Constant light rating for photography studio, the best in 2024

In the work of any photographer, two types of light are always involved: natural and artificial. It is clear that the first is sunlight, which depends on unpredictable natural factors. The second type of lighting involves the use of a whole complex of manipulations with the obligatory use of special equipment. These devices include pulsed and permanent light sources. This article will consider photographic equipment that constantly illuminates the process of photography and video shooting, the criteria for its selection and an overview of popular models in 2024.

How to choose the right equipment

On the modern market of equipment for photographic studios, there are four types of constant light sources, which differ in the type of lamps used in them. According to this characteristic, the illuminator can be:

• fluorescent;
• halogen;
• LED;
• luminescent.

In addition, light sources are usually divided into products with warm and cold light. Fluorescent or fluorescent models are designed to create cool lighting and backgrounds. In turn, fluorescent sources do not lend themselves to focusing.

Halogen models are mainly used for video filming due to the creation of a warm temperature. Many photographers use them also as diffusers for softboxes.

The most common among modern photographers is LED lighting. Due to its economy and ease of use, as well as a significant service life, such equipment is actively used to create both video and film projects.

In addition to the type of light source, when buying permanent lighting for photographic studios, you should also pay attention to the following selection criteria:

1. Lighting power. It should be at least 250-500 W, which is sufficient for a home photography studio.
2. Price and quality. In other words, an expensive product does not mean the best, the main thing is its functionality. For example, it is very important to have power control and change its depth, and the latter must be at least 1/128 (lighting control within eight apertures).
3. Number of fixtures. Usually, for a small photo studio, two or three sources are sufficient, which, as a rule, are incandescent or LED lamps. The latter, most often, are equipped with remote control panels and brightness control.
   
4. Device type.The equipment can be designed for subject shooting, for home (portable) or professional (stationary) studio.
5. Purchase of a complete set or all components separately. First of all, it should be distinguished that the purchase of a ready-made set is suitable for a novice amateur, because he does not have experience in the correct selection of suitable devices for compatibility, moreover, their cost is lower than when buying lighting for individual parts. For professionals, you can consider purchasing the kit at retail, which allows you to get acquainted with the full range, try out new items and use a more complex lighting scheme.
6. Equipment. A standard set of studio lighting includes two or three lights, their tripods, a diffuser (softbox) and accessories in the form of a reflector, backgrounds, color filters and a bag.

As a result, it turns out that in order to provide high-quality constant lighting for photographic studios, it is important that its sources have sufficient power and are universal. Moreover, there is no need for them to have an exorbitant price.

The best manufacturers of continuous studio light

In the modern Russian market of equipment for photographic studios, the models of constant studio light of the following brands are in greatest demand:

• FST (FotoStudio Technology). One of the most popular manufacturers of constant lighting equipment for photography and video filming. Most of the company's products are low-cost, high-quality ready-to-use kits designed for small and outdoor photography studios.
• Falcon Eyes. Represents one of the widest assortment lines among studio products. Due to the optimal pricing policy and the ratio of price and quality, the company's products are popular all over the world.
• Fotokvant. Represents a brand that has recently entered the market, consisting of a whole group of Russian companies that produce a wide range of photographic products, from clothespins to studio backgrounds. Since 2016, the association has been replenished with Chinese manufacturers.
• LUMIFOR. An emerging Russian brand of studio equipment. Offers budget products for aspiring photographers who cannot afford to purchase equipment from world brands.
• Fancier. It is the own brand of Ningbo Weifeng Image Equipment Group Co., Ltd., under which the company produces a full range of high-quality equipment for photographers and videographers: lighting equipment, tripods, bags and other products.

There are other manufacturers of photographic equipment that are no less famous, but produce more expensive products. So in the rating of high-quality constant studio lighting devices are models from GRIFON, Rekam, Aputure, Bowens, FUJIMI and GreeBean.

