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How to Take Great Shots with a Lighting Kit for Photography

best portable lighting kit for photography

 

Whether you’re a professional or indulging a hobby, the right lighting kit for photography can transform your photo from nice to awe-inspiring. This set of lights, stands, and various accessories can improve the quality of your photographs and push your creativity and skills to new heights.

There are also lighting kits for every photographer. There are starter kits and professional ones. Some are good for portraits while others are better for videos. This quick guide will help you narrow down your choices for best lighting kit for photography.

Lighting Kits For Photography

1. Fovitec Studio Pro 3-Light 2500-Watt Fluorescent Lighting Kit

Fovitec Studio Pro Lighting Kit

 

The Fovitec Studio Pro is one of the best lighting kits around. It has a simple set up and it’s easy to learn, making it perfect for every photographer, regardless of their skill level. It’s a good choice if you have a small studio or working out of a small to a medium-sized apartment.

The Studio Pro lighting kit comes with two units 5-socket heads with 20” x 28” softboxes that provide 2500 watts of light and one unit of a socket head with built-in 20” x 28” softbox. It also includes 11x 45 watts lamps, a boom stand, two 7’6” light stands and one carry bag. The lamps have a 90+ CRI color accuracy and a 5500K daylight color temperature.

Each lamp is energy efficient while the height of the softboxes can be calibrated based on the photographer’s need. They can also be tilted backward and forwards easily. Meanwhile, the kit’s main light, fill light, and boom hair light provide a wide range of lighting options so you can snap that perfect shot. You can also change the light settings using the integrated control panel.

Many users have commended this lighting kit for photography its quality and affordability. It’s very durable so you get mileage for your money. The light stands also provide lots of options in terms of position and height. The light quality is also good, and you can vary the bulbs you use. However, setting it up provides a challenge at first.

 

Our Rating :  4.7 out of 5 stars (4.7 / 5)

Pros
  • Ideal for small to medium-sized apartments or studios
  • Easy to adjust softboxes
  • Control panel for adjusting light settings
Cons
  • Confusing instruction manual
  • Hard to set up
  • Flimsy stand and boom arm

If you’re the type who does stills and videos, then the Fovitec lighting kit is a great investment. You’ll get perfect headshots and portraits. It will also make your live streaming and YouTube tutorials look sleek and professional.

This is your best option if you want value for your money. You can use this kit regardless of your skill level. It works great as an initial investment when you’re starting your own small studio or if you regularly shoot videos. You’ll have to expend some effort setting it up, but it’s a small sacrifice considering its price.

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2. StudioFX 2400-Watt Softbox Continuous Photo Lighting Kit

 StudioFX 2400-Watt Softbox Continuous Photo Lighting Kit

The StudioFX 2400 Watt Softbox is a sensible option if you’re just starting out in photography or videography. It is easy to set up, and you can quickly figure out how to use each piece.

The StudioFX has three light stands, three light heads, and three softboxes. Two of the softboxes come in at 16”x24” while the overhead softbox measures 20”x28.” Each unit is integrated with diffusers and a control panel that lets you change the brightness to meet your shoot’s requirements.

Each softbox has four 45watt photo video fluorescent bulbs. They provide superb lighting for DLSR cameras and digital photographs. They’re also low heat so there’s no danger of fire breaking out. The light stands have a three-legged configuration to ensure stability. You can adjust their heights from 53” to 84.” The kit also comes with three Muslin backdrops in black, Chromakey Green, and white. Each one measures 6’x9.”

Customers have raved about the StudioFX’s durability, its low heat lights, and how easy it is to assemble the kit. Users appreciated that the materials used were top-quality despite the low price. There were also comments about the backdrops being flimsy and transparent while cords were short.

Our Rating :  4.2 out of 5 stars (4.2 / 5)

Pros
  • Good value at an affordable price
  • Low heat bulbs
  • Easy to set up and disassemble
Cons
  • Small softboxes
  • Heavy and difficult to carry around
  • Backdrops are virtually transparent

The no-fuss setup, easy to follow configurations, and affordable price makes this an excellent light kit for beginners. This is also a worthwhile investment for videographers and those who’ve just started their own small studios.

