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.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong stands and good build quality | Batteries not included |
| U-brackets allow for angling | Cables 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.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Included barn doors allow for more control of light | Batteries not included |
| U-brackets allow for angling | Cables 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.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Wireless remote is a great addition | Batteries not included |
| Nice LED screen on back panel | Stands 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.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy assembly | Bulb quality is questionable |
| Perfect for beginners | Takes a while to set up |
| Very cheap | Stands 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.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very small and portable | Does not come with a stand |
| Great color temperature range | Only 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.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Beam angle can be changed | Does not come with a stand |
| Comes with a wireless remote | Only 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.
| Cons | Pros |
|---|---|
| Intuitive app for full control from your smartphone | Battery not included |
| Hue and color can be changed | A 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.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Really powerful, wide-angle beam | Pretty expensive in comparison |
| Quick and easy to setup | Batteries 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.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Incredibly cheap | Build quality is not premium |
| Quick and easy to assemble | No 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!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great price | Build quality is not premium |
| Quick and easy to assemble | No 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!
