Image sharpness and precision color detailing have for long been the yardstick for professional photography. And quality lighting is at the very heart of it all. Since its advent in the early times, photography has been defined by camera specification, the photographer’s skills at using the equipment, and yes, the quality of light.
The role of these parameters in photography hasn’t changed much. You still need a powerful camera and exceptional photography skills to achieve the best shots. So where do you draw the line between professional and amateur photographers? It’s got to be how one utilizes stage lighting and associated effects. Simply put, good illumination means quality object color detailing and clear image boundaries. The converse is also true.
Now you know what to invest in if you are just starting out in photography; the best lighting kits. And they come in different types and varieties depending on user needs and expectations. For professional photographers, robust kits are the best.
They are expertly built to light up any photo setting, indoors or outdoors. On the other hand, apprentices can make use of simple photography kits ideal for basic photo and video shoots. These are best for YouTubers, and users seeking to do ordinary shoots.
In this review, we have reviewed some of the best photography lighting kits for you. Our collection draws from both simple as well as robust varieties. Take a look!
Top 10 Best Photography Lighting Kits in 2024
[amazon box=”B079JFGCQV,B07314B82V,B00LV46738,B07JK2PN1G,B005FHZ2SI,B07F1K3M56,B019GTCNXC,B07G3423NQ,B018KE5XUO,B005FHZ2SI” ]10. Fositan L4500 LED Video Lighting Kit
Fositan L4500 LED video lighting kit has a solid aluminum alloy build with U-bracket support and HD LCD display. Its 3960 LUX/ meter illumination capacity makes it ideal for basic photo shoots. As such, you can use it for ordinary photo shoots, YouTube videos, and even product photography. Its set of bi-color LED lights provide a soft, natural and pure white light beams for the best illumination of objects or subjects on stage.
The 3200K-5600K white light beam comes with up to 13 adjustable temperature levels for easy addition of warm color effect. For strength and durability, this kit is made of premium aviation frosted, non-slip aluminum alloy with super high heat dissipation capacity. Its dual battery set and additional NP-F550, NP-750, NP-F970 backup batteries ensure uninterrupted lighting throughout photo sessions.
Fositan L4500 supports ¼ or ⅜ spigots, 3 segments, and has light stands with a max load capacity of 11.02 pounds. Its 360-degree rotatable U-Shaped bracket and 120-degree dimmable LED lighting angles make it ideal for studio photography, interview videos, YouTube video, etc.
- Durability & Strength: It’s made of premium aviation frosted non-slip aluminum alloy with high heat dissipation capacity.
- Brightness: 0-99% dimmable 200 bi-color SMD LED lights.
- Illumination capacity: 3960 LUX/ meter
- Design and construction: solid aluminum alloy with U-bracket support.
- Display: HD LCD display.
- Image color warmth control: 13 temperature adjustment levels and a range of 3200K – 5600K LED lights.
- Package includes: 2 x L4500 U bracket metal LED video light, 2 x durable 2M adjustable light stand, 2 x power adapter, 2 x white filters, 2 x portable bags
- Warranty: Fositan 1-year warranty and lifetime customer support.
9. Linco Lincostore AM169 Photo studio light kit
Linco is a high-performance photography studio kit with up to 400-watt power output. It comes with everything you need to create a perfectly lit studio. The package includes 4 x Linco 5310 – mini cirrus light holder, 4 x Linco 8806L Zenith, 75” light stands, 4 x 23W premium photography studio daylight bulbs, and 1 x Linco 2020 -10 photography studio exclusive premium carrying bag.
Linco comes with a durable, high-performance light head featuring a patented V-shaped design with superb ergonomics. Linco Lincostore AM169 has a premium polyamide construction featuring a double layered socket with cross a section reinforced backing.
The ultra-lightweight and compact design measures only 4.2 ounces hence very portable. It is ideally suited for studio and on-location photography. The included Pheno square umbrella improves lighting by creating soft and diffuse light beams.
- Reflector Umbrella and Softbox: The Pheno square silver studio reflector umbrella and Softbox provide soft and diffuse stage lighting.
- Carry bag: All-in-one carry bag for easy transportation of all Linco lighting accessories.
- Backdrop: Black, white, and Chroma key-green backdrops with support stands.
- Design: Sturdy and lightweight design with up to 4 mini cirrus light heads
- Power output: 400W
- Durability and material: Superb ergonomics with a durable build featuring a premium polyamide construction.
8. LimoStudio Umbrella Softbox lighting kit
LimoStudio is a convenience-focused design photo studio kit best suited for professional and amateur photography.
The kit includes premium quality equipment including 1 x backdrop support stand and crossbar, 1 x green, black and white muslin, 4 x light stand tripod, 4 x CFL light bulb, and 2 x Softbox light diffuser.
For easy transportation, this kit comes with a heavy duty carry bag. Experience soft and even stage lighting with a high-performance kit that comes with heavy duty height-adjustable light stands for improved illumination.
The light stands support award-winning Softbox reflectors in position. The 45W digital full spectrum CFL Light bulb comes with a color temperature of 6500K and an E26/E27 regular screw base.
