With the best photography lighting kit, you can take complete control over the lighting in your images for professional-looking results. Natural light will only get you so far, and if you are interested in serious portrait or product photography, you need to think about lighting.

A good photography lighting kit will give you everything you need in one package, usually including two light sources and accessories – however, there’s a lot of cheap stuff on the market that you’re best off avoiding. I’ve put together this handy guide to the best photographic lighting kits available right now.

I have included a diverse range of kits, covering a range of budgets, as well as all the facts and figures you need to choose between them. I’ll look at flash-based kits for studio and location work, which are still my top pick for stills photography, however, if you’re more interested in continuous lighting, skip down the list to find some of the best options for constant LED lighting.

Gareth Bevan Social Links Navigation Reviews Editor Gareth is the Reviews Editor at Digital Camera World, and the person in charge of testing and reviewing all the latest photography gear. As a fashion and portrait photographer, he has worked a lot with lighting and knows what characteristics can make your photography stand out.

The Quick List

The best photography lighting in 2025

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Best value photography lighting kit

(Image credit: Gareth Bevan / Digital Camera World)

1. Godox AD300Pro 2-light kit The best budget photography lighting kit Our expert review: Specifications Head power: 300Ws (each) Power range: 9 stops Power adjustment: 1/10th f/stops Power supply: Battery Cooling fan: Yes Modelling lamp: 10W Modelling lamp settings: 10-stop Bi-Colour Sync socket: Standard Wireless RF trigger: Sold separately Kit weight: 1.25kg per head Today’s Best Deals View at BHPhoto View at Amazon View at Amazon Reasons to buy + Powerful flash for its size + Light, compact, and easy to move around + Godox’s reliable wireless built-in + Compatible with all camera systems (with the right trigger) Reasons to avoid – Need additional accessories for common modifiers – May still be underpowered for some needs

The Godox AD300Pro is a standout choice for photographers seeking an off-camera flash that offers exceptional performance at a budget-friendly price. It strikes the perfect balance between high-quality lighting, reliable wireless control, and affordability, making it a versatile option for various shooting environments.

In a studio, its powerful output is more than enough to light full-length portraits, and the wireless operation eliminates the hassle and potential risks of tangled cables. Outdoors, it’s equally impressive, providing ample light to combat harsh sunlight or enhance nighttime photography.

One of the flash’s key strengths is its wireless control system, which is both user-friendly and adaptable. It seamlessly manages complex setups, including multiple groups, making it ideal for those working with layered lighting. But what really sets the Godox AD300Pro apart is its affordability—it makes professional-level studio lighting accessible to photographers of all levels.

If you’re looking for a flash that performs well in both studio and outdoor settings without breaking the bank, the Godox AD300Pro should be at the top of your list.

Read more: Godox AD300Pro review

Best complete photography lighting kit

(Image credit: Future)

2. Elinchrom D-Lite RX 4/4 To Go The best studio flash kit Average Amazon review: ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Specifications Head power: 400Ws (each) Power range: 5 stops Power adjustment: 1/10th f/stops Power supply: Mains Cooling fan: Yes Modelling lamp: 100W Modelling lamp settings: Proportional, min, max, off Sync socket: Standard Wireless RF trigger: Sold separately Kit weight: 11kg Today’s Best Deals View at Amazon View at Adorama View at Newegg Reasons to buy + Immaculate build quality throughout + Superb performance, easy to use Reasons to avoid – Pricier than some competitors – Requires trigger upgrade for HSS flash

Elinchrom’s D-Lite flash heads and kits have earned a reputation for excellent build quality, ease of use and superb performance. The Elinchrom D-Lite RX 4/4 To Go is a range-topping kit that includes a pair of 400Ws flash heads, sturdy stands, a 66cm square softbox, a 56cm octagonal softbox, and a translucent deflector that enables a beauty dish effect.

The included EL-Skyport Transmitter Plus radio-frequency trigger enables users to adjust flash head settings remotely and has a range of up to 200m. Alternatively, you can upgrade to the Elinchrom HS Transmitter, which also offers high-speed sync flash. Alternative save modes include triggering from a flashgun and ignoring any pre-flash pulses.

Elegant and intuitive, the push-button control panel offers easy adjustment of power output through a 5-stop range, in 1/10th stop increments. Selecting proportional, full, low and no modeling lamp output is similarly simple, using a conventional 100W bulb. An auto-sensing cooling fan is built into the head. Output is remarkably consistent on a shot-to-shot basis, and power adjustments are highly accurate.

Best budget photography lighting kit

(Image credit: Godox)

3. Godox SK400II twin-head studio flash kit The best value photography lighting kit Average Amazon review: ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Specifications Head power: 400Ws (each) Power range: 6 stops Power adjustment: 1/10th f/stops Power supply: Mains Cooling fan: Yes Modelling lamp: 150W Modelling lamp settings: Not specified Sync socket: Standard Wireless RF trigger: Sold separately Kit weight: 16kg Today’s Best Deals View at Amazon View at Amazon View at Adorama Reasons to buy + Great price for a full kit + Loads of included accessories + Powerful, well-featured flash heads Reasons to avoid – Wireless trigger costs extra

This kit costs less than a single flash head from most other manufacturers, but here you get a pair of flash monolights with a beefy output of 400Ws a piece. These mains-powered SK400II heads boast a 0.1-1.0-second recycle times, a 150W modelling light and an LCD control panel.

