user-selectable brightness increments let you set a comfortable level of illumination, and there’s a trio of colour temperature options so you can best match your ambient lighting. No ultraviolet and infrared light radiation, low heat output, safety, and environmental protection.

The guide number (GN) measures the maximum output of the flash. It gives the range in metres if using an aperture of f/1 at ISO100. Divide it by your actual aperture to give the real range. Ringflashes are used at close distance, so the GN will be small – around 15. Compatible with Canon’s through-the-tens, or TTL, metering system, the MR-14EX II is a top option for still photographers using Canon bodies. The traditional ring light uses two tube lights at each side that can be shot simultaneously or individually for more creative effects. The ring light also includes a modeling light to preview the effect while you set up your shot. You’ve no doubt noticed that natural light can appear cool and blue, while indoor incandescent light can seem warm and yellow. If you plan on matching your ring light to any ambient lighting you’ll need to make sure it offers some form of colour temperature control. Most ring lights include the option to adjust the temperature, either electronically with an adjustable dial, or using interchangeable filters. Look for a 5500K or daylight setting if you plan on working mainly with natural light, or a 3200K or tungsten setting for working indoors. What other features should I look out for?The feature list on the Bolt VM-160 LED Macro Ring Light is a bit short, but the price more than matches the more limited features. Despite the appearance, the Bolt VM-160 is largely a continous LED light, though there is a flash mode, it lets out a half-second burst of light every time. That means it works for video too, but is much less powerful than a flash. Despite the budget price, the light has six brightness adjustments and can also be set to have one side off for more dimensional lighting.

Modern ring lights are LED lights, since they are powered by clusters of LED bulbs. However, most LED lights come in the form of rectangular-shaped panels, which produce much flatter illumination. Ring lights, on the other hand, are donut-shaped, which is much more flattering to faces. So rather than providing harsh, flat lighting, ring lights sculpt your features and provide a more dimensional, pleasing, professional look. What are ring lights good for? This enables you to fix the output of the flash. Settings are expressed as a fraction of the full power – 1/2, 1/8, 1/64 etc. The more options the better. The diffused light evenly illuminates faces, softening shadows, flattering the facial features and creating iconic halo catchlights. It’s no surprise, then, that ring lights are now some of the most popular lighting choices for YouTubers, vloggers and makeup artists. Increasingly they’re also being taken up by those looking to give their Zoom and Skype video calls a professional polish.READ NEXT: The best tripods for iPhones The best ring lights you can buy in 2023 1. EOTO 18in Ring Light: Best budget large ring light Ring lights can illuminate a subject from multiple sides, which results in a pleasing, well-lit appearance, free of harsh shadows – a look that is generally flattering on faces. Ring lights are also well known for the iconic, attention-grabbing, halo-shaped catchlights they reflect in the eyes. While there are controls built into the rear of the light, the Elgato can be paired with a companion app, allowing you to adjust the brightness and colour temperature without having to leave your seat. This feature will certainly be appreciated by both streamers and YouTubers.

Small, lightweight and with a range of mounting options, Rotolight’s LED Ring Light Kit is a great option for vloggers and content creators on the move. Using the included stand, it can be attached to any smartphone or camera or used standalone on its tripod. Alternatively, if you use an external microphone like the Rode Videomic Pro, the light can simply slide right over the top of it. Key specs – Ring diameter: 46cm; Brightness: 2000 lumens; Dimmable: Percentage increments; Colour temperature: 2900, 5500k, 6500k; Advertised CRI: 90; Internal mount: Phone or camera; Power source: Mains adapter This is the automatic flash metering system used by some DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, which uses a preflash system to ensure the subject gets the right amount of light. A standard cold shoe with a ball head adapter is compatible with most DSLR cameras and a smartphone holder for most smartphones (iPhone Xs/X/XR/8 plus/8/X/7/6, Samsung Galaxy S9/S8, Huawei, LG, etc.)

The Most Professional Design

The light features a clamp so you can mount it directly on your laptop, monitor, or the edge of your desk with no need for an additional stand. Once set up it can then be angled to suit, and can be plugged directly into your computer’s USB port, which keeps messy cable runs to a minimum. For versatility, you can alternatively opt to power it via a USB wall adapter or power bank. You won’t get identical results to what you’d get with a large ring light, but you will get something that’s compact, relatively lightweight, and easy to transport to enhance your selfie game. Plus, it features adjustable brightness levels for every situation, so no matter where you need to create content, there’s an option for you. Whether you’re vlogging your day running errands or shooting your next YouTube video at night in your room, the Quiya has you covered for whatever situation. Technically, the Nikon R1C1 isn’t a ring light, but it’s still a close-up lighting system for macro photographers using Nikon bodies. The R1C1 includes two speedlights that can each be controlled separately, allowing photographers to make one side brighter than the other to customize the look, or to keep everything on the same power for even lighting. With diffuse, flattering, wrap-around light, the best ring lights are ideal for adding a professional pop to your photos and videos. Well suited to a wide range of subjects, ring lights excel at portraiture and facial lighting. This ring light kit is exceptionally bright and includes a stepless dimmer, digital readout, and battery-powered option