This is not the lighting kit for an established professional photographer. But if you’re still learning the ropes and want to hone your skills, then the StudioFX 2400 Watt is the one for you. The instructions are easy to read and understand.  You can adjust the equipment quickly and it can be used for either videos or photos.

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3. Weifeng ePhoto Premium Portrait Photography Studio Video Lighting Kit

Weifeng ePhoto Premium Portrait Photography Studio Video Lighting Kit

No other lighting kit for photography gives more value for your money than the Weifeng ePhoto Portrait Lighting Kit. You get a variety of equipment with this bundle, and a sturdy carry case to help you carry it to your different projects.

The kit comes fully loaded with hardware, including four umbrellas, four 45-watt bulbs, and three backdrops. The two black and two white umbrellas can be utilized to make sharper pictures and emphasize shadows.

You can set up the entire unit in less than an hour. Most of the equipment is easy to assemble, including the three Chromakey backdrops that come in black, green Muslin, and white. There’s also no syncing between devices as these tools are ready for use at any time. And when your photo or video shoot is over, you can pack everything in the carrying case.

Surprise at the value this lighting kit gave was a common reaction among customers. Many chose it because they were looking for something disposable and were attracted to the affordable price. But the high-quality fixtures soon changed their minds. There were comments that the bulbs could’ve been brighter, but they understood that the additional hardware made up for the lack of intensity.

Our Rating :  4 out of 5 stars (4 / 5)

Pros
  • Comes with two black and two white umbrellas
  • Has three Chromakey backdrops
  • Functional carry case
  • Good value for money
Cons
  • Lighting not as bright as others
  • No power controls for lights
  • Backgrounds use thin material

This is a good lighting kit for photography beginner. You can save money while securing the tools and equipment you need as a photographer. But it’s also a sensible choice for those who are going pro but don’t have the budget yet for a high-end lighting kit.

The Weifeng ePhoto Lighting Kit won’t let you down. It’s affordable yet comes with four umbrellas, three backdrops, and a carry case. All items are made from good quality materials. So, if you want the best value for your hard-earned money, this is the kit for you.

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4. LimoStudio 700W Photo Video Studio Soft Box Lighting Kit

LimoStudio 700W Photo Video Studio Soft Box Lighting Kit

If you’re on the hunt for a simple, budget-friendly kit, the LimoStudio 700w photography studio could be the one for you.

It comes with one soft box with bulb socket, an 84” light stand, one 85w 6500k 120v photo bulb, and a carry bag. The soft box measures 24”x 24” and is constructed from high-quality nylon. It’s designed to soften the lighting and remove any shadows to ensure perfect shots. The light stand’s three-legged design guarantees solid and safe performance. It can be raised up to 84” and has quick-release levels for easy setup and use.

Meanwhile, the soft box utilizes an energy-saving, compact, fluorescent spiral bulb. Its energy-saving features mean you can save as much as 80% from the 85-watt bulb. While the LimoStudio kit is known for its simple set up, you can also disassemble it quickly. The top line, nylon carry case makes packing and transporting this lighting kit a breeze.

The LimoStudio kit consistently gets high reviews in shopping sites. Customers are especially happy with its light and how it has dramatically improved their photos and videos. They were also satisfied with its light weight and fast assembly. But there were concerns about durability as the material didn’t feel sturdy.

Our Rating :  4.8 out of 5 stars (4.8 / 5)

Pros
  • Can be assembled quickly
  • Compact size makes it ideal for small spaces
  • Very affordable
Cons
  • Items feel flimsy
  • Hard to fit everything in the carry case
  • Poor quality stitching on fabric parts

This is a good kit for beginners. You can cut your teeth on the LimoStudio without shelling a lot of money. The kit is compact, affordable, and can improve your videos. It’s easy to set up and portable, so you can bring it to different locations to practice your photography skills.

