The Lowdown
The Lume Cube Mobile Creator Kit 2.0 lets you take your photography and videography on the go. At about $200, it is a few dollars more than the previous model, but the upgrades add enough value that I don’t see an issue with the price increase. This is the kit if you’ve been looking for one system to improve your smartphone capture, whether at home or on the go.
Overall
Pros
- The kit includes all components for on-the-go photography and videography
- A Far more robust tripod stand can be used as a handheld, desktop, or floor tripod when filming
- The Inclusion of a Bluetooth remote is a huge improvement
- Improved microphone has a stronger attachment harness and dampener and an input for monitoring the audio
Cons
- Includes Lighting cable for the microphone but no USB-C
- New light works well but is made of plastic rather than metal
I was completing my review of the Lume Cube Mobile Creator Kit when I got word Lume Cube would soon release a new version. I put the review aside and waited for the Lume Cube Mobile Creator Kit 2.0 to arrive; I’m glad I waited because it is an impressive upgrade. Let’s take a look.
Lume Cube Mobile Creator Kit 2.0
The original Mobile Creator Kit included a tripod, smartphone holder, microphone, and light. It worked well, and I honestly had no complaints. When the new version of the mobile creator kit arrived, I realized how much room there was for improvement and was impressed that Lume Cube took every opportunity.
Every aspect of the mobile creator kit 2.0 is an upgrade over the system it replaces.
The Lume Cube Mobile Creator Kit 2.0 has everything you need to create video content on the go. There is a mobile creator tripod, which adjusts from 10″ to 55″. There’s a Bluetooth remote so you can control your smartphone camera even when it’s not right in your hand.
There’s a new creator light with adjustable color and brightness. An upgraded Lume cube microphone and cables for connecting it to an iPhone and a camera are also included. And, of course, there is a charging cable to recharge the light.
Finally, the mobile creator kit 2.0 includes a zippered case with dedicated compartments for each component. Considering this is designed to be taken with you and used on the fly, including such a thoughtful way to protect and carry all of the components would’ve been enough of an improvement already. Still, it’s just one small place where this is a considerable enhancement over what it replaces.
Lume Cube has this to say about it:
Designed to be the perfect solution for creating content on the go, this kit gives you everything you need to elevate your content in any environment. The Mobile Creator Kit 2.0 includes a compact smartphone tripod that telescopes to 55”, a Bluetooth remote that pairs with your phone, a custom-designed phone clip with multiple cold shoe mounts, a high-quality microphone, and a powerful mobile creator light, all in a well-organized travel bag.
I go into depth on the system in the video review at the end of this post, but let’s briefly walk through each of the system’s elements.
The Lume Cube Mobile Creator Kit 2.0 Storage Bag
As previously mentioned, including a dedicated protective travel case is a huge upgrade over the original version of the Mobile Creator Kit. It has a sturdy zipper, dedicated compartments for each component, and a comfortable handle. D-rings on the side let you attach the shoulder strap to securely carry everything hands-free.
The Lume Cube Mobile Creator Kit 2.0’s Tripod
The tripod is also a significant upgrade over the 1.0 version. It’s made from heavier metal and has more substantial legs that fold out and down when in use but collapse for easy storage.
While the previous version had legs that telescoped a bit, this new tripod is made from multiple nesting tubes that extend from the 10″ collapsed position all the way to 55″.
That means the tripod can be used just as easily as a freestanding phone holder for recording yourself or doing an interview as it can as a handheld selfie stick.
The Lume Cube Mobile Creator Kit 2.0’s Bluetooth Remote
Brand new with the Mobile Creator Kit 2.0 is a detachable Bluetooth remote. The remote sits securely in a cradle on the tripod, so it’s always available.
In addition, its location is perfect for recording on the go, which means you can tap the remote with the thumb of the same hand holding the Creator Kit to take a picture or start the video.
The remote is also detachable, so you can set up the tripod and phone some distance away and still control it remotely.
