Are you looking for the best LED lights for photography? You’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll feature 11 of the best LED lights available on the market right now. So, you can find the perfect one for your needs.
We’ll list small LED lights for handheld photography to large LED panels for studio photography. Whatever you need, you’ll find the right LED light for your project.
There’s a massive range of different lights out there, but our top pick is the Rotolight Neo 2. It’s a circular LED light panel that produces a lot of light. It’s powerful, but you have control over brightness and color temperature.
The best LED light for photography is the one that suits your style and objectives. That means different photographers will prefer different lights when shooting.
Portrait photographers or vloggers might want an LED ring light for even facial illumination. Product and food photographers might prefer an LED light panel for constant light. You also have colored LED strip lighting that give you tons of creative options.
All these bases are covered in our list of the best LED lights for photographers. But before we look at each LED lights in detail, here is a summary of our recommendations.
Now let’s look at our top picks in more detail.
| Brand |
Brand
Rotolight
|
| Power Supply |
Power Supply
Mains adaptor or battery
|
| Dimmable? |
Dimmable?
Yes
|
| Adjustable Color Temperature? |
Adjustable Color Temperature?
Yes
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Hot-shoe mounting, instant recycling, 1/8000 s sync speed
|
| Best |
Best
Circular LED light panel
|
The Rotolight Neo 2 panel is a versatile light for photography work. It is a dual-purpose light source. It works as a continuous light and a flash. And its range of use makes it a popular choice with photographers and videographers.
It isn’t a budget lighting option. But it’s a solid piece of kit and worth the price. We think it’s the best LED light panel out there.
It’s a circular LED light panel with a diameter of 10.9″ (28 cm). It’s small, lightweight at 1.1 lb (500 g), and easy to transport. It fits nicely in kit bags. And despite its convenient size, it gives you incredible lighting power.
At full power, it gives you a brightness of 6,300K. This is full tungsten mode. But you can adjust the color temperature to suit your shots. You can reduce the brightness to the daylight setting (3,150K). That gives you a more natural light effect. The Rotolight Neo 2 gives both modes the same adjustable color temperature settings.
The Neo 2 has several benefits over traditional flash lights. You get more brightness options. There’s no power loss after you use the flash, even at the highest settings. And there’s no recycle time (recharge time). So the Neo 2 can keep up with the most trigger-happy photographers.
You also have plenty of mounting options for the Neo 2. You can fix it to a light stand or tripod. And it’ll connect to your DSLR or mirrorless camera using the hot shoe. That makes flash syncing easy. And it gives you a sync rate of 1/8000 s. You won’t miss a thing with that sync rate.
The Rotolight Neo 2 also has power source options. You can plug it in for optimal power. You get full power with no time limit. But you can also switch to battery power for shoots on location. So you don’t need to worry about dramatic power consumption.
Six AA batteries give you 85,000 full power flashes and 2 hours of constant light. That’s another reason it’s the best LED light panel for photographers. This is a set of three lights, but other permutations are possible.
| Brand |
Brand
LUME CUBE
|
| Power Supply |
Power Supply
Rechargeable battery
|
| Dimmable? |
Dimmable?
Yes
|
| Adjustable Color Temperature? |
Adjustable Color Temperature?
Yes
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Even large cameras can be placed in the center, useful carry case and tripod
|
| Best |
Best
LED ring light
|
This ring light from Lume Cube is one of the best LED photography lights you’ll find. It gives you fantastic illumination with useful brightness controls, providing even, continuous light without harsh shadows.
It’s the perfect LED light option for portraits, headshots, and self-portraits. And it’s a must-have for vloggers and video makers.
The light ring is 18″ (45.7 cm). The wide ring prevents shadows from forming on your subject’s face. And it illuminates the outer edges of their face and head so they stand out from the background. The ring’s size allows you to use large cameras in the center. It’s big enough for DSLR or mirrorless cameras.
The Lume Cube ring light gives you an adjustable color temperature. It has a temperature range of 3,200 to 5,600K. You have enough power for intense illumination. But you can also switch to warm light for more natural scenes. The LED lights give flicker-free illumination, which is ideal for videos and vlogs.
It’s a wireless lighting solution. The Lume Cube ring light uses two lithium-ion batteries. So you don’t need an electric outlet. The batteries give you 70 minutes of maximum continuous light output. That gives you the freedom to shoot from anywhere. And it allows you to shoot long-form media content.
This ring light is also a portable lighting solution. Not only is it wireless. It comes with a handy carry case for transportation. So you can take it anywhere.
The kit also includes a tripod stand. There’s a mount for your smartphone or camera. And there’s a battery charger. It’s the best LED ring light for photographers.
| Brand |
Brand
Govee
|
| Power Supply |
Power Supply
Mains
|
| Dimmable? |
Dimmable?
Yes
|
| Adjustable Color Temperature? |
Adjustable Color Temperature?