The LimoStudio 700W delivers what it promised. It’s the perfect choice for a lighting kit for product photography and YouTube videos. It’s so easy to assemble anyone can do it. While it does the job, don’t expect high-end features or materials. The fabric parts tend to have poor stitching and loose threads.

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5. Cowboystudio 4 Piece Continuous Photography/Video Studio

Cowboystudio 4 Piece Continuous Photography Video Studio

The Cowboystudio is another lighting kit that exceeds expectations. It was developed for professionals who focus more on digital video production. But this kit also works beautifully with SLR/DSLR cameras.

Cowboystudio’s four-piece kit is made up of two units of 7’ light stands with four AC sockets, a pair of mini light stands, two 32” white umbrellas, four 45-watt 5000K Daylight bulbs, and a carrying case. The latter is well padded and allows you to seamlessly transport your entire studio anywhere.

The set’s two umbrellas do an impeccable job diffusing light from any flash so you can create even lighting. The light stands are made from aluminum alloy and can be adjusted anywhere from 2’9” to 6’8.” Meanwhile, the mini light stand is made from pressure die-cast aluminum and comes with quick-release levers. Cowboystudio only uses Energy Star compliant bulbs, so you’ll be using these lights for a long time.

Professionals who’ve bought the Cowboystudio lighting kit expressed amazement at how it surpassed their expectations. They liked the sturdy feel of the light stands and the strong, clean lighting. However, users have to make modifications on the kit, including using a brighter bulb.

Our Rating :  4.1 out of 5 stars (4.1 / 5)

Pros
  • Lasts for years
  • Reliable customer service
  • Comes with one-year warranty
Cons
  • Umbrella color is more beige than white
  • Light bulbs burn out quickly
  • Cords too short

This is a good option if you’re just starting out and want to save money. It’s also a sensible choice as a backup or if you have a dedicated space where you can assemble the unit and leave it up. Its low price means even those new to photography can purchase it and learn the basics. The low price means the kit doesn’t have a long lifecycle. Leaving it up will reduce incidents of breakage.

The Cowboystudio lighting kit is a good choice if you need an effective lighting but affordable system. The set works for both beginners and professionals, but you will be getting what you pay for. The plastic clasps, knobs, and hinges crack easily while the umbrella is flimsy.

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6. MountDog 33” Photography Umbrella Continuous Lighting Kit

 MountDog Photography Umbrella Continuous Lighting Kit

Make your mark as a professional photographer with the MountDog Umbrella Continuous Lighting Kit. Its superior lighting equipment will provide you with the studio illumination you need to enhance your photos’ color details.

You’ll get 15 pieces of equipment straight out of the box. The whole caboodle comes with four pieces 45W CFL bulb, three pieces 80” adjustable light stand, and three pieces of bulb sockets. It also comes with four 33” umbrella reflectors. You’ll get two each of white and black umbrellas. Lastly, you’ll also get carry bag for your equipment.

The translucent white umbrellas lessen shadows and give soft, low contrast lighting. Meanwhile, the black umbrellas with silvery interiors have two functions. The inner lining reduces the loss of light while maximizing its spread. The black lining prevents unwanted lights from being reflected in your shots.

You can use the single head light holder to place a bulb to the light stand and add an umbrella. You can even adjust its angle to satisfy your shooting requirements. Meanwhile, the kit uses energy saving spiral bulbs that reduces power consumption by 80%.

Our Rating :  4.6 out of 5 stars (4.6 / 5)

Pros
  • Durable light stand with tripod screw on top
  • Easy to assemble
  • Portable and can be stored quickly in the carry bag
Cons
  • No instruction manual included
  • Umbrellas easily break
  • Has a strong chemical smell

This is a good investment for those who focus on portraits, product photography, and video shoots. It’s easy to assemble so you can bring it to different project sites. The light stands and umbrellas are very stable, making them ideal for busy studios.

The MountDog Continuous Lighting Kit is a great buy for any photographer. Novices and professionals alike will benefit from it. It’s very flexible and can be used for videos and for shooting products. The extra bulb and umbrellas can be used elsewhere or as a backup. And for the price, the quality of the equipment is surprisingly good.

