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NANLITE continues to expand its portable lighting ecosystem with solutions designed for content creators on the move with the introduction of lumo. Recently, the company announced the pico, a $34.90 versatile pocket-sized RGBW light that weighs just 130g. Now the company is trying to catch the attention of smartphone content creators with their new NANLITE’s lumo, a lightweight and foldable ring light specifically engineered for MagSafe-compatible devices.
The lumo’s most noticeable feature is its incredibly compact design. Weighing just 63 grams and measuring only 6.84×6.52×1.4cm (2.69×2.57×0.55″) when folded, the device is smaller than a palm and easily fits into any pocket or bag. This makes it an ideal companion for travelers, social media creators, and anyone who needs lighting capabilities without the bulk of traditional equipment.
The device features a sleek metal construction available in two color options: mint blue and polar black. The refined build quality suggests NANLITE has prioritized both aesthetics and durability in the lumo’s design, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of daily use while maintaining an elegant appearance.
One of the lumo’s key innovations is its seamless MagSafe compatibility. The light snaps directly onto compatible iPhones without requiring cables or complex setup procedures. For users with non-MagSafe devices, NANLITE includes a stick-on magnetic ring to extend compatibility across different smartphone models.
The lumo’s dual-hinge design transforms it from a simple light into a multifunctional tool. Beyond its primary role as a fill light, it can serve as a phone stand for hands-free video calls and content viewing, or as a secure grip for more stable handheld shooting. This versatility eliminates the need for multiple accessories, making it particularly valuable for content creators who prioritize mobility.
According to the company, despite its consumer-friendly design, the lumo incorporates professional LED chips that deliver exceptional color accuracy. With a CRI average of 97 and TLCI average of 98, the device ensures that colors and textures are reproduced with nice fidelity. This level of color accuracy, typically found in much larger and more expensive lighting equipment, makes the lumo a compelling option for serious content creators.
The ring light design creates soft, flattering eye light that adds natural-looking catchlights to subjects. This design choice is particularly beneficial for portrait photography, video calls, and selfie content where eye illumination is crucial for creating engaging visuals.
NANLITE has implemented an intuitive single-button control system for the lumo. A short press cycles through four brightness levels, while a long press switches between three different color temperature settings. This straightforward approach ensures that users can quickly adjust their lighting without navigating complex menus or requiring smartphone apps.
The built-in lithium battery provides impressive runtime considering the device’s compact size. Depending on the brightness and color temperature settings, users can expect between 75 minutes and 5.5 hours of continuous operation. The USB-C charging port offers flexibility in power sources, supporting standard wall chargers, power banks, and even direct charging from mobile phones.
At $39.90 (excluding local taxes), the lumo positions itself as an accessible entry point into professional smartphone lighting. This pricing strategy makes it competitive with generic ring lights while offering the build quality and features expected from the NANLITE brand.
For more information, please head to NANLITE’S lumo page here.
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Johnnie Behiri is a documentary filmmaker with more than three decades behind the camera: he learned the craft in daily television news gathering, filmed for Japan's public broadcaster NHK, and spent eight years shooting and editing for BBC News. He joined cinema5D in 2011 and has co-owned and co-run CineD and MZed ever since. Johnnie writes many of CineD's camera reviews, co-hosts our weekly Focus Check podcast, and heads CineD's manufacturer relationships and product development.