You can fire the flash using a traditional wired connection to the heads’ sync sockets, but if you want to go wireless, Godox sells attractively priced 2.4GHz flash triggers that will allow you to eliminate the cables from your studio set-up.

We love that this kit gives you practically everything you need to get your home studio set up – with the kit including two light stands, a pair of 24x36in softboxes, two reflectors, two 60-degree honeycomb grids, a single set of barn doors , and four colored gels. Brilliant value!

The best premium photography lighting kit

(Image credit: Future)

4. Profoto B10X Plus Duo kit The best premium photography lighting kit Our expert review: Specifications Head power: 500Ws (each) Power range: 10 stops Power adjustment: 1/10th f/stops Power supply: Batteries Cooling fan: Yes Modelling lamp: 3200 lumens Modelling lamp settings: Adjustable power level Sync socket: None (wireless only) Wireless RF trigger: Sold separately Kit weight: 1.9kg per head Today’s Best Deals View at Amazon View at Newegg View at Walmart Reasons to buy + Easy to use + Small but powerful + Lots of light shapers to choose from Reasons to avoid – Very expensive

The powerful LED modeling light is perfect for both stills and video, with adjustable color temperature to suit different environments. While the recycling speeds are impressive, the battery life is somewhat limited, providing about 200 full-power flashes.

The Profoto B10X Plus is a larger and more powerful version of the standard B10X, offering 500Ws of power—double that of the original. Weighing 400g more, it still maintains portability with a battery that clips directly into the head. The addition of mains power compatibility offers flexibility for both studio and location shoots.

The kit includes the flash head, stand adaptor, battery, charger, and a padded carrying bag, with a twin head kit also available. However, the premium price tag is something to consider. Accessories such as the Profoto Air Remote TTL trigger (£349/$429) and the OCF Magnum Reflector (£189/$209) add to the overall cost, and the heads lack a sync socket.

Profoto’s build quality is top-notch. The rear-panel controls are easy to use, and the flash offers TTL, high-speed sync, and freeze modes for versatile shooting. An iPhone companion app connects via Bluetooth for additional control, adding convenience to the setup.

Despite the high cost, the B10X Plus delivers premium quality and performance, making it a strong choice for professionals seeking versatility in both studio and location work.

Read more: Profoto B10X Plus review

The best on and off camera flash for photography

(Image credit: Matthew Richards)

5. Godox V100 The best on and off camera photography lighting Our expert review: Specifications Head power: 100Ws Power range: 9 stops Power adjustment: Not specified Power supply: Batteries Cooling fan: No Modelling lamp: 2W Modelling lamp settings: 10 adjustable levels Sync socket: 2.5mm Wireless RF trigger: Built-in RF transceiver Kit weight: 0.616kg Today’s Best Deals View at Amazon View at BHPhoto View at Walmart Reasons to buy + Powerful 100Ws rating + Li-ion battery + Great stamina and recycle speed + Color touchscreen interface Reasons to avoid – Not weather-sealed – Pricier than previous editions – Not everyone loves touchscreens

The Godox V100 is not a complete kit – it’s a single flash head that could be used as a building block in a custom kit, if you prefer to work that way. This head builds on the strong foundation of the V1 by adding some appealing new features, though it does come with a higher price tag. Whether this added cost is justified depends on your shooting style. The new USB-C battery charging is a tempting upgrade for those who already own V1 units, and the new touch screen interface is leagues ahead of the older model.

The Godox V100 is an incredibly versatile and useful on and off camera flash. It is currently the best flash that can be used both atop a camera via a hotshoe, or wirelessly trigger Godox other lights. Its consistency and power are more than sufficient for portrait, event, and wedding photography. It is also available for pretty much every camera system currently on the market.

The clip-on fill light, one of the standout additions, is very cool, but most of the time, it felt more like a gimmick in practice. It didn’t suit my photography style, instead giving my images a look reminiscent of a disposable camera’s built-in flash, but to some, this might be more useful. Another highlight, the ability to shoot 100 continuous shots at full power, is impressive but not something I would use often. However, if you shoot a lot of high-volume images you may find it beneficial.

While the V1Pro introduces some useful features, it comes at a cost, and the standard Godox V1 also offers great value for most photographers and might be the better option for those looking for reliable performance without breaking the bank.

Read more: Godox V100 review

Best for design

(Image credit: Kalum Carter)

6. Elinchrom THREE Dual Light Kit The best studio flash for photography overall Our expert review: Specifications Head power: 261Ws (each) Power range: 6 stops Power adjustment: 1/10th F-stop Power supply: Batteries Cooling fan: Smart proactive cooling Modelling lamp: 20W Modelling lamp settings: On/Off, free, proportional, VFC Sync socket: None (wireless only) Wireless RF trigger: Sold separately Kit weight: 1.65kg per head Today’s Best Deals Check Amazon Reasons to buy + Compact and lightweight + Bright modeling light + Great light quality + Intuitive controls with touchscreen Reasons to avoid – Only has HSS with the Transmiter Pro

If you’re looking for the best studio flash, this portable off-camera flash is a standout option – and it’s available in a two-head kit. I’ve used many flashes, but this one is by far the most versatile. After testing it across various scenarios, I can confidently say it performed flawlessly every time. The light quality it produces is exceptional, leading to perfectly exposed images with minimal effort. What makes it even more versatile is its compatibility with Elinchrom Light Shapers, using an adapter for even more control over your lighting setup.

