One of the best ways to get the best results in video shooting, vlogging, or photography quality is to have good quality lighting that minimizes the shadows and delivers excellent lighting. We have talked about it a lot.
A great way to improve the quality of a video or picture is to find the best softboxes for your vlogging or photography studio.
In this article, we will give you the best softbox lighting kit options and why you should choose this type of lighting.
Here’s the kicker:
There are a lot of different options available. However, it is not easy to choose the type that you need. This is why we have rounded up the top 8 best options in the market that might improve the process of making a great vlog or photo shooting in 2021.
Table of Contents
- What is A Softbox?
- How and Where to Use Softbox Lighting?
- TOP 8 Best Softbox Lighting Kits 2021
- 1. Fovitec Photography & Video Softbox – Perfect Softbox for YouTube Videos
- 2. MOUNTDOG Softbox Lighting Kit – Ideal Budget-Friendly Softbox [Under $90]
- 3. Neewer Socket Light Lighting Kit – Perfect Softbox for Beginners
- 4. RALENO Lighting Kit – Great Lightweight Softboxes Kit
- 5. HPUSN Softbox Lighting Kit – Good Softbox for Group Shots or Fashion Vlogs [Under $60]
- 6. MOUNTDOG 1350W Softbox Lighting Kit – Superb Softbox for Entry-Level Vloggers and Photographers
- 7. SH Softbox Lighting Kit – Cheapest Softboxes from the List [Under $50]
- 8. AmazonBasics Portable Foldable Studio Box – Best Portable Softbox for Product Photography
- Recommendation
What is A Softbox?
A softbox spreads the light into a soft and even light, and when used properly, a softbox reduces any harsh shadows that come into a subject that you are taking pictures of or shooting a video.
The closer you will place the softbox to the subject, the softer light it will give, copying the window light.
There are also many shapes of the softboxes: rectangular, octagonal, square, or long strip. It depends on what type do you need.
This lighting type is a studio strobe light or a Speedlight covered with a translucent cloth. You can see that most of the softboxes have a black exterior and a white interior. The black part of the softbox is to prevent the light from spilling out.
It is not a secret that many videographers and photographers are using a softbox as the type of lighting for their vlogs.
How and Where to Use Softbox Lighting?
Learning how to use a softbox correctly could improve the quality of the video or picture that you are shooting. They are also useful when the light is low and you are shooting indoors.
Firstly, you need to choose the required and best softbox size according to the environment size. A softbox could be used as the leading light or as the key light, depends on the situation.
You can also use the softbox as the filling lighting option. If you are going to be shooting in a studio setting or anywhere else where the softbox will be the leading light that you need to consider these things:
- the closeness to the subject;
- the place that you are going to put the softbox;
- how powerful is your softbox;
- are you going to be using additional lights;
- is your subject reflective.
It would help if you placed the softbox far enough from the subject so the lighting would be even and natural.
However, placing the softbox to the right distance will provide soft lighting to the subject. The farther the softbox is, the more sharp edges you will get.
Source: The Slanted Lens
TOP 8 Best Softbox Lighting Kits 2021
| Name | Color Temperature | Max Height | Check |
|---|---|---|---|
Fovitec Photography & Video Softbox - Editor's Choice | 5500K | 7'6" / 2.28 m | Price |
| 5500k | 80″ / 2.03 m | Price | |
| 5500k | 88" / 2.22 m | Price | |
| 5500k | 85" / 2.15 m | Price | |
| 5500k | 78" / 2.00 cm | Price | |
| 5500k | 80″ / 2.03 m | Price | |
| 5500k | 80″ / 2.03 m | Price | |
| 5600K | 25″ / 63 cm | Price |
1. Fovitec Photography & Video Softbox – Perfect Softbox for YouTube Videos
Fovitec has been well-known as a manufacturer of great lighting products. This product isn’t an exception.
This softbox continuous lighting kit comes with:
- 2 straight stands which height is 7’6″ (2.28 m) but can adjust to a lower height – around 4 feet (1.2 m), 3 20″ x 28″ (50 cm x 71 cm);
- 2 x 5 socket head / 1 x 1 socket head;
- 1 boom stand + sandbag;
- 11 x 45W bulbs;
- 1 bag.
| Preview | Product | |
|---|---|---|
 | Fovitec 3-Light Fluorescent Studio Lighting Kit w/ Boom arm, 20"x28" Softboxes, 11 45W Bulbs, Light... | CHECK THE PRICE |
By the way, you could select how many kits do you want in the packet (from 1 to 3), and it affects the price. I highly recommend checking it out.