Rating of constant light kits for photo studios in 2024

10th place set FST-006 KIT

The FST-006 Kit helps you create professional studio lighting with four 120W fluorescent lamps and softboxes. The color temperature is 5500 K. The set includes four softboxes equipped with E27 cartridges and a crane bar with a counterweight bag, which allows you to adjust the light, correct its direction, and also fix other photographic equipment. The set also includes three aluminum stands designed for softboxes and a crane, and a convenient photo table with a table top. The table is easy to disassemble. The stands allow you to install a constant studio light on either side of your subject. The kit is a mobile photo and video studio that allows you to create the right lighting in any conditions.

• due to the optimal color temperature of 5500K, the feeling of daylight is created, which subsequently facilitates the processing of photographs;
• strong, non-blinking and non-flickering lamps, providing high quality not only for shooting photos, but also for video;
• versatility of illuminators due to the presence of the E27 base;
• the presence of an easily disassembled photo table with a comfortable table top, which distinguishes this set from most of similar equipment from other brands.

For such multifunctional equipment at an affordable price, it is difficult to name significant disadvantages. Insignificant shortcomings of the kit include the absence of remote control devices and the use of fluorescent lamps, not LED ones. But in this case, the cost of the kit would increase at least three times.

General characteristics of FST-006 Kit:

Parameters	Specifications
Power consumption	620 Wt
Softbox size	50 x 70 cm
Base type	E27
Stand material	aluminum
Maximum rack height	200 cm
Type, lamp power	fluorescent 155 W
Colour temperature	5500 K
Country of Origin	China
Equipment	Photo table 100x60x55 cm - 1 pc. Softbox 50x70 cm - 4 pcs. Lamp 155 W 5500 K - 4 pcs. Stand 2.1 m - 3 pcs. Crossbar-crane - 1 pc.

The cost of the FST-006 Kit is 14,530 rubles.

9th place Fancier PS02 fluorescent kit with two fluorescent lamps

Fancier PS02 is a set of professional lighting equipment for studio and outdoor photography. The set is completed with fluorescent lamps and can be used for reportage or documentary photography. The maximum power of the lamps is 56 W, in addition to them, the set of this model includes two illuminators and two stands.

• budget cost with optimal functionality and color temperature;
• robust and durable fluorescent lamps with universal E27 base;
• convenient length of the power cord and the presence of high-quality fastening under the umbrella;
• equipment mobility, quick and easy assembly and disassembly and convenient transportation;
• the ability to change lamps with different color temperatures;
• the presence of durable metal stands, as well as switches on the reflectors, which greatly facilitates the shooting process.

It is very difficult to determine any significant shortcomings in this model. You can pay attention to the limited set of equipment, but if you take into account its cost, then in the case when you need more advanced functionality, you should resort to purchasing more expensive sets of permanent studio lighting

General features of Fancier PS02 fluorescent kit:

Parameters	Specifications
Power consumption	56 watts
Softbox size	not
Base type	E27
Stand material	aluminum
Maximum rack height	190 cm
Type, lamp power	fluorescent 28 W
Colour temperature	5500 K
Country of Origin	China
Equipment	PS02 device with reflector hood - 2 pcs. Lightweight studio stand FAN807 - 2 pcs. Fluorescent lamp FAN636 (28 W, 220V E27 base) - 2 pcs.

The Fancier PS02 fluorescent kit costs 5890 rubles.

8th place Falcon Eyes Qlbk-500 kit

The Falcon Eyes QLBK-500 kit is, first of all, a godsend for beginners, especially due to the fact that it makes it possible to pre-evaluate the cut-off pattern. The kit is suitable for both portrait and subject photography. Also, this model does an excellent job of lighting video shooting. Operates on the basis of two halogen illuminators, which include two LM-2400A stands and two umbrellas.

• average power indicators - 500 W and color temperature - 3200K, which are ideal for advertising photography;
• Bowens mount;
• the presence of a built-in processor that regulates the operation of the system, is responsible for the safety and duration of operation, controls the functioning of ventilation and ensures a stable color temperature;
• the presence of a smooth power adjustment from 0 to 100%;
• memory function.