This flash is ideal for photographers wanting to step up from a traditional speedlight and explore the world of off-camera flash. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade your gear, this tool is reliable and easy to use, making it a perfect addition to your kit. Our reviewer was so impressed they are planning to add one or two to their own location setup for portrait, fashion, and documentary photography, simply because of the consistent quality it delivers.

In short, this flash is a fantastic investment for anyone looking to elevate their studio or on-location work with reliable, high-quality lighting.

Read more: Elinchrom THREE review

Best for a quick on-location setup

(Image credit: Future)

7. Godox AD200Pro II Best for quick on-location lighting Our expert review: Specifications Head power: 200Ws Power range: 10 stops Power adjustment: 1/10th F-stop Power supply: Batteries Cooling fan: No (vented air flow cooling system) Modelling lamp: 1400lux at 1 meter Modelling lamp settings: Not specified Sync socket: Standard Wireless RF trigger: Sold separately Kit weight: 0.907kg Today’s Best Deals View at AliExpress View at Amazon View at Adorama Reasons to buy + Excellent modeling lamp for the size + Price + Dual flash heads + One tap sync with Godox X3 trigger Reasons to avoid – Not weather-sealed

The Gofox AD200Pro II is an exceptional light source. Once again, this is a single light rather than a kit, so you’ll need to factor in the cost of more than one – however, the good new is that Godox has made this head ridiculously affordable.

Godox has integrated numerous features into this small, lightweight, and affordable off-camera flash, making it a must-have in every photographer’s toolkit. The performance and usability of this new model have significantly improved, but the standout feature is undoubtedly that aforementioned price – it’s truly a fantastic deal!

Similar to its predecessor, the AD200Pro II serves as the ideal entry-level light for those venturing into off-camera flash photography, and this version makes it even simpler. Its power output is more than sufficient to act as a key light, even in settings with minimal ambient light. Additionally, the enhanced modeling lamp significantly aids in achieving focus in low-light conditions.

I primarily use it as a fill light, and in combination with my Godox AD600 Pro II, I can easily create a professional two-light setup that delivers maximum quality with minimal effort.

Read more: Godox AD200Pro II review.

The best LED panel for photography

(Image credit: James Artaius)

8. Rotolight AEOS 2 Masters Kit The best LED panel for photography Our expert review: Specifications Head power: 11,500 lux output at 3 feet Power range: Not specified Power adjustment: Not specified Power supply: Mains or batteries Cooling fan: Yes Modelling lamp: Continuous LED Modelling lamp settings: N/A Sync socket: Standard Wireless RF trigger: Sold separately Kit weight: 1.4kg per head Today’s Best Deals View at Amazon View at Walmart Reasons to buy + Improved power output + Creative packs and presets + Clever FDIM technology + Near universal compatibility Reasons to avoid – Pro performance… and price

This powerful, hugely versatile yet lightweight portable LED lighting panel is a radical redesign compared with the original AEOS. It gives you 16.7 million colors of light to play with, instead of just various degrees of white. And that goes for both constant lighting and flash, the latter with a high-speed sync option. The interface is also completely overhauled, with the addition of a color touchscreen that makes it quick and easy to access a huge range of lighting options, digital filters and special effects. The original AEOS was very good; the AEOS 2 is absolutely brilliant.

The AEOS 2 certainly isn’t cheap to buy, especially when you opt for the two-head kit we’ve listed here. However, it’s a joy to use and a top performer, making it worth the money.

Read more: Rotolight AEOS 2 review

Best continuous lighting for photography

(Image credit: George Cairns)

9. Zhiyun Molus G200 The best constant lighting for photography Our expert review: Average Amazon review: ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Specifications Head power: 200W (300W in Max mode) Power range: 0~100% dimming Power adjustment: Not specified Power supply: Mains Cooling fan: No (heat dissipation cooling system) Modelling lamp: Continuous LED Modelling lamp settings: N/A Sync socket: None Wireless RF trigger: None (Bluetooth control) Kit weight: 2.209kg Today’s Best Deals View at Amazon View at Adorama View at Amazon Reasons to buy + 9460 LUX output + 300W output + 180º tilt range + Quiet cooling fans + Music mode Reasons to avoid – Lack of animated preset light effects – Not sold in kit, so you must buy additional head separately

The Molus G200 LED light is a powerful COB light that’s perfect for studio shoots, particularly for illuminating talking-head interviews or enhancing performances like dance when paired with its music mode. Its quiet fan is a great feature, keeping noise concerns at bay for sound recordists, and the Max mode provides an additional 100W of power when you need that extra boost. However, the absence of preset animated light effects does knock it down a notch.

Like our reviewer, some might actually find the Molus G200 to be a bit too bright for their needs. But if you’re looking at light subjects from a distance, it’s worth considering, especially since it can push its 200W default output up to a maximum of 300W. It’s better suited for professional corporate and studio filmmakers, while social media content creators may find the smaller and more affordable Molus X100 a better fit.

Overall, while it’s a fantastic light with some great features, its brightness and price point make it more appropriate for professional setups. Also be aware that it’s not sold as part of a kit, so once again you’ll need to factor in the cost of more than one.

