LED Wand Light Review
I know this isn’t a board game, escape room or even that adjacent. However, if ever people get a glimpse of my LED wand lights on my Instagram story I am guaranteed to get a message asking me what they are and what I think. So, I thought I would consolidate my opinion here. So if you are reading this after I directed you here, this is me being too lazy to write it all again and again.
The particular lights I use are the LUXCEO P200 RGB LED light wands. These lights are readily available on Amazon and here is an affiliate link for them in case you want to check them out on Amazon.
I have not tried other similar LED wand lights out, but I’m sure they are much of a muchness. Also, just to note, all photos are taken with an iPhone, not a fancy pants camera!
Setup
Set up is super easy, they may need a charge when they first arrive, the charge cable is included but the USB to power source plug is not included, they would charge off a computer port or similar. They have a Type-C USB charger which, since the EU ruling, is becoming the universal charge type of choice for wired charging. I have had my lights for at least two years, so I can’t remember, but I have a feeling the magnetic strip may have been needed to be attached. It was super simple if I did have to do it.
You can sync these lights to an app if you require… I’ve never bothered as I prefer to use the remote control included instead.
Usage
Ask any professional photographer and they will tell you that good lighting is one of the most important things to enhance your photographs. They help make items appear crisp and colours true.
The reason I can always have these LED lights to hand is because they are super portable. Measuring 20cm long, I regularly reach for them mid-board game and enhance my snaps without having huge umbrella lights getting in the way. The light also disperses nicely so if positioned about 45 degree angles from the subject you don’t tend to get too much flare and glare. They are also strong enough to often mask other ambient lights too. It is the grab and go nature of them that make them so appealing.
The listing on Amazon suggests 80 hours of battery life. I’m not sure after two years I am getting that from them, but I don’t charge all that regularly, mainly because I am not leaving them on continuously either. I reckon I put them on charge once a month. If they run out of battery when I’ve set up a shot, I put them on charge while I make and have a cup of tea. By the time I get back, there is just about enough life in them to finish the shoot.
They do have a screw base so you could mount them on a rig or tripod, but candidly I use my opponent(s) to “just hold that one for me there a sec!” Surprisingly, they are always happy to oblige.
One or two?
I started off with one light and it certainly makes a big difference. I lasted almost a year with a single light and then decided to get another for my birthday. I have not looked back since. Although I sometimes use one to create some darker shadows, two lights brighten up everything so you’re in control of shadows and even diffusion. If you want to get creative you can even use one as a back light.
I do appreciate they are expensive and there is a cheaper version by the same brand available on Amazon. Understandably, they have slightly less to offer but you can see them on this affiliate link. Equally, there are other brands that are cheaper and others that are twice the price, so those sort of decisions come down to your budget.
Final thoughts on the LUXCEO LED Wand Lights
I have zero regrets with my purchase of these two wand lights. They are portable and unobtrusive for exactly when I need them. The different colours is a nice to have rather than a necessity but I have used them from time to time. Adjusting the brightness is a lot more useful however, especially if you still want some shadows and definition. If I was not such a bumbling amateur I think you could do some really cool stuff with two of these LED wand lights.
If my hearty recommendation isn’t enough, let me tell you that almost every Instagrammer I have shown them to in person, has gone on to buy one. If that seals the deal do me a favour and click the affiliate link below when making your purchase.
Reviewer’s Note
For clarity: we don’t get paid for our reviews. I purchased these wand lights with real money. We have tried not to let this affect our review in any way.
We may however earn a tincy wincy commission if you buy a game having clicked one of our affiliate links like the one above… this hopefully gives us a bit of pocket money towards hosting costs and new games to review!
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