Besides, you are getting a big carrying bag and a sandbag counterweight, which you can use for the boom arm. The boom arm comes with a large adjustable handle and a metal ring on the end where you can attach the sandbag counterweight.
Unluckily, there is a downside to this kit.
The stands are the weakest element of this kit – the 2 straight lights are a bit top-heavy. This is because of a large socket head and the number of bulbs. If you extend the height over 70″ (1.77 m), the stand starts to wobble a bit. Despite it, you can stabilize it by positioning the softbox in the same direction as the stand legs.
The Fovitec lighting kit sets up within 15 minutes after your practice. Because there are several bulbs and rods in the softboxes, at first, it may seem to be hard to assemble everything. In total, you are getting 11 bulbs, so you are required to read an instruction manual before joining it.
For the beginner, it might seem mission impossible, but once you have gained a bit of understanding of how it gets together, there is no problem at all.
- Weights 26.1 pounds (11.8 kg) in total;
- Product Dimensions 29″ x 12″ x 17″;
- Black colored;
- 5500K lighting color temperature;
- 2500W power;
- It comes with 3 stands, 3 softboxes, and 11 bulbs.
All in all, this is versatile mid-level and one of the brightest softboxes in the market. If you have already used smaller lighting kits and want to upgrade to the more professional kit, the Fovitec Continuous Lighting Kit is a great choice.
2. MOUNTDOG Softbox Lighting Kit – Ideal Budget-Friendly Softbox [Under $90]
The Mountdog Photography Studio Softbox Lighting Kit might be the best softbox to buy if you are on a budget.
If you are looking for a high-quality lighting kit that is including a boom mount for overhead lighting but still wants to keep the price low, this is a great choice.
Usually, softbox lighting kits are costing way over $100, but with this kit, you are getting 3 rectangular 20″ x 28″ (50 cm x 71 cm) light enclosures with softbox diffusers and 3 28″ to 80″ (71 cm to 2.03 m) adjustable stands for a really good price.
| Preview | Product | |
|---|---|---|
 | MOUNTDOG Photography Studio Softbox Lighting Kit Continuous Lighting System Photo with 3pcs E27 95W... | CHECK THE PRICE |
Plus, there is a single boom mount and a sandbag. You can also get creative and use the boom stand as a third softbox if you need more lighting. Each softbox comes with a 135W fluorescent bulb, and you are getting a spare bulb, which, according to the price of this kit, is terrific.
The Mountdog Photography Studio Softbox Lighting Kit is lightweight and weighs only 16 pounds, so you can transfer the kit easily. Stands are made from sturdy material, however, because of this low price, they can be unstable if you are going to extend the stands to their highest points.
- Weights 16 pounds (7.25 kg) in total;
- Product Dimensions 3″ x 11.5″ x 9.6″;
- Black colored;
- 135W power bulbs;
- Comes with 3 softboxes, 4 bulbs, 3 light stands, 1 boom arm stand, 1 sandbag, and 1 carrying bag.
Overall, it is a great lighting kit if you are on a budget, especially if you are a beginner video maker or photographer. It is not very difficult to assemble this lighting kit and it is super easy-to-use.
3. Neewer Socket Light Lighting Kit – Perfect Softbox for Beginners
Another great lighting kit from the Neewer brand is very affordable and practical for entry-level video makers and photographers.
According to some tests, the Neewer 700W lighting kit is labeled as a professional kit; it ideally could be used by beginners.
You can expect that it will be great for photography like advertising products, scientific or even recording podcasts, or vlog sessions.
The kit comes with 2 softboxes, 2 lightbulbs, 2 light stands, and 1 carrying bag. These softboxes defuse the light and provide balanced lighting so that you can take high-quality shots.
| Preview | Product | |
|---|---|---|
 | Neewer 700W Professional Photography 24x24 inches/60x60 Centimeters Softbox with E27 Socket Light... | CHECK THE PRICE |
These softboxes are also using the E27 socket, which allows you to connect the bulbs directly into it. The bulbs are 85W 5500K CFL and operate at low temperatures, which means that they will not get as hot as the other regular bulbs and still will provide excellent lighting.
When talking about the light stands, they are made from a strong and sturdy aluminum alloy that doesn’t weigh down the stand and still makes it lightweight. The setup process is easy, so the Neewer lighting kit is suitable for beginners.
- Weights 12 pounds (8.1 kg) in total;
- Product Dimensions 32″ x 12″ x 9″;
- Black/silver-colored;
- 85W 5500K CFL Light Bulb;
- It comes with 2 softboxes, 2 bulbs, 2 light stands, and 1 carrying bag;
- 5500K color temperature and 85W power.
