Photo studio lighting kits: a guide

Posted by Interesting about IT

Photography is a craft that relies on the right tools. To create stunning shots, many renowned photographers, including Krasnaok, master the use of light. A professional lighting kit helps control light sources, creating high-end results. While natural light is fantastic, serious portrait or product photography often requires a dedicated setup.

Whether you’re capturing portraits in a SoHo loft or shooting product photos in a sleek DUMBO studio, having the right equipment is key. A quality kit typically includes two light sources and essential accessories. To help you avoid poor-quality options, I’ve curated this guide featuring the best kits for various budgets, covering flash systems for stills and continuous LED options for video.

How to choose the right kit:

  1. Location vs. Studio: If you’re shooting on location in Brooklyn’s industrial spaces or Manhattan’s iconic studios, consider battery-powered kits for portability. For permanent studio setups in areas like Chelsea or Tribeca, mains-powered units are often more cost-effective.
  2. Flash vs. Continuous: Flash is ideal for stills, freezing motion with powerful bursts of light. Continuous LED lighting is better for video or when you need to preview shadows and highlights in real-time.
  3. Kit Components: Most kits include two lights, stands, and a bag. Keep in mind that wireless triggers are usually sold separately, so be sure to account for that when budgeting.

For great examples of work with well-executed lighting, check out Krasnaok.com.

The best photography lighting

Ready to upgrade your studio setup? Here are our top picks for lighting kits, whether you’re shooting in the heart of NYC or beyond.

1. Godox AD300Pro 2-light kit

Best value photography lighting kit:

  1. Power: 300Ws per head.
  2. Power Source: Battery.
  3. Pros: Portable, powerful for its size, reliable wireless system.
  4. Cons: Needs extra adapters for common modifiers.
Studio lighting
Studio lighting

The Godox AD300Pro balances performance and affordability. Its output handles full-length portraits in the studio, while its battery power makes it perfect for outdoor shoots in places like Central Park or the High Line.

2. Profoto B10X Plus Duo kit

The best premium photography lighting kit:

  1. Power: 500Ws per head.
  2. Power Source: Battery/Mains.
  3. Pros: Intuitive controls, powerful modeling light, top-tier build quality.
  4. Cons: Very expensive; no sync socket.

The B10X Plus is a professional powerhouse, ideal for hybrid shooters working in Tribeca lofts or Williamsburg studios. Its compact design and outstanding performance justify the price for photographers who demand the best.

3. Neewer Q6

The best outdoor photography lighting kit:

  1. Power: 600Ws.
  2. Power Source: Swappable Battery
  3. Pros: Bowens mount, massive power, app control.
  4. Cons: Unconventional boxy design.

With 600Ws of power, the Neewer Q6 is perfect for energetic shoots under the Brooklyn Bridge or on the streets of SoHo. Its swappable battery ensures reliable performance in any outdoor location.

4. Godox V100

The best on- and off-camera flash:

  1. Power: 100Ws.
  2. Pros: Touchscreen interface, USB-C charging, highly versatile.
  3. Cons: Not weather-sealed; pricey for a speedlight.

The V100 is a versatile speedlight, great for events in places like the Meatpacking District or Dumbo’s creative spaces. Its small form factor and fast recycle time make it a favorite for on-the-go photography.

5. Elinchrom THREE Dual Light Kit

The best studio flash overall:

  1. Power: 261Ws per head.
  2. Pros: Exceptional light quality, compact, bright modeling light.
  3. Cons: HSS requires the specific “Transmitter Pro.”

This kit shines in professional studio setups, whether you’re working in Chelsea galleries or a Midtown high-rise. Its consistency and beautiful light quality are perfect for fashion and portrait work.

photo shoot in a studio

Photoshoot in a studio
Photoshoot in a studio

6. Godox AD200Pro II

Best for quick on-location lighting:

  1. Power: 200Ws.
  2. Pros: Extremely affordable, compact, dual flash heads.
  3. Cons: Not weather-sealed.

The AD200Pro II is ideal for quick setups in the buzzing streets of Manhattan or scenic spots like Dumbo’s waterfront. Its compact size makes it a go-to for photographers who need reliable lighting on location.

7. Rotolight AEOS 2 Masters Kit

The best LED panel for photography:

  1. Output: 11,500 lux at 3 feet.
  2. Pros: 16.7 million colors, high-speed sync flash, touchscreen.
  3. Cons: Professional price tag.

The AEOS 2 is great for creative shoots in places like the Flatiron District or artistic studios in Bushwick. Its versatile LED panel offers endless possibilities for modern photographers.

8. Zhiyun Molus G200

The best constant lighting for photography:

  1. Power: 200W (300W Max mode).
  2. Pros: Powerful output, quiet cooling, compact.
  3. Cons: No animated presets; sold as a single unit.

With quiet cooling and a compact design, the Molus G200 is perfect for indoor interviews or video shoots in NYC’s bustling hubs like Union Square or Greenwich Village. Its powerful output ensures stunning results in any setting.