The best photography lighting kits can lift your photos to another level. Of course, there’s a cost to this. No studio lighting set is cheap. There are some more affordable ones. And there are some expensive ones with eye-watering price tags!
We’ve come up with a selection for you at a number of price points. But our overall winner is the Godox AD200 Pro. It’s versatile, offers TTL and HSS, and has interchangeable heads.
What Is the Best Photography Lighting Kit?
The best photography lighting kit overall is the Godox AD200 Pro — a compact, battery-powered flash with TTL, high-speed sync, and interchangeable heads that works for portraits, products, and video alike.
In many situations, natural light is the ideal. But it is fickle, limited in time, and very difficult to control.
In many areas of photography, consistency is needed. Whether you’re shooting products or people, you often don’t have time to wait for the light to be right.
So studio lights offer consistency and control. And with the right accessories and careful use, you can get very natural-looking results. (Not everyone wants pictures looking like an American Apparel ad.)
A range of photography lighting kits is available with a huge variety of features. So before we look at our recommendations in detail, here is a summary of all the lighting kits in our review.
7 Best Photography Lighting Kits
Once you decide whether you want strobes or continuous lighting, you’ll want to see what else the kits offer. Here are our recommendations in detail.
1. Godox AD200 Pro
| Brand |
Brand
GODOX
|
| Guide Number or Power |
Guide Number or Power
GN 60
|
| Strobe or Continuous |
Strobe or Continuous
Strobe
|
| TTL |
TTL
Yes
|
| High-Speed Sync |
High-Speed Sync
Yes
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Powerful and portable with wireless triggering
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers needing versatility and portability
|
The Godox AD200 Pro is a powerful and versatile flash kit. It is perfect for a variety of photo and video applications. It includes an AD200 Pro flash head, a rechargeable battery, and a variety of modifiers.
The flash head offers a maximum power output of 200 W (watts). And it has a GN (guide number) of 60 (ISO 100, two meters). It is also equipped with a variety of features.
It has HSS up to 1/8000 s, TTL metering, and a built-in radio receiver. And its battery power opens up possibilities for location shooting and studio work.
The flash head is compatible with a wide range of modifiers, like softboxes, snoots, and umbrellas (bought separately). So it’s a versatile lighting tool for a variety of creative effects.
It is also a relatively lightweight and portable flash kit. This makes it a good option for photographers who need a powerful and versatile flash kit that they can easily transport.
The kit is perfect for a variety of applications, including event, portrait, and product photography. It is also a good option for videographers who need a powerful flash kit for interviews or weddings.
The main strengths of the AD200 Pro are its power output, versatility, and portability. The kit is also well-made and easy to use.
The AD200 Pro isn’t cheap, however. And you’ll want to buy at least two for most photoshoots. So it may not be a good option for budget-minded photographers.
2. Profoto D30 500Ws Monolight
| Brand |
Brand
Profoto
|
| Guide Number or Power |
Guide Number or Power
500 Ws
|
| Strobe or Continuous |
Strobe or Continuous
Strobe
|
| TTL |
TTL
Yes
|
| High-Speed Sync |
High-Speed Sync
Yes
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Ships with the Connect Pro trigger for AirTTL
|
| Best For |
Best For
Studio professionals already in the Profoto system
|
The Profoto D30 is the current 500Ws head in Profoto's studio line, replacing the D1 and D2 Air units this entry used to recommend. Note that it is sold as a single monolight with a Connect Pro trigger, not as the two-head kit Profoto used to box up — you build the kit yourself, adding a second head when you need one.
The D30 head puts out a maximum of 500 Ws and recycles fast enough to keep up with a working portrait session. It runs off mains power rather than a battery pack, so it is a studio light first and a location light second.
It ships with the Connect Pro trigger, so it works with Profoto's AirTTL system out of the box — TTL metering and high-speed sync without buying a separate remote first.
If you need to work away from mains power, Profoto's battery-powered B-series is the range to look at instead.
Like the Godox, this kit is relatively expensive. But it is worth the investment for serious photographers looking for serious gear. Plus, it’s a great choice for a variety of applications.
It’s a great fit for fashion, product, and portrait photography. It is also a good option for photographers needing a powerful flash kit to shoot weddings or events.
The main strengths here are power output, versatility, and portability. The Profoto D30 is a professional-grade head with a deep range of Profoto modifiers behind it. At roughly $2,400 for one light it is far and away the most expensive option on this page, so it only makes sense if you are already in, or buying into, the Profoto system.
