amaran intros Verge and Verge Max LED desktop lights

Two new vlogger-oriented lights from amaran, the Verge and Verge Max, are pitched at creators needing soft, flattering illumination in compact spaces.

The amaran Verge is a bi-color, edge-lit panel light for creators who film, stream, or work from a desk, while the Verge Max is a 22 inch (55 cm) circular panel that is billed as delivering the same soft output as a traditional softbox but in a much reduced form factor (around 9% of the depth according to the company).

Both have multiple ways to control and mount, delivering a decent amount of flexibility for anyone who needs to light from a desk or equally use lights in compact spaces where traditional fixtures may be too bulky.

amaran Verge

The fanless and agreeably thin amaran Verge outputs 822 lux from one metre (3.3′) at 5600K and up to 2347 lumens, and the company says its edge-lit LEDs cast a soft, even glow that flatters the face and brings out true-to-life skin tones without harsh shadows. It has a TLCI of 97, a CRI of 96, and an adjustable color temperature that ranges from 2700K to 6500K. Max power is 26W

Size is 29.3 x 22.1 x 2.8cm / 11.5 x 8.7 x 1.1in. Weight is 940g / 2.1lbs. It's also available in charcoal or white.

Set up is simple. You can mount the amaran Verge on a desk stand using the 1/4-20in screw mount, or clamp it to the edge of your desk or to a traditional light stand with the quick-locking amaran Verge Lock (all of these options are available separately or as part of a bundle). It's powered by a single USB-C cable, so it's not going to add to the rats nest of cables of a typical vlogging set up.

Control is via the light itself, the amaran app, Sidus Link, or Stream Deck integration.

Pricing and availability

The light is shipping now and pricing starts at $79 with different bundles available for different mounting options. None of them are too expensive; the amaran Verge + amaran Verge Desk Clamp Stand Bundle for example coming in at $144.

amaran Verge Max

The amaran Verge Max is a bi-color, 55cm (22in) circular edge-lit panel light designed to deliver softbox-style lighting without the bulky softbox itself. Users can "Achieve the same soft, flattering diffusion of a traditional COB and softbox setup in just 9% of the depth – perfect for creators working against walls, in corners, or in home studios where every inch of space matters," says amaran. As space savings go, that's impressive.

It outputs 1955 lux from one metre (3.3′) at 5600K and up to 6455 lumens. It has a TLCI of 98, a CRI of 96, and the same adjustable color temperature of the Verge that ranges from 2700K to 6500K. Max power is 60W. Control is via front-facing knobs, wirelessly via the amaran app, or Stream Deck integration.

Size is 260.0 x 62.0 x 3.6cm / 23.6 x 24.4 x 1.4in. Weight is 3.66kg / 8.07lbs. It's also available in charcoal or white too.

Pricing and availability

Pricing starts at $259, again with different bundles available for different mounting options. Availability is currently listed as early June.