From desk lamps to studio lights, Lume Cube is known for their lighting products. I was excited for the opportunity to try out the newest version of the Lume Cube 2.0. The Lume Cube 2.0 packs a lot of light in a tiny package.
Studio-quality light for photo and video is how the Lume Cube 2.0 is described. In just a 2×2″ square, there is a lot of light in this tiny package!
Lume Cube sent the Lume Cube 2.0 to me to test and keep. All opinions are my own.
Pros
- Small, lightweight, easy to pack
- Lighting increments from 10% to 100%
- Comes with magnetic diffusion and warming filters
- Accessories like a snoot and color gels are available
- Easy to control and operate by downloading the Lume-X app
- Optical flash mode for your cellphone
- Optical flash mode for your camera’s flash
- Low light mode for long exposure photography
- Waterproof up to 30′ (10meters)
Cons
- Frame for the filters was challenging to attach
- When changing the mode to optical in the app, the photos rendered in B&W
- When in flash mode a second light source is needed if working in low light to focus on object
Lume Cube 2.0 — Technical specifications
All technical specifications have been taken from Lume Cube’s product information page and product insert.
- Light specs: 5700K color temperature; 1 powerful LED; 400 lumens; 90+ CRI rating; 140 lux at .5 meters
- Dimensions: 2″ width x 2″ height x 2″ depth
- Lume-X App: Bluetooth enabled for easy-adjust brightness
- Rechargeable lithium battery: 1.5 hour battery life at maximum brightness; USB-C charging port
- Low light mode: Perfect for long exposure photography
- 80º beam angle: clean light spread; zero hot spots
- Accessories: Entire line of magnetic light color & shaping modifiers available
- Waterproof up to 30′ (10 meters)
- Built-in 1/4″ 20 for tripod mounting
- Optical flash mode
Lume Cube 2.0 — What’s in the box?
It comes with the following items:
- 1 Lume Cube 2.0
- 1 Modification frame for mounting gels and diffusers
- 1 Magnetic softening diffuser
- 1 Magnetic warming gel
- 1 DSLR Camera Mount (slides onto the hot shoe)
- 1 USB-C cable for charging
Lume Cube 2.0 — Ergonomics and build quality
The aluminum body weighs just over 4.5oz. It is compact and easy to carry in a pocket or in your gear bag. I accidentally dropped it and it held up just fine!
While testing the Lume Cube 2.0, I did submerge it in water. I had to dry out the diffusion filter, as I left it in place while it was in the water, but the light performed well.
The metal modification frame was somewhat difficult for me to attach to the light. I felt it took more effort than it should. The frame houses the diffusion filter and the warming filter. Keeping them attached is a great way to store them when not in use. The magnet is strong and hold the filters securely to the unit.
Lume Cube 2.0 — In the field
The majority of my testing was performed in the studio under low light conditions. However, I took it with me to a sunflower field to test out the optical flash. It had a difficult time seeing the flash trigger at the angle I was holding it and did not activate.
My studio testing of the Lume Cube 2.0 went very well! I have the older version and the bonus was both can connect to the app. You can control multiple lights within the app.
The Lume Cube 2.0 has a lot of light in a small package. I was able to use it as fill light and with the optical flash option, it helped to reduce the shadows in my image.
Quality of light
It has a great light output! I have used similar lights and they typically had three light settings and a strobe. With the advantage of having the Lume-X to control the light, the light range is very easy to control. It can be used as the only light source or as a fill light.
Controls, menus and display
The Lume-X App (available in the Apple Store and Google play) opens up to the camera. The left corner opens up a menu to operate the camera on the phone. If you tap the screen on the phone you can adjust the exposure and the focus. By having the flash turned on in the app and on your phone, it will trigger the Lume Cube 2.0 as a flash.
In the upper right-hand corner of the Lume-X app, it has the overall light controls as you would use the Lume Cube 2.0 with a DSLR and flash.
One of the challenges I had using the Lume-X app was a series of images I took on my phone rendered in black and white. To correct the rendering issue, I turned off the app and back on. I tried to replicate the abnormality but it functioned as it should.
There is no modeling light function on the unit. I had to have a second light to assist with illuminating the scene enough to focus the camera.
The Lume Cube 2.0 has two other features that I did not test. One is dive mode, which would be used in underwater exploration. The other feature is a way to connect it to a GoPro. It is good to know that these features are included.
Recycle time and battery life
When using the Lume Cube 2.0 as a flash, it was ready to go right away. The battery life is better than expected. While using it for more than an hour (granted the light was not full power most of the time), it sat unused for about 5 days and the charge on the app still indicated 85%. It has a lot of light in its small package.
Lume Cube 2.0 — Final thoughts
It’s a nice addition to any camera bag. I do a lot of macro and toy photography and the Lume Cube 2.0 provides plenty of light for fill. With the added capability of the optic sensor, it can double as an off-camera flash.
Being able to control the light intensity with either the buttons on the unit or with the Lume-X app is very beneficial.
Overall, the Lume Cube 2.0 exceeded my expectations.
I believe any photographer who does macro, close-up, or toy photography would enjoy having this in their kit. The Lume Cube 2.0 retails for $89.99.
