10 Best Video Light Kits in 2024 [Beginner’s Guide]

Best Video Light Kits
Best Video Light Kits

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Firstly, video lighting is an important part of any cinematographer’s or filmmaker’s toolkit. In this article, we look at the best video light kits on the market.

There are a number of important factors that can make or break your film production. Most important but yet often overlooked is video lighting. It can make a huge difference to your video.

It’s widely accepted that proper, professional video light kits do not come cheap. However, in recent years, that’s started to change. Most notably, there’s been a rise in reasonably priced video DSLRs. It’s created a huge wave of creators publishing on YouTube and other social media platforms.

As a result, filmmaking is now more accessible than ever and you can now find some fantastic budget video light kit options.

We’ve put together a list of our 10 Best Video Light Kits. Read on to find out how you can achieve better lighting for a great price!

1. Neewer Dimmable Bi-color 480 LED

  • CRI (Colour Rendering Index): 96+
  • Max height: 190cm
  • Color temperature range: 3200-5600K
  • Brightness control: Yes
  • Battery power option: Yes

Firstly, this 2-pack 480 LED option from Neewer is one of the best video light kits around. Indeed, Neewer really delivers on its ‘pro quality at amateur prices’ slogan. This is budget video lighting at its best. The build quality is fantastic.

We like the fact the lights can be angled thanks to the U-brackets. Moreover, everything is super lightweight and can be packed away into included carry cases. It’s perfect for transporting.

ProsCons
Strong stands and good build qualityBatteries not included
U-brackets allow for anglingCables are a little short
Carry bags make it easy to pack away and transport 

2. Neewer Bi-color 660 LED

  • CRI (Colour Rendering Index): 96+
  • Max height: 190cm
  • Color temperature range: 3200-5600K
  • Brightness control: Yes
  • Battery power option: Yes

Secondly, the bigger brothers of the previous option with 660 LEDs provide even more brightness. In particular, we like the inclusion of the barn doors. They allow for more control of the direction of your light.

Similar to the 480s, the temperature and brightness are very easy to control and well laid out on the back panel. In short, this is one of the best video light kits available at the moment. Indeed, they’re our go-to option for budget video lighting.

ProsCons
Included barn doors allow for more control of lightBatteries not included
U-brackets allow for anglingCables are a little short
Even brighter with 660 LEDs 

3. Dazzne D50 LED Video Lighting Kit

  • CRI (Colour Rendering Index): 96+
  • Max height: 187cm
  • Color temperature range: 3000-5800K
  • Brightness control: Yes
  • Battery power option: Yes

Next, Dazzne’s D50’s. Similar to Neewer’s video light kits, these are of fantastic quality. They’ll work really well for many different lighting scenarios. In particular, we like the inclusion of a wireless remote (very handy when wanting to change brightness and color temperature quickly). Additionally, the fact you can save different settings as presets is really smart. Budget video lighting doesn’t have to hold back on the nice touches.

ProsCons
Wireless remote is a great additionBatteries not included
Nice LED screen on back panelStands could be a little stronger if we’re being picky
Save different settings as presets 

4. YISITONG Continuous Lighting Backdrop Kit

  • CRI (Colour Rendering Index): N/A
  • Max height: 200cm
  • Color temperature range: 5500K
  • Brightness control: No
  • Battery power option: N/A

While we’re not the biggest fans of video light kits using fluorescent bulbs, it’s hard to ignore the price of this one. It’s a great 3-point budget video lighting setup that even comes with a few backdrop options if you’re getting into green screening. In general, the build quality is a little on the cheap side and there are better options listed here. However, if you’re looking purely at price, this won’t be beaten.

ProsCons
Easy assemblyBulb quality is questionable
Perfect for beginnersTakes a while to set up
Very cheapStands are lightweight and materials are cheap

5. Aputure AL-F7 Portable LED Video Light Panel

  • CRI (Colour Rendering Index): 95+
  • Max height: Does not come with a stand
  • Color temperature range: 3200-9500K
  • Brightness control: Yes
  • Battery power option: Yes

Next, the Aputure Al-F7. This is a little unique in comparison to other video light kits mentioned here. It’s a lot smaller in terms of weight and size. That makes it a fantastic option if you’re traveling and on the move a lot. It also boasts great brightness and a fantastic color temperature range. Depending on what you’re after, this may well be the perfect budget video lighting kit for you.