Read more: Zhiyun Molus G200 review

How to choose the best photography lighting

The best photography lighting kit for you depends on what you’re planning to shoot. Are you expecting to stay in the studio, or perhaps do you anticipate loading the kit up and taking it out on location? There are lighting kits great for both purposes. You also want to consider whether you’ll mostly be using flash for stills, and how bothered you are about having a continuous light for video.

Then there’s also the question of budget. There are lighting kits and panels right across the spectrum when it comes to pricing, so it’s worth having a think to see what’s the best you can afford. Our guide above includes all different types of lighting kits, from plug-in studio lights to battery-powered lighting kits designed to be taken on location, as well as continuous LED lighting panels.

If you want something simpler and more portable, it’s worth checking out our list of the best flashguns. Flashguns are handy and fast in a pinch, but they do have their limits in terms of how much control you can exert over the light.

What is in a photography lighting kit? A photography lighting kit is usually distinguished by the fact that it contains multiple light sources, rather than just one. While you can buy single studio heads or flashguns, often replete with accessories, a two-light kit will allow you to create much more sophisticated setups, taking control of shadows and highlighting the key parts of your subject you want to highlight. In most shoots, one light will serve as the more powerful key light, while another will be a supplementary fill light. As well as the two light sources, a kit should also contain all the necessary accessories for getting them working – this usually means power supplies and/or batteries. Many will also come with stands and mounts. Sometimes light modifiers like reflectors and softboxes (see below) are also included, though this isn’t guaranteed. One thing that’s worth noting is that studio lighting kits normally don’t come with an RF wireless trigger for controlling the lights remotely, and this usually needs to be purchased separately. While buying a photography lighting kit is a useful way to get everything you need at once, and can be a good way to save money if you spot a discount, it isn’t necessary, and you can easily create your own DIY kit simply by purchasing multiple individual lights. A few of the entries on our list above are standalone lights rather than kits, but could easily be used as part of a larger setup.

What are light modifiers? Light modifiers are tools used in photography to control the direction of light, its intensity, and its quality. They include reflectors, umbrellas, softboxes, snoots, scoops and beauty dishes. For more details, see our article on How to use different flash lighting modifiers.

What kind of lighting kit should I go for? For a home studio setup, or if you’re shooting indoors on location, there’s no beating the power and versatility of a conventional mains-powered studio flash kit. Top options include the Elinchrom D-Lite and Interfit Honey Badger twin-head kits, which are fairly compact and easy to carry around, yet quick to set up and simple to use. But they’re no use if you’re on location with no access to a mains electrical outlet. A growing range of battery-powered ‘location flash’ kits are now available, based on the same kind of IGBT (Insulated Gate Bi-polar Transistor) technology as regular flashguns, but with similar power to a studio flash head. Supplement the kit with a dedicated hotshoe-mounting trigger, and you’ll also get the bonus of automatic TTL (Through The Lens) flash metering and HSS (High Speed Sync) flash for shooting with fast shutter speeds. The not-so-secret third option is to go for a constant light. The latest LED panels are relatively cool-running and give fairly strong output, although they’re much less powerful than a flash head or regular flashgun. Maximum output is measured in Lux, usually at a distance of one metre, and the quality of light is measured in CRI (Colour Rendering Index). Plus points include a ‘what you see is what you get’ approach to lighting a subject and, when shooting video, constant LED lighting is perfectly viable whereas a flash head will be entirely useless.

How we test photography lighting

When we test photography lighting kits, we’re looking for optimal performance and consistent results. We start by assessing the kit’s components, checking things like bulb wattage, reflector condition, and power output. We’ll let up the lights in a controlled environment and use a light meter to measure the illumination levels at different distances and angles. We’ll then experiment with various lighting setups and modifiers like softboxes or umbrellas to see how they affect the quality and direction of the light. We pay attention to color temperature, shadows and overall coverage.

The best video lights allow you to instantly improve the quality of your video content. While natural light is totally unpredictable, a good controllable video light will create a consistent and pleasing light for your subject. Learnign to control your light is a vital step to take when getting serious about your video.

In our guide to the best video lights below, we’ve picked out a range of affordable but capable units. Any of them would be a great addition to one of the best cameras for video, and all of them have been tested and rated by ourreview team, whose findings I’ve used to assemble this list.

So whether you’re working with a mirrorless camera, DSLR setup or shooting on your camera phone, read on to discover the best video lights available today, and the facts and figures you need to choose the right one for you.

Our lighting expert Our lighting expert Ben Andrews Imaging Labs Manager Ben is responsible for all the testing on Digital Camera World and across the entire photography portfolio at Future. He’s our go-to guy for technical insight, with years of experience trialling and testing kit. Here he brings his expertise to recommending the best video lights.

The quick list

The best video light overall

(Image credit: Rotolight)

The Rotolight NEO 3 builds on the success of the preceding NEO 2, adding a raft of impressive new features. Both models deliver flash output as well as constant lighting, but the NEO 3 delivers a full range of color in both modes, with full RGBWW options. It comes in various configurations and kits and accessories will vary according to which you choose.

