Ring Light With Stand or Without Stand: Which Should You Buy?

Ring lights are sold two ways: as a complete kit with a tall stand, or as the ring alone. The ring and the light are often the same in both; the stand decides where you can shoot. Here is how to choose, and what to check in a ring light stand.

The short answer

1. Buy a ring light with a stand if you shoot standing up, film reels or dance videos, do makeup at a dressing table, or want to move the light around the room.
2. Buy the ring light without a stand if you only shoot at a desk, already own a tripod or light stand, or want the lowest price.

When a stand is worth it

1. Standing reels and YouTube videos: a stand that adjusts up to about 7 feet keeps the light above eye level even when you stand.
2. Freedom to place the light: set it beside a window, behind a laptop or at an angle, without needing a table.
3. Makeup at a mirror or counter: the stand holds the light at face height and leaves the table free.
4. One kit, set up once: the ring, the phone holder and the stand are made to fit together.

When a ring light without stand is enough

1. Desk setups: video calls, online classes and seated reels at a table.
2. You already own a tripod or light stand: fix the ring on it with its connector.
3. A tight budget: the ring-only version costs less.

What to check in a ring light stand

1. Maximum height: around 7 feet (about 213 cm) covers sitting and standing shots. The quoted height is usually for the stand alone, without the ring.
2. Locks: each section should have a locking collar that holds firmly.
3. Legs: three folding legs that spread wide for balance.
4. Mount: a ball head lets you tilt and angle the ring.
5. Folded size and weight: these matter if you carry it to shoots.

Tripod with ring light, light stand or selfie stick?

For travel, the JIKRA SR-1S selfie stick tripod has a Bluetooth remote and a detachable fill light, and the JIKRA 67 inch selfie stick tripod extends to 67 inches (about 170 cm) on a stable base.

Jikra's two 10 inch RGB ring lights compared

Setting up a tall stand safely

1. Open the legs fully and use a flat floor.
2. Extend the thicker sections first, and stop at the height you need.
3. Run the USB cable down the stand so nobody trips over it.
4. Outdoors or near a fan, keep the stand lower: a tall stand with a ring on top catches the wind.

Frequently asked questions

Can I put a ring light on my own tripod?

Yes, if the ring light comes with a mounting connector. Our 10 inch ring light without a stand includes a ball-head connector for a tripod or light stand.

Does the 7 feet height include the ring light?

No. The stand height is for the stand alone, so the top of the ring sits a little higher.

Is a ring light stand stable enough with a phone on it?

Yes, for a ring light with a phone in the centre holder, as long as the legs are fully open on a flat floor.

Which is better for reels, with a stand or without?

With a stand if you film standing up. Without a stand is fine for sitting reels at a desk.

Related guides

1. How to choose the best ring light for your phone
2. How to use a ring light with your phone
3. Ring light sizes explained