The Falcon Eyes Qlbk-500 does not include a softbox, which must be purchased separately. For this model, it is recommended to buy a heat-resistant Falcon Eyes SBQ-6090 BW softbox with a honeycomb nozzle.

General characteristics of Falcon Eyes QLBK-500:

Parameters	Specifications
Power consumption	1000 watts
Softbox size	not
Stand material	aluminum
Maximum rack height	230 cm
Type, lamp power	halogen 500 W
Colour temperature	3200 K
Country of Origin	China
Equipment	Halogen illuminator QL-500BW - 2 pieces Stand LM-2400A - 2 pieces UR-48T umbrella - 2 pieces Bag (72x44x28 cm)

The cost of Falcon Eyes QLBK-500 is 23,000 rubles.

7th place halogen studio light kit Grifon Creative SSS 1000 KIT

The kit works on the basis of Grifon QL-1000 halogen illuminators, provided with quality characteristics. So each light source has a stepless power adjustment, is equipped with a silent cooling system and is made in a modern design. The equipment is designed for photo and video filming. The complete set includes illuminators and attachments with Bowens bayonet mount. This model is a versatile set for continuous studio lighting, including three monoblocs with three light stands and heat resistant softboxes.

• thanks to the heat resistance of the softboxes, you can shoot at high temperatures;
• low degree of heat transfer of the illuminators, which allows not to heat the removed objects and objects;
• a wide functional list and modern equipment, which allows using it as the main photo studio without additional devices;
• Ideal for portraits thanks to the high power of halogen lights.

The kit is an almost ready-to-work studio, which speaks for itself about its versatility, which means that there are no significant disadvantages. The only thing that is more likely not a disadvantage, but just an inconvenience is the high cost of the model, which is why not every photographer, especially a beginner, can afford to buy it.

General characteristics of Grifon Creative SSS 1000 KIT:

Parameters	Specifications
Power consumption 130 W	220 V
Softbox size	60 x 90 cm
Base type	E27
Stand material	aluminum
Maximum rack height	200 cm
Type, lamp power	fluorescent 26 W
Colour temperature	5500 K
Country of Origin	China
Equipment	26W fluorescent lamp - 5 pcs. Studio stand 200 cm - 1 pc. Lamp holder for 5 TL-5 caps - 1 pc. Softbox 60x90 with bayonet - 1 pc.

The cost of the Grifon Creative SSS 1000 KIT is 48,390 rubles.

6th place set of continuous fluorescent light FST ET-402 Kit

The set works on the basis of 85 W fluorescent lamps and 50x70 cm softboxes. Designed for portrait and product photographs, as well as shooting short videos. Suitable for use by professional photographers and amateur amateur photographers. The equipment has an average power of 170 W and an optimal color temperature of 5500K.

• emits a small amount of heat, due to which it does not heat the removed objects, which favorably distinguishes it among similar models with halogen sources;
• due to the features of the device, it allows for high-quality object photography, therefore, it is perfect for shooting products from online stores, still lifes and jewelry;
• easy to use: assembly, disassembly and transportation.

The most significant drawback of the kit may be the low indicator of the total power of the illuminators, especially in comparison with other equipment of the same price and configuration.

General characteristics of FST ET-402 Kit:

Parameters	Specifications
Power consumption	170 watts
Softbox size	50 x 70 cm
Base type	E27
Stand material	aluminum
Maximum rack height	200 cm
Type, lamp power	fluorescent 85 W
Colour temperature	5500 K
Country of Origin	China
Equipment	Folding softbox with E27 cartridge, 50x70 cm - 2 pcs. 85 W E27 fluorescent lamps - 2 pcs. Studio stands 2 m - 2 pcs. Bag for storage and transportation.

The cost of the FST ET-402 Kit is 9,500 rubles.

