As a photographer, I need quality equipment to serve 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 bit of both. I have been traveling with my camera recently and was booked to fly to Spain with only hand luggage. That naturally limits the type of photography equipment I could pack. This is when the LumeCube XL caught my attention, with maximum continuous lighting power in a small package.
First Impressions and Design
Unboxing the LumeCube XL, the initial impressions were great due to the premium feel of the packaging. I had already seen the size specs online, but couldn’t quite believe just how remarkably small the light is—no bigger than an onion. Yes, I measured with an onion. Could such a small unit deliver the power its specs claim? At a glance, the LumeCube XL doesn’t appear much different from other small LED lights, but the magic lies in its COB (chip-on-board) LED technology, allowing the small unit to pack a whopping 60 W of power, matching the intensity of popular mains-powered larger lights in a tiny package.
Color Range and Power Output
One standout feature of the LumeCube XL is its full-spectrum RGB control and color temperature range of 2,700 K to 7,500 K, ideal for both natural and stylized lighting. Unlike traditional lights that need gels to create color effects, the LumeCube XL offers color transitions without sacrificing brightness, allowing greater versatility. I used the RGB function in several still-life shoots and found it extremely helpful for setting mood and atmosphere without additional modifiers. For this reason, it’s ideal for video creators and photographers who enjoy experimenting with color, with consistent color temperature control for precise white balance.
The image I worked on needed a secondary color to enhance its mood, so I set up an older LED continuous light I already owned and had to add a gel to the front of that unit. The difference in scale really struck me: both were 60 W LED lights, but the LumeCube XL was about a fifth of the size of the other light and so much easier to work with.
Ease of Use: App Control and Adjustability
The LumeCube XL’s control system is another key feature. Using the Lume Control App, the light can be controlled remotely, which is fantastic for fine-tuning adjustments without interrupting a shoot. It was also surprisingly user-friendly; my cat inadvertently changed the light’s color by pawing at the app’s color wheel!
With seven special effects, including loop, strobe, lightning, and fire, creators can easily adapt the lighting on the fly for various creative effects. While this isn’t something I would normally use, the option is there for those who shoot with creative effects.
For old-school hands-on adjustments, the light’s onboard controls include an LCD display that makes it easy to navigate settings. This was a detail I appreciated when adjusting color and brightness mid-shoot without using my smartphone. Although I have just one LumeCube XL, the Bluetooth mesh feature allows multiple units to be synced, enabling multi-light setups with individual control for each.
Portability and Battery Life
Traveling with the LumeCube XL was a breeze. I took it with me on a recent trip to Spain and another to a small island off the west coast of Scotland. It fit easily in my hand-luggage backpack alongside my camera, lens, and iPad. Its portability initially piqued my interest, and pairing it with the optional battery grip means you can create anywhere.
I photographed a cat café before it opened to the public and brought the LumeCube XL along. Cats can be notoriously difficult models in front of the camera and temperamental with flash, so I had high hopes for the continuous power of the LumeCube XL in this scenario. It performed wonderfully. I was moving around a lot, so I hand-held the light to follow the cats as needed. This versatility is a testament to the light’s pairing with the Power Grip Battery.
After a Month of Testing: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Compact and Lightweight: Astonishingly small for the power it delivers, making it perfect for travel and location shoots.
- App and Onboard Control: Both options make it easy to adjust settings without pausing a shoot, and the app is very intuitive.
- Full-Spectrum RGB and Special Effects: Eliminates the need for gels, with special effects opening up new creative possibilities.
- Bowens Mount Compatibility: Adaptable to various modifiers, expanding its versatility.
Cons
- No Built-In Battery: Understandable given its compactness, but the separate battery grip adds to the cost.
- Accessory Costs: Additional items like the Bowens adapter, battery grip, and softbox increase the total investment. However, investing in just the battery and Bowens mount is enough for most needs.
- Cooling Fan: While quiet, the fan does make noise, which could be a concern in silent recording settings.
Performance with Accessories
I didn’t test all available accessories, but I did make use of the Power Grip Portable battery grip, the Bowens mount adapter, and the XL softbox.
The included diffuser dome works well, but the XL softbox, sold separately, is worth considering for better diffusion. While the softbox reduces brightness (as is typical with further diffusion), this can easily be compensated for by increasing the light’s power or adjusting your camera’s ISO settings, which modern sensors handle well without introducing significant noise. Paired with the XL softbox, I can see the Lumecube XL being a great option for content creators.
Thanks to its clip-in locking rod system, the XL softbox folds down as neatly as an umbrella for easy transport and storage, aligning with the quality I’ve come to expect from LumeCube. The Bowens mount adapter allowed me to use my preferred beauty dish modifier with the LumeCube XL, making it highly compatible with non-LumeCube accessories.
The LumeCube Power Grip Portable Battery offers 74.52 Wh of capacity, with DC and USB-C options for recharging. It feels sturdy, made of durable aluminum alloy, and is great for on-the-go use. The battery lasts over an hour at 100% brightness and more than two hours at 50%, which is plenty for most on-location shoots.
Final Thoughts
I didn’t expect to be writing such a glowing review, having used compact continuous lighting before and been underwhelmed. Overall, I am very impressed with the LumeCube XL COB LED. It is a stellar option for content creators who need a compact, portable, and powerful light with pro-level features. Versatile enough for both video and still photography, its app-controlled functions make it easy to use.
This little powerhouse punches well above its weight. While 60 W won’t cover every situation or overpower the sun, its performance and convenience make the Lumecube XL a worthwhile investment for both casual and professional use.
