Best Portable Lighting Kit For Photography (2024 Updated)

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If you're a photographer who's always on the move, then a portable lighting kit is a must-have. But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one for your needs. Here are 5 key points to keep in mind when looking for the best portable lighting kit for photography:

1. Portability: The whole point of a portable lighting kit is that it's easy to carry around. Look for a kit that is lightweight and compact enough to fit in your backpack or camera bag.

2. Power source: Consider the power source of the kit. Does it run on batteries or need to be plugged in? If it runs on batteries, make sure they are rechargeable or easily replaceable.

3. Light quality: The quality of light is important in photography. Look for a kit that offers a range of color temperatures and has adjustable brightness levels.

4. Versatility: A good portable lighting kit should be versatile enough to be used in different settings. Look for a kit that comes with different accessories like diffusers, reflectors, and gels.

5. Price: Finally, consider your budget. Portable lighting kits can range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars. Decide how much you're willing to spend and look for a kit that offers the best value for your money.

By keeping these key points in mind, you'll be able to find the best portable lighting kit for your photography needs.

10 Best Portable Lighting Kit For Photography

1. Raleno 20×28 Softbox Photography Lighting Kit With 2 E27 Sockets And 5500k Bulbs For Photo Studio, Model Portraits And Continuous Shooting.

The RALENO Softbox Photography Lighting Kit is a high-quality continuous lighting system that provides photographers with everything they need to create stunning images. This kit comes with two 20" x 28" softbox windows, two E27 5500K 85W 110V CFL bulbs, two 27" – 80" height-adjustable light stands, and a portable tote made from Oxford cloth.

The softbox lighting kit uses dual soft light technology which ensures that the light is evenly distributed throughout the photo studio. The embossed stone on the silver diffuses the bulb light, reducing light loss and continuously illuminating the light with 2 x 85W bulb. The high-quality soft 5070 Nylon cloth ensures smooth light flow, eliminating shadows, and making fine light suitable for photographic lighting.

The two 85W 110V-50Hz 5500K daylight CFL lighting bulbs are specifically designed for photography. The total output is equivalent to 800W ordinary incandescent bulb, but the operating temperature is lower, and the service life is about 8000 hours. The independent switch control light and the 90-inch cable length allow for free movement in the studio, providing an excellent environment for shooting.

The RALENO Softbox Photography Lighting Kit is portable and easy to operate. The light stand is foldable to 27 inches and can be extended to 85 inches, making it durable and foldable for portability and work. It is made of high-quality aluminum alloy with a 1/4 inch standard threaded tip for heavy-duty applications. The sturdy locking system ensures that your items are safe from any swing during use, and the fast locks provide fast and precise height adjustment. The durable Oxford cloth tote accommodates softbox kits, making it easy to transport and store.

This softbox is suitable for a variety of photography scenarios, including photography art, live broadcasting, and video fill light. It can be used for advertising products, industrial technology photography, portraits and product photography, photographic reproduction, and more.

Overall, the RALENO Softbox Photography Lighting Kit is an excellent investment for photographers who want to take their work to the next level. With its rich packaging content, scientific soft light technology, and multiple scene applications, it provides everything a photographer needs to create stunning images. Plus, with Raleno's worry-free 365 days warm services and lifetime customer service, photographers can rest assured that they will have the support they need to succeed.

2. Emart's 2-Pack Portable Led Photography Lighting Kit With Color Filters For Table Top Studio

The EMART 60 LED Continuous Portable Photography Lighting Kit is a versatile and essential tool for any photographer or videographer looking to enhance the lighting in their studio. The kit includes 2 x 15w High Output Table Top LED Photography Lights with Stands, as well as 2 x Red, Blue, Orange, and White Color Gel Filters.

The LED Table Top Studio is capable of producing 60 LED / 1400 Lumen / 180° Adjustable Angle / Maximum Height: 11 inch, with a 90+ CRI and daylight balanced 5500K, delivering true and natural colors. The 15W LED continuous lighting is perfect for product photography and can be used with all kinds of tabletop studios.