3. Godox AD600 Pro II Flash Kit
| Brand |
Brand
Elinchrom
|
| Guide Number or Power |
Guide Number or Power
2400 W
|
| Strobe or Continuous |
Strobe or Continuous
Strobe
|
| TTL |
TTL
Yes
|
| High-Speed Sync |
High-Speed Sync
Yes
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Five-year warranty for peace of mind
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers willing to pay for a comprehensive kit
|
The Godox AD600 Pro II Lighting Kit is powerful and portable, and a great alternative for on-location shoots now that Elinchrom has discontinued the ELB 1200 To Go kit this entry used to recommend. It includes one 600Ws monolight, a 32×32-inch softbox, a snoot, and a barn door set, and it runs on either its internal battery or AC power.
The monolight has a guide number of 87 (ISO 100, 2 meters). Note this is a single-head, 600Ws kit rather than the discontinued Elinchrom's two-head, 1200 W battery-pack setup — add a second AD600 Pro II if you need that much total output.
The monolight is also equipped with a variety of features. This includes HSS up to 1/8000 s, 2.4G TTL metering, and a built-in radio receiver.
The kit is compatible with Godox's Bowens-mount modifiers, including softboxes, umbrellas, and snoots. This makes it a versatile lighting tool. So it can be used for a variety of creative effects and purposes.
If you need a powerful and portable lighting kit for on-location shoots, this lighting kit is a great choice. It's still a serious investment, but considerably more affordable than the Elinchrom kit it replaces.
The Godox AD600 Pro II Lighting Kit is perfect for a variety of photo applications. It is well-made and easy to use. And it offers a wide range of features and accessories.
4. Neewer 660 RGB Led Video Light
| Brand |
Brand
Neewer
|
| Guide Number or Power |
Guide Number or Power
660 W
|
| Strobe or Continuous |
Strobe or Continuous
Continuous
|
| TTL |
TTL
Yes
|
| High-Speed Sync |
High-Speed Sync
Yes
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
RGB color and wireless control
|
| Best For |
Best For
Anyone wanting a versatile lighting kit for both photos and video
|
The Neewer 660 RGB LED video light is an affordable yet feature-packed kit. It includes three adjustable LED lights with RGB color options for creative lighting effects.
The lights are continuous lights, which means they emit a constant stream of light when turned on. And they offer a maximum power output of 200 W each.
The video lights have a color temperature range of 2700 to 6500K. This is the standard range for studio lighting.
They also have a variety of features, like HSS up to 1/8000 s, HSL mode, and a built-in LED display. Plus, the built-in HSL mode allows you to create custom colors.
It is a great choice for photographers and videographers. It’s a versatile and affordable lighting kit for creative lighting effects. It is also a good portable option for on-location shoots.
The kit includes a variety of accessories, like softboxes, umbrellas, and barn doors. This makes it a versatile lighting tool that can be used for various creative photoshoots.
Neewer makes a range of photography accessories with a reputation for being good value for money. The 660 RGB LED follows that tradition and is a solid choice for a mixed photo and video lighting set.
5. Neewer 700W Professional Lighting Kit
| Brand |
Brand
Neewer
|
| Guide Number or Power |
Guide Number or Power
600 W
|
| Strobe or Continuous |
Strobe or Continuous
Continuous
|
| TTL |
TTL
Yes
|
| High-Speed Sync |
High-Speed Sync
Yes
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Includes stands and softboxes
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers looking for a great value kit
|
The Neewer 700W professional lighting kit is budget-friendly and offers two 350 W permanent lights, light stands, and softboxes. The kit is a great option for a basic studio lighting setup.
The lights offer a maximum power output of 350 W each and a color temperature temperature of 5600K. They are also equipped with a variety of features, like a modeling lamp and a built-in reflector.
The kit includes two sturdy stands and two softboxes. This makes it a really good lighting kit for learning your craft and experimenting with studio lighting. Its main strengths are its affordability, versatility, and ease of use.
And although it’s not the most powerful setup, this can be an advantage in a small studio, where sometimes strobes can be too bright. It’s also helpful if you’re trying to avoid using small apertures.
The Neewer 700W professional lighting kit is versatile and affordable. It is perfect for a variety of photoshoots. And it is a good option for budget-minded photographers.
6. EMART Softbox Lighting Kit
| Brand |
Brand
LimoStudio
|
| Guide Number or Power |
Guide Number or Power
700 W
|
| Strobe or Continuous |
Strobe or Continuous
Continuous
|
| TTL |
TTL
No
|
| High-Speed Sync |
High-Speed Sync
Yes
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Simple, bargain-price kit with two continuous lamps
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers looking for a budget, entry-level kit
|
The EMART 2-pack softbox lighting kit is simple and affordable — a replacement pick for this entry now that LimoStudio's kits have disappeared from Amazon. It offers two 16×16-inch softboxes, two 65-inch tripod stands, and two remote-controlled LED bulbs. It is a great, basic studio lighting setup.
The bulbs offer a maximum power output of 85 W each and an adjustable color temperature of 3000-6000K. Taking into account the two included softboxes and the remote, you’re getting a decent kit for the money.