5th Place FST-001 Kit

The set includes three light sources equipped with an E27 socket and twelve 45 W fluorescent photolamps providing a color temperature of 5500K. In addition, the set includes a handbag, two aluminum stands (213 cm) and one stand with a boom bar (244 cm). The FST-001 creates soft natural light that allows you to take photos and videos at both close and long distances.

• the optimal number of light sources - 3 pcs .;
• the possibility of using for shooting objects that do not tolerate heat well due to the presence of special non-heating energy-saving photo lamps;
• no flickering of fluorescent lamps on video recording;
• equipment mobility;
• the presence of a special bag that allows you to use the equipment in street conditions.

Considering that in terms of price and functionality the equipment is suitable for both beginner photographers and professionals, we can say that this model has no disadvantages.

General characteristics of FST-001 Kit:

Parameters	Specifications
Power consumption	540 Wt
Softbox size	50 x 70 cm
Base type	E27
Stand material	aluminum
Maximum rack height	2 pieces - 213 cm, 1 piece - 240 cm
Type, lamp power	fluorescent 45 W
Colour temperature	5500 K
Country of Origin	China
Equipment	Light source for 4 cartridges E27 - 3 pcs Lamp FST L-E27 45 W - 12 pcs Rack FST LS - 3 pcs Softbox FST 50x70 cm - 3 pieces Crossbar-crane Storage and transport bag

The cost of the FST-001 Kit is 13,450 rubles.

4th place Fotokvant FL-13 KIT

Powered by three 180W lighting fixtures. The total power consumption is 540 W. The set is suitable for lighting small studios. Provides an optimal configuration, since in addition to the illuminators, the set includes three softboxes and three stands with a maximum height of 1.9 to 2.1 meters. as well as a two-section telescopic boom for the Fotokvant LSP-140 crane. The total weight of the assembled equipment is 2.5 kg.

• provides for the use of energy-saving lamps with an E27 socket for studio lighting fixtures;
• due to the correct color temperature 5500K provides pure white light, which frees from lengthy post-processing of frames;
• is a mobile equipment that can be quickly and easily assembled and conveniently transported;
• suitable for use by both novice amateur photographers and professional photographers.
• can be used as the only main or additional lighting equipment.

There are no serious flaws in the equipment. The only minor drawback, rather just an inconvenience, is the lack of remote control devices in the kit.

General characteristics of Fotokvant FL-13 KIT:

Parameters	Specifications
Power consumption	540 Wt
Softbox size	50 x 70 cm
Base type	E27
Stand material	aluminum
Maximum rack height	2 pieces - 190 cm, 1 piece - 210 cm
Type, lamp power	fluorescent 45 W
Colour temperature	5500 K
Country of Origin	China
Equipment	Lamp holders - 3 pcs. Softboxes 50x70 cm - 3 pcs. Lamps 45 W - 12 pcs. Crossbar for crane Fotokvant LSP-140 - 1 pc. Rack - 3 pcs. Cover bag - 1 pc.

The cost of the Fotokvant FL-13 KIT is 14,560 rubles.

3rd place set FST FK-5070

The set is represented by a softbox SB015 in a standard size 50x70 cm with a universal socket E27, an FST L-210 stand and an 85 W fluorescent lamp. The rack is made of durable aluminum, has three sections, is equipped with a standard 5/8 mount and is capable of lifting up to 2.10 meters.

• allows you to create soft lighting in the room without unnecessary glare and light losses;
• Ideal for uniform lighting of portrait and product photography;
• by equipping the fluorescent lamp with an E27 base, it can be used in many standard lighting fixtures;
• budget price.

• There is only one light source. Moreover, if we take into account the budgetary cost of the equipment, then it is quite possible to purchase a second illuminator additionally.

