Neewer 20" Dimmable Ring Light

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Neewer Dimmable 18 Inch Ring Light Review As a fulltime photographer/videographer I generally get asked "whats the best camera to improve my photography or videos". To their surprise, my response is generally a ring light.

From there, I then go on to explain how controlling light is one of the most important things to improve your photos or videos. They are also a lot cheaper than a brand new camera! But why ring lights?

After using umbrella lights, studio lights and ring lights for years, I have come to the conclusion that ring lights give me the most consistent and desirable lighting when compared to their counterparts.

Ring lights can also be used for a wider range of applications from YouTube videos, photogaphy,makeup application, hair studios and more. Ok so ring lights are awesome, but what is the best one for my needs? Personally I have been using the Neewer Dimmable 18 Inch Ring Light for close to 1 year which I will review here today.

Neewer Dimmable 18 Inch Ring Light Review

Why I chose the Neewer 18-Inch Ring Light

The main reason I went for this model over one of the many other options available is its size. The 18 inch diameter allows for a wide variety of uses. The inner diameter is a very generous 14 inches. Wide enough for many different video cameras, DSLRs, and even a face to fit into comfortably.

Neewer is a brand I've been leaning towards for a variety of different photographic products. Neewer combines good quality with low prices. I've used their studio strobes, wireless triggers, and other accessories for a while. I find them easy to use, robust, full featured, and affordable enough to keep several on hand.

What also appealed to me about this model was that it had a dimmer for variable light output. While this is considered a small feature, this was a must for me as I was going to use the ring light in a wide range of light settings.

What You Get in the Package

Neewer Dimmable 18 Inch Ring Light kit The Neewer 18 Inch Ring Light kit comes complete with everything you need to get going right away. Except for a camera, of course if you plan on recording videos or taking photos.

The light itself comes with the 75 watt fluorescent bulb and a long cord for either USA or European plugs. The 59 inch tall light stand is tall enough for a comfortable working posture for average size people.

Also included are two different sets of plastic filters for the light, white and orange. The orange is great for creating slightly higher contrast for Black & White imaging. The White offers a great soft effect I found wonderful for portrait work and makeup application.

My kit also came with a goose neck for adjusting into different positions and a camera mount. I wouldn't put a heavy camera on the goose neck, though. I was using my Canon 70D with a pretty heft lens and it seemed to handle it fine. But if you were using a full frame camera I would make sure everything is super tight.

Setting up the Neewer 18-Inch Ring Light

Setting up out of the box only took me about 5 minutes. Firstly I unfolded the legs of the light stand and extend the stand to a comfortable working height. I then installed the bulb into the light and attach the light to the stand. Using the mounting bracket supplied, I attached my Canon 70D to the rig.

You also might find this video to be very helpful for the setup.

This Neewer ring light is A/C powered, so you will need to have a place to plug it in and probably an extension cord. Be sure to use higher gauge wire extension cords. A surge protector would be a good idea, too.

The dimmer switch also allowed my to vary the light output a bit. Even though it is only a 75 watt lamp, the way it's configured gives you an equivalent light output of a 600 watt bare bulb. So sometimes you'll need to dim it down somewhat.

What Is The Neewer Dimmable 18-Inch Ring Light best used for?

newer ring light effects There are a lot of uses for a wide diameter continuous output ring light. The first one is for shadowless macrophotography. Or even just merely extreme close up. For small product photography, with end uses of the images on websites like eBay or even Amazon, this light excels.

From the extreme close up views, we back out to a medium distance and use this light for great looking head and shoulder portraits with still or video cameras. This also doubles well for Youtube/Vlog style videos. The light is very flattering. Anyone making videos of product tests or an instructional video will enjoy this ring light.

One thing I have also used this ring light for is makeup application. The bright, constant output, and shadowless light provided me the best light to work in when there was no natural light around. One thing I did notice when applying makeup was that I did notice some residual heat from the light. Nothing major, but worth noting.

A bonus I've been playing around with is using it as a catch light for traditionally lit portraits. That round highlight in the subject's eyes is an awesome sight. I love doing that now.

Light Quality

newer ring light quality I've been talking about the shadowless light a lot in this Neewer ring light review. The effect is truly remarkable when you first start using a ring light. Though shadowless, it isn't flat light.

The lens of the camera (or phone or your eyes) sits in the middle of the light source. This means that the light source surrounds the optical line of sight. Thus, the light is falling on the subject from every direction. Eliminating the shadows means you can clearly see the details that may have been obscured otherwise.

Even when set up at a medium distance or maybe even further back, the light quality is pleasing. Imagine a halo of light falling on your subject, soft light that gives a special look to the subject. A good effect for someone trying to create a romantic lighting look that you can still see details in.

Final thoughts

Ring lights are a useful tool for various different types of artists. Videographers, YouTubers, make up artists, and traditional still image photographers all will find lots of ways to use this a ring light.

This Neewer 18 inch continuous output ring light will fill the bill in a fine way. It won't break your bank to get it either. Along the way, you will probably find, as I did, that you enjoy trying out new ways to put this awesome little light to use. Enjoy!

It is light weight without being flimsy and mounts easily to my light stands. In the testing for this newer ring light review, I set it up and put through its paces with the thought of describing it in more detail for you, my readers.

If you want to learn more about lighting, check out my other articles below!

Top 5 best ring lights
Best studio umbrella lights
Best lighting techniques for makeup application
How to be a Vlogger