One of the standout features of this kit is the included AC/DC adapter, which not only helps protect your safety but also increases the brightness of the ring light by more than 50% compared to other USB-powered models. This ensures that you have the necessary lighting power to capture the perfect shot.

The EMART 60 LED Continuous Portable Photography Lighting Kit is also incredibly versatile in its use. It is perfect for photography studios, lighting for video, images, and collocation with all kinds of tabletop studios. Additionally, it is an essential photography lighting kit for video shooting, making it an ideal tool for anyone looking to enhance their video conferencing, recording, or game streaming setup.

The kit also includes a retractable bracket, allowing for hand-held use, making it easy to move the lights around and adjust them as needed. For those looking for an even softer light, the kit also recommends another lighting ASIN: B0859FD2QF, which offers 11 levels of brightness adjustable soft light.

In summary, the EMART 60 LED Continuous Portable Photography Lighting Kit is an essential tool for any photographer or videographer looking to enhance their lighting setup. With its high-output LED lighting, color filters, and versatile design, it is perfect for any photography studio or video shooting setup.

3. Neewer 600w Battery-Powered Studio Flash Kit: (2) Vision4 Monolights With 2.4g System, (2) Umbrellas, (2) Softboxes For Photography And Video Shooting On Location.

The Neewer 600W Battery Powered Outdoor Studio Flash Strobe Lighting Kit is the perfect solution for photographers who need to shoot on location without the hassle of cords and power outlets. This kit includes two VISION4 Studio Flash units, each with a built-in lithium-ion battery pack and wireless trigger, two rectangular softboxes, and two translucent white umbrellas.

It is important to note that the Neewer brand charger must be used with this product to avoid damage, fire, personal harm, property damage, and/or death. Additionally, all plug-in items have voltages clearly displayed on the Amazon detail page and on the item. For international travel, a step-up/step-down converter is required to accommodate these variations.

The VISION4 Studio Flash boasts a high GN60 and is German engineered to provide exceptional performance. It includes a wireless trigger and built-in 2.4G Receiver with 8 channels for easily adjusting settings. The flash duration can be adjusted from 1/1000 to 1/10000 seconds, and the power can be adjusted from 1/64 to 1/1 in six steps. The large capacity lithium battery pack provides up to 1000 full power flashes and a fast recycle time of 0.01-2.5 seconds.

The included rectangular softboxes are designed to refine the hard and soft ratio of flash light. They feature removable internal and external diffusers for added versatility and standard size Bowens speed mounts that fit the 300w, 400W, 600w, 800W, and 1000w studio flash.

The translucent white umbrellas can be used as a shoot-through or bounce light to reduce shadows and produce an even, soft, low-contrast light over a relatively large area. This makes them ideal for location shooting where natural light may be limited.

Overall, the Neewer 600W Battery Powered Outdoor Studio Flash Strobe Lighting Kit is a reliable and convenient solution for photographers who need to shoot on location without sacrificing performance or quality.

4. Westcott Fj400 2-Light Backpack Kit With Wireless Trigger For Sony – Portable Photography Lighting With Long Battery Life And Full Color Display.

The Westcott FJ400 Strobe 2-Light Backpack Kit with FJ-X3 S Wireless Trigger (Compatible with Sony) is the ultimate portable photography lighting kit for professionals who are always on the go. This high-performance kit features two FJ400 strobes, two AC/DC LiPo batteries, two diffusion domes, two reflectors, two gel sets, one FJ-X3 S universal wireless trigger, two Rapid Box Switch inserts, and a Lite Traveler Backpack.

With a 400Ws flash, AC/DC battery, and 0.05-0.9 second recycle time, this kit ensures that you never miss a shot. The batteries provide over 480 full-power flashes per charge, and the LCD color display allows you to easily adjust the settings for the perfect shot.