Small but powerful and extremely versatile as a constant LED light, the NEO 3 is a quantum leap forward from the NEO 2. It delivers a full color range in both constant and flash modes, with a huge range of electronic color filters and special effects, all available via a simple and intuitive color touchscreen menu. Maximum flash output is disappointing compared to a ‘proper’ flashgun but, even so, the NEO 3 is a brilliant solution for anyone who needs to shed a little extra light on both stills and video capture.

For more details, read our full Rotolight NEO 3 review.

The best video light for travel

(Image credit: Gareth Bevan / Digital Camera World)

2. Zhiyun Molus X100 The best video light for extremely portable power Our expert review: Average Amazon review: ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Specifications Colour temperature: 2700º K to 6200º K Max power: 20708 lux at 100W Power source: Optional Li-ion battery / 100W USB-C PD / DC-Adapter Dimensions: 144.5 x 94 x 36.1 mm Weight: 385g without battery Today’s Best Deals View at Adorama View at Amazon View at Walmart Reasons to buy + Powerful light + Very portable + Cooling fan is effective and whisper quiet + Accessory ecosystem is well thought out Reasons to avoid – 100W PD power source hard to find – Gets hot with extended use – No RGB colors or lighting effects – Only 30 mins battery power at 100%

The X100 is a revelation for content creators who move around a lot, this light is super compact and portable and can be set up almost anywhere instantly with its optional battery (available in the combo kit). The 100W power is bright enough for all close to medium-distance situations such as talking to camera or a studio shoot. It is a shame there are no lighting effects for a content creator aimed light though. The light can get also quite hot with extended use, so you need to think about storage if moving around frequently, but the DynaVolt fan does a great job at keeping it cool.

Cool features like PD USB-C, as well as a dedicated power supply offer improved versatility. If you choose to get the optional battery pack, then this makes it even easier to get great lighting on the go. The accessory system is well thought out, with great quality accessories from Zhiyun as well as a Bowens mount adapter.

Read our full Zhiyun Molus X100 review for more details.

The best light wand for video

(Image credit: Zhiyun)

3. Zhiyun Fiveray FR100C A heavy-duty handheld light with a range of colors to choose from Our expert review: Specifications Colour temperature: 2700º K to 6200º K Max power: 20708 lux at 100W Power source: 2600MAH Li-ion battery Dimensions: 502 x 46 x 47 mm Weight: 920g Today’s Best Deals View at Amazon View at Walmart View at Adorama Reasons to buy + Adjustable color temperature and hues + Variable intensity + 100W output Reasons to avoid – Fans can make a little noise – Not waterproof

The Zhiyun Fiveray FR100C Light Wand is compact enough to carry in your kitbag but thanks to its 100W output it will illuminate the darkest locations. Its rechargeable battery should keep it shining for the duration of your shoot and the control dial enables you to adjust color temperatures to match the location’s available light or you can dial in neon hues for a more creative look.

Its fans can get a little noisy to cope with that intense light in such a small package, which is something to be aware of for sound recording.

See our full Zhiyun Fiveray FR100C review or check out other best light wands

Best value video light

(Image credit: Rob Redman)

4. Amaran 60d S This video light is small, accurate and great value for money Our expert review: Specifications Colour temperature: 5600 K Max power: 5200 lux at 1m Power source: Mains or battery Dimensions: 231 x 117 x 111 mm Weight: 695g Today’s Best Deals View at Amazon View at Adorama View at Newegg Reasons to buy + Compact and easy to mount + Accurate daylight color + Lots of power options + Standard modifier mount Reasons to avoid – Diffuser isn’t great

This light offers some of the best value for money for videographers who need a quick, simple, portable bit of illumination. Priced to compete with the likes of Zhiyun and Neewer, the Amaran 60d S is a daylight-balanced key light that’s durably built and easy to use. It comes with a reflector dish, a diffuser, a light stand adapter and spigot, and you have the option of using either the mains power supply or the battery adapter.

We weren’t hugely impressed with the supplied light-control accessories – you can buy a better reflector for a fairly trivial additional expense – but the light itself is excellent. Output is very powerful, packing a lot of punch for a light of its size, and while you may prefer bi-color output, it tends to come at the cost of power. For a simple, strong key light, the Amaran 60d S offers incredible value.

Read our full Amaran 60d S review for more information.

The best video light for filmmakers

(Image credit: James Artaius)

This powerful, hugely versatile yet lightweight portable LED lighting panel is an upgraded version of the AEOS 2, which in turn was a radical redesign compared with the original AEOS. Capable of delivering millions of colors, it also comes loaded with cinematic presets programmed by the likes of Roy Wagner (Nightmare on Elm Street, House M.D., Ray Donovan) and Stefan Lange (Batman, Tomb Raider, No Time to Die). For filmmakers, it’s one of the best choices of video light

In use, the AEOS 2 Pro is intuitive and well-designed. Its color touchscreen offers smartphone-like sensitivity and allows you to choose your gels with impressive accuracy – what you see is what you get. It provides improved punch over the previous AEOS 2, to the tune of a 25% brightness boost, and you really do feel this when comparing them side by side (at DCW we are seasoned Rotolight users). It can be used outdoors on location shoots, which is another boon for filmmakers.

The AEOS 2 Pro is a joy to use, and an impressive piece of tech. It represents a hefty investment, but it’s a joy to use and a top performer, making it worth the money.

Read our full Rotolight AEOS 2 Pro review for more.

