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Bolt VM-160 LED Macro Ring Light

BH #BOVM160 • MFR #VM-160
284 reviews
Bolt
Bolt VM-160 LED Macro Ring Light
Key Features
  • Guide Number: 21' / 6.4m at ISO 100
  • Eighteen High-Output LEDs
  • Six Levels of Brightness Adjustment
  • Continuous Light & Flash Modes
Capture extreme close-ups or portraits with the VM-160 LED Macro Ring Light from Bolt, which features eighteen high-output LEDs with a guide number of 21' / 6.4m at ISO 100. The light features six levels of brightness adjustment from -1.5 EV to +1.5 EV and the continuous light source helps you easily see the effects of the lighting as well as enable use during video. Four clip-on diffusers are included to further adjust the quality of light from the ring light: clear, frosted, amber, and blue. Users can set the light to illuminate from only the left or right side for added dimensionality when shooting. Additionally, to help conserve battery power, the light can be set to work in flash mode, which will turn on the light for approximately a half second each time the shutter is released.
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$69.95
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Guide Number
15' at ISO 100
21' at ISO 100
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800.606.6969

Bolt VM-160 Overview

Capture extreme close-ups or portraits with the VM-160 LED Macro Ring Light from Bolt, which features eighteen high-output LEDs with a guide number of 21' / 6.4m at ISO 100. The light features six levels of brightness adjustment from -1.5 EV to +1.5 EV and the continuous light source helps you easily see the effects of the lighting as well as enable use during video. Four clip-on diffusers are included to further adjust the quality of light from the ring light: clear, frosted, amber, and blue. Users can set the light to illuminate from only the left or right side for added dimensionality when shooting. Additionally, to help conserve battery power, the light can be set to work in flash mode, which will turn on the light for approximately a half second each time the shutter is released.

The power unit features a 1.6" backlit LCD monitor for displaying battery power and ring light settings. It attaches to your camera via an accessory shoe and requires four AA batteries. A stand is also included to hold the power unit on its own, or on a light stand or tripod via the integrated 1/4"-20 thread. For mounting the ring light to your lens, eight different adapter rings are included to fit a range of lens diameters: 49, 52, 55, 58, 62, 67, 72, and 77mm. Controller unit uses a universal type hot shoe, and is not compatible with cameras that use the older Sony/Minolta shoe.

Not compatible with Fuji X-T2 and X-Pro 2.

LED ring light is universal in design and independent of any specific TTL system. It is compatible with most DSLR lenses and ideal for macro and close-up shooting applications.
18 high-output LED array provides a guide number of 21' / 6.4m at ISO 100.
Four light modes available:
Light Mode will keep the light on continuously.
Flash Mode will activate the light for approximately one half second at a time when the shutter is depressed; this will help conserve battery power.
Left and Right Flash Modes will set only the left or right half of the light to turn on in order to give more dimensionality to your subject matter.
An automatic power-saving function will turn off the ring light after 30 minutes of inactivity to conserve battery power.
1.6" backlit LCD provides visual display of battery life and light settings.
Four clip-on diffusers are included: clear, frosted, amber, and blue.
49, 52, 55, 58, 62, 67, 72, and 77mm adapter rings are included.
Coiled power cord connects the ring light to power unit and measures 10" relaxed and 30" stretched.
Stand/tripod mount features a 1/4"-20 thread on base.
UPC: 847628585645

Bolt VM-160 Specs

Flash
Guide Number21' / 6.4 m at ISO 100 (50 mm Position)
Color Temperature3000 to 15,000K
Flash Duration0.5 Second at Full Power
Exposure ControlManual
Wireless OperationNone
LED
Number of LEDs18
Color Temperature3000 to 15,000K (via Included Diffusers)
DimmingYes
Power
Internal Power4 x AA
External Power Pack CompatibleNo
AC PowerNone
General
MountShoe Mount
DisplayLCD
Off-Camera TerminalNone
Dimensions (W x H x D)4.5 x 2.8 x 1.4" / 114.0 x 70.0 x 35.0 mm (Controller)
4.8 x 4.3 x 0.6" / 120.7 x 108.0 x 15.2 mm (Ring)
Weight7.05 oz / 200 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight1.15 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)11.8 x 5.8 x 3.5"

Bolt VM-160 Reviews

If need metal threaded adapter rings, two solutions

By James M
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2023-02-13

As numerous reviews state, a good value particularly if on sale. If the plastic threads on the adapters are a concern or get damaged if you are not careful to avoid cross-threading, there are two solutions. The obvious one is get a step-up (or if you need an 82mm, a step-down) ring and mount (glue if needed) the plastic adapter to the metal ring. Less obvious are extension or spacer rings which have same diameter on both sides of the ring. B&H stocks Cokin 49mm and 72mm extension rings. For other sizes, search eBay: (spacer ring, extension ring) (49mm, 52mm, 62mm, 67mm, 77mm) -(male to male, reverse, reversing, macro). You will probably find the size you need.

Entry level ring light

By Brandon
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2022-12-31

Gets the job done, but make no mistake, it's not a high quality unit. Just be careful with it and dont cross thread the plastic lens adapter rings.

Seems pretty good

By William
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-12-20

Came with several lens adapters and filters for the light. It appears to be built well enough for its purpose, and works as expected.

