Category: Video Equipment and Accessories

When you want to shoot professional videos, incorporating or finding the right lighting is very important. Poor lighting will result in an amateurish video that may not get the audience that you want. If you want to shoot a video indoors or outdoors when the weather isn’t right, you will need to make use of a video lighting kit.

Most video lighting kits in the market always come with three or two stands that help deliver just the right amount of light that you need for your shoot. In addition, you are able to control how your video will look in the end by creating the exact type of effects that you want in your end production. There are video lighting kits that are meant for home use and those that are meant for professional studios.

Although some companies make quality and sturdy kits that can be used for both, such lighting kits tend to be a lot more costly. As such, finding the right video lighting kit for your needs can be a daunting task, given that each kit has its own strengths and weaknesses. If you are looking for the best video lighting kit and have no clue where to begin your search, we can help.

We have reviewed some of the best video lighting kits that you can find in the market today that will suit your production needs.

1. Emart 900W Softbox Lighting Kit

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Intro

If you’re a beginner and are searching for the perfect video lighting kit for achieving the video recording results that you want, then you should consider getting the Emart 900W Softbox lighting kit. It’s not only affordable but is suited for your lighting needs.

Pros

• Perfect lighting kit for novices
• Affordably priced
• The kit comes with two light bulbs, two light stands and two softbox reflectors providing the basic lighting equipment at an affordable price
• The light sockets have a long power cord that is handy when doing your shoots
• The height of the light stands can be adjusted between 33 and 86-inches height making them quite versatile
• This lighting kit has the ability to soften light stream and eliminate shadows making it the perfect lighting kit for shooting still photographs, YouTube videos, studio videos among others
• Ability to soften the light thanks to the white cloth cover that comes as part of the lighting kit
• The lamp holder is very flexible has it can be adjusted to 210 degrees allowing you to use it in any way you desire
• Has a double protection thanks to the upgraded material used in the design and the independent control switch that makes it safe to use this kit
• Aluminum alloy build for durability
• Very portable
• Comes with an 18-month warranty

Cons

• Some users have raised concerns with the quality of materials used in building the kit
• The bulbs included in the kit aren’t bright enough for all video recording needs

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2. LimoStudio 600W Lighting Kit

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Intro

The LimoStudio 600W video lighting kit might seem basic, but it still delivers on what it’s meant to do. This is an affordable kit that will serve beginners really well.

Pros

• Comes with one small light stand and two tall light stands making it easy for you to adjust the position of your lighting for your recording needs
• The stands have three solid legs for maximum stability
• Comes with umbrella reflectors that provide the highest light quality across all areas
• Comes with three bulb pieces, three bulb sockets, two umbrella reflectors, and two 86-inch light stands
• The kit comes with a one-piece carry bag for the bulb and a carry bag for the photo equipment for portability
• The white umbrella reflectors made from enhanced nylon work pretty well with any lighting fixture or flash
• The umbrella reflectors help produce an image that has the softest light and least contrast
• Very easy to set up and start shooting
• Very affordable

Cons

• The color temperature isn’t adjustable

[su_button url=”https://www.amazon.com/Photography-Portrait-Umbrella-Continuous-LimoStudio/dp/B005FHZ2SI/?keywords=LAPTOPS&qid=1556883841&s=gateway&sr=8-9&tag=vfxpro-20&linkId=ae265a5663375a78deb05cda4fdf0b5c&language=en_US” background=”#ef2d38″ size=”6″ center=”yes” radius=”round” onclick=”trackOutboundLink(‘amazon’); clicky.goal( ‘119507’, null, 1 ); clicky.pause( 500 );” rel=”nofollow”]View Prices![/su_button]

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3. ESDDI Umbrella Continuous Lights Kit

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Intro

The ESDDI Umbrella Continuous Lights Kit is a budget-friendly kit that even though may not meet the cut off for a professional kit, has a lot to offer at an affordable price and a super responsive customer care team.

Pros

• Comes with lots of different equipment for both photography and videography including three stands, two umbrellas, and a carrying case
• The included carrying case is not just perfect for carrying the equipment but is excellent for storage as well
• Enjoy 600W of light that is practical for multiple photography and videography needs
• The umbrellas and stands are easy to adjust, and the whole lighting kit is easy to set up
• Excellent customer service with a 180-day warranty
• The umbrellas are perfect for weakening light shadows and diffusing light for a more softer and delicate shooting
• Enjoy an ideal lighting effect that’s made possible by most flash and softbox
• The umbrella can be adjusted to provide the needed light in any area

Cons

• Reports of faulty sockets and burned out bulbs from some buyers
• 5500 K light which isn’t adjustable

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4. MOUNTDOG Studio Photo Video Light Kit

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Intro

The MOUNTDOG Studio Photo Video Light Kit is another excellent lighting kit for beginners and professionals alike. The lighting kit is excellent for a studio setup.