A height adjustable solid locking system provides an extra layer of safety to the light bulb. Its 24” Softbox reflector is made of enhanced Nylon fabric and features a silvery interior for efficient light diffusion on stage.
- Softbox dimension: 24″high-grade Nylon Softbox reflector.
- Bulb & Light holder: 45W CFL bulb with 6500K color temperature rating and E26/E27 regular screw base.
- Light stand: Heavy duty height-adjustable light stand; Min 30” and Max 86.5”. It also comes with a safety locking system.
- Backdrop: Height adjustable backdrop with support stands and 10” crossbar.
- Carry bag: High-quality durable muslin standard carry bag
- Package contents: 1 x Backdrop support stand and crossbar, 1 x green, black and white muslin bag, 4 x light stand tripod, 4 x CFL light bulb, 2 x bulb socket, and 2 x Softbox lighting diffuser.
7. MountDog 33” Photography Umbrella Continuous Lighting Kit
When it comes to professional photography image color detailing is of the essence. You need some high-end lighting equipment to help with this. MountDog Umbrella Continuous Lighting Kit provides soft and supple studio illumination, just the way you’d love it.
Its black umbrella with silvery interior and the translucent white umbrella provide cool lighting effects on stage. Capture a full spectrum of the subject’s color details with high-level precision. This kit is, in my opinion, affordable and very easy to use. And it’s also very easy to set up and install your studio whenever and wherever.
Whether you are a novice photographer or professional, MountDog 33” Umbrella Continuous Lighting kit will improve your photography immensely. It is best suited for video shooting, portrait photography as well as product photography. If you are looking for an affordable easy install lighting kit for basic as well as professional use, I recommend MountDog 33” Umbrella Continuous Lighting Kit.
- Umbrella Reflectors: White and black umbrella reflectors made of enhanced nylon fabric for improved stage lighting.
- Bulb rating: 45W Photo CFL bulb with 6000K temperature rating and 1820 Lumen.
- Light holder: Height-adjustable single headlight holder with an E26/E27 screw base.
- Use: portrait photography, video shooting, and product photography.
- Package contents: 4 x 45W CFL Bulb, 3 x 80” light stand, 3 x bulb socket, 4 x 33” umbrella reflector, and 1 x photo equipment carry bag.
6. LimoStudio 700W Photography Softbox lighting kit
If you are looking for an affordable lighting kit for your video or photo studio, LimoStudio is one phenomenal piece you need to check out.
It is insanely affordable and comes with a pair of high-quality Softbox reflectors. The general design and construction support easy studio setup indoors or outdoors. LimoStudio lighting kit also features a heavy duty carry bag for easy transportation. It features high-performance reflectors made of enhanced nylon fabric for ultimate soft light streams.
The reflectors come in different colors, but the most common one is black with a silver interior. The silvery interior maximizes light diffusion by facilitating smooth spread. LimoStudio lighting kit also comes with an easy to assemble and disassemble light head. To secure the light head in place, the light stand features a secure locking system. The 270-degree adjustable Softbox head provides multiple angle stage illumination.
- Light bulb: compact fluorescent spiral bulb with 80% energy saving efficiency with a regular screw base.
- Power and temperature: 85W and 6500K.
- Reflector Softbox: 24″ Softbox reflector made of high-quality nylon fabric with 2 levels of light control.
- Light stands: height-adjustable light stands with a secure locking system.
- Adjustable light head: A 270 degree adjustable Softbox head for multi-angle stage lighting.
5. Belle Max Photography lighting kit
Belle Max Photography lighting kit is best suited for video shoots, product advertising, fashion photography, and other forms of basic photography.
For portability and ease of transportation, it comes with a durable muslin carry bag. Its background support system comes with adjustable width and height. Width and height ranges are 4.6ft – 9.8ft and 2.3ft – 6.6ft respectively. A pair of Softbox lighting kits are powered by 6000K LED professional photography CFL E27 bulbs.
A size adjustable aluminum alloy light stand allows for easy assembly of the adjustable light head. Its 4ft x 5.3ft x 9.8ft backdrops come in distinct colors; black, white and green. Backdrops improve photography by concentrating light on the subject.
Something special about Belle Max lighting kit is that every purchase comes with a gift. You can choose on anything from silver or golden 2-in-1 reflectors, clips, light stand carry cases, and a carry bag.
- Gifts: 2-in-1 silver or gold reflectors to improve image brightness with a twist of color warmth, 3 x clips, a carry case, and a carry bag.
- Background support: Photo studio background support system featuring flexible light stands with a maximum load of 11.0lb and height adjustment.
- Bulb rating: 6000K professional photography LED energy saving high-intensity bulbs with E27 on/off switch.
- Package contents: 600K LED E27 CFL energy saving high-intensity bulbs, Softbox sets, umbrellas, background support systems, and backdrops.
- Portability: the entire kit weight only 17.7lb and can, therefore, be transported or carried around conveniently.
4. Neewer Umbrella Softbox continuous lighting kit
This lighting kit is best suited for indoor studio photography. So if you are looking for a good lighting kit for doing YouTube videos, product ads, and the likes, this is a perfect pick.
