Olympus E-PL5 Dual Macro LED Ring Light/Flash - Close-Up Portrait

In this review the Olympus E-PL5 Dual Macro LED Ring Light/Flash is examined as a compact, practical solution for photographers who need controlled close-up or portrait illumination. The bottom line: it is best for hobbyists and content creators who want a versatile on-camera ring light that doubles as a flash, offering adjustable color temperature and multiple luminance levels in a lightweight package. The review focuses on real-world handling, continuous and flash modes, and how the unit performs with Olympus lenses using the included adapters.

Key Features

• Dual mode operation: Functions as both a continuous LED light and a flash, which makes it useful for mixed photo and video shoots without swapping gear.
• Wide color temperature range: Adjustable 3000 to 15000K lets the user tune the mood from warm to cool for creative portrait or macro work.
• Multiple brightness settings: Seven luminance levels provide fine control over output to avoid overexposure on delicate close-up subjects.
• Compact and light: At approximately 7 ounces the unit is easy to mount and balance on most cameras without adding bulk for handheld use.
• Power options: Runs on 4 x AA cells or Ni-MH rechargeables, giving flexibility in the field where dedicated battery packs are inconvenient.
• Clear LCD display: The MR48-series bright LCD helps confirm settings quickly when switching between flash and continuous modes.

Who It's For

The Olympus E-PL5 Dual Macro LED Ring Light/Flash is aimed at portrait photographers, macro shooters, and video creators who need an easy-to-mount light that both illuminates and adds subtle dimensionality with left/right flash control. It suits amateur photographers who own Olympus lenses and want a budget-friendly way to improve close-up lighting without complex strobes.

It is less suitable for studio photographers who require very high power or sophisticated wireless TTL systems, and professionals who need extremely precise color rendering for commercial work may prefer a calibrated continuous light source.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Bright, clear LCD and seven luminance levels provide precise control over output for both stills and video.
• Dual functionality as a flash and continuous LED light makes it flexible for mixed workflows.
• Compact weight of about 7 ounces and included adapters make it convenient to mount on Olympus lenses.
• Runs on common 4 x AA batteries or rechargeable Ni-MH cells, which are easy to source while traveling.

Cons

• Flash guide number of 15 ft limits effective flash power to close-range work rather than long-distance fill lighting.
• Requires manual exposure for flash use, so it may slow down workflow for photographers who rely on automatic flash control.

Specifications

Product Type	Dual Macro LED Ring Light / Flash
Flash Guide Number	15 ft
Effective Distance	1.96 in - 5 ft
Color Temperature	3000 - 15000K
Exposure Time (Flash)	1/100s
Power	4 x AA or Ni-MH rechargeables
Weight	Approx. 7 ounces

Our Verdict

The Olympus E-PL5 Dual Macro LED Ring Light/Flash is a practical, value-oriented tool for photographers focused on portraits and close-ups who need both continuous and flash lighting in one compact unit. It is especially good for hobbyists and content creators using Olympus lenses; its limited flash power and manual flash workflow are acceptable trade-offs for battery flexibility and precise luminance control.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this unit be mounted on Olympus lenses?
Yes, it includes the necessary adapters and rings for mounting on Olympus lenses so it fits without extra purchases.

How long will batteries last during continuous use?
Battery life varies by cell type and brightness level; using Ni-MH rechargeables at lower luminance extends run time compared with alkaline cells at high output.

Do you need any camera settings changes to use the flash?
Yes, flash use requires the camera to be set to manual exposure while the commander sits on the hot shoe.