Lume Cube Dual Review

Features and Handling
Performance
Verdict
Specification

The Lume Cube is a tiny 1.5inch cube light that can be used anywhere as an additional light source or flash and is waterproof down to 33 metres (100 feet). You can use more than one, for multiple light sources. Here we're looking at the twin pack, which includes two Lume Cubes. 

Lume Cube Features and Handling

Lume Cube climbing a wall (tripod not included)

A single 1500 Lumen LED gives a 6000K colour temperature, and 150 Lux at 3m. There are two buttons on the top of the Lume Cube, and you can dim the light from off to full power, with 10 steps. Simply press the button to change the power output. The cube is 1.5inches in size and portable with a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery. 

The compact size and tripod socket means you can mount the light on any tripod - or using an adapter, the top of your camera. An adapter is available to let you attach the Lume Cube to your smartphone, as a light source. There's also an optional diffuser kit available. 

Key Features

• 1500 Lumens LED - dimmable
• 6000K light temperature
• Waterproof to 100 ft (33m)
• Bluetooth
• Optical sensor for slave flash
• Limited 1-Year Warranty
• MicroUSB charging
• Tripod socket

The free Lume Cube app lets you control flash, duration, and brightness of multiple cubes, using a Bluetooth connection to connect the Lume Cube to your smartphone. The app is available for iOS and Android.

Lume Cube App

Controlling the Cube using the two buttons on top:

Left Button
- Turns on the constant video light.
- Click multiple times to cycle through the 10 brightness settings.
- Hold for five seconds to shut down the cube.
Right Button
- 1 click activates the Bluetooth.
- 5-second hold activates the optical sensor.
- 1 click turns off the constant video light.

The Lume Cube is very well made, with a solid metal frame, and plastic back. The microUSB charging socket is covered with a small screw that you need to unscrew in order to charge the light. If you want to keep the Cube protected from water, then this needs re-attaching. After continued use of the light, it can get warm, but this did not appear to cause any problems. 

Lume Cube hanging upside-down.

Lume Cube Performance

The performance section is where we look at the image quality possible with the light. Additional sample photos and product shots are available in the Equipment Database, where you can add your own review, photos and product ratings.

Lume Cube Setup - behind the model, to add rim-light and highlights to the hair.

The Lume Cube is extremely easy to use, with two buttons on top of the light. You can press the left button to turn the light on and use it as a constant light, which makes it easy to see the effect of the light straight away. Pressing the right button activates Bluetooth, and holding this for 5 seconds enables the use of the Cube as a slave flash. To charge, you simply unscrew the USB cover and connect the provided microUSB cable. 

Even if you're kit bag is full of other stuff, you can still squeeze in a couple of Lume Cubes, and providing you have room for a couple of compact tripods, then you can use the Lume Cubes anywhere. In this shoot, I set up one on a magnetic tripod, and another on a bending tripod that I attached to a metal grill. 

Lume Cube Sample Photos

Use for portraits - Daylight ranges between 5000 and 6500K, so on occasion the Lume Cube will appear colder (with a 6000K colour), or warmer than the natural light when shooting outdoors. If you use your camera's flash as a fill light, then you could also struggle to match the colour of the Cube, as flash colour is usually measured between 5500 and 6000K. If you're lucky, you might be able to match the 6000K of the Cube.

Use for product shots - getting the colour to match, if you have multiple light sources can be difficult, as the Lume Cube offers one colour temperature (6000K) unless you add an additional filter or gel. The light is quite direct, and an optional diffuser is available, or you could use your own gels, or paper to diffuse the light. 

The Cube can be used as a constant light, making it suitable for video use. If you are using it as a constant video light, you can get 20+ minutes on full power, 45+ minutes on 90 percent brightness, and 120+ minutes on 50 percent brightness.

Value For Money

Available for around £90 for one, or £175 for a twin-pack (including VAT). It's difficult to find a directly comparable alternative, however, one LED Light Cube will set you back around £247 excluding VAT. If you plan on shooting with a smartphone, with the Lume Cube(s), then why not have a look at the Top 10 Best Camera Phones. 

Lume Cube Verdict

The Lume Cube offers a unique, and compact LED light, that is also waterproof! Constant light means you can see the effect the light has straight away compared to flash, where you often have to take a test photo to see the effect. Compared to what else is available on the market, the Lume Cube is actually great value for money and will be of particular interest to anyone who is interested in underwater photography. Whilst it may be difficult to use the lights to match existing light if the Lume Cube(s) is used as the main light source, then this shouldn't matter too much. For product shots, this will be of more importance. If you want additional lighting, and want something that is extremely compact, then the Lume Cube is recommended!

The Lume Cube offers an extremely compact, and waterproof lighting solution.

Lume Cube Specifications

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