Are you a content creator looking to up your lighting game?
We’ve been researching the ULANZI VL49 RGB light, and it appears to be a versatile option for photographers and videographers who need portable, customizable lighting.
This compact video light packs impressive features into a small package.
With 60 high-quality LED beads and a 120° illumination angle, it delivers bright, natural-looking light with a high CRI of 95+.
The RGB capabilities allow for creative color options, while the adjustable color temperature range (2500K-9000K) gives you flexibility for different shooting conditions.
The built-in 2000mAh battery provides decent runtime—about 2 hours at maximum brightness and up to 10 hours at lower settings.
We like that you can charge it via USB-C while using it, which solves potential battery anxiety during longer shoots.
The magnetic back design is particularly clever, allowing you to attach the light to metal surfaces without extra equipment.
Combined with its small size (about 2.6×3.1×1.2 inches) and lightweight build, this makes it extremely portable and versatile for on-the-go content creation.
Detailed Overview of the ULANZI VL49 RGB Video Light
This compact light packs a powerful punch for content creators.
The VL49 features 60 high-quality LED beads with an impressive 120° illumination angle and brightness of 800 LUX at half a meter. We found the color accuracy particularly noteworthy, with a CRI of 95+ ensuring natural-looking light.
The RGB light offers complete customization with 360° hue adjustment, 0-100% brightness control, and color temperature ranging from warm 2500K to cool 9000K. All settings are easily visible on the built-in LCD display.
Battery life is solid with the 2000mAh rechargeable battery lasting up to 2 hours at maximum brightness or 10 hours at minimum. The USB-C charging port allows for use while charging.
We appreciate the thoughtful design features like magnetic attachment capability, three cold shoe mounts, and a standard 1/4″ screw for mounting options.
At just 3.53 ounces and measuring roughly 2.6″×3.1″×1.2″, the VL49 is extremely portable.
This light works well for vlogging, portraits, product photography, and adding atmosphere to various shooting scenarios.
Illuminate Your Creativity: Adjustable Brightness and Color Temperature
Lighting versatility can make or break your creative projects.
The VL49 RGB offers impressive control over your lighting environment with its fully adjustable settings.
We found the hue adjustment spans a complete 360° range, letting you dial in exactly the color you need for your scene.
The brightness control is equally flexible, with smooth dimming from 0% to 100%. This lets you create subtle fills or bright key lighting as needed.
What really stands out is the wide color temperature range from 2500K warm golden tones to 9000K cool blue-white light.
The built-in LCD display shows precise readings of your settings, which helps maintain consistency across multiple shoots. This is especially useful when you need to match lighting conditions from previous sessions.
We appreciate how this level of control fits into such a compact device.
Whether you’re shooting portraits, product photos, or creating atmospheric video, the adjustable lighting options give you professional-quality results without carrying bulky equipment.
Bring Colors to Life: Full RGB Color Range
The RGB feature in this light adds a whole new dimension to video and photo shoots.
We found the VL49 offers a complete 360° spectrum of color options, letting you create any mood or atmosphere you need.
With the ability to shift through the entire color wheel, this light makes it easy to:
- Match specific brand colors
- Create dramatic lighting effects
- Add color accents to scenes
- Set the perfect mood for your shots
The colors appear vibrant and true thanks to the high CRI 95+ rating. This means the light reproduces colors accurately, which is essential for professional-looking results.
We appreciate how the full RGB range works alongside the adjustable 2500-9000K temperature settings, giving users complete creative control. The color output remains consistent even at different brightness levels, which isn’t always the case with cheaper lights.
Convenience at Its Best: Magnetic Attraction Design and Portability
Getting the right lighting position can be a challenge, but the VL49 makes it incredibly simple.
The magnetic attraction design on the back allows you to stick this light onto most metal surfaces without needing extra equipment. This feature is a game-changer for quick setups.
We found the pocket-sized dimensions (66mm x 80mm x 30mm) make this light easy to carry in a camera bag or even a pocket. It’s lightweight enough to hold in one hand during shoots, weighing just 3.53 ounces.