ProsCons
Very small and portableDoes not come with a stand
Great color temperature rangeOnly one panel
Incredibly bright 

6. Aputure HR672S

  • CRI (Colour Rendering Index): 95+
  • Max height: Does not come with a stand
  • Color temperature range: 5500K
  • Brightness control: Yes
  • Battery power option: Yes

The second of Aputure’s video light kits we’ve mentioned here, the HR672s is a great piece of budget video lighting. We love the fact you can change the beam angle by 25 degrees. Furthermore, it comes with a wireless remote (always useful) and diffusing filters.

ProsCons
Beam angle can be changedDoes not come with a stand
Comes with a wireless remoteOnly one panel
Diffusing filters included 

7. GVM 800D RGB Video Light Kit

  • CRI (Colour Rendering Index): 97+
  • Max height: 200cm
  • Color temperature range: 3200 – 5600K
  • Brightness control: Yes
  • Battery power option: Yes

One of the more expensive video light kits here, but well worth it. For example, we love the clever app that gives you full control using your smartphone. Having the ability to change the hue and color gives you a great variety of options. Additionally, if you still want to play it old school, the LCD and dial setup on the back is very smart and easy to get to grips with. Clearly, this gives the Neewer’s a real run for their money as the best budget video lighting out there.

ConsPros
Intuitive app for full control from your smartphoneBattery not included
Hue and color can be changedA little pricier than other options
Nice LCD screen and dials on the back 

8. Fovitec Bi-Color 600 LED Panel Kit

  • CRI (Colour Rendering Index): 95+
  • Max height: 259cm
  • Color temperature range: 3200 – 5600K
  • Brightness control: Yes
  • Battery power option: Yes

Looking at the price, this may start to push the limit on ‘budget video lighting’ but if you’re willing to pay a little more, you’ll receive one of the best video light kits on the market. This has everything. Great build quality, quick setup, portable, powerful wide-angle beam with nice color temperature range, barn doors.

You name it. It’s got it. A real winner.

ProsCons
Really powerful, wide-angle beamPretty expensive in comparison
Quick and easy to setupBatteries not included
Great quality build throughout 

9. RALENO 800W Softbox Lighting Kit

  • CRI (Colour Rendering Index): N/A
  • Max height: 203cm
  • Color temperature range: 5500K
  • Brightness control: No
  • Battery power option: No

Alternatively, swinging back to the other end of the spectrum, this really is budget video lighting. In fact, this is one of the best video light kits available. Yes, the build quality isn’t premium, and yes, you don’t have control over brightness and color temperature. However, if you’re a beginner or need something for your hobby, this could be a fantastic option.

ProsCons
Incredibly cheapBuild quality is not premium
Quick and easy to assembleNo control over brightness or color temperature
Portable 

10. Skytex Softbox Video Lighting Kit

  • CRI (Colour Rendering Index): N/A
  • Max height: 200cm
  • Color temperature range: 5500K
  • Brightness control: No
  • Battery power option: No

Similar to the Raleno’s above, rounding off our budget video lighting kit list are these softbox options from Skytex. Again, they’re portable and easy to assemble. In summary, great value for money. If you’re looking to start out in the world of video light kids bear this one in mind!

ProsCons
Great priceBuild quality is not premium
Quick and easy to assembleNo control over brightness or color temperature
Portable 

Best Video Light Kits – Wrapping Up

In short, when looking for video light kits you’ve probably realized that there are a lot of choices.

As a result, you need to really drill down and think about what it is you’re looking for from your budget video lighting. For instance, do you value portability, or build quality? Do you need to attach softboxes?

We hope our budget video lighting list has given you some real help and advice. Let us know which one you opt for!

Author
Josh Edwards
Josh Edwards
Josh is a filmmaker and YouTuber. He has a real passion for travel and documentaries. Follow him on Twitter and YouTube.
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