The remote has limited functionality; it is basically a shutter release, but it adds a level of convenience that I’ve already come to appreciate.
The only downside is that it uses a microUSB cord for recharging. Sure, Lume Cube included a cable in the box, but in the USB-C world of 2023, I’m shocked anyone is still using micro USB.
The Lume Cube Mobile Creator Kit 2.0’s Microphone
The microphone that came with the original Mobile Creator Kit was a marked improvement over using the iPhone alone.
The new microphone in the 2.0 version is a further upgrade. I suspect it is a larger device that houses a larger condenser mic; the sound it captures is definitely better! The coldshoe mount and shock system are far more robust than they were on the original version, too.
The most significant, most apparent change, however, is including a port for real-time audio monitoring. That means you no longer need to set up the microphone and “hope” it records appropriately.
Lume Cube includes cables connecting the microphone to a camera and an iPhone. Unfortunately, the iPhone is set to lose its Lightning cable this fall, and I, along with countless others, will need an adapter for USB-C.
The Lume Cube Mobile Creator Kit 2.0’s Light
Finally, there is the light included with the Lume Cube Mobile Creator Kit 2.0.
This is the one component that isn’t a total upgrade. The fact that is slightly smaller and lighter than the previous version is a definite upgrade. After all, this is a mobile kit, and weight is a factor.
At the same time, while the previous light was a hefty piece of kit with a metal case, this version is made from light plastic. That isn’t an issue in itself, but it does raise concerns about the durability of the light; only time will tell.
Each component of the Lume Cube Mobile Creator Kit 2.0 comes together to create a powerful mobile photography and videography kit.
At the same time, various pieces can be used together to address specific needs. For example, the stand can be used independently to hold smartphones. The light can be used with a camera or tablet. The microphone can be used with any capture device.
That kind of flexibility makes this kit an even better value.
- Hands-free Filming: Adjustable from 10″ to 55″, you can create anywhere, anytime. Gone are the days of needing a friend to film you, as our Mobile Creator Stand will get the job done every time
- Experience Wireless Control: We’ve designed a unique Bluetooth shutter remote so you can start/stop filming from a distance, and it even mounts directly into the tripod for the ultimate convenience. Experience wireless control as you create your next video content
- Portable and Collapsible: The mobile creator kit easily fits in a backpack and can be taken with you on any of your travels. Easily create in either handheld or tripod mode on your next wild adventure.
- Complete Creator Kit: Includes Light, Tripod, Microphone, and Bluetooth Shutter Remote. Everything you need to elevate your content
- Compatible With All Smartphones: Universal phone mount fits all smartphones, and the microphone comes with adapters for both iPhone Lightning Port as well as 3mm Aux (no USB-C cable included)
- Modular: Use each piece individually. The stand for your smartphone, a light on a camera, your microphone for any device, this kit gives you everything you need to elevate your creative output.
- Designed for on-the-go creators: Everything comes professionally packed in a premium zipper case that travels light for creators on the go.
Here’s my video review.
As you can see, I’m pretty impressed by the kit.
The Lume Cube Mobile Creator Kit 2.0 lets you take your photography and videography on the go. At about $200, it is a few dollars more than the previous model, but the upgrades add enough value that I don’t see an issue with the price increase. This is the kit if you’ve been looking for one system to improve your smartphone capture, whether at home or on the go.
The Lume Cube Mobile Creator Kit 2.0 sells for $199.99; it is available directly from the manufacturer.
Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample
What I Like: The kit includes all components for on-the-go photography and videography; A Far more robust tripod stand can be used as a handheld, desktop, or floor tripod when filming; The Inclusion of a Bluetooth remote is a huge improvement; Improved microphone has a stronger attachment harness and dampener and an input for monitoring the audio
What Needs Improvement: Includes Lighting cable for the microphone but no USB-C; New light works well but is made of plastic rather than metal
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