This is a no-frills, basic kit. So you might find the power a little limited for portrait work, as it might need slower speeds. But it would be ideal for product photography with a tripod.
This softbox lighting kit is a good choice if you’re looking for a basic studio lighting setup. It is also a good option for photographers who are on a budget. It’s hard to argue with the price!
7. Godox SL-60W LED Video Light
| Brand |
Brand
Godox
|
| Guide Number or Power |
Guide Number or Power
60 W
|
| Strobe or Continuous |
Strobe or Continuous
Continuous
|
| TTL |
TTL
No
|
| High-Speed Sync |
High-Speed Sync
Yes
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Fan-cooled LED head for maximum efficiency
|
| Best For |
Best For
Building a comprehensive high-quality kit with continuous lighting
|
The Godox SL-60W LED video light is a powerful and versatile continuous light. It’s perfect for a variety of photography and videography applications.
The light offers a max power output of 60 W and a color temperature range of 3200 to 5600K. The 5600K setting is pleasant and standard for studio lighting.
It is also equipped with a variety of features. They include HSS up to 1/8000 s, HSL mode, and a built-in LED display.
The SL-60W is a continuous light. This means it emits a constant stream of light when turned on, making it a good choice for videography.
And it can be used with a variety of modifiers, like barn doors, softboxes, and umbrellas. This makes it a great choice for a variety of creative lighting effects.
What we like about the SL-60W LED video light are its power output, versatility, and price. But some might find the size off-putting. It’s relatively large and heavy, which can make it difficult to transport.
And the fan-cooled head will ensure you get max performance. But it might be a concern for video work. However, it still works well in several photo and video applications.
Continuous lights are increasingly attractive as LED technology improves. And the SL-60W LED video light is a case in point. It is well-made, durable, and offers a wide range of features and accessories.
Photography Lighting Kit Buyers Guide
Lighting kits are a great way to improve the quality of your photos. They can help you to create professional-looking images, even in low-light conditions.
But there are many different photo lighting kits on the market. So it can be difficult to know which one is right for you.
This buyer’s guide will help you to choose the best lighting kit for your needs. We’ll look at different types of kits and answer some of the most common questions about them.
Types of Lighting Kits
There are two main types of photography lighting kits. There are continuous lighting kits and strobe lighting kits:
- Continuous Lighting Kits: These emit a constant stream of light. And they are a good choice for photographers who want to see the results of their lighting changes in real-time. They are also good for videography. This is because they let you see the results of your lighting changes as you record.
- Strobe Lighting Kits: These emit a brief burst of light. They are basically an oversized flashgun. Strobe lighting kits are good for photographers who want to create dramatic lighting effects. They are also good for photographers who need to freeze fast-moving subjects.
Kit Features to Look For
When choosing a photography lighting kit, there are a few features you should look for. These include the following:
- Power Output: The output power of a lighting kit determines how bright the lights will be.
- Color Temperature: A lighting kit’s color temperature determines the color of the light.
- Modifiers: These are accessories used to control the light from a kit. They include softboxes, umbrellas, and barn doors.
- Portability: If you plan on transporting your lighting kit, you must ensure it is easy to pack and carry.
Photography Lighting Kit FAQs
Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions about photo lighting kits.
What’s the Difference Between Continuous Lighting and Strobe Lighting?
Continuous lighting emits a constant stream of light. Strobe lighting emits a brief burst of light.
Continuous lighting is a good choice for photographers who want to see the results of their lighting changes in real-time. Strobe lighting is good for those who want to create dramatic lighting effects.
What Is the Best Type of Lighting Kit for Me?
The best type of photography lighting kit for you depends on your needs and budget. Consider a basic, entry-level lighting kit if you’re a beginner or looking for a portable, affordable option.
For professional or studio-level setups? A high-quality strobe or continuous lighting kit with adjustable settings and modifiers may be best.
What Are the Most Common Mistakes When Choosing a Lighting Kit?
These are some of the most common mistakes that people make when choosing a photography lighting kit:
- Not Considering Your Needs: It is important to consider your needs before choosing a lighting kit. If you are a portrait photographer, you will need a different lighting kit than a landscape photographer.
- Not Considering Your Budget: Lighting kits can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. It is important to set a budget before you start shopping.
- Not Buying Enough Lights: It is better to have too many lights than not enough. This will give you more flexibility in your lighting setups.
Conclusion: The Best Photography Lighting Kit
Choosing the best photography lighting kit for your needs can be tricky. But you’ll find the one you need among the ones reviewed here. And with the right kit, your photography will be transformed.
Our top choice is the Godox AD200 Pro. It has a compact, powerful design and is compatible with a range of modifiers. Plus, it is suitable for both on-location and studio shoots. And it provides photographers with flexible and creative lighting control.