Yes
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
15 separate segments, 6 different colors, all controllable from the free app
|
| Best |
Best
LED light strips with remote controls
|
The Govee RGBIC Smart Strip Lights are the best on the market. They’re far better than any set of Christmas lights, giving you creative lighting options for photography. You can create different moods and transform atmospheres for stylish photos. And you have incredible lighting control with the Govee app.
The Govee set of strip lights allows for incredible creativity when it comes to lighting. You get 65.6 ft (20 m) worth of strip lighting. That works out at 5050 LED bulbs. There are also 32.8 ft (10 m) and 16.4 ft (5 m) options.
Plus, every LED bulb can change color. They can change between red, green, blue, indigo, and cyan. And there’s also basic white.
You don’t have to use the lights as one big strip. The main strip is separated into 15 segments. And each segment can be controlled individually, giving you unlimited creative options.
The Govee strip lights are “smart.” So you can control them using your smartphone after downloading the Govee app. Then you have complete control over the strip lights.
You can change the colors and sequences. Or apply one of the 64 scene modes. It’s all done from your phone, so you don’t need to move to make changes.
You can also sync the strip lights to music. They flash and change color with the music. It’s a great way to bring energy and excitement to your photoshoots. It sets the tone and creates the mood for taking stylish pictures.
The Govee smart strip lights are ideal for commercials and music videos. You can also use them when vlogging or live streaming. They’re a fun and vibrant LED lighting option for media makers.
| Brand |
Brand
Lume Cube
|
| Power Supply |
Power Supply
Battery
|
| Dimmable? |
Dimmable?
Yes
|
| Adjustable Color Temperature? |
Adjustable Color Temperature?
Yes
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Up to 16 hours operation, hot-shoe mounted
|
| Best |
Best
Mountable LED light panel
|
This Lume Cube option is the best LED light panel of its size. It’s a handy, pocket-sized LED panel, but still gives you brilliant illumination. It mounts directly onto your camera, adding light to your scene and subject without additional stands and equipment.
It’s excellent for product photography and vlogging. It also helps with your portraits and self-portraits, making it one of the most convenient LED photography lights you can find.
It’s a small LED panel, but it gives you light when you need it. It has adjustable color temperatures between 3,200 and 5,600K. And the brightness settings give you options between 1 and 100%. You have a nice range from harsh to soft light.
You also get three color lights as well as white. There’s green, red, and blue, giving you plenty of creative lighting options.
It mounts directly onto your camera using the hot shoe connector, and it’s compatible with DSLR and mirrorless cameras. Battery-powered and wireless, it gives you 16 hours of uninterrupted LED lighting.
The Lume Cube RGB LED Panel is a continuous light source with flicker-free illumination. It’s one of the best LED light panels for vlogging and streaming cameras. But it’s also perfect for photographers in the studio and on location.
| Brand |
Brand
GVM Great Video Maker
|
| Power Supply |
Power Supply
Mains or battery (not included)
|
| Dimmable? |
Dimmable?
Yes
|
| Adjustable Color Temperature? |
Adjustable Color Temperature?
Yes
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Tripod, heat dissipation, barn doors, and soft panel
|
| Best |
Best
Studio LED light panels
|
GVM LED light panels give you professional quality lighting for photography and video. They’re ideal for studio photography, including portraiture and fashion. But they resolve your lighting issues on location too.
They’re the best LED light panel light for serious video makers. Whether you’re shooting a music video or period drama, the GVM LED light panels have you covered.
Each light panel has a total of 480 bulbs. That’s 240 white and 240 yellow bulbs for cool and warm light. You have a color temperature range between 2,300 and 6,800K. That solves your lighting problems for any situation.
Plus, you can change the brightness level at any temperature. You can go from 100% brightness down to 10%.
The panels have manual controls for brightness and temperature on the back. But you can also go remote using the GVM app. You can make any adjustment you like from your smartphone. That saves time and energy during a busy shoot. Scan the QR code on their website or in the manual to download the app.
The GVM LED panels are serious pieces of equipment for professional photographers. They’re made of aluminum alloy. And the heat-dispersion technology means they don’t overheat.
They have a U-mount bracket that attaches to the tripod. An adjustable soft board and barn doors are included to adjust light intensity. And the carry case is another handy accessory in the pack.
The GVM lights work through an AC power adapter. You can also go wireless with a lithium-ion battery. But the Sony battery is sold separately.
The light stands are included, though. And it’s a set that includes two lights, giving you professional lighting options. The GVM LED light panels will take your photography and video to a whole new level!
| Brand |
Brand
GSKAIWEN
|
| Power Supply |
Power Supply
Mains
|
| Dimmable? |
Dimmable?
Yes
|
| Adjustable Color Temperature? |
Adjustable Color Temperature?
