Best Budget Lighting Kit Ideas Under 150 Dollars
No matter what your filmmaking budget is, every filmmaker needs to build a small lighting kit for brightening up a dark scene.
The great thing about the latest lighting kits available to filmmakers, is they are portable and affordable. With many lighting film kits going towards LED lights, filmmakers can get powerful lights without having to worry about heavy and power-hungry tungsten or HMI lights.
If you are looking to build a small LED lighting kit or thinking about adding a few decent and affordable lights for your kit, then this list is for you.
For this list of Lighting Kit Ideas Under 150 Dollars, we’ve picked a few very portable, efficient lights and kits to get you started on your way to achieving decent lighting on a budget. These include small battery-powered LEDs, and larger and suitable units to help brighten up dim sets to get you started.
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Best Budget Lighting Kit Ideas Under 150 Dollars
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Aputure MC RGBWW LED
Key Features
- 95% BT 2020 Gamut Coverage
- Full HSI Color Control
- 0 to 100% Dimming
- OLED Display with Control Wheel
- Aputure Sidus Link App Compatibility
- Built-In FX Settings
- Integrated Battery, 120-Minute Runtime
- Wireless Qi Compatible Charging
- USB Type-C PD Quick Charge
Lighting Kit Ideas Under 150 Dollars – Aputure MC RGBWW LED
The Aputure MC RGBWW LED Light is part of the Aputure M-series of lights and features RGB LEDs, as well as both tungsten- and daylight-balanced LEDs, creating a full hue controllable LED that emits up to 95% of the BT 2020 color gamut. This lightweight light fixture easily fits in the palm of your hand and can be mounted using the built-in 1/4″-20 threaded mounting hole or attached to metal items via its built-in magnets. The light integrates an OLED display screen and a control wheel. Compatibility with the Aputure Sidus Link app enables you to remotely control your light from your mobile device. The light fixture supports the Sidus Mesh technology that enables you to control multiple fixtures.
The fixture is dimmable from 100 to 0% brightness, has 360° of hue control, and has 100 levels of color saturation adjustment. It features a CRI rating of 96 and a TLCI rating of 97, and the MC LED light has a color temperature range of 3200 to 6500K adjustable in 100° increments. In addition to the HSI and CCT settings, the light has nine built-in FX settings. The integrated battery will run the fixture for two hours at maximum brightness. The fixture supports USB Type-C PD (Power Delivery) quick-charging protocol for rapid charging, and it also supports the Qi wireless charging protocol, making it compatible with most wireless chargers.
Looking for Lighting Kit Ideas Under 150 Dollars, connecting the Aputure MC RGBWW LED to a Pearstone 11″ Articulating Arm via the camera hot shoe gives you the on-camera flexibility you need in tight locations, or throw it on an Impact Heavy-Duty Air-Cushioned Light Stand to add more light to your scene.
Aputure Accent B7c LED RGBWW Light
Key Features
- 2.75″ Diameter Bulb: 2000 to 10,000K,
- CRI/TLCI: 95+/96+; 9 x Special Effects
- RGB Mode with Hue, Saturation, Intensity
- AC or Built-in Battery, 70 Min. Runtime
- Dims 0 to 100%, E26/27 Base
- Bluetooth Wireless Range: 164′
Best Budget Lighting Kit Ideas Under 150 Dollars – Aputure Accent B7c LED RGBWW Light
With a deceptively 2.75″ diameter form factor and a simple E26/27 household screw-in base, it’s easy to underestimate the wealth of capability contained within the Aputure Accent B7c LED RGBWW Light.
The bantam fixture has a white light range of 2000 to 10,000K to blend in seamlessly in any ambient light situation, match other fixtures, or exercise creative expression. The light’s high CRI/TLCI rating of 95/96 is a testament to its advanced accuracy in color reproduction. Another color control feature is its RGB mode with hue, saturation, and intensity adjustment that gives image makers access to millions of colors. And the light is dimmable from 0 to 100%.
There are yet more benefits. The fixture is compatible with wireless Bluetooth control up to 164′ and has nine lighting effects, including Paparazzi, Fireworks, Faulty Bulb, Lightning, TV, Party, Pulsing, Cop Car, and Fire.