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7. Neewer Umbrella Softbox Continuous Lighting Kit

Neewer Umbrella Softbox Continuous Lighting Kit

If you do product ads or YouTube videos on a regular basis, then the Neewer Umbrella Softbox Continuous Lighting Kit is what you need. It’s perfect for indoor studios and will help raise the quality of your work.

The kit comes with four 79” light stands, two single head light holders, four 45W CFL Daylight bulb, two 33” umbrellas and two 24”x24” softboxes. The box also includes one 6’x9’ Muslin backdrop in black, white or green, six backdrop clamps, one 8.5’x10’ background stand support system, one carry bag for the background support system and another bag for the Continuous Lighting Kit.

The light stand has a three-legged design and has single action locks to keep them at your desired height. You can easily attach the lightbulb and umbrella on the headlight holder and have that perfect stage lighting. The umbrella’s translucent quality effectively diffuses light. Meanwhile, the 5500k fluorescent spiral bulb is a close match to natural daylight and ensures crisp colors.

Photographers who purchased the kit were generally impressed and satisfied with the product. They commended the design and quality of the items and considered it a good buy. They also recommended items you need to buy for the kit, like a steamer for the backdrop and wall hooks as the background stand wasn’t sturdy enough.

Our Rating :  4.2 out of 5 stars (4.2 / 5)

Pros
  • Offers a wide range of lighting options
  • Soft boxes provide stellar lighting
  • Impressive quality at an affordable price
Cons
  • Backdrop tend to wrinkle; has to be steamed or ironed before use
  • Backdrop stand feels flimsy
  • Light not as bright as expected

This is a reasonable choice for beginners or those who just want to do simple photography. It provides you with everything you’ll need. However, the cheap component parts mean you’ll have to upgrade to a better system as you improve or if you decide to do some serious photography.

The Neewer Umbrella Continuous Lighting Kit is highly recommended for those who want an indoor set up for simple photography projects. The system is very easy to assemble, and with a little ingenuity and common sense, it can be transformed to something that can be used semi-professionally.

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8. Fancierstudio Chromakey Green Screen Lighting Kit

 

Fancierstudio Chromakey Green Screen Lighting Kit

The Fancierstudio Chromakey Lighting Kit is the closest you’ll get to a professional lighting system without breaking the bank. It has everything you need to create superb photos and videos.

You get a lot of equipment with this kit. The box comes with two 16”x24” softbox, one 16”x24” softbox for hair lights and three 6.5’ tall light stands. One of the stands has a boom arm with a sandbag. The sand isn’t included in the kit though.

You’ll also get two light heads that can hold four bulbs each, one light head for hair light, eight 45watt photo video fluorescent bulbs, one 105watt bulb for hair light, a background stand, a 10’x12’ green screen, and a carrying case.

Most Fancierstudio users agree that it’s better used as a video studio since you don’t have to move it around much. It’s affordable but gives professional results. However, the instruction manual was very basic, which made it harder for novices to assemble the equipment. Many also took note of the flimsiness of the green screen.

Our Rating :  4 out of 5 stars (4 / 5)

Pros
  • Good quality softboxes
  • Has everything you need for basic streaming and filming
  • Nice light quality
  • Compact design makes it easier to store in the carrying case
Cons
  • Lack of instructions made assembling some parts difficult
  • Dark green backdrop instead of bright green
  • Single stitch was used for the carrying case

If you need professional results but are on a tight budget, then the Fancierstudio might strike your fancy. It’s not a high-quality lighting kit for photography given the price, but it’s effective and holds up well. It’s better suited for home use or in small spaces.

You can’t get anything better for the price of this kit. It gives you so much to work with. The lighting is good and gives you good composites. The light diffusion smooths out the skin, brightens the eyes, and enhances colors. There are so many creative possibilities with this kit.