Best video light for color range

(Image credit: George Cairns / Digital Camera World)

6. Neewer HB80C This video light puts thousands of creative colors at your disposal Our expert review: Specifications Colour temperature: 2500-7500K Max power: 10,400 lux with reflector Power source: Built-in battery Dimensions: 130 x 130 x 70mm Weight: 1.09kg Today’s Best Deals View at Amazon View at Amazon View at Amazon Reasons to buy + App controllable + 18 animated effects + RGB and Bi-colour + Internal battery for location shoots + Silent cooling system Reasons to avoid – Can’t tilt using mini tripod

The Neewer HB80C 80W LED is a reasonably priced light that offers a generously broad color range. Its color scale of 2500 to 7500K takes you from a warm candelight look to a cold daytime color cast, and it’s a wider range than many of the more expensive lights on this list. You can also dial in custom Hue, Saturation, and Intensity values, or use the circular color picker to choose from a selection of industry-standard Lee color gel filters.

Powered by a built-in battery, the Neewer HB80C 80W LED is a nimble light for use in a range of shooting situations. Its raw power output of 80w isn’t as high as many of the other lights on our list, but it’s power enough for plenty of standard video purposes, especially when you attach the (supplied) reflector via the Bowens mount. One thing that’s also worth noting for video users is that the light offers a number of specialised animated effects, such as an explosion effect, and the Music Sync mode allows you to sync it to the beat of a track.

Read our full Neewer HB80C 80W LED review for more.

Best video light for music videos

(Image credit: George Cairns)

The Molus G200 LED light is far too bright for my specific needs as a video maker but if you need to light a subject from a distance then it is well worth considering (especially thanks to its ability to boost the default 200W output to the max 300W). It will suit professional corporate and studio-based filmmakers more than social media content creators, who might be better off with the cheaper and smaller Molus X100. Music mode could be useful to certain connect creators but I imagine that it’s not a deal breaker for most people. The lack of animated preset effects (such as Flash and Lightning) is disappointing, given that they are featured on other similar COB bi-color lights.

Read our full Zhiyun Molus G200 review for more details.

Best video light for portable power

(Image credit: George Cairns / Digital Camera World)

The 60W power is bright enough for most close to mid-distance situations such as talking to camera, and the DynaVolt fan does a great job at keeping it cool. Neat features like PD USB-C, as well as a dedicated power supply offer improved versatility. The accessory system is well thought out, with great quality accessories from Zhiyun as well as a Bowens mount adapter.

The X60 RGB offers the added advantage of producing a broad spectrum of colors with a simple twist of one of its two control dials. These dials, which can also function as buttons, allow you to swiftly transition between different color temperatures and brightness levels in just a few clicks, saving you the time it would take to manually adjust them. The color alterations are also integrated into animated effects like Disco or Hue Loop, adding a dynamic element to your video productions.

The X60 RGB can be connected to a smartphone via Bluetooth, enabling you to use the ZY Vega app to modify its colors and intensity with just a few taps. The app also allows you to sample the color temperature in your shooting location using your smartphone’s camera, and then quickly and accurately adjust the LED to match that color temperature.

The Zhiyun MOLUS X60 is probably one of the best options for any content creators who move around a lot, who don’t have a lot of space, or just need a simple but incredibly functional lighting source.

Read our full Zhiyun Molus X60 review for more details.

The best spotlight video light

(Image credit: George Cairns / Digital Camera World)

9. Nanlite Forza 60C The best spotlight video light Our expert review: Specifications Color temperature: 1800K – 20000K Output: 88W Power: Battery pack or mains Size: 224 × 110 × 88mm Weight: 1.08kg Today’s Best Deals View at Adorama View at Adorama Check Amazon Reasons to buy + RGBLAC technology allows a wider range of colors + Supplied Bowens mount adaptor lets you add accessories + Portable thanks to battery grip + Extensive range of customizable special lighting effects Reasons to avoid – Relatively narrow beam (using the supplied reflector) – Expensive

The Forza 60C is an expensive bit of kit but when it comes to accurate and creative color rendition this powerful yet compact LED outperforms many of its rivals thanks to its advanced RGBLAC color technology. We also enjoyed its wide range of creative animated lighting effects though these will be of more use to creative video drama producers than to photographers.

Despite the intensity of light funneling through the attached reflector, the LED didn’t run too hot (and we didn’t notice any distracting fan noise), so we could quickly pack it away at the end of the shoot without a long cool-down period. A compact, powerful, precise, and versatile LED.

Read our full Nanlite Forza 60C review for more details.

Best video light for professionals

(Image credit: George Cairns)

The powerful SmallRig RC 350D COB (chip-on-board) LED Video Light is the perfect accessory for a studio or location-based shoot, combining a strong key light output for talking heads style interviews with a collection of special lighting effects to enhance dramatic productions. Its relatively silent fans won’t give your sound recordist any concerns. It’s an expensive device that will suit the needs of a high-end video producer rather than a hobbyist vlogger.

If connectivity is important to you, then note there were a few issues with controlling the light using the companion app. The light is also on the pricier side compared to some of the competition, but its features and build quality go towards justifying a higher price.