The standard 1/4″ screw mount gives you flexibility to attach it to tripods. Plus, with three cold shoe mounts, you can connect multiple accessories to your setup. These design features make the VL49 adaptable for various shooting environments.
For creators on the move, the built-in 2000mAh battery offers decent runtime – up to 2 hours at maximum brightness and 10 hours at minimum settings. The USB-C charging capability means you can use it while charging, eliminating downtime during important shoots.
Built to Last: Impressive Battery Life
The 2000mAh rechargeable battery powering this compact light offers surprising endurance.
We found the VL49 can run for up to 2 hours on a single charge, making it reliable for extended shooting sessions. This battery life is especially impressive considering the light’s small size and powerful output capabilities.
When the battery does run low, recharging is convenient through the USB Type-C port. The battery performance remains consistent even when using the light at higher brightness levels or when cycling through different RGB color modes.
For creators who need to work without frequent interruptions, this battery capacity hits a sweet spot between portability and longevity. The light won’t leave you scrambling for power during critical moments of your shoot.
Pros and Cons
This compact RGB light brings a lot to the table for photographers and content creators.
We’ve analyzed what makes the ULANZI VL49 stand out from other portable lighting options, along with a few drawbacks worth considering before making your purchase.
Pros
- Impressive Color Range – The full 360° color adjustment (0-359 degrees) gives tremendous creative flexibility for different shooting scenarios
- Compact & Portable – The pocket-sized dimensions (66×80×30mm) make it easy to carry in any camera bag
- Magnetic Attachment – The magnetic back design allows for quick setup on metal surfaces without extra mounting gear
- Good Battery Life – The 2000mAh rechargeable battery provides up to 10 hours on minimum brightness
- Versatile Mounting Options – Features 3 cold shoe mounts and a standard 1/4″ screw for attaching to various equipment
- High Color Accuracy – With CRI 95+, the light produces natural-looking illumination that accurately renders colors
- Wide Temperature Range – Adjustable from warm 2500K to cool 9000K to match different lighting environments
Cons
- Limited Brightness – At 800 LUX@0.5m, it works well as a fill light but may not be powerful enough as a primary light source for larger setups
- Fragile Cold Shoe Mount – Some users report the mounting boot is thin and potentially vulnerable to breaking
- Learning Curve – The multiple modes and settings can take time to master for beginners
- Two-Hour Battery Life at Full Power – While the battery lasts longer at lower settings, it drains quickly at maximum brightness
- Small Control Buttons – The compact size means the control interface is somewhat small, which might be challenging for some users
Hear from Real Users: Customer Reviews
Looking at what actual customers say gives us a clearer picture of how the VL49 performs in real-world situations.
With over 6,000 ratings and an impressive 4.6-star average, this compact RGB light has earned strong praise from photographers and videographers alike.
We’ve found that users consistently highlight three main strengths. First, they love the impressive brightness packed into such a small device. Second, many appreciate the intuitive controls for adjusting colors and temperature (2500-9000K range). Third, the versatility of mounting options with the magnetic attraction feature and three cold shoe mounts receives frequent positive mentions.
Some users report using it as fill lighting for compact cameras, while others incorporate it into more complex studio setups. A few mentioned minor concerns about the shoe mount durability. Overall, photographers and content creators seem to find the VL49 delivers excellent value for its portable size and feature set.
Final Thoughts and Recommendation
Looking at all the features and feedback, we believe the ULANZI VL49 RGB light offers impressive versatility for its compact size.
The ability to adjust colors across a full 360° spectrum and temperature range (2500-9000K) makes it adaptable for various shooting conditions.
We appreciate the 2000mAh rechargeable battery and magnetic attachment option, which add convenience for on-the-go creators.
While not powerful enough to serve as a main light source for large setups, it excels as a fill light or accent light. The three cold shoe mounts expand mounting possibilities, though some users noted the camera boot connection could be more durable.
For content creators, vloggers, and photographers seeking portable lighting with color versatility, the VL49 provides good value.