If you are looking for the perfect quality lighting kit which is suitable for beginners, easy-to-use, and costs under $100, the Neewer 700W Lighting Kit is the most suitable option. It comes with adjustable stands and softboxes that provide enough lighting to remove the shadows and improve the image or video quality.
4. RALENO Lighting Kit – Great Lightweight Softboxes Kit
This softbox review list comes down to cheap and great products.
Another great choice if you are looking for a cheap and great quality softbox lighting kit.
Most of the time, people are spending a lot of money on professional lighting. However, if you are just starting your career, you could easily go for the Raleno Softbox Photography Lighting Kit.
| Preview | Product | |
|---|---|---|
 | RALENO Softbox Photography Lighting Kit 20"X28" Photography Continuous Lighting System Photo Studio... | CHECK THE PRICE |
It uses CFL bulbs that provide lighting, which improves the image or video quality that you are shooting. Besides, the Raleno lighting kit uses the scientific technology of soft light. In other words, the relief stone line spreads the light. Therefore, the light is more bright.
Besides, the softboxes have high-quality nylon cloth, which helps to improve the quality of the lighting. The light stands can extend from 27″ to 85″ (68 cm to 2.15 m), making them suitable for any type of angle lighting.
The Raleno kit comes with 2 softboxes, 2 85W 100V CFL bulbs, 2 adjustable light stands, and 1 portable tote.
- Weights 9 pounds (4 kg) in total;
- Product Dimensions 5″ x 8.7″ x 8.3″;
- Black/silver-colored;
- 85W 110V CFL Light Bulb;
- It comes with 2 softboxes, 2 bulbs, 2 light stands, and 1 portable tote;
- 5500K color temperature and 85W power.
RALENO Softbox Photography Lighting Kit gives high performance as it is strong and portable so makes it easy to carry around. The kit is easy-to-use and is not the most expensive, suitable for vlogging beginners and entry-level photographers.
5. HPUSN Softbox Lighting Kit – Good Softbox for Group Shots or Fashion Vlogs [Under $60]
The HPUSN Softbox lighting kit is a great product if you are looking for the type of lighting which can provide you enough light for group shots, portrait photography, or fashion vlogs.
The softboxes from this kit are made of high-quality PET and deliver good reflective performance. These softboxes do not release toxic and unwanted odors when you are using them for a longer time.
The HPUSN kit has 85W CFL bulbs, which provide enough lighting for 80% energy use, so it is not only a powerful but also an energy-saving lighting kit. The bulbs provide white lighting that looks like daylight and suitable for the photography and vlogging environment.
| Preview | Product | |
|---|---|---|
 | HPUSN Softbox Lighting Kit Professional Studio Photography Equipment Continuous Lighting with 85W... | CHECK THE PRICE |
The studio softbox can rotate 210° thanks to the locking knob and makes it perfect if you want different angles. The stands are made from sturdy aluminum alloy material and lightweight enough to carry and transfer your lighting kit from a studio to a studio.
- Weights 9.8 pounds (4.4 kg) in total;
- Product Dimensions 6″ x 7.9″ x 8.3″;
- Black/silver-colored;
- 85W 110V CFL Light Bulb;
- It comes with 2 softboxes with stands, 2 bulbs, 2 softbox bags, and 1 content bag;
- 5500K color temperature and 85W power.
HPUSN softbox lighting kit is perfect to use for studio photography and videography. Whether it's portrait shooting, fashion photoshoots, children's photoshoots or standard vlogs, this softbox creates the perfect lighting and makes pictures and videos more engaging.
6. MOUNTDOG 1350W Softbox Lighting Kit – Superb Softbox for Entry-Level Vloggers and Photographers
This is another excellent softbox lighting kit from the Mountdog brand. However, this lighting kit is a bit different and a bit cheaper than the previous one.
These softbox lightings use 3 x 135W bulbs that deliver maximum lighting, which suits your photographer’s needs. It uses a soft-socket feature that completely spreads the light into a smooth and even light that minimizes any shadow.
Also, Mountdog softboxes are foldable and easily adjusts to your desired angles. The stands are using standard screw thread tips allowing you to collapse or extend the stand from 27″ to 80″ (68 cm to 2.03 m).
| Preview | Product | |
|---|---|---|
 | MOUNTDOG Softbox Lighting Kit Photography Studio Light 2x50x70cm Professional Continuous Light... | CHECK THE PRICE |
Besides, considering this kit’s price, you are getting 3 lighting bulbs with 135W power for each. They are fluorescent, spiral and energy-saving bulbs with 6500K color temperature that provides excellent quality lighting for your studio.
