Neewer 18” Ring Light Review [vs Neewer 18” Advanced Ring Light]
Amazon links in this article are affiliate links. As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The Neewer 18” Ring Light (model 10088612) is one of the best selling ring lights on the market. This article will be a thorough review of that light and a comparison to Neewer’s updated model, the Neewer 18” Advanced Ring Light (SRP18-2.4G)
What’s in the Box / Specifications
Specifications
Build Quality
Performance
Convenience
Verdict
What’s in the box / Specifications
Neewer 18” Ring Light (10088612)
Neewer 18” Ring Light (10088612)
The Neewer 18” Ring Light (model 10088612) comes with:
18” outer diameter ring with 240 LEDs inside.
Stand (29.5-61” without ring or gooseneck).
Gooseneck.
Power cable (141 inches).
4 5600 Kelvin diffusion plates and 4 3200 Kelvin diffusion plates.
Bluetooth shutter remote (for phones, not to control the light).
Ball mount with 1/4th inch screw.
Phone grip.
Carrying bag.
Instruction booklet.
Neewer 18” Advanced Ring Light
Neewer 18” Advanced Ring Light.
The Neewer 18” Advanced Ring Light (SRP18-2.4G) comes with:
18” outer diameter ring with 240 LEDs inside.
Stand (30.7-78.4” without ring).
Power cable (135 inches).
Bluetooth shutter button (for phones, not to control the light).
Ball mount with 1/4th inch screw.
Wireless remote (controls brightness 0-100% and color temp 3200-5600 Kelvin)
Bluetooth shutter remote (for phones)
Phone grip.
Carrying bag.
Instruction booklet.
Build Quality
Neewer 18” Ring Light.
Neewer 18” Advanced Ring Light.
Both lights come with an aluminum stand, though the actual ring is plastic. The diffusion plates on the older model are plastic, and the diffusion is built right onto the ring on the Advanced Ring Light.
The older model comes with a gooseneck that lets you angle the light however you want. It's very durable and pretty hard to bend on its own, but using the weight of the ring itself makes it easy to adjust.
Adjusting the gooseneck on the older model.
Adjusting the locking mechanism to angle the advanced model.
Both lights can be angled up or down easily using the ring's locking mechanisms. The lights are pretty bulky, but I'm very impressed with the overall sturdiness. When using these outdoors even when it was really windy, neither of these were knocked over. I might still anchor them to something outside just in case in the future. Great design.
Performance
Camera used for indoors: Logitech Brio, exposure -5.
Outdoors: Canon T3 shutter speed 1/125, kit lens. Aperture was about 4.0, and it was locked for all tests.
Indoors, afternoon
The older Neewer model (10088612) is far brighter than the advanced model. Indoors with daylight coming through the window, they both put out ample light. The older model was usable at about 25-30% just over arm’s length away and the advanced model was sufficient at about 60%.
The 3200K diffusion plates on the older model worked well for the above shots, but the advanced model could more precisely match the color temperature of daylight at about 3900K.
The hardest part was actually positioning these two devices when there isn’t a second light source. More on that in the convenience section.
Outdoors mid-day
Daylight only.
Daylight + Neewer 18” Ring Light 10088612.
Daylight only.
Daylight + Neewer 18” Advanced Ring Light.
Outdoors, the older model was the only one bright enough to use. Since your eyes will be adjusted to the bright daylight, it’s not nearly as harsh on the eyes at 100% brightness, but it really improves photos. The Advanced Ring Light isn't noticeable at all when used outside.
Indoors, night
At night, the Neewer 18” older model is usable on its own even in a pitch black room. The advanced model does well, but doesn’t quite brighten up the background as much. With a better camera than the Logitech Brio and a wider aperture lens, the advanced model can work on its own at night.
Product Photography
The original Neewer 18” Ring Light is also better for product photography. I usually have to bring 2 or 3 lights to take pictures of the products I buy for Stream Tech Reviews. The Advanced Ring Light just isn't bright enough on its own. The older model can light up the entire product without needing any other lights at all.
The camera I used is set to the same settings for both shots.
Older model 100% brightness.
Advanced model 100% brightness.
Convenience
So far, the older model has been cleaning shop, but convenience is where the Neewer Advanced Ring Light earns its price tag.
Wireless brightness and color temperature adjustment
The original Neewer model comes with diffusion plates that you have to manually clip on, and often the last one will be slightly misaligned. This is a headache, but to be fair once you get the 5600K plates on, you might never need to take them off.
The brightness also has to be physically changed with a knob and you never know what percentage you're at since there's no markings or steps.
Brightness knob on the older model.
Slightly misaligned diffusion plate. Happens a lot.
The Neewer 18” Advanced Ring Light comes with a remote. It needs 2 AAA batteries to work which are unfortunately not included. But you can adjust the brightness and color temperature quickly and easily with it.
I use several Elgato lights for my videos in conjuction with the Neewer Advanced Ring Light that are also wireless. So I never have to move from where I am to change the color temperature or brightness.
Controlling the advanced model with the included remote.
Diffusion
Left: Advanced Ring Light.
Another factor of convenience is how easy on the eyes these lights are. Although the older model is far brighter, the diffusion isn't that great once you go past about 40%. The light gets harsh, emphasizing shadows and wrinkles rather than hiding them, and it's physically very difficult to look at the light due to how bright it gets.
The Advanced Ring Light stays soft and even at any brightness level which makes it better for prolonged use in a home or office environment.
Camera mounting options
With the included camera ball mount and phone grip, you can place your device right inside the ring. The phone grip can be flipped horizontally or vertically.
Both lights have the same diameter, this shot is just angled.
Using phone grip on older model.
Lack of Light Stand Options
One weakness of both of these devices is they can only be mounted to the base they came with. Neither of these lights come with a desk clamp and there's no 1/4 inch threading to put it on a third party one.
That's why there is a lack of shots with the light directly in front of me in this review. I don't have room behind my desk so I have to use them at about a 15-30 degree angle. For a light you can attach directly to your desk, I’ve reviewed the Elgato Ring Light and even compared it to the Neewer 18” Advanced Ring Light.
Verdict
For personal use indoors, I recommend the Neewer 18" Advanced Ring Light. It's more convenient with the remote, it's easier on the eyes over longer periods of time, and the light is never too harsh.
The Neewer 18” Ring Light (10088612) is best if you're shooting outdoors, or for photo shoots where you need a really bright light.
Amazon Listings
Neewer 18” Ring Light (model 10088612): https://amzn.to/3spVTPZ
Neewer 18” Advanced Ring Light (SRP18-2.4G): https://amzn.to/3tZUZd0
