An affordable lighting kit is an essential accessory for photographers who frequently shoot indoors. While nature controls the major lighting outdoors, once you step foot inside a building, there is limited natural light the sun can provide. Videographers also depend upon lighting kits for video when they can’t depend on natural lighting.
Due to this lack of sunlight, artificial lighting is needed in order to create photos and videos that look great. Fortunately, there are dozens upon dozens of light modifiers and photo/video lighting kits out there, but if you’re just starting out or are sticking to a budget, the differences in quality and price tag might be a little daunting.
For a beginner building their first kit, it’s probably a good idea to look for a lighting kit that has a variety of included items: softboxes, umbrellas, strobe lights, light stands, etc. Both beginners and those on the hunt for good deals should watch out for the quality of their items; just because they’re cheap, doesn’t mean they have to be poor quality.
To help you out on your mission, we share some of our top findings for the best affordable lighting kits on the market that you can pick up. Take a look at the specifications of each to help you find the one particular option that is suitable for your next indoor photoshoot.
1. Neewer Photo Studio Strobe Flash Light and Softbox Lighting Kit
If you are serious about the lighting in your photoshoots, then consider the Neewer Photo Studio Strobe Flash Light and Softbox Lighting Kit. This is an all-in-one system that comes with lights, umbrellas, and even wireless triggers to ensure you have everything you might need for studio photography.
This Neewer Lighting Kit includes two 300W monolight flashes, two light stands, and two softboxes. There is a single wireless trigger system, as well as a carry bag that makes storing the items and traveling with them easier.
The recharging time of the flash system is rated between 0.3 to 1.8 seconds, with a sync distance of ten meters. The light stand that comes included with the kit has an adjustable height system to give you more control over the lighting in the environment.
2. GVM Great Video Maker LED Video Light Kit
The next option on our list of affordable lighting kits for video is primarily promoted toward professionals who specialize in shooting videos but also doubles as an excellent lighting kit for photoshoots. The GVM Great Video Maker LED Video Light Kit does have a relatively high price tag, but it comes with a quality system and better lighting than many of the competitor kits you will find.
The GVM kit includes three lights in one package. Each of these products is packed with 520 small LEDs in order to provide a bright flash. Apart from being able to offer you a bright light to simulate certain lighting scenarios, the lights are also fully dimmable, which means you get better control over the final effect. The lights are available in black, red, and light grey colors. You also get a free travel bag included with your purchase.
3. Neewer Softbox Continuous Lighting Kit
The Neewer Softbox Continuous Lighting Kit comes with a series of accessories that do not only help you improve the light exposure in the environment but also give you the ability to take on a greenscreen. The kit comes in four different sizes, ranging from small to large.
When you decide to opt for the Neewer Softbox Kit, you get a total of four light stands, along with four daylight bulbs. You also get two single headlight holders, two softboxes, and two umbrellas. Other noteworthy accessories include a backdrop, a carry bag, and six clamps used to hold the backdrop in position.
4. Lincostore 2000 Watt Photo Studio Lighting Kit
The Lincostore 2000 Watt Photo Studio Lighting Kit is another complete system that comes with lights, umbrellas, and even a green screen system that allows you to take your photography to the next level. The overall quality of the accessories included is superior to many of the cheaper lighting kits that you will find on the market today.
The Lincostore 2000 Watt Photo Studio Lighting Kit includes four light heads, each with a ceramic base protector, as well as a cap. There are additional items included, which consists of stands, an auto pop-up softbox, a light bank, and a backdrop system. The kit comes with full instructions and only takes a few seconds to set everything up.
5. FOSITAN Softbox Photography Lighting Kit
The FOSITAN Softbox Photography Lighting Kit provides a full range of accessories, as well as spare parts. The kit comes with three softboxes, each measuring 20 by 28 inches. This usually provides adequate coverage for the majority of environments where you wish to manipulate light with the goal of improving your final shot.
Buying the FOSITAN Softbox Photography Lighting Kit gives you access to a two-meter light stand, a continuous lighting kit with a 2500W power rating, and a Boom Arm Headlight kit. In total, there are 11 pieces equipment included with the kit, along with a carry bag for easy transportation.
6. Emart Photography Softbox Lighting Kit
The Emart Photography Softbox Lighting Kit is one of the more affordable lighting kits when it comes to installing a complete system in your studio. It comes with two softboxes as well as the appropriate 45W LEDs that are required to utilize these boxes. The lights can be adjusted according to your needs, with settings that include double color temperature, as well as dimming.
The Emart Photography Softbox Lighting Kit has two included light stands that are made from a quality, heavy-duty material. The softboxes easily mount on top of these stands. Softbox reflectors are also included to truly complete your experience when it comes to manipulating the lighting in an indoor environment.
7. GSKAIWEN 180 LED Light Photography Studio Lighting Kit
The next option on our list is the GSKAIWEN 180 LED Light Photography Studio LED Lighting Kit. This inexpensive professional system may not include as many accessories as some of the other options we have mentioned, but the products that come with the purchase of the kit will certainly come in handy.
The GSKAIWEN 180 LED Light Photography Studio LED Lighting Kit comes with two lights. The lights utilize LED technology to provide a brighter, clearer exposure of light. The brightness can be easily adjusted according to the requirements of the shots you are taking.
The heads can be turned in a 360-degree rotation and offers a wide range of exposure. Both of the lights come with appropriate stands, each featuring a height adjustability system for improved accuracy and convenience.
8. FOSITAN 20×28” Softbox Photography Lighting Kit (Budget Winner)
Last on our list is a great option if you find yourself on a limited budget. The FOSITAN 20×28” Softbox Photography Lighting Kit comes with a complete set that gives you the ability to easily adjust the lighting in an indoor environment, without the need to spend too much money.
This affordable lighting kit comes with an adjustable stand that has a maximum length of two meters. The included 800W lighting system provides adequate light in the environment. You get two 85W bulbs included with the purchase of the FOSITAN 20×28” Softbox Photography Lighting Kit. Another great feature is the addition of a carry bag that makes transportation a breeze.
When Choosing Affordable Lighting Kits
While indoor photography does come with several perks, such as the ability to have complete control over the environment, lighting is often an issue faced by photographers in these scenarios. With the best photography lighting kit at your disposal, things do become easier, but when your budget is limited, so is the selection of kits that you can choose from.
We shared the top affordable lighting kits to consider to make the process easier and more convenient for you.