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9. Fositan L4500 LED Video Lighting Kit

Fositan L4500 LED Video Lighting Kit

For superior performance and professional design, nothing beats the Fositan L4500 LED Video Lighting Kit. You can use this kit for basic photoshoots, for product photography, and for creating professional-looking YouTube videos.

The kit is composed of two L4500 U-bracket metal LED video light, two heavy-duty 2M adjustable light stand, two power adapters, two white filters, and two portable bags. It also comes with a high-def LCD display mounted at the back of the light. The screen shows the brightness level, color temperature, and power.

This LED lighting kit for photography has superb lighting capacity. It uses long-life SMD LED which is five times brighter than ordinary light. The light stands are made from strong aluminum alloy and can be adjusted anywhere from 25” to 79.” The U-shaped bracket holds up the light and can be rotated 120 degrees. Its AC/DC power supply makes it ideal for both outdoor and indoor projects.

Most customers are in awe of the kit’s lighting capacity. They’re bright and ideal for a variety of uses. Some use them to achieve more professional looking photos and videos, while others simply use them to illuminate paintings or office area.

Our Rating :  4.3 out of 5 stars (4.3 / 5)

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Uses bi-color lights to finetune white balance
  • Dual battery provides longer run times
  • Comes with one-year warranty and a lifetime customer service guarantee
Cons
  • Lights can’t be fully tightened on the light stands
  • Hard to remove the diffuser
  • Customer service is slow to respond

The Fositan LED lighting kit is great for those with photo booth businesses or studios with limited space. They’re also great for those who shoot videos on a regular basis. The light panels make it easier to move from one setup to the next. It allows you to work in various locations and situations with ease.

This lighting kit is a splendid choice for professionals and those who want to expand their photography skills. The panels let you control little but vital details like shadows or the warmth of the lights. Its brightness and the natural soft light make the subject glow. You won’t regret this purchase.

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10. Linco Lincostore AM169 Photo Studio Light Kit

 

Linco Lincostore AM169 Photo Studio Light Kit

The Linco AM169 has everything you will ever need to build a studio with perfect lighting. Its durable materials, high-quality construction, and superior ergonomics ensure you will be using this lighting kit for a long time.

For such an affordable price, you’ll get two Pheno photography square silver umbrella reflector and softbox, two 32” premium white soft umbrella, one 77”x78” background support stand, a 5’x10’ backdrop in black, white, and green. You’ll also receive four 77” Zenith light stand that’s sturdy and lightweight, four Mini-Cirrus light head, and an all-in-one carry bag.

The Mini-Cirrus light holder is ergonomically designed for optimal use and has fire-resistant plastic sockets. The light stands are made from die-cast steel for durability and come with a zinc stud head. Meanwhile, the umbrella reflectors are light and easy to set up. It also works well in eliminating glare and reflecting light evenly.

Users raved about this kit’s high-quality stands and lights, how quick it is to assemble, and reliable customer service. There were some comments about too short cords and the clips for the backdrop being inadequate.

Our Rating :  4 out of 5 stars (4 / 5)

Pros
  • Compact design that makes it easy to transport
  • Good quality light stands
  • Quick assembly
  • Excellent customer service
Cons
  • Backdrop prone to wrinkling
  • Stand can’t support backdrop
  • Clips don’t completely close

This is a solid purchase for photography enthusiasts and those who conduct computer recordings. However, it’s not for professional video productions. The lights emit a slight buzzing sound that’s not noticeable unless you’re using sensitive computer microphones.

The Linco AM169 is a good product with superb customer service. It’s an ideal choice for those who do product photography, YouTube videos, or Twitch streaming. It’s affordable, the stands are good quality, and the lights are bright enough. You might need to adjust and add clamps to your backdrop to stabilize it. But everything considered, this is a superb lighting kit for photography.

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Conclusion – Select Suitable Lighting Kits for Photography

There are so many different options available for lighting kit, you can easily find the suitable lighting kits for your photography.

It will largely depend on your budget and whether you want to invest in one of the more expensive kits or the one with basic. We will cover the lighting kits guide soon in our article soon to our readers in order to have a better understanding of different types of lighting kits.

 

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