natural light on you. I also wish that with the dual light solutions you had put them at different levels from one another (again for both eye fatigue and depth in the face).
I use a larger ring light about 45deg to my left and above my hairline pointing at a slight downward angle with a warm setting when there's light coming in the window just to soften shadows and keep the image from blowing out the white balance.
I am not a photographer or a marketing person, these are just my observations as someone who is a hermit working from home for almost a year now.
Thanks for the reviews. The Taotronics desk lamp looks like it will meet my needs. I like the fact that it can be used for Zoom meetings and it can be used as a great light source for hobby work at my desk.
I’m looking for a light that doesn’t blind me while I’m trying to read from the screen
Agreed. Tough to stare at for ~8 hours a day
not sure if Lume cube qualifies as "inexpensive"...
I definitely agree, some people have a different definition of inexpensive
Great video! Thank you! Where did you get the bookcase behind you and the riser for your laptop?
Great video. Easy to understand and very informative. Thank you
You have a wonderful demeanor, Thanks for the video!!
I have the NEEWER. They do take space (unfortunate) but they can be extended REALLY high. So it covers my key light and fill light. I'm happy with it
I’ve been using my phone flashlight attached to a goose neck clamp on my desk, I wear glasses and with certain angles that I sit up I see the little circle light reflections. Idk if the Lume Cube would do the same , which of these would be best for someone who wears glasses? 🤓
What I can do to adjust the backlight from a window which gets afternoon sun? My computer and 2 screen setup is such that I can’t change the backlight. I’m using a Logitech video camera.
What’s the base holding up your lap top?
Excellent demo. You helped me make the decision to return the Neewer lights that I already purchased and buy the Lume Cube mini panel.
Thank you for this! I have been teaching remotely and have been looking for good lighting!
useful video. Purchased TaoTronics desk lamp, solved my video call issue.
Hi, what is exact model of Lume cube lighting kit?
Your video will solve my lighting problem on Zoom calls. Thanks.
Thank you so much for this. I have been searching for good video conference lighting and you nailed it!
Great review. I agree with your conclusion. If desk space was not an issue, I’d go for the 2 light Neewer solution. But, it always is. The Lube cube is terrific.
Thanks
Thank you for the video. Also can you please tell me what you have your computer sitting on to raise it up. I need to get that. It looks like a great option and I have not been able to find one. I have to do video chats for work and my computer sits to low on it's own. Thank you so much!
Hi. Thank you for the review! I was wondering what the make and model is for the stand you have under your laptop. I really like that. Right now, when I am doing a zoom with my PC, I have the PC on top of stacked books. Would prefer an adjustable stand. Thanks for any info.
Thank you. This was very useful. I appreciate it.
This video is exactly what I needed!!!
What do you think about the Philips Hue Playbar lights and getting the dual pack for side by side with color hue and changing them easily thorugh computer controls and wirelessly?
You are a life saver. Thank you for this video.
Very helpful review. I decided to go with the Lume Cube. Very impressed with the size and light output. Just what I needed. I’m using a small desktop tripod instead of the suction cup mount.
@Stormy The tripod I am using is the Fotopro FY-583 (Amazon). It maxes out at just over 48 inches with the legs fully extended. But for use on my desk, I don’t extend the legs at all and it positions the light just above the top of my 13” MacBook Pro.
Good idea as that's what I was considering - foregoing the suction cup for a tripod!
Does the Lume Cube adhere to an IMac? Does anyone one have a lighting product idea that fits on a large monitor iMac and takes up minimal space? Is there a hack to make the iMac screen provide enough backlight? Thanks.
The top 3 is good but all of them are good as well
Great video - thank you for this relevant content.
This is a super helpful video thanks for making it! Is the light harsh on your eyes though?
With my new job I will be on a lot of video calls all day so wondering if staring at the light would be too hard on my eyes. Thanks
I can vouch for the Tao Tronics lamp from Amazon! So great for my WFH set up.
Thanks Gayle. Do you wear glasses and if so how do you find light reflection?
@@bernardpeel7133 yes! I wear prescription glasses with the blue light blockers. The light is not harsh at all, I have the Autonomous Extra Wide LED Lamp to cover my desk for when I’m working on anything but use the Tao Tronics for video calls since it doesn’t seem to hurt my eyes
@@Galeime great stuff - thank you!
I have a webcam on my monitor. Is there a way to use the Lume Cube with my webcam?
Excellent lighting demonstration and analysis. Very helpful. Thank you.
in your opinion, which of these is safest for the eyes?
I wish you had shown how the differences in temperatures looked on you cool vs warm with the one you recommended ie Lume Cube Thanks!!!
Where can I get that laptop stand you have?
Does it hurt to look at the camera ?
