The ring light has become so popular that some venture to create their own ring of lights. And as much as this is possible and even cheaper than buying a ring light at the store, you need to understand the pros and cons.The homemade ring light will certainly be more affordable due to the materials used in its construction. This accessory is usually made with pieces of cardboard and paint, simple and easy to find materials.

And the best part is that the homemade ring light also leaves the catch-light round. In addition, it is also easy to find tutorials on how to make a ring light on Youtube.

But there are disadvantages, too. In the homemade ring light the power of the lights will be less. Especially because, in general, the homemade accessory usually uses LED ribbon, Christmas lights or normal lamps.

In addition, depending on the material you use, it can become very fragile. Not to mention that it will not be so easy to disassemble, which can be a problem when transporting the accessory to use it elsewhere.

Did you know that light and photography go together? Framing, composition and angle are important elements when taking a photo. But the main thing is actually the lighting. Therefore, the photography professional uses various equipment so that both light and shadow are in accordance with the purpose of the photo.

The purchased ring light will have a much higher light output. In addition, the accessory, in general, comes with a tripod and can be adjusted at different angles.

Another advantage of the ring light purchased at the store is that it is easy to store and transport. But the main positive point is that the accessory has a variation in temperature and color, which allows different effects on photos and videos.

The disadvantage of the purchased ring light, on the other hand, is in fact the higher price, as well as the cost of maintenance. Below you can see the main differences between the homemade ring light and the purchased one:

The ring light can be purchased in department stores and even in large supermarket chains such as Lojas Americanas and Extra.

Still, we suggest that you make your purchase in online stores such as Amazon Brazil. When buying online, you get the ring light without leaving your home and it also increases the chances of finding a greater variety of models.

Purchasing Criteria: What you should consider when choosing your ring light

Once you understand the operation and importance of a ring light to ensure maximum quality for your photos and videos, it’s time to choose the best model, amid so many options for sale.

To assist you in this mission, we have listed the main criteria that you must observe before purchasing the best ring light. Look:

• Ring size
• LED or lamps
• Temperature variation
• With or without tripod

Next, we’ll explain in detail how to take each of these factors into account.

Ring size

In this regard you will find rings of light with diameters ranging from small to large.

The ring light whose circle is small is generally used to shoot with the smartphone . Some models are in the form of a clip, which is attached to the front of the cell phone cameras.

This version, which can even fit in your pocket, is portable and lightweight, usually has lights with less power, but is ideal for selfies, homemade productions and to take to parties and meetings, for example.

The larger ones, whose light ring has a diameter ranging from medium to large, are usually used more for professional productions, with a camera . This is because the larger the ring of light, the more lamps there will be in the ring light.

LED or lamps

As we have seen, the larger the ring light circle, the greater the number of lights. But in addition, we also recommend that you take into account the type of lighting.

Here you will be able to choose between traditional lamps and LED lamps . Here are the characteristics of each:

• LED: Offers continuous lighting and temperature and controllable level. It also consumes less energy and is more powerful.
• Lamps: Makes the ring light cheaper, but does not allow the temperature to be regulated and the lights are less powerful. It is necessary to be very close to them to obtain the expected result.

Temperature variation

Another criterion that you should focus your attention on when buying the ring light is the temperature. The temperature of the light is what will define the color of the photo that can go from yellowish to bluish.

In general, ring light models available on the market work with temperatures ranging from 3,200K to 6,500K.

According to experts in the subject, you must take into account that the lower this numbering, the hotter the lighting will be. That is, the color will be closer to yellow and gold.

The higher numbers, on the other hand, indicate lighting considered to be cold, which is ideal for highlighting the gray tones of the scenery or person to be photographed.

Thus, it is precisely the control of temperature, or even the mixing of its variations, that allows the creation of lighting effects in photographs and videos.

It is worth mentioning that some models of ring light also allow you to perform temperature control by means of a remote control.

With or without tripod

Then, also analyze whether the ring light of your choice comes with or without a tripod. In general, more modern models offer this extra accessory in the kit.

The tripod is essential to ensure stability when taking photos and filming videos. It is also an indispensable accessory for those who produce their own photos and videos.

But pay attention because there is also a variation in the type of tripods available.

If possible, choose a tripod that is retractable and reclining, which allows you to extend the height vertically and move the light ring in different directions.

Another point that you should consider is that there is also a table ring light.

In this case, the tripod is much shorter than the traditional one, which can reach more than 2 meters in height. And, as the name says, it is to be used against a table and not on the floor.