Buyer’s Guide: Lights
Posted on Oct 15, 2024
Find the light of your life
We pick out the brightest names in lighting, from innovative LED systems to essential tools for creatives
Words by Pete Townshend
There’s no doubt that mastering the art of lighting can bring a whole new dimension to your photography. Not only does it free you from the constraints of low ambient light, but also gives you complete control over the look you are trying to create.
So much control means you can create images with complete intention. Rather than working with what you’ve got on the day, artificial lighting allows you to meticulously design, plan and test the result you want before the shoot. This is especially useful if you are paying for a model’s time or only have a product in your possession for a limited period.
The lighting industry is such that, even as a seasoned professional, it can be hard to keep up with all the brands that enter the market, not to mention the fast development of new products and technologies.
That’s why we are bringing you this buyers’ guide to lighting. To follow, we have outlined the newest and best lighting manufacturers – along with some familiar names – to help give you the toolkit you need to make the right lighting choice.
Hobolite
Hobolite designs LED lighting with a focus on aesthetics. It produces elegant portable lighting systems that cater for photographers and videographers working in various environments. The brand’s products are built to function as a cohesive system, intended to simplify the set-up for creatives who often work outside of studio spaces. With a solid background in R&D and a focus on user experience, Hobolite provides flexible lighting solutions aimed at meeting the requirements of content creators on the move.
Neewer
Founded in 2011, Neewer is now a well-established brand offering a range of photography and video equipment, known for providing functional products at accessible prices. Its line-up includes LED panels, flashes, ring lights and video lighting gear, alongside accessories such as soft boxes, tripods and filters. Neewer focuses on practical and affordable tools for photographers and content creators at various levels. Services include a 45-day return policy and two-year warranty – making it a compelling choice.
Nanlite
Nanlite, founded in 1992, produces LED lighting equipment for photography, videography and broadcasting. It has a wide-reaching presence, serving professionals in more than 85 countries. Nanlite’s offerings include LED panels, monolights and portable lighting solutions. A keen focus on R&D has resulted in the development of numerous patented technologies, leading to products for a whole range of professional needs.
The brand’s products have been deployed in various applications, from filmmaking to studio photography, giving users versatile lighting tools for different settings.
Adaptalux
Adaptalux is a UK-based company that specialises in lighting systems for macro photography. Launched back in 2015, the brand developed its initial modular lighting solution to address challenges with close-up photography. Adaptalux’s products let users customise lighting set-ups, offering flexibility and control for specialist photography work.
Since those early days, Adaptalux has expanded its line-up, introducing additional lighting options like xenon flash. We like the fact that it remains a smaller specialist company, focusing all its efforts on serving the niche needs of macro photographers.
Wex Photo Video
If you find it gruelling trawling through lots of websites to find the perfect gear, head to Wex Photo Video. This UK-based retailer offers a comprehensive selection of photography and video equipment, including an extensive assortment of lighting products. From flash systems to studio lighting kits, Wex provides customers with access to numerous solutions from a variety of manufacturers, making it easier to compare and contrast the right products. With both an online store and physical locations, Wex prides itself on a broad range and fantastic customer support.
Godox
Godox manufactures lighting equipment for photographers, videographers and filmmakers. Its product range spans flashes, continuous lighting and many accessories designed to meet diverse lighting requirements. With a strong emphasis on in-house production, Godox operates several facilities to manage the development and assembly of its equipment. The brand is always expanding its line-up to keep pace with technological advancements and market demands, offering adaptable solutions for a wide spectrum of creative pros.
This guide was first published in Issue 117 of Photography News.
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