The FJ400 strobes come with TTL, HSS, Freeze Sync, and more, including manual and TTL modes, high-speed sync to 1/8000s, freeze sync to 1/19000s, continuous capture to 20fps, mask function, auto memory recall, front and rear curtain sync, six groups, 16 wireless channels, and group exposure compensation.

The kit also includes a 2.4 GHz wireless radio trigger that is compatible with many Sony cameras (see compatibility chart). This means that you can easily integrate this kit with your existing camera setup.

In addition to the strobes and trigger, the kit also comes with versatile softboxes and accessories. The included Bowens Insert Ring allows you to connect a large variety of Rapid Box Switch modifiers with neutral diffusion fabric ideal for portraits, fashion, or corporate work.

When you purchase this kit, you can shop with confidence knowing that it comes with a full 1 year warranty and lifetime support from Westcott's US-based customer service team. Overall, the Westcott FJ400 Strobe 2-Light Backpack Kit with FJ-X3 S Wireless Trigger is the perfect lighting solution for professionals who need a portable, high-performance kit that delivers exceptional results.

5. Glamcor Ultra X Portable Led Lighting Kit For Beauty, Skincare, Filming, And Photography With Remote And Adjustable Color Temperature.

The GLAMCOR Ultra X Portable LED Lighting Kit is the must-have solution for makeup artists, beauty and skincare professionals, photographers, and videographers who need precise control of brightness and color temperature. This flexible, portable lighting kit is perfect for on-site work, whether you're filming, photographing, or working with clients who require optimal lighting conditions.

The Ultra X is equipped with dual HD cool-touch remote-controlled LED lamps that offer continuously adjustable brightness and color temperature range between 2700K (warm lighting) and 5600K (daylight). This means you can simulate daytime and evening lighting conditions with ease, adjusting the temperature and brightness to achieve optimal results.

In addition to its flexible lighting options, the Ultra X is also designed for easy portability. It comes with an adjustable tripod and a carrying case, making it easy to take on the go. Plus, with its instant-on and zero cooldown time, the Ultra X is perfect for busy professionals who need to set up quickly and get to work.

The remote control feature of the Ultra X is a game-changer. With the remote control, you can instantly adjust the color temperature and brightness of the lighting, no matter where you are. This means you can make adjustments on the fly, without having to stop your work or interrupt your client. The remote control is easy to use and provides a level of flexibility and control that is unparalleled in portable lighting solutions.

Overall, the GLAMCOR Ultra X Portable LED Lighting Kit is the ideal solution for anyone who needs precise control of their lighting conditions. With its adjustable color temperature, flexible brightness, and remote control feature, the Ultra X is the ultimate portable lighting solution for beauty and skincare professionals, photographers, and videographers. Whether you're working on-site or in a studio, the Ultra X is the must-have lighting kit for achieving optimal results every time.

6. 32" Portable Photo Studio With Led Lighting And 6 Backdrops.

The HitTopss Photo Studio Light Box is a portable and versatile photography kit that can help you take professional-quality shots of your products or subjects. Measuring 32"x32"x32", this folding studio box shooting tent comes with six different colored backdrops (black, orange, red, blue, white, and green) that can be easily attached to the frame tube with the included clips. This allows you to create various shooting effects and backgrounds that suit your needs.

One of the standout features of this light box is its dimmable LED lighting kit, which consists of 126pcs 5500K LED lamp beads that produce 13000LM of bright, flicker-free light. These LEDs have a high color rendering index (CRI 95), which means they can accurately reproduce natural colors and vivid shots. Additionally, the lamp beads have a service life of 50000H, ensuring that you can use them for a long time.

The light board of the photo box can be rotated 360 degrees, allowing you to adjust the direction and angle of the light source to your liking. This feature, along with the front middle window, front open window, and top hole, gives you the flexibility to shoot your subjects from different angles and perspectives.

The advanced shooting tent is made of particulate silver film reflective fabric that diffuses light evenly and prevents vignetting. The complimentary light diffuser also helps to solve the problem of highly reflected light, revealing more contour details of your subjects. Whether you're shooting small or large objects, you can use this 32-inch photography light box to capture stunning shots with your phone or camera.

