Review of the Tiny but Mighty Lume Cube 2.0
Led lights are important tools for any visual content creator. For those who consider that mobility without compromising power is a must, then the new Lume Cube 2.0 might be the perfect solution.
What is the Lume Cube?
It is a small, powerful LED light source that can be used for all kinds of photography and videography needs.
Its brightness can be adjusted from 0 to 1,500 lumens, and it comes in a very small cube design. It’s portable enough to put several units in your pocket. The Lume Cube can be controlled remotely with your phone. In fact, you can control up to five units wirelessly. These little devices can work either as external flash for photos or as continuous lights for video.
Who’s behind it?
Way back in 2014, Lume Cube overcame its fundraising goals for launching its brand-new LED lighting system on Kickstarter. Aimed both at still and video shooters, the original light offered 1,500-lumen light output and Bluetooth wireless control in a remarkably compact package. So much power was concealed in a small size (4 x 4 x 4.5cm) that was also rugged and waterproof.
Images by Becky Fajardo
Version 2.0
Despite the success and appreciation from many users, Lume Cube considered the feedback to launch a second-generation with several improvements.
The biggest improvement between the Lume Cube 1.0 and the 2.0 is the quality of light provided from the LED chip. The Lume Cube 2.0 has a highly improved LED Chip that provides a CRI of 95+ (as opposed to the 85+ in LC 1.0). The 2.0 also had an important makeover with the manual buttons, keeping the interface pretty much the same, as well as the small size of the device.
The new version also offers an added low-light mode with a 1-10% power range in 1% increments, controllable either from the smartphone app or the Lume Cube’s physical controls.
Who is it for?
The device’s flexibility and portability will benefit photographers and videographers who work through different styles: Mirrorless and DSLR’s cameras, GoPro, drones, and cellphones. The Lume Cube can be adapted to all of them.
For still photography, Lume Cube works either as a continuous light source or an optically triggered slave flash. Alternatively, multiple lights can be controlled individually or as a group using an Android / iOS app.
Images by Florian Krause
Energy charger
The second-generation comes with a USB-C port, and the device is fully charged in about 45 to 60 minutes only. The battery can run up to 1.5hrs at 100% brightness. Decreasing the intensity of the light can allow the Lume Cube to perform for around three hours.
Waterproof
Lume Cube is waterproof to a maximum depth of 9.1m, down from 30.5m for its predecessor. That’s deep enough to take it for snorkeling or recreational scuba diving. Keep in mind that it is not suitable for deeper dives.
Image by Florian Krause
Diffusers and modifiers
It is possible to get creative using colored gels or diffuse and modify the Lume Cube through a myriad of artistic lighting options. Magnetically mount each accessory to the modification frame to achieve a new lighting effect. The best part is that they are all stackable! Combine multiple accessories for unique lighting effects.
Some accessories available for Lume Cube include flat white diffusers, snoots, barn doors, bulbs, warming and color gels, or honeycomb grids.
Image by Florian Krause
Uses
The possibilities with the Lume Cube are endless. If you are a wedding photographer, think about how cool it would be to use a few of these as video lights, or perhaps additional lights to light up the dance floor!
It is also possible to light portraits, paint with light, capture stunning light trails. You can also attach them to your drone, light water from the inside, illuminate the surroundings to light landscapes, or use them for macro photography. Again, the possibilities of the Lume Cube are only limited by your imagination.
Image by Becky Fajardo
Verdict
The Lume Cube 2.0 improves on its predecessor in almost every aspect with its improved lighting ability, increased battery life, and USB-C compatibility. If you’re a content creator who’s looking for a budget lighting solution or something small enough to occupy a permanent slot in your bag, consider the Lume Cube 2.0 – a very bright and powerful idea indeed.
About the Author: Manuel Delgado
Manuel Delgado is an award-winning photographer with a specialization in travel and documentary photography. He is an ambassador for Skylum, Cokin, a Coloratti Master, and collaborates with brands, such as BenQ or Manfrotto. He writes for Contrastly and is a Mentor for NGO Photographers Alliance, having led workshops in Africa with a focus on ethical and humanitarian photography. His skills are certified by the Federation of European Photographers and the National German Association for Professional Photographers (CentralVerband Deutscher Berufsfotografen). His work has been exhibited in Europe and the Americas.
Driven by an innate curiosity for his surroundings, Manuel´s process is mainly focused on capturing people in their natural environment; translating through his lens the subtle threads of daily life that are shared across cultures, borders, and races. Depicting people from diverse backgrounds, his work is united by a shared aesthetic that serves to tell each individual’s story.
Manuel is currently living in Düsseldorf, Germany. Visit Manuel's portfolio.