As a photographer, I need high quality equipment to meet the specific needs of each project I work on. 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 was recently traveling with my camera and only booked a flight to Spain with hand luggage. Of course, this limits the type of photography equipment I can pack. That's when the LumeCube XL caught my attention, with maximum continuous light output in a small package.
First impressions and design
When unboxing the LumeCube XL, first impressions were great as the packaging felt high quality. I had already seen the size information online, but couldn't quite believe how remarkably small the lamp was – no bigger than an onion. Yes, I measured with an onion. Could such a small device deliver the performance its specifications promise? At first glance, the LumeCube XL doesn't look much different from other small LED lights, but the magic lies in its COB LED (chip-on-board) technology, which allows the small device to deliver a whopping 60W of power Intensity of popular mains powered larger lights in a tiny package.
Color range and output power
A standout feature of the LumeCube XL is its full spectrum RGB control and color temperature range of 2,700K to 7,500K, ideal for natural and stylized lighting. Unlike traditional lights that require gels to create color effects, the LumeCube XL provides color transitions without sacrificing brightness, allowing for greater versatility. I've used the RGB feature on several still life shots and found it extremely helpful in setting mood and atmosphere without additional modifiers. That's why it's ideal for video artists and photographers who like to experiment with color, with consistent color temperature control for precise white balance.
The image I was working on needed a secondary color to enhance its mood, so I set up an older LED permanent light that I already owned and had to add gel to the front of this device. The difference in size really impressed me: both were 60W LED lights, but the LumeCube XL was about a fifth the size of the other lights and therefore much easier to handle.
Ease of use: App controls and adjustability
The LumeCube XL's control system is another important feature. The Lume Control app allows the light to be controlled remotely, great for fine-tuning settings without interrupting recording. It was also surprisingly user-friendly; My cat accidentally changed the light color by pawing at the app's color wheel!
With seven special effects, including loop, strobe, flash and fire, creators can easily adjust lighting on the fly to achieve various creative effects. Although I wouldn't normally use this, this option does exist for those who shoot with creative effects.
For convenient, old-school customization, the light's built-in controls feature an LCD display that makes it easy to navigate through the settings. This was a detail I appreciated as I adjusted color and brightness while shooting without using my smartphone. Although I only have one LumeCube XL, the Bluetooth mesh feature allows multiple units to sync, allowing for multi-light setups with individual control for each unit.
Portability and battery life
Traveling with the LumeCube XL was a breeze. I recently took it with me on a trip to Spain and another to a small island off the west coast of Scotland. It easily fits in my carry-on backpack alongside my camera, lens, and iPad. Its portability initially piqued my interest, and combined with the optional battery grip, you can be creative anywhere.
I photographed a cat cafe before it opened to the public and brought the LumeCube XL with me. Cats can be notoriously difficult models in front of the camera and temperamental with flash, so I had high hopes for the LumeCube XL's continued performance in this scenario. It worked wonderfully. Since I moved around a lot, I held the light in my hand to follow the cats when necessary. This versatility is a testament to the combination of the light with the Power Grip battery.
After a month of testing: pros and cons
Advantages
- Compact and lightweight: Amazingly small for the power it delivers, making it perfect for travel and outdoor shooting.
- App and onboard control: Both options allow you to easily adjust settings without interrupting recording, and the app is very intuitive.
- Full spectrum RGB and special effects: Eliminates the need for gels and special effects open up new creative possibilities.
- Bowens Mount Compatibility: Adaptable to various modifiers, expanding versatility.
Disadvantages
- No built-in battery: Given its compactness, this is understandable, but the separate battery grip increases the cost.
- Accessory costs: Additional items such as the Bowens adapter, battery grip and softbox increase the overall investment. However, for most needs, investing in just the battery and Bowens mount is sufficient.
- Fan: Although the fan is quiet, it still makes noise, which could be a problem with silent recording settings.
Performance with accessories
I didn't test all of the available accessories, but I did use the Power Grip Portable battery grip, Bowens mounting adapter, and XL softbox.
The included diffuser dome works well, but for better diffusion, the XL softbox, sold separately, is worth considering. While the softbox reduces brightness (as is common with further diffusion), this can easily be compensated for by increasing the light level or adjusting your camera's ISO settings, which modern sensors handle well without introducing significant noise. Combined with the XL softbox, I think the Lumecube XL is a great option for content creators.
Thanks to the snap-in pole system, the XL Softbox folds as neatly as an umbrella for easy transport and storage, matching the quality I expect from LumeCube. The Bowens mounting adapter allowed me to use my favorite beauty dish modifier with the LumeCube XL, making it very compatible with non-LumeCube accessories.
The LumeCube Power Grip portable battery offers a capacity of 74.52 Wh and has DC and USB-C options for charging. It feels sturdy, made from durable aluminum alloy, and is great for on-the-go use. The battery lasts over an hour at 100% brightness and over two hours at 50% brightness, which is enough for most on-location shoots.
Final thoughts
I wasn't expecting to write such a glowing review as I had previously used a compact continuous light and was disappointed. Overall, I am very impressed with the LumeCube XL COB LED. It's an excellent option for content creators who need a compact, portable, and powerful lamp with pro-level features. It's versatile enough for video and photo shooting and easy to use thanks to its app-controlled features.
This little powerhouse significantly punches above its weight. Although 60W won't cover every situation or overwhelm the sun, its power and comfort make the Lumecube XL a worthwhile investment for both casual and professional use.