Any photographer, whether they are amateur or professional, knows the significance of light in photography. Without ideal lighting, the photos will not turn out perfect. But for the light to be just right, photographers use many additional pieces of equipment which help them shape or restrict light to get it exactly how they want.
If you want to get into photography for real and get amazing shots, you will also need some help. To find out what are the best off-camera light modifiers are, keep reading.
1. Emart 600W Photography Umbrella Lighting Kit (Overall Winner)
This Emart Umbrella kit contains everything you need for photography or making a video. This kit provides the best light there is. The white umbrella is used for making colors stand out so the camera can capture them, while the black umbrella keeps unwanted light from your photo. In this kit, you also get an adjustable light holder socket, and a 45W spiral shaped CFL which will help you get the right light at all angles.
Additionally, there are two 83-inch light stands in the kit, accompanied by a 33-inch one. If you are thinking about how you are going to transport all of this from one place to another, Emart has that figured out as well because they include a sturdy carry case and bulb carry bag. At a very good price point, you get an excellent set of off-camera light modifiers perfect for all occasions.
2. Neewer 43-Inch 5-in-1 Collapsible Multi-Disc Light Reflector (Budget Winner)
In this collapsible reflector kit by Neewer, you get five 43-inch collapsible disc light reflectors which come in translucent, silver, gold, white, and black. You can fit them in any standard reflector holder. As for transporting it, it is pretty simple since the reflectors folds into a pouch, so it is very compact and easy to carry. Moreover, when collapsed, the circumference of the reflectors is only 15-inches.
The black reflector blocks the unwanted light, and the white one produces a neutral color temperature. The silver one will increase contrast and highlights, while the gold one will give you or your models warm glowing skin tone. The translucent reflector gives a softer look and removes shadows. This product provides you with many options for a very affordable price.
3. Soonpho 7″ Standard Reflector Diffuser Lamp Shade Dish with Honeycomb Grid
The Soonpho diffuser lamp will give you premium light by making the light output softer and even more focused. It also comes with 10° /30°/ 50° honeycomb grids which are used to narrow down the light and also provide a shadow effect. When you attach these grids to the light source, they will make the light narrow down to a small circle.
Besides the diffuser for a standard reflector and three different sized grids, you also get a soft cloth which is used to soften the light output. This soft cloth will last you a long time since it is made from aluminum. This kit enables you to precisely manipulated the light and direct it towards the object you want to be the focus of the photo and accentuated.
4. ESDDI 20″X28″ Softbox Photography Lighting Kit
This ESDDI softbox kit is another kit which will help you achieve even more when it comes to light. It comes with a 2x20x28 inches softbox which softens the light and removes shadows. There is an E27 socket so you can directly connect bulbs and lamps. It will provide you with continuous, uniform light thanks to the two 85W 110V daylight CFL bulbs. It has a low operative temperature and saves energy.
The lifetime of the softbox is approximately 8000 hours. The kit also contains an adjustable lamp holder (210°), so you can adapt the angle and provide yourself with the exact light you need. The height of the lighting can also be adjusted from 27” to 80”. As for transportation, the whole kit is very portable since it can be disassembled and quickly set up whenever it is needed.
5. Neewer 16-Inch Aluminum Standard Reflector Beauty Dish
The next is a Neewer beauty dish which distributes the light to a specific focal point. It gives the photo a more dramatic look, because the light is somewhere between a softbox light and a direct flash, so it accentuates the contrast.
It can be used in a variety of settings, both in- and outdoors. Additionally, you get a white diffuser sock which will add softness. The beauty dish is made out of aluminum, and it is silver on the inside, which creates contrast and brings out details. The whole kit weighs less than a kilo, so it is very easy to transport.
6. IVISII Ring Light Kit
Finally, we have an IVSII ring light kit which can be used by complete amateurs but also by professionals, and it will make every image brighter. It eliminated shadows by providing the continuous soft light. What makes the ring light special is the fact that your lens is in the middle, so the light surrounds it.
This means that the light falls on the object from every direction, and it will bring out the details. This kit comes with a price tag, but for a good reason. You get a lot in it: one 18 inches LED ring light and a 74 inch light stand, a set of filters in two colors (white and orange), a tripod with an adapter, a universal adapter with a US plug, a holder for your smartphone and a bag to carry all of these with you. There are some less expensive options out there, but if you want to cover all scenarios, this is the kit for you.
When Choosing Off-Camera Light Modifiers
As you have seen, there are many ways to manipulate light. Every piece of additional equipment will help you get the image you wanted. The best light modifiers for off-camera flash will help you fine tune your images and get your photography skills to the next level. Remember, the key is in the light.
