Using a LED Light for macro photography

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Garam Masala

Garam Masala

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Portable LED panel lights are popular for videographers and people on ZOOM. I am wondering if there are folks here that have experience using them in the field for macro photography. Unlike a flash, they are not connected in any way to the camera operations. You just turn them on to provide continuous illumination of your subject. The intensity of the light, as well as colour temperature, can be varied. You place one or more where you need them.
There is a product on Amazon (IVISII G2 Pocket RGB Camera Light,32Wh Built-in 4300mAh Rechargeable Battery 360°Full Color Gamut 9 Light Effects,2600-10000K LED Video Light Panel with Aluminum Alloy Body, Adjustable Tripod Stand) that is a good example and may have potential

I will be receiving my new Z mount macro lens in July and wondering if this would be a good addition to my kit.

Dave Whiting
 
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The resort in Costa Rica sometimes has them and we've used them before - they work well. Much easier than flash IMO since you can see exactly how the light is falling beforehand.
 
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I use the small litra lights with macro. Especially helpful taking shots of low to the ground shaded subjects like mushrooms, moss, small wildflowers etc. Don't have to rest the flash several times to get the right intensity and as Steve says you can see their effect before you snap the shot.
 
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When I purchased a second battery for my D500, this was listed as an accessory others bought, so I thought, why not! It's a portable LED panel and a battery charger! I've really only used the charger portion so far and haven't used it much for the LED panel just yet. But it is bright, with multiple brightness settings (I think either 3 or 4?). And it also runs off the same battery that it charges, so if you have a spare battery you're set. The only thing it lacks is color balance, it's a preset 6000K.

ANDYCINE 35-LED Mini On-Camera Light with Battery Plate CL-EL15 (bhphotovideo.com)
 
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I use a small led panel quiet often for insects and such. It’s so much easier than taking speedlights and triggers with you. I recommend getting a good one because the cheaper ones don’t last too long. I purchased one from B&H that was $150 that has adjustable HSL and several other functions. The one I have will easily fit into Jean pockets and comes with a belt case as well.
 
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I've used a small 49 LED variable light panel for macro, but to really light the subject enough would take two of those panels. It runs on AA batteries which is very convenient.
 
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MikeJ said:
When I purchased a second battery for my D500, this was listed as an accessory others bought, so I thought, why not! It's a portable LED panel and a battery charger! I've really only used the charger portion so far and haven't used it much for the LED panel just yet. But it is bright, with multiple brightness settings (I think either 3 or 4?). And it also runs off the same battery that it charges, so if you have a spare battery you're set. The only thing it lacks is color balance, it's a preset 6000K.

ANDYCINE 35-LED Mini On-Camera Light with Battery Plate CL-EL15 (bhphotovideo.com)
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That is interesting as my mirrorless camera (Nikon Z6) that I will use for macro uses the same battery as my D500. Nice to minimize battery management. Thanks for the info!
 
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I often use the small Litra cubes for macro work, especially with reflectors to illuminate subjects. They come with a variety of colored filters, which I like very much.
 
I started using small Boling BL-P1 LED panels for night photography and they are awesome. Totally adjustable color scale and brightness. I have been experimenting with low level led lighting and am pleased with these panels mounted on old tripods

I also have a small inexpensive fold up LED light box that I have used to photograph wedding rings and other small items. Works quite well for macro on small items that can be placed inside.
 
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I'm using a Lumecube Panel Mini for some of my macro work. It's very easy to use and provides adjustable intensity and adjustable color temperature and comes with a diffuser that can be added to soften the light. I'm quite happy with the Lumecube product.
 
DRwyoming said:
I'm using a Lumecube Panel Mini for some of my macro work. It's very easy to use and provides adjustable intensity and adjustable color temperature and comes with a diffuser that can be added to soften the light. I'm quite happy with the Lumecube product.
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What's the battery life like on those? I like the compactness
 
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Hut said:
What's the battery life like on those? I like the compactness
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Not bad, there's a battery gauge indicator that shows estimated remaining battery time that varies as you change the intensity. I've only once had it run out while shooting but that's because I was lazy and hadn't charged it in several months and was running near full intensity. I don't have it handy right now to check but I believe it gets something like 2 hours at 100% brightness and something like 14 hours at low intensity and will run indefinitely if you apply power through the USB C port.
 