Very helpful video, until I went to the Lumecube website, and couldn't find this product. They had a similar product to attach to a camera, but it was $169.00! I'd love to know how others purchased the lumecube product you feature. Thank you.
Don't these lights blind you? Are you able to see what's on the screen?
Great review. Purchase the 3rd desk lamp you reviewed. Thanks
Great video. New follower here. Good information on lightning. ✌️
Can these lights be used with large desktop screens?
Great reviews! Thanks
I have the lights, I just want those dinky little stands. What are they?
Thanks for the video, does the Tao Tronics light bother your eyes ? I like the results but I was curious about this.
Excellent review!
Great review, but I would have loved to see the test completed for people wearing glasses. Very often you will end up with harsh shadows and reflections that ends up creating a poor result
You change the color temperature of the Neewer lights by changing the colored gels that are included. I don't recommend them unless you're never going to run them at full brightness. I've had two sets burn out within an hour when ran on high aim at a wall to soften the effect.
how do you combat the brightness that comes from using a separate monitor that's larger and pushes so much light at you?
*Thank you* for sharing those products. Some of which I was hearing of for the first time.
♥️
#staywell everyone.
💜
I think the lighting coming from both left and right is much better solution than the one coming straight from the front. This is the set up used in photograph studio.
This person who created this video, does not have a background in lighting portraits. Directly front??? Completely no shadows is only good for make-up tutorials.
DO you think have Philips Hue would be ok as well?
Very Helpful ❤👍
Great video , One needs to have a combo of them , the clamp on is the best and most portable solution
What would you recommend with a desktop IMac. The back is smooth but curved so not sure the lume cube would work. Its 20 inches high so would the Taotronics desk lamp be tall enough?
Thanks so much! This video is so informative and clear! Very appreciated! :)
I'm missing any mention of using two lights and making one brighter (the key light) than the other (the fill light) as used by photographers. Full face illumination should not be the goal as IMHO faces look washed-out.
Dustin, great video, my only real comment is , that the lume cube seems to me that it is glaring directly into your eyes, although it did not seem to affect you. Please comment
I don't understand why your video quality is VERY poor. But thank you this is very informative and helpful.
Cause he’s using an online video conferencing platform to record the video. Which is most probably heavily compressed.
but you have the lights in your face all the time, how can you read etc..
Really good presentation!!!
Wow thanks for this video 😊😊👍👍
great video ! thank you !
Great review but sadly there was no benq screenbar reviewed
just wanna say that I use a cone desk lamp covering the cone with a sheet of paper in order to diffuse the light. But I look forward to get me one of this gadgets.
Thank you! Your video was very helpful in deciding which light I needed.
Excellent. Really good but what about people who wear glasses! This is a huge issue for me.
Good review. However, I would work on focus . . .
Not just focus..... it's granny as well. For a review about improving your videos, it needs a lot of improvement itself.
@@cesarvegamx he’s using a video conferencing platform to look as realistic as possible as you would in a video conference. No sense in showing how spectaculair it would look in 4K since that’s not the purpose of this video.
Would be interesting to go the extra step to see how they do if you wear glasses.
That last ring light is not an option if you have a stationary setup with a big separate monitor, cause the camera is mounted on the center of that. Perhaps if it had a tilt function you could mount it next to the monitor camera.
If it's ok to mention a word of caution, the neewer panels draw 2 Amps of power each and if you have a laptop or computer with USB sockets capable of delivering 2 Amps (or 4 for both) you have a special computer. Please, please us a wall socket adaptor instead
An excellent review and beautifully presented. Really helpful as I had no idea about the lighting source I would need for online teaching, zoom etc. I'm just about to order the Taotronic light. Thanks a lot for this.
Absolutely excellent! Thank you!
Logitech has a new light, Litra Glow, that hooks on to a monitor or laptop. It is powered by USB A and has adjustments for brightness and color temperature. It has a nice diffuser. I like the fact that it runs on USB power (not battery) and provides very good light. It can also be mounted on a tripod. I bought two of them! I like the Lume Cube light too.
Thank you for the video, and a teleprompter is a must-have device for every content creator these days. Why you don't own one?.
This was really helpful! I love the desklight! I'm using a desktop computer for videoconferencing and was wondering if you have any very inexpensive clip on microphone suggestions/links. I don't want anything complicated to set up or expensive, just something to improve the quality I get from my pc. Thanks!
Good Video, thanks can't wait to try out my Lume Cube today.
Excellent - valuable information. Thank you.
No affiliate links???
Would be nice if you include links to the products or at least the names in a list.
Thank you very helpful and practical.
Why no links?
could you do a video on using the lights for say 1, 2 , 3 hours when we have long meetings as I feel that lights being close to you may tire your eyes .. thank you good informative video.
Great rundown. Go Irish!
What’s the funky music
This is helpful, but the Lume Cube light is about $150 in Canada.
Very helpful. Thanks!