It comes with a solid safety 3-legged light stand with quick single action locks for secure height adjustment. The headlight holder allows for easy attachment of the light bulb and umbrella for perfect stage lighting. Its 84cm wide translucent umbrella facilitates efficient light diffusion, broadening and softening. Its 5500K fluorescent spiral bulb generates a close match to natural daylight which ensures a crisper view of the illuminated object.
A 6ft x 9ft muslin backdrop (comes in white, green, and black colors), backdrop clamps, and 8.5ft x 10ft backdrop support systems ensure a very stable studio setup. It comes with a carry bag that is very handy during equipment transportation and storage.
- Light stand: 3-legged solid safety 7ft light-stand with quick single action locks.
- Softbox: comes with a 24” Softbox with a 270 degree rotatable head for multi-angle stage lighting.
- Umbrella reflector: Its 33” white translucent umbrella softens, broadens and enhances light diffusion for even illumination of the object.
- Bulb & light head: 45W daylight studio E26/E27 light bulbs and regular screw base light head.
3. MountDog 1350W photography continuous Softbox lighting kit
MoutDog 1350W Softbox lighting kit comes with an aluminized reflector for even and diffused illumination.
The design softens light streams and removes shadows. It is, therefore, best suited for group photos, glamour and product photography. The 210-degree adjustable Softbox head with a secure locking system and a lightweight build enhances illumination and portability.
The Softbox is made of high-quality nylon fabric with a silver coated interior for maximum light reflection. The lighting components and accessories of this lighting kit are very easy to assemble and disassemble. The whole setup is powered by a compact fluorescent E26/E27 135W 5500K spiral bulb. Its light head has a regular screw base for easy attachment of the light bulb.
- Package contents: 2 x bulbs, 1 x Softbox + a diffuser, 1 x Carry Bag, and 1 x Softbox stand
- Flexible Softbox light stand: it has 27″ – 80″ adjustable height tripod made of premium aluminum alignments to suit amateur or professional photographers.
- Lamp Holder: 210 degree adjustable lamp holder for varied angle stage illumination.
- Reflectors: 20” x 28” Softbox light windows reflector made of professional particulate silver film reflective fabric.
- Warranty: 1-year warranty on all components and accessories.
2. Emart 600W Photography Daylight umbrella continuous lighting kit
Enjoy high-quality photo shoots with Emart 600W Photography Umbrella continuous lighting kit. It comes with a black reflector umbrella with a characteristic silvery interior and a translucent white nylon umbrella reflector for perfect stage lighting. A combination of 45W spiral CFL bulb and an adjustable light head provides varied lighting angles. A pair of 83″ light stands and one 33″ light stand matches well with the ic Emart umbrellas, Softbox and the other lighting accessories.
Heavy duty carry case and a bulb carry bag come in handy when it’s time to pack up and leave. And all these are made of high-grade nylon fabric for durability and strength.
- Transportation bags: 1 x bulb carry case and 1 x heavy duty carry case
- Light stands: 2 x 83” photography light stand & 1 x 33” photography light stand
- Reflector: 2 x 33” black silvery reflector umbrella & 2 x 33” translucent soft white umbrella.
- Bulbs & Light head: 3 x 45W 5500K full spectrum energy saving CFL continuous photo bulbs & 3 x Single head photo light holding socket.
- The use: group photo shoots, videos, portrait and product photography.
1. LimoStudio LMS103 Umbrella continuous photography lighting kit
LimoStudio LMS103 is expertly built for professional photographers, though ambitious amateurs can use it too. For just a fraction of the price, you get unparalleled stage lighting like never before.
Because of its design and specs, LimoStudio LMS103 performs optimally in any setting, indoors or outdoors. With its equipment and accessories, you can set up your studio in seconds.
A set of black and white reflector umbrellas soften and diffuse light beams for excellent stage lighting. This makes it easy to bring out finer details of the subject’s skin tone and some other subtle image elements. Not all photography lighting kits are capable of this. If you are a pro photographer looking for the best lighting kits, I strongly recommend LimoStudio LMS103.
- Bulb: 45W Photo CFL bulb rated at 6000K 120V with 80% energy efficiency.
- Light head: The light head has E26 and E27 standard screw base and 1820 lumen.
- Reflectors: 2 x 33” black silvery reflector umbrella & 2 x 33” translucent soft white umbrella.
- Carry bag: 1 x photo equipment carry bag
- Light stands: 1 x 28” light stand & 2 x 86” light stands
- Package contents: 3 x 45W CFL Bulb, and 3 x bulb socket.
- Use: Best for portrait photography, video shoots, as well as product photos.
Conclusion
There are many photography lighting kits in the market. That’s for sure. Despite the wide variety, finding the best kit remains very daunting a task, especially for apprentice photographers who are just starting out. Use our review to take the guesswork out shopping by making a well-informed purchase of a photography lighting kit that will meet all your needs.
Jasmine is a senior staff and freelance writer with more than 10 years of working experience. She wrote many blog or website articles including product reviews of different topics she researched and studied.