DRwyoming said:
Not bad, there's a battery gauge indicator that shows estimated remaining battery time that varies as you change the intensity. I've only once had it run out while shooting but that's because I was lazy and hadn't charged it in several months and was running near full intensity. I don't have it handy right now to check but I believe it gets something like 2 hours at 100% brightness and something like 14 hours at low intensity and will run indefinitely if you apply power through the USB C port.
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That sound pretty darn good for it’s size!
 
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DRwyoming said:
I'm using a Lumecube Panel Mini for some of my macro work. It's very easy to use and provides adjustable intensity and adjustable color temperature and comes with a diffuser that can be added to soften the light. I'm quite happy with the Lumecube product.
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I also have the Lumecube Panel Mini as well as the larger Panel Go. I originally bought the mini for video conferencing, but also with an eye for fill light in photography. Both panels are quite useful, and I used one today taking photos of an object that needed some fill light. They can be adjusted in intensity and color temperature and can be charged/powered by USB-C cable. Each has a diffuser cover as well. One big issue when choosing lights is their CRI rating, which I believe indicates color fidelity. There are a million LED panels out there, so you can go from cheap to expensive and almost every stop in between.

Good luck,

--Ken
 
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I use the Manfrotto Lumimuse 3 for macro work. The beauty for me is I can direct the light so often use it to back light fungi etc. It also has a hot shoe attachment and comes with a couple of filters. I don't use it all the time but it's good to have it just for the versatility it provides.

Cheers,

Mike.
 
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I just bought the Aputure MC RGBWW mini led light and have been using it for macro and product work. I love it - it is slightly larger than a credit card (much thicker, though) and has adjustable colour temperature, and intensity. It also can be set to different colours. It has its own battery which is rechargeable and best of all can be controlled via your cellphone which is very handy. I'm thinking of buying another one.
 
DRwyoming said:
Not bad, there's a battery gauge indicator that shows estimated remaining battery time that varies as you change the intensity. I've only once had it run out while shooting but that's because I was lazy and hadn't charged it in several months and was running near full intensity. I don't have it handy right now to check but I believe it gets something like 2 hours at 100% brightness and something like 14 hours at low intensity and will run indefinitely if you apply power through the USB C port.
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Not that you need it ,but if you ever feel the need I have found these small portable chargers to be very handy. They are able to recharge my light panel as needed.

www.ravpower.com

32000mAh 3-Port USB Power Bank Charger

Free shipping on any order at RAVPower. Portable Charger RAVPower 32000mAh Power Bank USB Battery Pack 3-Port Power Battery Pack External Battery for iPad Pro iPhone 12 Mini Pro Max 11 SE XR Samsung Galaxy S20 S10 Note 10 Pixel [Upgraded]
www.ravpower.com www.ravpower.com
 
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Bigmo said:
Those with the Lume cube mini, do you charge with the computer or plug in device. They don’t tell you what wattage you need. Thanks in advance.
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Either works fine. At home I usually just plug it in to a cube style USB charger but on the road when I'm not carrying an AC charging cube I'll charge it from one of my computer USB ports.
 
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Bigmo said:
Those with the Lume cube mini, do you charge with the computer or plug in device. They don’t tell you what wattage you need. Thanks in advance.
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Since I use mine every day for video, I typically charge it in the morning. I use a USB A to C cable. My nephew mentioned that he had some issues with a C to C cable, but I have not tried one to confirm. They can be continuously powered if needed, and that is a nice option.

--Ken
 
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Thanks for the info. Was wondering because I have iPhone and iPad chargers but they have different outputs. I am going to purchase one to dabble in macro, I know it’s not the be all,but for some situations I think it would be handy. Thanks again.
 
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Bigmo said:
Thanks for the info. Was wondering because I have iPhone and iPad chargers but they have different outputs. I am going to purchase one to dabble in macro, I know it’s not the be all,but for some situations I think it would be handy. Thanks again.
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They are quite handy if you do not need to throw a large amount of light any significant distance. For tabletop and macro work, they are extremely useful. Buy a couple of Manfrotto tabletop tripods and a couple of Platypod gooseneck mounts and you are all set.

--Ken
 
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I’ve been using a Litra torch 2.0 for photographing machinery defects and part failures along with combo of natural light or flash. It’s great for cross lighting so you can add depth / definition to the object. It’s rechargeable and easy to mount most anywhere. I often use it just as travel torch too.
litra.com

LitraTorch™ 2.0

World's Most Versatile Light.™ The LitraTorch 2.0™ is the second generation of the award winning LitraTorch™ with even better performance specs. The LitraTorch2.0™ features 16 LEDs with 90+CRI at 5700 daylight temperature. The quality of light meets the premium standards that photographers and...
litra.com litra.com
 
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