Westcott 18-inch Bi-Color LED Ring Light Kit: problems, parts and running costs
Checked: 2026-10-26
Summary
Owners most often report a wobbly included stand, an intermittent power switch after about 26 months, and roughly 1 hour of battery runtime at full power. Running costs are low: no subscription or consumable, with electricity around $4.80 per 500 hours at $0.20 per kWh. At $140 or less the kit is a strong deal; above $190 it is weak against the same model’s available listings and the Neewer RP19H.
Common problems and fixes
- Intermittent power switch after ~26 months — one B&H owner reported the switch failing after 26 months of near-daily use, followed by flickering and shutdown; no replacement control panel was available after the 1-year warranty expired. Not covered by warranty. [5]
- Short battery runtime — manufacturer claims up to 70 minutes at full power; Tom’s Guide measured 60 minutes at 100% brightness and 5600 K; the single-bay charger needs up to 6 hours. [2][3]
- Only one usable cold shoe — manufacturer copy refers to mounts for cameras and phones, but Tom’s Guide found one cold shoe, occupied by the phone holder. Plan accessory mounting before buying. [1][3]
- No remote control — no remote or Bluetooth shutter is included; competitors such as the Neewer RP19H include one. [3][9]
- No consumer repair parts — Westcott sells the AC adapter separately for $29.90, but no standalone replacement LED head, control board, charger, stand or case price was found. [5][7]
- Not weather-sealed — keep it dry and wipe with a dry cloth; do not use in rain. [4]
Parts and consumables
- AC adapter #4450AC (15 V, 4 A) — $29.90 from Westcott; listed as re-stocking soon at inspection. Replace only if failed or lost. [1][7]
- Compatible Nanlite BT-NPF750 battery — $34.90 each at B&H; not a Westcott-certified substitute; a pair would be $69.80. [8]
- Smith-Victor NP-F750 battery (part 401667) — $42.95 at B&H, special order 2-4 weeks; not certified; a pair would be $85.90. [2]
Yearly running cost
No subscription or routine consumable. If the light drew its rated 48 W for 500 hours a year, that is 24 kWh, or $4.80 at $0.20 per kWh as an illustrative rate; at 2,000 hours it is 96 kWh, or $19.20. Battery wear, charger use and any replacement adapter or batteries are irregular costs, not an annual schedule. Two compatible Nanlite batteries would be $69.80 and one Westcott adapter $29.90 if needed.
When it is a good buy
Westcott lists the kit at $189.90 in the US with the page showing re-stocking soon; B&H listed it at $189.90 in stock with free 2-day shipping. Editorial thresholds: $140 or less is a strong deal; $141-$165 fair value; $166-$190 the ordinary price zone; above $190 weak against the same model’s available listings. Used units started at $143.95 and a stale mid-2026 B&H cache showed $168.90, but neither is a confirmed available offer. Alternatives: Neewer RP19H, listed from $159.99 with a remote and three phone mounts but no included batteries; Neewer RL-18 around $114.99 to $119.99 for an AC-first kit; Westcott U60-B softbox kit at $174.90 for a different light form factor.