In addition to the photo light box and backdrops, the HitTopss kit comes with two LED lighting bars, eight corner pieces, 12 frame tubes, a light diffuser, a power adapter, and a carry bag. The everything-in-one package is easy to assemble and disassemble, making it convenient to transport and store. Furthermore, the kit comes with a one-year warranty, ensuring that you can use it with confidence.

Overall, the HitTopss Photo Studio Light Box is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to take high-quality product photos, portraits, or other types of shots. With its adjustable lighting, multi-angle shooting, and portable design, this kit is perfect for photographers, designers, artists, and anyone who wants to showcase their work in the best possible light.

7. Emart Photography Kit With Backdrop, Lighting, And Backgrounds For Studio And Portrait Shoots.

The EMART 8.5x10ft Photography Backdrop Kit is a professional-grade photography set that comes with all the necessary equipment to create stunning photos. The kit includes a durable aluminum alloy backdrop stand that can extend up to 8.5ft in height and 10ft in width, making it suitable for all kinds of photo shoots.

The kit also includes two practical muslin backdrops in black and white, measuring 6ft x 9ft each. Made of 100% cotton muslin, the seamless background helps absorb light and eliminate reflection. However, due to transportation, the backdrop may have wrinkles, which can be easily removed by using an iron or steam iron.

The continuous umbrella light kit is a soft lighting system that allows for different lighting effects. The flexible light stand can be adjusted between 2.5ft-7ft in height, and the angle of the bulb holders can be turned both horizontally and vertically. This feature provides a great degree of versatility when it comes to lighting different subjects.

Additionally, the kit is easy to install and carry. The portable backdrop stand kit can be set up quickly and comes with a carrying bag that makes it easy to store and transport. However, it's important to note that the carrying bag is only for the backdrop stand and cannot hold other photography accessories.

The 5500K color temperature of the kit is suitable for studio shooting, portrait, baby photo, vlog, still-photography, YouTube, indoor and outdoor photography, making it a versatile and useful tool for photographers of all levels. Overall, the EMART 8.5x10ft Photography Backdrop Kit with 400W 5500K Daylight Umbrella Continuous Lighting Set is a high-quality and reliable set that provides photographers with everything they need to create beautiful and professional-looking photos.

8. Yicoe 60cm Softbox Lighting Kit With 2 95w Bulbs And 5500k Color Temperature For Professional Studio Photography And Video Shooting.

The YICOE Softbox Lighting Kit is a professional continuous studio photography equipment designed to offer perfect lighting for various photography needs. This kit comes with two 95W energy-saving compact fluorescent spiral bulbs, which save up to 80% energy and have a lifespan of approximately 8000 hours. The bulbs have a 5400K color temperature, making them ideal for shooting portraits or weddings.

The kit features two softboxes measuring 50 x 70cm/20 x 28inch, which diffuse the light and provide even lighting for the best shots possible. The softboxes have E27 sockets, allowing you to directly connect light bulbs, fluorescent lamps, or slave flash to offer the light. The silver internal face minimizes light loss and maximizes light spread, while the softbox white cloth cover softens the harsh light source and removes shadow to enhance the skin tone in portrait photography.

Additionally, the kit includes two light stands measuring 200cm/80inch, made of premium aluminum alloy, which makes the structure more stable, durable, portable, and lightweight. The height is adjustable from 68cm/27inch and extends to 200cm/80inch, and the quick single action locks provide fast precision height adjustment. The 210° rotatable lamp holder allows you to rotate the studio softbox 210°, providing you with suitable light from different angles, with a 1/4-inch standard screw thread tip, making your photos or video more perfect.

The kit also contains a 5-In-1 lightweight reflector measuring 60cm, offering five different options for reflecting light. The gold reflector warms up the picture, the silver reflector brightens the picture, the white reflector bounces light into shadows, the black reflector blocks out unwanted light, and the translucent reflector diffuses light to create a soft, even effect.