See our full SmallRig RC 350D COB review

Best video light for creative experimentation

(Image credit: George Cairns)

11. Hobolite Iris Creator Kit Best LED for creative experimentation in video productions Our expert review: Specifications Color temperature: 2700K~6500K Output: 300 lumens Power: Builti-in rechargeable battery Dimensions: 86 x50 x31 mm Weight: 0.35 lbs Today’s Best Deals View at Amazon View at Amazon View at Amazon Reasons to buy + Lightweight and portable + Eye-catching design + Creative accessories Reasons to avoid – Limited illumination in daylight or at a distance

The Hobolite Iris Iris shares the same distinctive and beautiful retro design as its larger siblings (the Hobolite Avant and the Hobolite Mini), with a curved aluminum grey body adorned with brown faux leather panels. At only 5W of power the Iris is the smallest and weakest LED in the Hobolite range, producing the equivalent of 300 candles worth of illumination at 300 Lumens. This makes the Iris more suitable for the mobile phone videographer who needs to mount their accessories via the screw-thread on a cage (such as the Rode Phone Cage).

In our test the Iris was able to add a wash of color to portraits from a couple of feet away, making it more suitable for intimate portrait photography. In a dark room the Hobolite Iris was powerful enough to add dramatic fill or key light at a distance and its harsh shadows could be softened by popping the supplied magnetic Frosted Dome onto the front of the light.

The Hobolite Iris can be purchased as a standard kit, but the Creator Kit that we tested is packed full of magnetic modifiers that give you more control over the look produced by the LED.

The Iris is a bi-colour LED, so it can only change its emission colours between a warm 2700K and a cool 6500K. However, you can slide one of the four supplied Gels into the light to produce a wide range of creative colors. Thanks to the modular accessories that ship with the Hobolite Iris Creative Kit you’ll be encouraged to experiment with a range of looks and effects!

See our full Hobolite Iris Creator Kit review

Best budget video light

(Image credit: George Cairns)

Some LEDs (such as the Zhiyun Molus B500) are relatively heavy and cumbersome. Being dependent on mains power they are suited mainly for studio work. As a 70W LED the Godox ML60II Bi isn’t as powerful as the 500W Zhiyun Molus B500, but it can still provide plenty of illumination (up to 23300 with its reflector attached). The Godox ML60II Bi is much lighter than the Molus B500 and it can be powered by attaching two NP-F batteries to the AK-B01 NP-F Battery mount supplied with the Kit 1 option. This means that owners of the Godox ML60II Bi can enjoy the best of both worlds by illuminating a shoot with a handheld LED on location or by mounting the light on a stand in the studio.

As its name indicates, the Godox ML60II Bi is a bi-color LED. This enables you to use the rear buttons/dials to change its colour temperature output between a range of a warm 2800K to a cooler 6500K. This means that you can complement existing light sources on location or mimic daylight in a studio environment for example. Unlike some of the lights in this guide (such as the Zhiyun Fiveray FR100C) you can’t change the hue of the Godox ML60II.

Therefore there’s no option to produce full color-based video effects such as the red and blue flashes of a police car. However, the Godox ML60II Bi does have 11 video effects that can cycle between the color temperature range of 2800K to 6500K, so you can evoke the light produced by the cold blue sparks of a welding torch or the warm flicker from a candle. This should make the Godox ML60II Bi appeal to video makers who need to add interactive lighting to their productions.

To make it portable the Godox ML60II Bi is predominately constructed from plastic, which makes it more fragile than the metal body of the Zhiyun Molus B500. However this difference in build quality is reflected in price as the Godox ML60II Bi is far cheaper.

See our full Godox ML60II Bi review

How to choose the best video light

To choose the right video light for your needs there are a number of things you need to take into account. These include:

Power supply: Can the LED be used by both a mains plug and a battery? This will enable a more versatile set-up and enable you to film both indoors and outdoors

Color temperature: Look out for the LED’s colour temperature range; a wide range is preferable as this will give you both warm and cool light options to match the ambient light you are shooting in or the effect you’re trying to create.

Modifiers: Check to see if the LED comes with any modifiers in the box. These could be diffusers to soften the light or filters to change the light’s color temperature.

Flicker-free: Some LEDs show a fluctuation in brightness, known as flicker. The best lights are flicker free to provide a constant level of brightness.

Bluetooth technology: The inclusion of Bluetooth technology in your LED light will allow you to connect to a smartphone and control adjustments like brightness and colour temperature remotely.

How we test video lights

At DCW, we test a huge variety of photo and video equipment, including cameras, lenses and accessories such as video lights. Our process involves both real-world and lab testing – for video lights, we measure brightness output and compare it to the manufacturer’s claims to see how well the product stacks up. We also look at portability, colour temperature range, lighting modes and other factors to assess how useful the light will be to working videographers. Learn more about how we test and review on Digital Camera World.

Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter

Subscription: optional (free cloud storage)

optional (free cloud storage) Power: hardwired

hardwired Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Home

Who this is for

People who want a permanently installed way to screen visitors at the door, whether they’re on the other side of the door or the other side of the world.