Ready for worldwide use, the Accent B7c runs on 100 to 240V, but it also has a built-in rechargeable battery that will give you 70 minutes of runtime per charge.
I was skeptical but this little gem works as advertised. Used for accents, background effects, etc. Pretty spiffy!
Lume Cube 2.0 Daylight-Balanced Portable LED Light
Key Features
- 5600K Color Temperature
- 1 to 750 Lux Dimmable Output
- Continuous Output Light
- Strobe Capability for Still Photo Work
- Integrated Battery
- Low Light Mode
- Waterproof to 30′
Best Budget Lighting Kit Ideas Under 150 Dollars – Lume Cube 2.0 Daylight-Balanced Portable LED Light
The black Lume Cube 2.0 Daylight-Balanced Portable LED Light features a 5600K color temperature, and the unit’s output is dimmable from 0 to 750 lux. The light is suitable for use as either a video light or a still photo strobe. It features an 80° beam angle, and the output has a CRI rating of 95 for excellent color rendition. It incorporates a rechargeable battery that lasts 90 minutes at full brightness.
The Lume Cube is controlled either manually or via Bluetooth using Lume-X, which is available on iOS or Android. The 1/4″-20 female threads allow you to mount the Lume Cube onto a variety of optional camera accessories. A Low Light mode allows you to dim the light down to 1% brightness.
The fixture has a rubber plug to cover its ports, which makes it waterproof only down to 30′ and makes it usable in both dry and wet weather or while fully submerged.
The Lume Cube 2.0 Daylight-Balanced Portable LED Light is perfect. Plenty of adjustability and color temp range. Love them.
Lume Cube Panel GO
Key Features
- 3200 to 5600K Compact LED Panel
- 1 to 100% Dimming
- 1080 lux Output at 1.8′
- LCD Temp, Bright, Time & Battery Display
- USB Type-C Charging; Charge While in Use
- Built-In Diffusion Panel
- Separate On/Off Switch
- 1/4″-20 Mounting Thread on Bottom
- Detachable Shoe Mount Included
Best Budget Lighting Kit Ideas Under 150 Dollars – Lume Cube Panel GO
The Panel GO from Lume Cube is a compact LED panel light that packs a powerful punch for video, photo, and vlogging applications. It features a 3200 to 5600K adjustable color temperature, 112 bicolor LEDs, and 1 to 100% dimming in increments of 5%. The maximum brightness output is 1080 lux when measured at 1.8′.
An intelligent LCD on the rear of the Panel GO displays the color temperature, brightness level, remaining runtime, and battery level. At 100% brightness, the light runs for approximately 1.3 hours, and at 50% for 2.3 hours. The Panel GO is charged via its USB Type-C port and can be used while charging. Design features include an aluminum build, a built-in diffusion panel, and side control buttons.
Mount the Panel GO on your camera or rig using its bottom 1/4″-20 thread or the included shoe adapter. This light also comes with a USB Type-C charging cable.
Lume Cube has been a new force when it comes to easy-to-use lighting options! The Go panel is perfect for on-the-go production. I have only used it a few times and it has already become my favorite lighting option!
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Genaray Powerbank 96A Pocket LED Light (Tungsten to Daylight, 4000mAh)
Key Features
- 3200 to 5600K Stepped Variable Color
- Metal Chassis Construction
- Pocket Sized
- Integrated Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery
- Dimming from 10 to 100% Brightness
- Boost Mode for 30% Increased Output
- Snap-On Diffusion Filter Included
- On/Off Switch and LED Charging LEDs
- Two 1/4″-20 Threaded Mounting Holes
- USB Type-C Power In / Type-A Power Out
Best Budget Lighting Kit Ideas Under 150 Dollars – Genaray Powerbank 96A Pocket LED Light
The Genaray Powerbank 96A Pocket LED Light is a small yet powerful variable-color temperature light with output from 3200 to 5600K adjustable in 100K steps that’s suitable for use in interior, exterior, and mixed lighting conditions. The light is small enough to slip into your pocket, and the metal chassis makes the fixture durable enough to take anywhere.
