When I first got my hands on the Native Lighting A4 Lightbox, I was excited to see how it would fit into my creative workflow.
As someone who enjoys a bit of sketching and tracing in my free time, I was eager to test out the lightbox and see if it lived up to its promises.
Spoiler alert: it did, and then some! Here’s my detailed review of the lightbox, covering everything from its key features to the final results.
Jump straight to:
- Summary
- How we tested
- Native Lighting A4 Lightbox review
- Where to buy Native Lighting A4 Lightbox
- Our verdict: should you buy Native Lighting A4 Lightbox
- Looking for more lightboxes?
Summary
The Native Lighting A4 Lightbox is a user-friendly, high-quality tool that offers excellent light clarity and solid performance, making it a great value for artists and creatives alike.
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How we tested
To put the Native Lighting A4 Lightbox to the test, I used it to trace a detailed postcard design, focusing on its ease of use, light quality, and overall performance.
I evaluated how well the light shone through different thicknesses of paper, how easy it was to adjust the brightness levels, and how the lightbox handled during the tracing process. I also considered the practicality of its built-in ruler and tested its sturdiness and portability by moving it around my workspace.
Finally, I assessed the results by examining the clarity and accuracy of the traced image, as well as how efficiently the lightbox performed in various lighting conditions.
The results
Native Lighting A4 Lightbox review
Key features
- Dimensions: 27cm x 36cm x 1cm
- Drawing area: A4
- Weight: 0.92kg
- Brightness levels: 3
- Lumens: 320
- Lux: 4,900
- Ruler? Yes
- Connectivity: 1.8m USB Cable
- Warranty: 2 years
- RRP: £63.99
Ease of use - 5/5
Using the Native Lighting A4 Lightbox couldn’t be simpler. You literally just plug it in, and you’re good to go. No complicated setup, no fiddling with settings—just pure, straightforward functionality.
The built-in ruler is a nice touch, especially when you need to line up your paper or get precise measurements. I found it particularly useful for making sure everything was aligned correctly before I started tracing.
The lightbox is lightweight, which makes it easy to move around, yet it’s sturdy enough that it doesn’t feel flimsy or cheap.
I did have to use a bit of tape to keep my paper in place, but that’s pretty standard when working with any lightbox. The tape peeled off cleanly, which is always a relief.
Overall, I’d say it’s a user-friendly tool that doesn’t require any prior experience to get started.
Light quality - 5/5
One of the features I was most excited to test was the light quality, and I have to say, it didn’t disappoint. The dimmable light is fantastic for adjusting to different drawing conditions. Whether you’re working in a brightly lit room or a dim space, you can tweak the brightness to suit your needs.
I tested the lightbox by tracing a postcard, and I was impressed by how clearly the light shone through. Even with a thicker card, the light was bright enough that I could see every detail I needed to trace.
I did find that I had to turn off the overhead lights to get the best results, but that’s to be expected with most lightboxes. The brightness is definitely a strong point of this model, making it versatile for various types of projects.
Performance - 5/5
In terms of performance, the Native Lighting A4 Lightbox did exactly what I needed it to do. The light shone through perfectly, allowing me to trace easily and accurately.
I used a bit of tape to secure my paper, and it held up well without any slipping. The lightbox stayed in place on my desk, and the tracing process was smooth and hassle-free.
Despite its lightweight design, the lightbox felt sturdy and didn’t shift around while I was working. This is a big plus, especially when you’re focusing on getting those fine details right.
The performance was solid across the board, making it a reliable tool for anyone who needs to do a lot of tracing or recreating images.
Results- 5/5
I couldn’t be happier with the results. It took me about 10 minutes to trace the postcard, and the outcome was clean and precise.
The clarity of the lightbox made it easy to see every detail, and the even distribution of light meant there were no dark spots or areas where I struggled to see the lines.
For anyone looking to recreate drawings or create detailed sketches, this lightbox is a fantastic tool. It really speeds up the process without sacrificing accuracy.
Value for money - /5
At £63.99, the Native Lighting A4 Lightbox is a solid investment for anyone who frequently works on tracing or illustration projects.
If you’re an artist, animator, or illustrator who needs to recreate a lot of images, this is a great value item that will quickly become an essential part of your toolkit. The quality of the light, the ease of use, and the overall performance make it worth the price.
However, if you’re only planning to use it occasionally, it might feel a bit pricey. That said, for those who will get regular use out of it, the cost is justified by the quality and functionality. Plus, with the 2-year warranty, you know you’re getting a durable product that’s built to last.
Where to buy Native Lighting A4 Lightbox
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Our verdict: should you buy Native Lighting A4 Lightbox
Our Verdict: Should You Buy the Native Lighting A4 Lightbox?
If you’re an artist or frequently work with tracing, the Native Lighting A4 Lightbox is worth the investment. It offers excellent light quality, ease of use, and reliable performance, making it ideal for both hobbyists and professionals.
While it might be a bit pricey for occasional use, its quality and functionality make it a great addition to any creative workspace.
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