Neewer Conical Softboxes Review & Guide: Perfect Lighting for Jewellery & Still Life
If you’ve ever struggled with harsh reflections, uneven lighting, or distracting glare when photographing shiny subjects, the Neewer Conical Softboxes (Light Cones) might just be the solution you’ve been looking for. I recently got my hands on this 3-pack set (14cm, 15cm, and 20cm sizes), and I can honestly say they’re a game-changer for product photographers, especially those working with jewellery, cosmetics, watches, and even flat lay still-life setups.
First Impressions
The cones are lightweight yet sturdy, designed to slip easily over your light source and funnel the light downwards through a diffused cone. Unlike traditional softboxes that spread light outward, these direct it precisely where you need it—soft, even, and reflection-free.
I tested them across different setups: shooting earrings and necklaces for jewellery and styled flat lays. The results were consistent: beautifully diffused light, minimal hotspots, and a professional “polished” look straight out of camera. Soft shadows and great details.
Key Features (from Neewer)
3 Sizes in the Set: 14cm, 15cm, and 20cm cones for different product scales.
Durable & Lightweight Build: Easy to transport and store.
Quick Setup: Slide them over LED lights, speedlights, or strobes.
Versatile Fit: Works with many standard light heads and modifiers.
Professional Diffusion: Eliminates harsh reflections and evens out highlights.
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Perfect for reflective surfaces like jewellery and glass.
Incredibly simple to use—just slip over your subject, light from the side.
Lightweight and compact, ideal for small studios or travel.
Affordable alternative to more expensive light cones and softboxes.
Works for both overhead flat lays and tabletop still-life.
Perfect for reducing shadows and enhancing details
❌ Cons
Size limitation: best suited for small-to-medium objects, not large products.
Needs to be placed over the subject on a flat surface.
Need to have the camera above
Works best with continuous LED lights, but can also work well with a speedlight.
How to Use the Neewer Conical Softboxes
Choose the Right Size
Use the 14cm cone for small objects like rings, earrings, or watches.
The 15cm cone works well for medium-sized items like mugs, candles, or small skincare products.
The 20cm cone is perfect for slightly larger props or for covering more area in flat lay photography.
PLACE YOUR SOFTBOX
Place the cone directly over your subject. For jewellery or product shots: place the cone directly overhead to create a clean image
Ensure it’s stable, use a flat surface like a table or the floor.
Position Your Light
Place your light to the side of your subject and softbox. Create a soft “wrap-around” light
Adjust Distance
Moving the light closer = softer, more even light.
Refine with LIGHT
Add white foam boards or reflectors around your subject to bounce extra light where needed. Or even add additional lights around the softbox. You can add one, two or more lights as needed. Especially with low watts
Who Should Use This?
Jewellery Photographers – Eliminates harsh reflections on gemstones and metals.
E-commerce Sellers – Create professional product images without complicated setups.
Still Life Creatives – Ideal for controlling mood and lighting in styled tabletop photography.
DIY Flat Lay Artists – Perfect for social media-ready images.
Final Thoughts
The Neewer Conical Softboxes (Light Cones) are simple, affordable, and incredibly effective for product and still-life photography. If you’re tired of battling glare and want clean, soft, professional-looking images, these cones are worth every cent.
I’ll definitely be keeping them as a permanent part of my product photography kit.