Pros

• Ideal for photographers of all levels from beginners to professionals
• It comes with four bulb pieces, three light stands, three bulb sockets and two white and two black 33-inch umbrella reflectors
• This lighting kit comes with a carry bag that can be used to transport the lighting equipment as well as for storage
• Easily reduce shadows and create a soft low contrast and even light over a large area thanks to the white translucent umbrella that can be used as a bounce light or a shoot through
• The black/silver umbrella is used as an inner and outer lining
• The inner silver lining is used to minimize light loss and maximize the spread of light for increased highlights and contrast
• The outer black lining is designed to keep out unwanted light from reflecting on photos
• There’s a single headlight holder that can be adjusted letting you attach a bulb and add an umbrella to a light stand meeting the shooting needs of most if not all photographers/videographers
• Energy saving fluorescent bulbs that save up to 80 percent of energy

Cons

• The quality of materials used is questionable
• It’s not as durable as some other lighting kit in the same category

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5. LimoStudio Photo Shooting Kit

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Intro

The LimoStudio Photo Shooting kit is a value-packed lighting kit that comes with modifiers, lights and a background system for green screen technology. And for all the equipment that it comes with, the lighting kit is reasonably priced.

Pros

• Perfect lighting kit for both amateurs and professionals alike
• The bulbs included are very bright and come close to the industry standard
• Included background support system makes this lighting kit an excellent choice for videographers who use green screen technology a lot
• Comes with a bulb, tripod, backdrop support, bulb support, umbrella reflectors, backdrop holder and backdrop support clamp
• The lighting kit equipment are made from quality material that make this kit durable and worth the price
• The lighting stream created is soft and evenly making it suitable for any photo shooting conditions
• Come with a heavy duty carry bag for transporting the different equipment to your shoot locations
• The different mounts all tilt up and down to allow optimal light positioning and extend to more than seven feet tall which is perfect for overhead lighting
• Easy to set up softboxes that collapse and become travel-friendly

Cons

• It does not have a battery option
• The backdrops have been designed using fabric which might need ironing for one to use

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6. Neewer RL-12 Lighting Kit

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Intro

Neewer is an excellent brand when it comes to video lighting kits. The Neewer RL-12 lighting kit is perfect for point and shoot cameras, DSLR’s, and smartphones.

Pros

• Available in five different styles
• Given that it’s a ring light, it provides virtually shadowless lighting when it comes to close up subjects making it suitable for a wide variety of video recording needs
• The bulbs are dimmable with a dimming range of 1-100 percent
• An easy and straightforward setup process
• The kit comes with different lighting equipment that includes a LED ring light, light stand, soft tube, shoe adapter smartphone holder, universal adapter among others

Cons

• It has a short AC powered cable
• Has a Bluetooth receiver remote that is only compatible with smartphones and not the lighting kit itself

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Final Thoughts

If you’re in the market for the best video lighting kit, it’s quite easy to get confused about which one to pick. What can even be more confusing is that there are different kinds of lighting technologies such as LED, tungsten/incandescent, and fluorescent. Each of the three lighting technologies come with some advantages and disadvantages.

Whatever lighting technology you pick will be dependent on your needs. Fluorescent lighting is known to have a few benefits as it produces a large swath of light and works exceptionally well in lighting skin color, and they don’t need a lot of power to run. Ensure you understand your needs before making a buying decision.

Monopods are usually used for the same purpose as tripods, namely, to reduce camera Shake while a photographer is working.

A monopod is a one-legged stand that is used for holding cameras and is often preferred by photographers particularly when they need to fit or squeeze themselves into small spaces. In comparison to tripods, monopods are much smaller and weigh much less than tripods.

When choosing a monopod, photographers have to consider the monopod’s versatility, durability, and stability. Monopods are preferred as they allow for a quick change a photographs composition/ perspective without having the photographer having to change much.

There are numerous monopods available in the market today, and below we have compiled some of the best monopods in terms of value, affordability, and features that you can consider buying regardless of your level of expertise in photography.

