What is a ring light? Ring light accessories Plus DIY ring light

Ring light is becoming more popular among social media content creators who are not professional photographers or cinematography. In this article, you will find out where and how to buy it a ring light. Also, you will learn about its usefulness and what to look for when buying a ring light.

Many are getting things done themselves with little or no help. Ring lights seem to be the final tool that we all needed to start making clearer videos and taking better selfie photos.

What is a ring light?

A ring light or flash is a circular photographic electronic flash that fits around a camera lens. It can be used on both a smartphone and a computer (whether a laptop or desktop).

A ring light is different from other traditional light sources for many reasons. For example, a point light source will cast a shadow while a ring flash or light source will not. This is because the area it illuminates is larger.

Many content creators on social media use ring light or flash when recording using their smartphone, laptop or a camera.

Fun fact! Did you know that a dentist invented the first ring flash for dental photography?

Likely, you are not seeking to buy a ring light or flash for dental reasons. This is not strange, the device is now very useful for fashion photography and videos. Ring light also makes selfie pictures appear perfect.

Things you can use ring light or flash for:

Take a clear and professional selfie with a ring light. This is even more important now that many people are social distancing and will need to do some things themselves.
Attend video meetings with a clear image. With the best ring light for Zoom, you can make your image in a Zoom meeting even better. If you have a presentation, the device will illuminate your surroundings for viewers.
You can use ring light for streaming purposes. While creating content for TikTok, Instagram, YouTube or any other social media video sharing platform, a ring light will make all the difference. You save up on going to a studio to get professional lighting equipment.
Some ring lights come with multiple smartphone holders on their stand and this allows you to stream on several platforms at the same time.
Bluetooth enabled ring light stand or ring light tripod gives your hands freedom while you cover all your angles.
Ring lights will make macro photography even better. The light enables you to illuminate all aspects of the object and remove shadows unless you want to include it for art sake.

Note: The post contains affiliate links and we may earn a small commission at no cost to you for purchases made on Amazon.

Ring light on Amazon

Some of the most popular ring light brands are Neewer, Yongnuo, Godox and Sunpak, they are all available on Amazon. Before you buy any of these brands, be sure to check out the ring light accessories options to get the best of your purchase. These are considered in the section for ring light accessories.

Neewer ring light on Amazon

Yongnuo ring light on Amazon

Ring light accessories

If you have never bought a ring light before, a vendor may try to rip you off once they realise that you don’t know what you are doing. So, first, confirm online what other accessories the brand packages its ring lights with.

Where to buy the best ring light or flash for photo and video content

Some sell ring light with an extendable tripod stand and multiple phone holders. For example, this Yesker 18 Inch 65W LED Ring Light Kit has an adjustable tripod stand and can be purchased on Amazon. It also has a smartphone holder, works well with DSLR camera and comes with Bluetooth remote, a bag and many more. Common ring light accessories and their uses are described below.

1. Hot shoe adapter

Works with the most popular DSLR cameras and smartphone holders for video recording, streaming and photography.

2. Ring light tripod / ring light stand

Tripod stands, which are adjustable and movable to about five different levels. This allows users to record or shoot in different positions. To avoid confusion it is commonly called a ring light tripod or ring light stand.

3. Remote control

Another essential ring light accessory that enables you to take photos and record videos from a distance without touching your smartphone. Most of them are compatible with ring light for iPhone and ring light for Android.

4. Smartphone clips, tabletop holders, laptop clips

They are all important for attaching a ring light to the electronic device of your choices.

5. Softbox diffuser

A softbox diffuser is used in addition with a ring light to enhance light and it is important that you buy one.

You can check Neewer ring light accessories on Amazon to buy some gadgets that are mentioned above.

Neewer Ring Light Accessories

Compare ring light prices

It will not be wise to buy the first ring light that you find online or during physical shopping. You should compare prices when there are many available.

Some of the prices differ due to brand popularity and the vendor selling it. Godox sells a 12-inch LED ring light for $44.99.

Meanwhile, Pehese has a 10-inch selfie ring light that costs $39.99.

Cheap ring light

There are cheap ring light vendors and you just have to search deeper to find them. (You can also learn to make a cheap ring light with homemade materials in our DIY ring light section).

See some examples of cheap and more affordable ring lights on Amazon

Ring light compatibility with other devices

What electronic device or gadget do you plan to use your ring light with? This is an important question that you should ask yourself. The answer will inform your shopping choice.

Where to buy the best ring light or flash for photo and video content

Many ring lights are made for smartphone cameras and may not be compatible with traditional camera devices. This is why you should first decide your purpose for buying it.

Yonguo has a ring flash for Canon DSLR Cameras. It goes for $130 and features display adapter, rings colour, temperature filters, a hot shoe mount and many more.

This kind of ring light will not be suitable for you if you want to pair it with a smartphone or a computer.

For people using a laptop, Selfida offers an attachable ring light worth about $25.80.

In summary, there are many types of ring light or flash. Some attach to your smartphone, while some attach your laptop. On the other hand, some ring lights have their own stands and even have holders for a camera, smartphone or laptop. So make sure the ring light you purchase is compatible with the device you want to use it with.

Meanwhile, check out our other post on specific ring light types, including ring light for iPhone, Tik Tok ring light, ring light for streaming, best ring light for zoom and halo ring light.

DIY ring light: How to make a homemade ring light

You may be trying to make your own ring light instead of buying one. Below is a video of how you can do this. All you need is a metal-polymer pipe (for flexibility), LED strip, wooden chop, electric wire, terminal block, electrical insulating tape, cable ties, soldering iron and solder.

To make the perfect DIY ring light at home, ensure that your metal-polymer pipe is the same length as your LED strip.

Watch video on DIY ring light below…