Introduction

The COOLBABY LED Ring Light YLY016-10C arrived on my desk promising versatile illumination for live streaming, video recording, and photography. This 10-inch ring light boasts adjustable brightness, multiple color modes, and a convenient phone holder – all at a relatively affordable price point. After several weeks of rigorous testing in various scenarios, here’s my comprehensive review.

Features

The YLY016-10C’s key selling points are its adjustable brightness and color temperature options. The three color modes (cold white, warm yellow, and warm white) offer flexibility for different moods and lighting situations. Each mode has 10 adjustable brightness levels, allowing for precise control over the intensity of the light. The included tripod stand is surprisingly sturdy, and the phone holder is compatible with most smartphones, even those with cases. The USB power source adds to its portability; I tested it with a laptop, power bank, and wall adapter – all worked flawlessly. The packaging also included a hot shoe mount and a metal ball mount, adding to the overall value.

Performance

In practice, the COOLBABY ring light performed admirably. The adjustable brightness levels proved invaluable, especially when recording videos with varying backgrounds and ambient lighting conditions. The color temperature adjustments are a nice touch, allowing you to tailor the light to the specific needs of your project. I found the color reproduction accurate and the light distribution relatively even across the illuminated area. The tripod stand is stable, even at its maximum height, and the phone holder firmly gripped my iPhone 13 Pro Max without any issues. The build quality feels solid; there’s no noticeable cheapness to the materials used.

However, at higher brightness levels, a slight buzzing sound could be heard. It’s not overwhelmingly loud, but it’s noticeable in quiet environments. Also, while the color rendering is good, extremely detailed color work might benefit from a professional-grade lighting setup.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Adjustable brightness and color temperature, sturdy tripod, versatile phone holder, USB powered, good value for the price, relatively compact and portable.
• Cons: Slight buzzing sound at higher brightness levels, not suitable for professional-level color-critical work.

Final Verdict

The COOLBABY LED Ring Light YLY016-10C is a great option for anyone looking for an affordable and versatile lighting solution for live streaming, YouTube videos, or even just general photography. While there are some minor drawbacks (the slight buzzing sound), the overall performance and features outweigh the shortcomings. The adjustable brightness, color temperature options, and sturdy stand make it a practical and reliable tool. I would recommend this ring light to anyone needing a reliable and affordable solution for improving their video and photo lighting.