Sirui P-326 Carbon Fiber Monopod

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Intro

Weighing slightly under 400g the Sirui carbon fiber monopod can support loads of up to double its weight and extend to reach Heights of 60.6 inches. This monopod is collapsible and thus ideal for traveling. Constructed using carbon fiber the Sirui p-326 is durable and has a five-stage extension that allows for the legs to be adjusted for optimum convenience when shooting. The leg also has a silicone Twist, and the foot is spiked and retractable to allow the monopod to hold onto surfaces securely without any worry.

Pros

• The monopod carbon fiber construction makes it extremely durable and reliable for long service.
• It is lightweight and easily portable.
• It is reasonably priced.

Cons

• The rubber around the spiked foot wears out quickly.

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Benro Aluminum 4 Series Flip-Lock Video Monopod

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Intro

Any photographer that appreciates quality will definitely appreciate the Benro aluminum 4 series monopod. This is because This monopod combines a classic design end advanced Materials to deliver a great device with high quality. The Benro aluminum 4-series is also equipped with a 3-foot articulating base that offers additional stability to users making it almost infallible. This monopod can accommodate heavy loads including cameras with extra external lenses. The manufacturer also provides an additional 3 or 5-year warranty to ensure that you are adequately protected in case of anything.

Pros

• The monopod is heavy duty and of extremely excellent quality.
• It can support huge loads of double its weight.
• It is equipped with an illuminated bubble Level, and it is easy-to-use.
• Has a four-step counterbalance system that facilitates stability.

Cons

• Accidentally turning the head of this monopod when the feet are locked can result in the base unscrewing.

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Manfrotto 290 Carbon Fiber 4-Section Monopod

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Intro

This carbon fiber monopod by Manfrotto if in our opinion, one of the most stable monopods that you can purchase within its price range. This is because it is equipped with a rubber leg warmer that offers additional grip alongside the grooved techno-polymer upper disc that ensures camera stability. Additionally, photographers can enjoy excellent flexibility range as the monopod has both 1/4 and 3/8 attachment, angled wrist straps.

Pros

• Designed for optimized stability and offers great comfort and ergonomics.
• The aluminum leg locks are adjustable.
• It is lightweight and can support an average camera load.

Cons

Some users have complained that the Manfrotto 290 is rather flimsy.

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Dolica WT-1010 Ultra-Premium Professional Monopod

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Intro

Constructed with CNC machined aluminum alloy, both professionals and beginners can use the Dolica WT- 1010. It boasts heights of between 17 inches and 61 inches when it is fully stretched out, and its body can be custom made to a photographer’s specifications. It has 5 leg section that provides stability and enables the camera to hold weights of up to 9 kilograms. Given its ultra-thin build, its payload capacity is awe-inspiring.

Pros

• The monopod is easy to use and offers great grip.
• It is lightweight and extremely portable.
• The high-quality aluminum construction makes it durable and facilitates its payload capabilities.

Cons

• Stability past its recommended payload has proven to be a challenge for this monopod; hence, photographers are advised not to take such risks.

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Benro Adventure 4 Series Carbon Fiber Monopod (MAD49C)

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Intro

That famous saying about great things and small packages speaks to the Benro Adventure 4 series monopod. Combining a sleek classing design and flip lever locks, this monopod delivers functionality and stability to photographers. The MAD49C can loads of up to 18 kilograms even though it only weighs slightly over 500 grams. Its 5 section carbon fiber tubes are capable of stretching to a maximum height of 72 inches, and it features a mounting plate with a highly functional reversible 1/4”-20 and 3/8”-16 threaded mount for attaching a video head or directly to the camera.

Pros

• If you are a photographer who works with lightweight cameras, then this monopod is ideal for you.
• Upon purchase, you receive a limited 3-year warranty that you could extend to 5 years if you so wish.
• It is easy to use that even individuals who have not interacted with monopods before will have an easy time.
• Its size makes it easily portable and as such a great travel companion.

Cons

• The monopod’s ball head bobbles quite a bit probably more than most photographers would prefer.

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Final Thoughts

When purchasing monopods, there are several factors that a consumer should consider before purchase so that they can make the right decision and end up with a great monopod. They include;

The material. For durability and lightweight, aluminum and carbon fiber are typically the materials used for the construction of monopods. The material used can influence the cost and varying benefits that should be considered.

The payload which refers to the weight that the monopod can support without buckling. Monopods offer great support for DSLR cameras which tend to have large payloads. Make sure your selected monopod can support the weight of your camera.

The monopods weight. This is the last element that you have to consider. Depending on your preference or intent you can choose a heavy or light monopod but keep in mind that heavy monopods are bulky and cumbersome are limiting if you are a photographer who travels a lot.