- Weights 10 pounds (4.5 kg) in total;
- Product Dimensions 5″ x 12.4″ x 6.5″;
- Black/silver-colored;
- 5500K lighting color temperature;
- 2500W power;
- It comes with 2 softboxes, 2 light stands, 3 bulbs, and 1 carrying bag.
After trying the Mountdog 1350W lighting kit, you will see that it has everything you might need in a simple and entry-level lighting kit. You can easily adjust the parts of the kit according to your needs, the bulbs are powerful enough to give you the desired lighting.
7. SH Softbox Lighting Kit – Cheapest Softboxes from the List [Under $50]
If you are searching for the best and cheapest softboxes for photography, vlogs, or just a simple for your studio, SH softbox lighting kit might be the most suitable type of lighting.
However, considering that this kit is extremely cheap, it might not be suitable for professional photographers or those who are looking for a lighting upgrade.
It is more a consumer type of lighting kit and suitable if you are a beginner who wants to see if the softboxes are the best type of lighting.
On the other hand, when we tested this softbox, we were surprised by the overall light quality of this softbox, so we can definitely say that one of the best purchases at that price.
| Preview | Product | |
|---|---|---|
 | Amazon Basics Portable Foldable Photo Studio Box with LED Light - 25 x 30 x 25 Inches | CHECK THE PRICE |
In this kit, you are getting 135W daylight-type and energy-saving light bulbs that are almost equal to the regular 675W incandescent bulbs. The light stands can be height adjusted from 30″ to 80″ (76 cm to 2.03 m) and make it easy to get that perfect lighting angle.
- Weights 10 pounds (4.5 kg) in total;
- Product Dimensions 5″ x 8.5″ x 8.5″
- Black/silver-colored;
- 5500K lighting color temperature;
- Comes with 2 softboxes, 2 light stands, 2 bulbs, and 1 carrying bag.
One of the cheapest softbox lighting kits for this review. Most suitable for consumers and entry-level photographers & videographers, as considering the price, the quality wouldn't be suitable for professionals. However, the SH lighting kit perfectly eliminates all the shadows and is suitable for portrait, food or general actions in-studio.
8. AmazonBasics Portable Foldable Studio Box – Best Portable Softbox for Product Photography
If you need an easy-to-use and easy-to-assemble portable studio box to shoot whenever you want to, the AmazonBasics Portable Studio Lighting Box is the most suitable for your case.
It is a size of a 25″ x 30″ x 25″ (63 cm x 76 cm x 63 cm) box and has built-in LED lights to deliver high-quality lighting even if you are shooting outdoors. It is suitable for any photographer, and it doesn’t matter if you are a professional or a beginner.
The softbox reduces all reflections coming from the outside thanks to the 3-door system which maximizes the image angle. This feature makes this studio box suitable to use outdoors.
| Preview | Product | |
|---|---|---|
| | Amazon Basics Portable Foldable Photo Studio Box with LED Light - 25 x 30 x 25 Inches | CHECK THE PRICE |
- Weights 14 pounds (6.35 kg) in total;
- Product Dimensions 30″ x 25″ x 2.6″;
- Black/silver-colored;
- A 3-door system that maximizes the shooting angle;
- 3 LED lights with 5600K color temperature.
If you are an on-the-go or product photographer then you need a studio box which you can carry with you all the time and delivers perfect light for that type of content. It is simple and easy-to-assemble studio box which provides enough lighting thanks to 3 powerful LED lights. Eliminates all the shadows from outside, so suitable to use for outdoor photography.
Recommendation
As you can see, there are many types of softbox lighting kits, so before buying any you need to find out what could be the best softboxes for you.
- If you are looking for an easy assembled, travel-friendly, and dedicated to product photography studio lighting box, then the AmazonBasics portable studio box will exceed your expectations.
- On the other hand, if you are looking for an upgrade, the Fovitec Softbox Continuous Lighting Kit is the best softbox on this list.
- By the way, if you are a beginner and looking for a great budget-friendly kit – Neewer Socket Light Lighting Kit is a choice.
Always find out the type of lighting that you need, measure your studio or any other type of environment that you are going to be working in and consider if you are going to need any additional lighting.
What light throws out the most light. Doing a dance video, and would like the lights back a little bit?
It depends on your field of filming a dance. The most common setup for lights is called 3 point lighting.
The main Key lighting should be the brightest and in front of you (or a very slight pull to the side).
On the right/left (on the opposite side to the main lighting) side add one more additional light that removes a shadow. This one should be less intense than the main lighting.
It should be enough, but if you still see some drawbacks from the setup, could add one more additional and the lowest lighting as the third option and create a triangle setup. That should work.