In addition to the 100K stepped color temperature adjustment, the light also features dimming from 100 to 10% brightness. A boost mode increases the light fixture’s output to 130% for one minute before returning the brightness to the previous setting. The light includes a removable snap-on diffuser that softens the fixture’s output creating a flattering soft source that casts a single shadow.
The integrated battery charges via a USB Type-C port and can be charged at 5 VDC drawing 1 amp. A built-in USB Type-A power port allows you to charge/power devices when the PB-96A is switched off. The fixture has a built-in on/off switch and LED indicators that show you the charge status of the internal battery.
A side-mounted toggle switch enables you to control the color temperature of the output, as well as the brightness of the unit. The chassis features two 1/4″-20 threaded mounting holes, one on the bottom and one on the side, and it comes with a cold shoe ball joint adapter, mini tripod, and smartphone clamp.
This light has been my absolute best friend on shoots when I mainly shoot b-roll with a mirrorless camera or smartphone. This light is the perfect addition to my A7iii. I love the bi-color options and the visual display. And the power bank feature helps for all-day shooting.
Godox RGB Mini Creative M1
Key Features
- 2500 to 8500K Variable Color Temperature
- RGB Mode with 360 Colors
- Full 0 to 100% Dimming, CRI of 97
- 15 Effects, 40 Presets, Music Mode
- 2410mAh Li-Ion Battery Lasts ~2.5 Hours
- Lightweight, Pocket-Sized Design
- Bracket with 1/4″-20 Mounting Threads
- Slim & Compact Aluminum Design
Best Budget Lighting Kit Ideas Under 150 Dollars – Godox RGB Mini Creative M1 On-Camera Video LED Light
Dress up your video background and atmosphere with this RGB Mini Creative M1 On-Camera Video LED Light from Godox. The pocket-sized light allows you to adjust hue and saturation from 360 colors when in RGB mode, and the color temperature is adjustable from 2500 to 8500K to match an ambient light source.
There are also 15 special effect modes and 40 presets that add speed and creativity to your shoot. It is rated with a high CRI of 97 that ensures natural and accurate color rendering.
The light features an integrated, articulating mounting bracket that includes multiple 1/4″-20 threads for mounting in a variety of positions.
There’s also a built-in mic to utilize the Music mode, which allows the light to change based on the beat of the music. The integrated 2410mAh battery charges using the included USB Type-C cable, and it lasts about 2.5 hours when at 100% power.
The LCD screen on the rear is controlled by two control dials and one button on the side. Also included with the light is a carry pouch, a 1/4″-20 to shoe adapter, and an Allen wrench.
This is one of my favorite items in my bag. Can be used for uplighting, so many presets for film uses, bright and compact at a great price. Full blast lasted a couple of hours.
Neewer Professional Dimmable Bi-Color LED Video Light
Key Features
- Fixture Measures: 9 x 8 x 2″
- Color Temperature: 3200-5600K, CRI: 95
- 660 LEDs: 330 Daylight and 330 Tungsten
- 4-Way Barndoors, White Diffuser
- Tilting Yoke, AC Adapter
- Carrying Bag
Best Budget Lighting Kit Ideas Under 150 Dollars – Neewer Professional Dimmable Bi-Color LED Video Light
The Professional Dimmable Bi-Color LED Video Light from Neewer has power and color options that make it suitable for studio or location work.
Included is a diffusion panel to soften the bright LEDs, plus a carrying case for storage and transport. The light is ready for worldwide use thanks to its included universal adapter, but it can also run on separately-purchased NP-F550 and NP-F970 batteries when mains power is unavailable.
The fixture employs 660 LEDs mounted in durable housing that output 3360 Lux . Half the LEDs are balanced for daylight and half for tungsten, allowing for a variable Kelvin adjustment range of 3200 to 5600K with a CRI rating of 95 – your assurance of faithful color reproduction. Additionally, a tiltable U-shaped yoke is provided for the panel.
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About the author: Trent (IMDB | Youtube) has spent 10+ years working on an assortment of film and television projects. He writes about his experiences to help (and amuse) others. If he’s not working, he’s either traveling, reading or writing about travel/film, or planning travel/film projects.
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