Lume cube: I know this has been discussed before but I would like people's opinions who have used them. I take a lot of events in the evening and get mixed results with my...

issa2006.

I know this has been discussed before but I would like people's opinions who have used them. I take a lot of events in the evening and get mixed results with my speedlight.Does the bright light irritate people you are photographing.
Thanks for any comments.

fredpnm Loc: Corrales, NM

I rarely use it (Lume Cube 2.0) - the battery won't stay charged long enough to be useful. And even worse you can't find replacement batteries, either from Lume Cube, or any known third-party providers. That is according to LumeCube and my research trying to find one. Replacement would be easy if I had a battery to install.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

issa2006. wrote:

I know this has been discussed before but I would like people's opinions who have used them. I take a lot of events in the evening and get mixed results with my speedlight.Does the bright light irritate people you are photographing.
Thanks for any comments.

What kind of mixed results are you getting? Can you be more specific? Or post some examples?

It seems like your question is more about lighting for events photography rather than specifically LumeCube. For video continuous lighting is necessary but it is not necessary for stills. I have shot stills for a few events and I would not want to walk around with a continuous light for still photos, I believe that would be a big distraction. Just my 2 cents.

Jeffcs Loc: Myrtle Beach South Carolina

I use my lumcubes for close up work otherwise I’m using my godox

photoman43

I use a similar light cube all the time, mostly for macro and fill light situations. Mine is a Litra Torch 2 I think.

https://www.huntsphotoandvideo.com/detail_page.cfm?productid=LT2202

Just make sure that any model you get is daylight balanced.

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

fredpnm wrote:

I rarely use it (Lume Cube 2.0) - the battery won't stay charged long enough to be useful. And even worse you can't find replacement batteries, either from Lume Cube, or any known third-party providers. That is according to LumeCube and my research trying to find one. Replacement would be easy if I had a battery to install.

This is my issue with this type of device as well. They are obviously throwaways. Personally, I use, and love, Elinchrom Ones. Best of luck.

photoman43

My Litra is charged via a short USB cable to a USB port on a computer.

frankraney Loc: Clovis, Ca.

issa2006. wrote:

I know this has been discussed before but I would like people's opinions who have used them. I take a lot of events in the evening and get mixed results with my speedlight.Does the bright light irritate people you are photographing.
Thanks for any comments.

How are you using the speed light. Directly forward, bounce, full power? What is the ambient lighting like, even, different, low, high?

Answer these and post some examples and you will get better responses. Maybe not from me, but there are several people her that use flash a lot. I don't, but when I do, inside I bounce, or drop the power level for fill light.

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

issa2006. wrote:

I know this has been discussed before but I would like people's opinions who have used them. I take a lot of events in the evening and get mixed results with my speedlight.Does the bright light irritate people you are photographing.
Thanks for any comments.

When the LumeCube came out, I tried it in store only to be dissatisfied. I am not fond of camera flashes either. I prefer using high ASA film or dialing up the ISO. I sometimes get acceptable captures. I have used the large bulky flashes like an Orlit RT600. It’s a nice speed light but it can be obtrusive. I will carry a small Ulanzi video light. I can dial in a specific color or brightness that hasn’t created to many challenges.
When using a flash I am more likely to get the winkies, blinkies or nods which make using a flash harder. With a steady LED light I feel I have more control. As for a Lume Cube, they can sell it for $10.

Bridges Loc: Memphis, Charleston SC, now Nazareth PA

issa2006. wrote:

I know this has been discussed before but I would like people's opinions who have used them. I take a lot of events in the evening and get mixed results with my speedlight.Does the bright light irritate people you are photographing.
Thanks for any comments.

It will work if your event is only 15 minutes long! The light on high is quite bright and I think it would be an irritant to people being photographed.

Hip Coyote

Might I suggest working on your flash skills? I am working (a little bit) on mine. Read a few articles. And I pay close attention to the off camera flash group on FB. Very informative. Also take a look at strobist dot com...excellent instruction. The lume cube or any other device will not do well without understanding light.

issa2006.

I have been using the speedlight for a long time but it seems lately the batteries are becoming weak without my realizing it until I review the shots and they are under exposed.I will check out strobist.com

John Maher Loc: Northern Virginia

Litra Torch has two models (camera and drone). The difference is in the accessories.

niteman3d Loc: South Central Pennsylvania, USA

I have the Joby version called Beamo. B&H had a daily deal with two of those and two Gorilla Pods for $120 delivered and I went for it. I have two points. One is that I forget I have them. Secondly, they are fun to play with, but play with them you must in order to get a decent outcome. A small change in angles can make a big difference but if you stick with it you'll get some nice results. I'm assuming the ones you have are adjustable output? The Beamos also came with diffusers, but it can still be harsh and shadowy. Bottom line, I don't think there is any secret formula beyond just keep trying.

jcboy3

issa2006. wrote:

I know this has been discussed before but I would like people's opinions who have used them. I take a lot of events in the evening and get mixed results with my speedlight.Does the bright light irritate people you are photographing.
Thanks for any comments.

I can guarantee that wandering around with a bright constant light will irritate people. I sometimes use a Litra on minimum power to have enough light to focus, but use the speed light to expose the picture. I only turn it on when I need it.

Not sure what mixed results you are getting, but I adjust ISO to capture some ambient light, so the photos aren't "deer in the headlights" harsh.