General characteristics to FST FK-5070:

Parameters	Specifications
Rated voltage	220 V
Softbox size	50 x 70 cm
Network cable length	2 m
Base type	E27
Stand material	aluminum
Maximum rack height	210 cm
Type, lamp power	fluorescent 85 W
Colour temperature	5500 K
Country of Origin	China
Equipment	Lamp holders - 1 pc. Softbox SB015 50x70 cm - 1 pc. Fluorescent lamp FST L-E27 - 1pc. Three-section rack - 1 pc.

The cost of the FST FK-5070 is 5270 rubles.

2nd place FST Studio Kit

Versatile powerful equipment with fluorescent lamps 5500K. Due to its high illumination power, it is perfect for almost all types of video filming, as well as for photography. The set includes softboxes that work only with fluorescent devices.

• provides for special fluorescent lamps with a power of 85W for an E27 base, allowing to ensure an optimal color temperature of 5500 K;
• provides for the presence of white, black and green backgrounds to create the desired effect on the video;
• the set is quickly disassembled and assembled - it is enough to spend 2-3 minutes;
• Thanks to the dimensions of the crane, you can install the lights above or below the object at the desired height.

It is quite difficult to determine the bright disadvantages in the operation of this model. Perhaps the most significant drawbacks include only its high cost.

General characteristics of FST Studio Kit:

Parameters	Specifications
Power consumption	765 Wt
Softbox size	2 pieces - 50 x 70 cm; 1 piece - 50 x 50
Base type	E27
Stand material	aluminum
Maximum rack height	190 cm
Type, lamp power	fluorescent 85 W
Colour temperature	5500 K
Country of Origin	China
Equipment	Background suspension system (vhsh) 209x300cm (with quick-assembly crossbar) Backgrounds: black, white and green 1.8x2.7m Luminaire for 4 lamps - 2 pcs. Lamp for 1 lamp - 1 pc. Softbox 50x70 - 2 pcs. Softbox 50x50 -1 pc. 85W lamps - 9 pcs. Racks 1.90m - 2 pcs. Crane - 1 pc. Carrying bag - 1 pc.

The cost of the FST Studio Kit is 24,570 rubles.

1st place set of continuous fluorescent light Fotokvant FL-12 KIT

It works on the basis of three lighting devices, each with a power of 180 watts. The maximum power consumption of this model is 540 W. Designed for small photo and video studios. In addition to the fixtures, the set includes three softboxes and three adjustable stands.

The advantages of this model are similar to those of the Fotokvant FL-13 KIT and lie in the versatility of the light sources thanks to the use of the E27 base and the possibility of using it by both beginner and professional photographers. It also has the correct color temperature of 5500 K and provides pure white light.

As with the Fotokvant FL-13 KIT model, there are no serious flaws in the equipment.

General characteristics of Fotokvant FL-12 KIT:

Parameters	Specifications
Rated voltage	220 V
Network cable length	2 meters
Softbox size	40 x 70 cm
Base type	E27
Lighting angle	60°
Stand material	aluminum
Maximum rack height	200 cm
Lamp power	45 watts
Colour temperature	5500 K
Country of Origin	China
Equipment	Stand Fotokvant LS-1800 - 3 pcs. Four-lamp constant light illuminator with E27 base - 3 pcs. Softbox 50 x 70 cm - 3 pcs. Energy saving lamp 45W - 12 pcs. Carrying bag for the set - 1 pc.

The cost of the Fotokvant FL-12 KIT is 12,920 rubles.

Outcome

When choosing which company is better and which model to buy, it is important to decide in advance for the purpose of the further use of lighting: whether it will be a small mobile photography studio or a large photo studio, whether it will be used for subject, portrait, advertising or macro photography. You should also carefully consider the main characteristics of the devices, such as power indicators, equipment and appearance.

In 2024, the greatest demand is for budgetary permanent light kits from FST, Falcon Eyes and Fotokvant, the average price of which is no more than 15,000 rubles. The most popular model today is the Fotokvant FL-12 KIT. The data from the rating of permanent lighting of photographic studios shows that it is not always important how much a ready-made set costs, it is more important that it is powerful, convenient and reliable.