The YICOE softbox lighting kit is ideal for studio portraits shooting, home studio lighting, fashion photo shooting, or still life shots, portrait, wedding formals, live streaming, gaming streaming, video recording, interview, Youtube, and many other photography needs. The kit comes with a carry case, making it easy to transport and store. In summary, this kit provides classic soft but crisp light, making it perfect for professional photographers and videographers.

9. Led Video Light Stick Kit With Tripod Stand, Filters, And Dimmable Portable Lighting For Live Streaming And Photography.

The LED Video Light Stick Wand Kit with Adjustable Tripod Stand, 9 Color Filters, and 5600K Dimmable Portable Video Studio Lighting is a must-have for photographers, live streamers, and vloggers. The extendable tripod stand and 360° bendable gooseneck provide flexible height adjustment and easy rotation of light angles. The premium quality aluminum alloy material is sturdy, durable, and anti-scratch, giving a pleasant hand feeling.

The Photography Lighting Kit features a 5600K daylight-balanced fixture with 63 LEDs that output with a high CRI of 95 for accurate color rendition. The internal diffuser eliminates multiple shadows and delivers clean and natural-looking performance. The light is dimmable from 0% to 100% without flicker, controlled with a stepless dimmer knob on the power adapter.

The LED Video Light Stick Wand Kit includes 9 color filter cards (pink, blue, green, orange, purple, yellow, red, dark brown, fluorescein) that allow for creative effects. The adjustable height makes it ideal for self-broadcasting, live streaming, makeup, YouTube, portrait, Zoom calls, video conference, TikTok, fashion album, wedding art, and product advertisement.

The 1/4" thread nut at the end of the tripod can mount different light equipment. The package includes 2*LED video light stick, 2* Tripod Stand, 2*Extendable stick, 2*Hot Shoe Bracket, 2*Power adapter, 2* Gooseneck tube, and 18*Color filter cards. The LED Video Light Stick Wand Kit is made of aluminum and Hard PC, and the natural heat dissipation of metal and overheating protection function ensure long light life.

The manufacturer offers excellent customer service and a refund/return/replacement policy. If you experience any issues with the product, feel free to contact the manufacturer via Amazon Message or click on their store name. The LED Video Light Stick Wand Kit is an excellent investment for anyone looking for high-quality, versatile, and durable lighting equipment for their photography and video needs.

10. Portable White Beauty Dish With Softbox Kit For Photography Studios And On-Location Shoots, Compatible With Various Lighting Brands.

The Westcott Beauty Dish Switch (White) Portable Photography Studio and On Location Softbox Kit is a top-of-the-line light modifier designed to provide professional photographers with a convenient and portable solution for creating soft, controlled patterns of light on location and in the studio.

This 24-inch (60cm) collapsible beauty dish softbox is constructed with solid aluminum umbrella-inspired framework, maximizing durability while minimizing weight. Setup, teardown, and storage are made simple, making it the perfect solution for photographers on the go.

The Beauty Dish Switch is engineered to be compatible with multiple photography lighting brands, thanks to its interchangeable mount system. With Switch Light Mount Inserts, the softbox can be paired with virtually any strobe, speedlite, or monolight, making it a versatile and convenient choice for photographers who use different lighting equipment.

Constructed with an all-metal locking collar, 16 all-metal ribs, and a flat metal deflector plate that minimizes hot spots, this beauty dish is built to last. It creates stunning beauty light output that is sure to impress, all backed by Westcott's 1-year warranty.

The included diffusion panel is constructed with a natural, unbleached nylon fabric that softens your light source without altering its color temperature, making it ideal for any style of portrait or product photography. The travel case included with the kit ensures that your beauty dish is always protected and ready for use.

In summary, the Westcott Beauty Dish Switch (White) Portable Photography Studio and On Location Softbox Kit is a must-have for professional photographers who need a portable and versatile solution for creating stunning beauty light output. With its solid construction, interchangeable mount system, and premium diffusion fabric, this beauty dish is designed to provide photographers with years of reliable use.