Update to Useful if you can work around it's quirks

By Anthony
Rated 3 out of 5
Date: 2022-08-15

So it's been about a month and a half since I wrote my review. In that time, the company contacted me and offered to let me send it in for repair. To their credit, they did send me an adapter ring that fits my Tampon zoom lens well. However, nothing has improved with the flash firing on my Sony a6100. I now notice that I turn on the camera and it works the first time, but not after than unless I turn the camera off and back on again. Haven't noticed this problem with other third party flash accessories. I'd be happy to make a video for them if they want me to prove it. I'd also like to know how they tested it and if they did anything at all, as there was no explanation given that I can see. In my original review I mentioned that the light can shine into lenses with a large front element. That's probably the case with all lens mounted ring lights so an unfair knock against it. This is my first lens mounted ring light, so I hadn't considered that. You just want to make sure to pair this light with the right lens and the best way to do that is probably just trial and error I think. So, it's a bit of a bummer but once again, I wasn't expecting much for the price. Still useful for lots of things.

Love it

By Teresa
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2022-07-22

Really enoy this flash especially for macro photography. I appreciate the options I need for the best flash setting. I do feel like the lens adapters don't hold the ring well and I have to constantly double check the flash is secure.

Great value for the low price!

By Albert
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-07-16

It's been about 30 years since I have been into macro photography. Recently, I dug out my old Nikon PB-4 Bellows and realized that I needed a Macro Ring Light. I went to my trusty B&H website and ordered this Bolt ring light. I absolutely love it! I mainly use it as a continuous light source. With the option of using left or right LED's only, it adds dimensional capabilities to my photos.

Good light

By Steven
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-01-12

Simple and easy to attach. It does a good job on the few test shots I've made.

It's a start

By Alan
Rated 3 out of 5
Date: 2023-01-10

I needed some lens end lighting for a macro project that I working on and this was in one B&H's year end sales so it was worth a shot. It will serve the purpose. I wish I could further reduce the power, and I found the plastic adaptor ring that was supposed to fit my macro lens did not. It was too small and fell out. I fixed it by buying a step up ring which worked with the next size adapter and, in the end, is a better solution because the step up ring is metal and will last longer being taken on and off the lens than the plastic one would.

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question

How would this compare to Canon MT-24EX Macro Twin Lite Flash?
Asked by: Anonymous
The Bolt VM-160 is an led macro light and the Canon MT-24EX Macro Twin Lite Flash USA, <a href= http://bhpho.to/1wyhjeK, target= _blank >http://bhpho.to/1wyhjeK,</a> is a flash macro light. The canon works in TTL or manual on Canon cameras and it freezes motion much better and is much brighter. The Bolt LED bulbs do flash but LED lights do not flash like a strobe lights. But you can use that one as a flash or continuous.
Answered by: Robert K.
Date published: 2022-09-03

Does it work on a Sony a9?

Does it work on a Sony a9?
Asked by: Donna
The Bolt VM-160 LED Macro Ring Light, B&H # BOVM160, may be used on the Sony Alpha a9 Mirrorless Digital Camera. Do note that the Bolt VM-160 LED Macro Ring Light is a manual LED light, so you would set the light output manually.
Answered by: Manzell
Date published: 2019-05-01

Will this fit on a NikonD750?

Will this fit on a NikonD750?
Asked by: Julia
The flash is compatible with the D750 and the unit comes with adapter rings for different size filter threads of lenses. Check to see that your lenses' filter thread matches the adapter ring sizes that are included.
Answered by: Rob
Date published: 2020-10-24

Will autofocus work with the light attached?

Will autofocus work with the light attached?
Asked by: Dave
Yes, autofocus will work. I’ve used it on 2 Canon DSLRs with several lenses without issue. The only potential problem I can think of is if you were to use it on a variable focal length lens where the front of the lens rotates when zooming in or out. You can easily check that. Overall it’s a nice unit that comes with useful accessories.
Answered by: Anonymous
Date published: 2019-11-22

My Q is for users of this unit - is it normal for ...

My Q is for users of this unit - is it normal for the buttons to be intermittent in their operation i.e. you have to play around with them in order to get them to respond - all my buttons work just not on the 1st touch - is this normal?
Asked by: richard
This does happen quite frequently with these units unfortunately. The buttons wear out rather quickly.
Answered by: Zachariah
Date published: 2023-02-14

Does it come with storage case ? Does it work off ...

Does it come with storage case ? Does it work off camera with a transmitter ?
Asked by: Ricardo
This flash does not come with a case and will fire off camera with a compatible flash trigger for Canon.
Answered by: Rob
Date published: 2021-06-09

Is there a 1/4-20 thread under the light so that ...

Is there a 1/4-20 thread under the light so that I can mount it on rail to the left or right of the camera a bit?
Asked by: Tom
Yes
Answered by: Anonymous
Date published: 2023-02-14

I feel silly asking this, but no where does it ...

I feel silly asking this, but no where does it explain what "TRIGGERS" it to flash?
Asked by: Todd
Press the MODE button repeatedly until the dot indicator on the LCD switches to Flash mode. The flash mode will only work if the control unit is mounted in the camera's hot shoe.
Answered by: Boyd
Date published: 2022-06-02
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