Yes
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Tripods and case included
|
| Best |
Best
LED strip lights
|
The LED studio light panels from GSKAIWEN offer another studio lighting solution. They’re ideal lights for studio photography. They give you the perfect lighting for fine art portraits and fashion photoshoots.
They are also ideal for video media. You can shoot vlogs, makeup tutorials, and interviews. They boost lighting for your music videos too.
The LED lights are arranged on a long light panel. There are two LED panels in the set. And each panel has 90 LED beads. They give you fantastic color temperature options.
You can opt for bright white light. Or you can reduce the temperature for warmer tones and softer light. They are perfect continuous lights for product photography.
The LED panels come with excellent tripod stands. And the flexible panel neck gives you infinite setup options. Two adaptors with temperature control knobs are included. The whole lighting kit allows you to get the perfect lighting arrangement no matter what you’re shooting.
There’s no battery power option, so you must plug it in. That’s no problem if you’re in a studio. But it does limit your location shooting with these LED lights. Once plugged in, you get up to 10,000 hours of light from the LED bulbs!
| Brand |
Brand
RaLeno
|
| Power Supply |
Power Supply
Mains and battery
|
| Dimmable? |
Dimmable?
Yes
|
| Adjustable Color Temperature? |
Adjustable Color Temperature?
Yes
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Mountable, easily portable, built-in rechargeable battery
|
| Best |
Best
Budget LED photography light
|
The Raleno LED light panel is a simple solution to your lighting problems. It’s ideal for vlogs, videos, and baby photography. It’s an affordable light panel. And it’s on our list of the best LED photography lights for its soft light and portability.
The Raleno LED panel measures 7.5 x 10.6″ (19 x 27 cm). It’s a handy size that fits nicely in your camera bag. The panel is fitted with 192 LED beads, which gives you fantastic illumination.
You also have controls for brightness and color temperature for harsh or soft light. It also uses heat-dissipation technology so it won’t overheat.
Like all good photography lights, the LED light panel has a hot shoe connector. Plus, this light kit is battery-powered. The battery is built into the panel body. And it gives you 110 minutes of continuous light when fully charged.
You can consider the LCD screen a bonus feature! For a budget photographer, it’s the best LED light panel you can buy.
LED lights offer new lighting opportunities for photographers. There’s nothing wrong with a flash setup and some softboxes. But LED lights offer something different. They give you a variety of lighting styles. Plus, they add color and energy to your shoots.
We list three types of LED lighting for cameras. We have strip lights, LED panels, and ring lights. All three offer excellent lighting for photography. But each gives you something different. It’s important to get the LED lights that suit your photography needs.
LED strip lights are long, thin, flat pieces of material. They’re similar to fairy lights. But the LED bulbs are attached to these strips of material. The strips can be stuck to walls using the adhesive on the back. And you can often cut them up for more creative options.
LED strip lights are more sophisticated than traditional fairy lights. They don’t just twinkle or flash on and off. You can create lighting sequences by having the lights change color or flash in rhythm.
You can synch some LED light strips with an app. The app lets you control the color changes and sequence of the lights. You can sync some strip lights to music to flash and change with the beat. It can add energy to any photo shoot.
Strip lights are also excellent for creating an atmosphere. You can transform a dull shooting location into a neon dungeon or romantic hideout.
People originally viewed strip lights as home decorations. But now, professional photographers have seen how they can transform a photoshoot. They are excellent for moody fairytale portraits and fashion photography. And you can get creative with your product photography lighting.
An LED light panel is a flat unit equipped with LED bulbs. They’re excellent for these reasons:
LED light panels can be rectangular or round. Both give you flat, continuous lighting for a variety of photo styles. They work well for portraits and headshots. And they’re handy for Zoom calls and internet conferencing.
LED panels tend to give you white light. But you can apply filters and gels to change the color.
Many portrait photographers use three lights for perfect portraits. The main light sits in front. Another is placed on the side to remove shadows. And one is put behind the subject to make them pop from the background. You don’t need all three lights for success. But LED light panels make this lighting setup easy.
Ring lights are perfect for portrait photography and self-portrait photographers. The LED lights are situated on a circular setup—a ring. And you place the ring in front of your subject. Ring lights provide even lighting over the subject’s face, removing harsh shadows. They also give the eyes an attractive sparkle.
Ring lights are popular with social media influencers and TikTokers. They’re a simple lighting solution. And they give you flattering light when you need to face the camera. You can also use two for more light intensity and creative lighting.
There’s a wide range of LED lights to choose from if you’re a photographer or content creator. Ring lights are perfect for portraits and vlogging. Strip lights help you transform any space to suit the mood of the shoot. And mountable panels give you lighting control that’s second to none.
But the Rotolight Neo 2 is our favorite LED light for photographers. Offering incredible illumination, you can use it for anything from professional headshots to fashion photography. You can use it in a studio or on location. It’s a brilliant piece of kit for photographers of all kinds.