Its high CRI rating of 95+ ensures accurate color reproduction, which is essential for quality content. Overall, we recommend this light for those needing compact, versatile lighting solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
When looking into lighting solutions for photography and videography, buyers often have important questions before making a purchase.
We’ve compiled answers to common questions about the VL49 RGB light to help you understand its capabilities and make an informed decision.
What are the main features and benefits of the Ulanzi VL49 RGB Video Light?
The VL49 RGB features 60 high-quality LED beads with a wide 120° illumination angle and brightness up to 800 LUX at 0.5m distance.
With a high CRI of 95+, it produces natural, lifelike lighting suitable for various photography situations.
The light offers complete color customization with 360° hue adjustment, brightness control from 0-100%, and adjustable color temperature from 2500K (warm) to 9000K (cold).
The built-in LCD display provides accurate readings of your settings.
Its compact size (66mm × 80mm × 30mm) makes it extremely portable while still delivering impressive light output for its size.
How do the battery life and charging capabilities compare in the Ulanzi VL49 RGB Video Light?
The VL49 RGB contains a built-in 2000mAh rechargeable lithium battery that takes approximately 2 hours to fully charge. At maximum brightness, you can expect about 2 hours of continuous use, while at minimum brightness, the battery extends to about 10 hours.
A notable advantage is the Type-C charging port that allows pass-through charging—meaning you can use the light while it’s plugged in and charging. This feature is particularly valuable during longer shooting sessions when battery life might be a concern.
What lighting modes are available with the Ulanzi VL49 RGB Video Light and how do they perform?
The VL49 RGB offers three main lighting modes:
- CCT Mode: Adjustable color temperature from 2500K (warm yellow) to 9000K (cool blue), ideal for matching ambient lighting conditions or creating specific moods.
- HSI Mode: Full 0-359° hue control with adjustable saturation and intensity, perfect for creative color effects and atmosphere lighting.
- Brightness Control: 0-100% dimming capability for precise light intensity adjustment.
The light performs consistently across all modes, with smooth transitions between colors and brightness levels.
The LCD screen displays current settings clearly, making it easy to replicate specific lighting setups for consistent results across multiple shooting sessions.
Can the Ulanzi VL49 RGB Video Light be easily mounted and used with various types of cameras?
Yes, the VL49 RGB is designed for versatile mounting options. It features a standard 1/4″ screw thread on the bottom that fits most tripods and mounting accessories.
Additionally, it includes three cold shoe mounts for attaching to cameras, DSLRs, or camcorders. One of its most useful features is the magnetic back design, which allows you to attach the light to metal surfaces without additional mounting hardware.
This combination of mounting options makes the light compatible with a wide range of equipment including Sony RX100, Canon G7X, mirrorless cameras, GoPros, and smartphone gimbals like DJI OSMO Mobile and Zhiyun Smooth.
How does the Ulanzi VL49 RGB Video Light compare to the VL120 and VL49 Pro models in terms of functionality?
The VL49 RGB sits between entry-level and professional models in Ulanzi’s lineup. Compared to the VL120, the VL49 RGB is more compact but offers similar color functionality with slightly lower maximum brightness.
The VL49 Pro offers enhanced features over the standard VL49 RGB, including higher brightness output, potentially longer battery life, and more advanced control options.
The standard VL49 RGB represents a good balance of features, portability, and price point for content creators who need color versatility without the higher cost of pro-level models. For most vloggers and casual photographers, the VL49 RGB provides sufficient functionality without the additional investment of higher-end models.
What do user reviews on Amazon and Reddit say about the build quality and durability of the Ulanzi VL49 RGB Video Light?
Reviews generally praise the VL49 RGB’s build quality. Many users appreciate the compact yet sturdy construction. The light has received an impressive 4.6/5 star average from over 6,000 Amazon ratings, indicating strong user satisfaction.
Some reviews do mention a potential weak point in the mounting boot that connects to cameras, describing it as potentially too thin for heavy-duty use. While most users report good durability for everyday use, a few have mentioned receiving units with minor issues like screen scratches.
Overall, the consensus indicates that the build quality exceeds expectations for the price point. The device is also durable enough for regular use by photographers, videographers, and content creators.