Best Continuous Lights for Product Photography Under $300
The importance of good lighting in product photography cannot be overstated. Without proper lighting, your images may look dull, blurry, or unappealing. That's why it's essential to invest in the right tools to create high-quality images that will help your product pictures stand out. When it comes to lighting there’s the option of flash, hybrid, or continuous. Continuous lights are a great option for beginners since they don't require complicated setups or timing. They are also the most affordable of the three making it a more ideal choice when starting out.
Top 5 Best Continuous Lights for Product Photography Under $500
1. Godox SL-60W
The Godox SL-60W is a powerful and efficient continuous light that's perfect for larger product photography setups. It has a 60W LED bulb with a color temperature of 5600K, providing bright and consistent lighting. It also has a Bowens mount for easy attachment of light modifiers and a quiet fan for temperature control.
Pros:
Adjustable color temperature (5600K) and brightness settings
Comes with a reflector and remote control
Quiet fan for cooling the light during prolonged use
Cons:
Limited range of light modifiers available
2. Sokani X60 V2 80W COB LED Video Light
The Sokani X60 V2 80W COB LED Video Light is a compact and versatile continuous light for product photography. It features a powerful 80W COB LED bulb with a high CRI value of 96+ for accurate color reproduction. The light is adjustable in both brightness and color temperature and comes with a range of light modifiers for customization. Its sturdy metal construction ensures durability and longevity.
Pros:
Compact and portable design
Adjustable color temperature (3200K-5600K) and brightness settings
Comes with a range of light modifiers, including a honeycomb grid and softbox
High-quality build and construction
Cons:
Fan noise may be audible during use
3. NEEWER 100W LED Video Light
The NEEWER 100W LED Video Light is a versatile continuous light for product photography. It features a powerful 100W LED bulb with a high CRI value of 95+ for accurate color reproduction. The light is adjustable in color temperature and brightness and comes with an octagonal softbox for diffusing light. The Bowens mount allows for easy attachment and uses with a range of light modifiers. It also comes with a remote control for easy adjustment of settings.
Pros:
Powerful light output with a high CRI value (95+)
Adjustable color temperature (3200K-5600K) and brightness settings
Comes with an octagonal softbox, remote control, and stand
Cons:
Fan noise may be audible during use
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the best continuous lights for product photography under $300, there are several factors to consider, including light output, build quality, and additional features. The Godox SL-60W, NEEWER 100W LED Video Light, and Sokani X60 V2 80W COB LED Video Light are all viable options, but each has its own strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately, the best choice will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
FAQs
What is the difference between a continuous light and a flash for product photography?
Continuous lights provide constant light on your subject in real-time, while flash lights provide a quick burst of light. Continuous lights are easier to use for beginners and allow you to see the lighting effect on your subject in real-time. However, flash lights have a stronger output resulting in a brighter scene.
Can I use continuous lights for outdoor product photography?
Yes, you can use continuous lights for outdoor product photography, especially if the lighting conditions are dim or inconsistent.
What is the CRI of a continuous light?
The CRI (Color Rendering Index) of a continuous light refers to its ability to accurately display colors. A higher CRI means that the light can display colors more accurately and naturally.
Can I use these continuous lights for other types of photography?
Yes, these continuous lights can be used for other types of photography such as portrait, still life, and video.
Do I need to buy additional accessories for these continuous lights?
It depends on your specific needs and preferences. Some lights come with accessories such as diffuser panels or remote controls, while others may require additional attachments for light modifiers. Be sure to read the specifications and features of each light before making a purchase.