Best Portable Lighting Kit For Photography FAQs

How many lights are typically included in a portable lighting kit for photography?

The number of lights included in a portable lighting kit for photography depends on the specific kit and its intended use. Generally, a basic kit may include one or two lights, while more advanced kits may include three or more lights. The lights may also vary in size, brightness, and type, such as continuous or strobe lights.

For example, a basic portable lighting kit for on-location portrait photography may include two small, portable LED lights with adjustable brightness and color temperature. Meanwhile, a more advanced kit for studio photography may include three or more larger strobe lights with adjustable power and multiple light modifiers, such as softboxes, umbrellas, and reflectors.

Ultimately, the number and type of lights included in a portable lighting kit for photography will depend on the photographer's needs and the specific shooting situation.

What are the best brands of portable lighting kits for photography?

There are several reputable brands of portable lighting kits for photography. Some of the best brands include:

1. Godox: This brand is popular among photographers for their affordable, yet high-quality lighting kits. They offer a wide range of portable lighting options, from small speedlights to larger strobe lights.

2. Profoto: Known for their high-end, professional-grade lighting equipment, Profoto offers a range of portable lighting options for the serious photographer. Their compact B10 and B1X lights are popular choices for on-location shoots.

3. Elinchrom: Elinchrom is another high-end brand known for their quality lighting equipment. Their ELB 500 TTL kit is a popular choice for photographers who need portable lighting with TTL capabilities.

4. Westcott: Westcott offers a range of portable lighting kits, from small LED lights to larger strobes. They are known for their lightweight, easy-to-use equipment, making them a great choice for photographers who need to move quickly on location.

Ultimately, the best brand of portable lighting kit for photography will depend on your specific needs and budget.

What are the key features to look for in a portable lighting kit for outdoor photography?

When looking for a portable lighting kit for outdoor photography, there are a few key features to consider. Firstly, the kit should be lightweight and easy to carry around, making it suitable for outdoor use. The kit should also be durable and weather-resistant to withstand outdoor conditions.

The lighting kit should also offer a variety of lighting options, such as different levels of brightness and color temperature, to allow for flexibility in different lighting situations. Additionally, the kit should include accessories such as diffusers, reflectors, and stands to help control and direct the light.

Battery life is also an important consideration, as outdoor shoots may require extended periods of use. Finally, the kit should be easy to set up and operate, especially in outdoor environments where time and space may be limited. Overall, a portable lighting kit for outdoor photography should provide convenience, versatility, and reliability for capturing high-quality images in any outdoor setting.

What are the most important factors to consider when choosing a portable lighting kit for photography?

When choosing a portable lighting kit for photography, there are several important factors to consider. Firstly, the type of photography being undertaken will determine the required power output, color temperature, and light modifiers. Secondly, the kit's portability is critical, as it should be lightweight, compact, and easy to set up and tear down. Thirdly, battery life and recharge time are significant factors to consider, as well as the compatibility with different power sources. Fourthly, the kit's durability and build quality will determine its longevity and resistance to wear and tear. Finally, the budget should be considered when selecting a portable lighting kit, as there are various options available that cater to different price ranges.

What is the ideal size and weight for a portable lighting kit for travel photography?

The ideal size and weight for a portable lighting kit for travel photography depends on the photographer's needs and preferences. However, a good rule of thumb is to aim for a compact and lightweight kit that can be easily carried in a backpack or suitcase. A kit with dimensions of around 10x10x10 inches and a weight of 5-7 pounds is a good starting point.

When it comes to the specific lighting equipment, LED lights are a great choice for travel photography as they are lightweight, energy-efficient, and can produce high-quality light. A kit that includes one or two LED lights, light stands, diffusers, and batteries should be sufficient for most travel photography needs.

Ultimately, the ideal size and weight for a portable lighting kit for travel photography will depend on the photographer's shooting style, the types of locations they will be shooting in, and the amount of equipment they are comfortable carrying.

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