Our phones are used for a wide variety of operations these days and are probably used more for other things than making phones calls. One such use that a lot of people utilise their phones for is recording video, whether just to keep as personal memories or creating content for their social media channels and websites. But when you are on your travels, or just sitting at your desk for that matter, there is not always enough available light to capture the perfect flattering images. In a world where everyone is a photographer or videographer with a camera tucked in their pocket, JOBY have come up with an attachment that is perfect for helping to create the perfect content when you are on your travels or creating your Twitch videos – a lightweight and portable Ring Light for your phone. An attachment that will always put you in the perfect light … and light up your face!
The JOBY Beamo Ring Light is a magnetic smartphone attachment suitable for MagSafe iPhones (iPhone 12 and upwards). If you don’t have a MagSafe iPhone, the Beamo Ring Light also comes supplied with a metal sticker to attach to other phones so that you can still use it. It is a ring-shaped light to always put you in the perfect light, whether for selfies or front-facing video recordings by providing additional portable lighting.
In the box:
- Beamo MagSafe Ring Light (in grey or white)
- Magnetic Ring Sticker
- Carry Bag
- USB-C Charging Cable
- Manual
A lightweight and portable lighting ring with a built-in rechargeable battery. It features a battery run time of up to 4 hours, 4 adjustable brightness levels and colour temperature and even a mirror so that you can check yourself before recording.
| DIMENSIONS | 95 x x70 x 9mm |
| WEIGHT | 50g |
| COLOUR OPTIONS | Grey (Gray) or White |
| LIGHTING | Lux@0.5m – 100 CRI – ≥90 Beam Angle – 135° Lumens – 60 |
| FEATURES | MagSafe Mountable Four Brightness settings Slim Profile |
| BATTERY | Lithium |
| CHARGE TIME | 90 minutes (USB-C) |
| RUN TIME | 50 minutes to 4 hours (depending on brightness levels used) |
Out of the box it will need charging. It is supplied with a USB-C cable (no charger). It requires a power source of 5V/1A so you can use most USB-C chargers or your laptop USB port. A full charge takes approximately 90 minutes.
From a full charge, battery length is dependent on brightness levels used. There are 4 brightness levels on the Beamo Ring Light, it emits soft 5600K Daylight over the four brightness levels ranging from dim to very bright. On the lowest level you can achieve about 4 hours of usage, if you use it on the highest brightness level you can expect to achieve about 50 minutes of use. If you switch between levels of brightness for different projects the run time will obviously vary.
Using the Beamo Ring Light couldn’t be simpler. If you have a MagSafe compatible iPhone it just attaches using magnetic force. It stays in place nicely and feels very secure. It avoids blocking the camera lens when opened up. To use the light, you just open the up the light (it’s on a hinge) and the light will unfold and the come up over the top of the phone (if you are using the front camera). If you are using the rear camera, just leave it in its folded position. The power button is easy to find and use with your index finger (using either left or right hand). One touch turns it on and subsequent touches will cycle through the brightness levels before powering off.
If you are using on a non-MagSafe phone, it comes with a metal stick on ring that you can put on the back of your phone. I found that this works well if using the light with rear cameras. If using with the front camera for selfies etc., when the light is unfolded, depending on where your camera lens is situated there may be some blockage.
Whilst it is very easy to attach and use, it is also very light and slim. It weighs about 50g and is just 9mm thick. It even comes with its own felt carry bag to protect it when not attached to your phone.
Overall, the JOBY Beamo Ring Light is the perfect lighting smartphone accessory for content creators and people that like a more professional look to their videos and photographs. It is thin and not too intrusive when attached to the phone and is extremely easy to operate and switch between brightness levels. The MagSafe connection makes it nice and easy to attach or remove from the phone.
It folds neatly flat against the back of the phone when not in use or for using with the rear camera. When opened up for front camera use it opens easily to 180°, standing the light and mirror over the top of the phone. When opened it feels solid and the hinge keeps it firmly in place for perfect light placement.
The light settings are excellent, from to dim to ultra-bright – the brightest setting is really bright, perfect for darker spaces (maybe not so good for selfies as the very bright light can hurt your eyes).
But why would you need to add this to your phone? Well, ring lights help to provide even and consistent lightning for your photos and videos. They light up the subject better, help eliminate shadows and make the images look more professional. If you want to create better quality images, whether photos or videos, you need good quality lightning, and the Beamo Ring Light is an excellent portable smartphone attachment that can help you achieve this.
A simple and easy to use smartphone accessory that is easy to use with good quality bright and consistent, flicker-free lighting.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £45.95
For more information or to buy, visit joby.com.