Why we like it

The Google Nest Doorbell (Wired, 2nd Gen) was the most accurate video doorbell when it came to identifying types of motion (person, animal, vehicle, or package), and reacted quickly when sending smartphone alerts and displaying live views. The image resolution is only 960×1280, which is lower than our other picks, but the picture is clear, and the low-res actually ends up being easier on your Wi-Fi network to allow for smoother streaming. Audio was always clear on either end, with adjustable volume and the ability to switch off the microphone when necessary. While it offers free cloud storage, you’ll only be able to access footage from the past 3 hours. If you want to keep it longer, the Nest Aware plan (starting at $8 per month or $80 per year) can store video up to 30 days, and adds in Familiar Face Detection. In addition, if you want 24/7 recording to the cloud, you’ll have to shell out $15 a month or $150 annually for the Nest Aware Plus plan.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The Familiar Face Detection feature (a feature that “recognizes” and names frequent visitors) included with the Nest Aware subscription can be faulty. It needs a good look at your visitors to work properly — and even then it still gets some wrong, but you can correct it.

Also, the Nest doorbell isn’t compatible with the old Nest app since newer Google products have switched to using Google Home. However, useful Nest app features like the ability to “favorite” the doorbell so you can view the live feed upon opening Google Home have made the transition easier.

Learn more in our full review of the best smart doorbell camera.

Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter

Subscription: optional (free cloud storage)

optional (free cloud storage) Power: built-in rechargeable battery or hardwired

built-in rechargeable battery or hardwired Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Home

Who this is for

People who want a video doorbell, but don’t have existing doorbell wiring.

Why we like it

The TP-Link Tapo D225 Video Doorbell Camera offers an almost comprehensive selection of features you’d want with a doorbell. It captures video in 2K and has an expansive 180-degree field of view. It has a built-in rechargeable battery that lasts about 3-4 months, but can also be hardwired if you don’t see yourself ever charging it. You can choose between storing video locally on a microSD card for free or signing up for a cloud plan (which starts at $3.50 a month or $35 a year for one camera). If you opt for hardwiring the doorbell, you also gain the ability to record 24/7 video and have it stored locally. The D225 uses AI to distinguish between motion, people, vehicles, animals, and packages, and allows for customized notifications and Activity Zones, so you can choose precisely what triggers recordings and alerts, and what to skip.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The Tapo D225 isn’t as slick looking as our wired doorbell pick. At 5.91-by-1.97-by-1.52 inches, this unit is bulky, but that’s because of the internal battery. But if you’re in need of a battery doorbell, this one is packed with features at an excellent price.

The Tapo D225 records video which has a noticeable distortion or “fisheye effect,” which some customers say they hate. We don’t love it but it’s also needed in order to deliver the extra-wide angle, head-to-toe image.

Like our outdoor camera pick, the Tapo D225 doorbell has color night vision, which is provided by the doorbell’s LED ring. Using that may kill the battery faster, and frankly, I think images look better with standard black-and-white night vision.

Learn more in our full review of the best smart doorbell camera.

Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter

Light from the Lume Cube Ring Light Pro is as diffused and lovely as that of our top pick, but it offers a few quality-of-life improvements—albeit at a significant jump in price. Specifically, we love that it can be used wirelessly, can charge your phone, and remembers your favorite settings (with the included remote).

But these features are really only worth the added cost if you plan to use this ring light for professional purposes, like on photo or video production, or for frequent self-tape auditions.

Its light is as excellent as our top pick’s. The Ring Light Pro uses the same rim-mounted LEDs as the Elgato Ring Light, so the light it produces is just as beautifully diffused. Compared with some of the cheaper ring lights we tested, it’s a huge step up in comfort and appearance.

The Lume Cube Ring Light Pro has dedicated buttons for each setting, making it quick and easy to adjust the light to your preferences. It also has an easy-to-read LED display. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter

It can work wirelessly. Unlike our top pick, which needs to be connected to power to function, the Ring Light Pro has a built-in battery that can run up to 70 minutes at full charge.

In our tests, we were able to use it for more than four three-hour online Dungeons & Dragons games at relatively low power, turning it off in between uses, before it needed to be recharged.

Several of our testers who frequently do self-tape auditions praised this feature, saying it would make it easier to film in better locations in their apartments without being tethered to a wall for power.

The remote lists the ring light’s current settings. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter

You can change the settings remotely. The Ring Light Pro comes with a remote that lets you power the unit on and off, change the brightness and color, and switch between channels.

The remote turns off after a minute of inactivity, so you first need to turn on the remote (by pressing the power button) before turning on the ring light. Since most remotes are always-on, it took us some time to adjust to pressing the power button without seeing the light turn on immediately.

This ring light can charge your phone. Two 5-volt USB-A ports are on the back of the light’s control unit to charge your phone or other small electronic devices.

It can save your favorite settings. The included remote has a program button that saves your current settings. It can store up to three setting configurations.

This is especially useful if you’re using the Ring Light Pro for filming a project and need to make sure the lighting is consistent, or if you routinely use the light in a couple of different environments. It makes it easy to save the settings for each environment and then easily switch between them.

You can use more than one together. If you want to use multiple Ring Light Pros—for example, during a photoshoot or for video production—you can do so thanks to the built-in channel system.

You can assign different ring lights to different channels via either the remote or the on-body controls, and then change the settings of one light without changing the rest.

The LED panel on the back is really bright. If you turn the Ring Light Pro off via the remote, the screen on the back remains illuminated, which could be annoying if you keep it in your bedroom. Fortunately, this can be easily fixed by toggling the switch on the back to power down the unit.

Just remember to turn the switch back on before using the remote—otherwise, the remote won’t be able to power the light on.