This flowing light stick from Neewer is seriously fun to use in the studio. Because it’s fully app-controlled, you can play with colour and effects without ever touching the light, which makes experimenting a breeze. It’s powerful, flexible and gives you an endless palette to work with. You get seven pixel effects, 18 scene effects and full control over frequency, so you never have to settle for “close enough”. I thought the Neewer TL60C was great, but the Neewer TL90C takes it up a notch… somehow.

It also delivers a CRI of 97+ and 1730 lux with 30W of power, so it earns its spot in any photographer or content creator’s kit. The build is solid, the battery and mains power options mean you can use it pretty much anywhere, and it’s tough enough to keep up with whatever you put it through.

Note: Neewer sent the TL90 RGB Tube Light Stick to review. However, this is a completely independent review. All thoughts about this item are my own.

The TL90 right hand back ground providing colour light to the scene

The Neewer TL90C feels like it was made for anyone who loves pushing colour and creativity as far as they can. At 94.5cm (37 inches), it punches out 1650 lux at half a metre and gives you soft, even light from end to end. The RGBWW mixing is gorgeous, delivering rich, accurate colour that covers more than 90 percent of the Rec. 2020 colour space. In other words, you get a huge amount of control when you're trying to set a mood or create something a little more atmospheric.

But the real magic is in the pixel control. With 24-bit independently addressable pixels, you can dial in each little segment exactly how you want it, from colour to temperature to movement. Add seven pixel effects, 18 scene effects and access to HSI, RGBCW, XY and gel modes, and you’ve suddenly got a handheld effects machine. Whether you're shooting portraits, video, behind the scenes or even just playing around with creative self-portraits, this tube light gives you plenty to work with.

Dimming control is also very precise, thanks to four dimming curves and PWM adjustments. The touch bar makes colour selection quick and intuitive, although you can disable it if you prefer not to bump anything accidentally. Control options are loaded, too. Whether you use the onboard buttons, the Neewer app, 2.4G wireless or DMX, the TL90C slots easily into almost any workflow. And if you're running multiple tube lights, Neewer’s Infinity Network lets you sync and animate up to 256 lights at once.

The 6000mAh internal battery gives you about two hours at full power and can run while charging, so you’re not stuck mid-shoot. The slim, curved design is surprisingly elegant, with no visible frame lines, which helps the tube blend neatly into your shots. Mount it on a stand, hang it, or clamp it to something unusual, and it just works.

Overall, the TL90C is a versatile, powerful light stick that hits the sweet spot between creative control, solid build and real-world usability.

Fabulous for multiple genres and styles, from still life to portraits and more.

Specifications

Model: TL90C
Item Type: RGB Tube Light
Power: 30W
CRI / TLCI: 97 / 98
Max Illumination: 1650 lux at 0.5 m (6500K)
Colour Temperature: 2500–10000K
Green/Magenta Shift: ±50
Brightness: 0–100 % (1 % increments)
Colour Wheel: 0–360°
Saturation: 0–100
CCT Mode: Yes
HSI Mode: Yes
XY Coordinates: 0.0001–0.8000
Dimming Curves: Linear, S, Logarithmic, Exponential
Scene Effects: 18
Pixel Effects: 7
RGBCW Mode: 0–255
Colour Gels: 40 (RESCO / LEE)
Power Supply: DC or internal battery
Built-in Battery: 10.8V, 6000mAh, 64.8Wh
Battery Life: Up to 120 minutes at 100 %
Charging Time: 150 minutes
Control: App, onboard, 2.4G, DMX
DC Input: 20V / 3.6A
Operating Temp: –10°C to 40°C
Dimensions: 4.2 cm x 94.5 cm
Weight: 1.37 kg

Pros

Excellent colour accuracy and range
Strong output for its size
24-bit pixel control opens up huge creative possibilities
Loads of effects and full gel simulation
Multiple control options, including DMX
Good battery life and can charge while in use
Slim, curved design blends nicely into scenes
Solid build and plenty of mounting flexibility

Cons

At 100% power, it only lasts about 2 hours on battery, although you can also use it on power.
It’s a little on the heavy side, so it's probably not handheld for long periods
It does get a little hot after using for long periods (probably can’t handle it for long
Honestly, that’s it; there really are no major cons with this product.

Neewer TL90C RGB Tube Light Stick — Ergonomics and build quality

It has a solid build and great ergonomics. This light was fantastic in the studio, but also out in the field on client product shoots. Shock and drop resistant. Super bright light and loads of colour options, plus cool creative effects and built-in gels.

What’s in the box

1 x TL90C RGB Light Stick
1 x Power Adapter
1 x Power Cord
2 x Steel Wire
2 x Mounting Clamps
1 x RJ45 Cable/DMX Cable
1 x Carrying Bag

Neewer TL90C RGB Tube Light Stick — In the field

Light and compact, so easy to use on product photography sessions. The adjustable brightness and colour temperature make dialling in exactly as required, especially with the Neewer App. The pre-programmed special effects proved to be very handy for creating some very clever lighting effects in the studio. Being able to set various colours or even a specific colour with the Selection tool in the app is so good.

The above images was captured using a Neewer CB200C and CB300C, TL60 and TL90.

Quality of light

Light Specs — 2500K – 10,000K colour temperature adjustability | 1730lux/0.5m (5600K) | 97+ CRI rating | TLCI: 98+. It creates beautiful light. Using the Neewer App is a breeze to adjust the brightness and colour temperature. The domed diffuser creates a beautiful quality of light too.

Controls, menus and display

Bluetooth Neewer Control App: Match your light to any colour with the photo eyedropper, sync multiple tube lights, and adjust special effects from a distance. These are screenshots from the Neewer Light App. I took the images below using the TL60, but it is the same for the TL90.

There is also a DMX Mixer function as well for using multiple lights at once (I did not try this option).

Battery life

Rechargeable Lithium Battery: 120 minutes at 100% power | Battery Capacity: 3000mAh (14.8V 44.4Wh)

Neewer TL90C RGB Tube Light Stick — A solid RGB light for studio work

I adored this light, both in the studio with the creative pre-programmed light types and as a solid RGB light for product photography, still-life and some creative portraits. Using the app to control the lights means you can set the lights up and then control them from your phone. This is for you if you’re looking for a good solid lighting option for studio work. Whether it’s product photography, macro or small still life, or even creative lighting for portraits, this Neewer TL90 RGB light stick sure packs a punch.

Our verdict

Neewer TL90C RGB Tube Light Stick

★★★★★5/5

The Neewer TL90C RGB Tube Light Stick is spectacular. I highly recommend it. The RGB tube light is the perfect size in and out of the studio. It’s easy to adjust the brightness and colors with the app or on the light. We had so much creative fun with this light stick and cannot wait to use it in more creative shoots. At $300, you simply can’t go wrong. If you want a light stick that doesn’t box you into a single style and lets you get truly creative, the TL90C ticks a lot of boxes.

Dec 19 Review: Neewer TL90C RGB Tube Light Stick

Specifications

Pros

Cons