Softbox Lighting Kits – 3 Things to Consider in a Kit & 10 of the Best
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Are you looking for the best softbox lighting kit for your next photography shoot?
Then look no further than this article, where we show you the 10 best softbox kits on the market.
Lighting is an excellent asset in your gearbox but far from the only one. Explore what else there is of essential camera equipment.
What is a softbox?
A softbox is a modifier that confines the light from your light and adds a diffusion layer.
It helps reduce harsh shadows on your subject. The walls on a softbox help reflect the spill light towards your subject.
10 best softbox lighting kits in 2023
When it comes to lighting equipment, there are plenty to choose from, but these right here are the best softbox lighting kits on the market.
1. Fovitec SPK10-037
Key features:
- Color Accuracy: 90+ CRI
- Color Temperature: 5500 K
- Softbox Dimensions: 20 x 28" (50 x 70 cm)
- Lamp Wattage: 45W
- Light Stand: 7'6" (2.29 m)
- Boom Arm: 30 - 55" (76.2 x 139.7 cm)
- Carrying Bag: 30 x 12 x 10" (76.2 x 30.5 x 25.4 cm)
- Price: $ 190
Pros:
- Plenty of adjustments
- Light bulbs included
- Boom stand included
- Carrying case included
Cons:
- Boom stand lacks sturdiness
2. StudioFX 2400W
Key features:
- Color Accuracy: 90+ CRI
- Color Temperature: 5500 K
- Softbox Dimensions: 20 x 28" (50 x 70 cm)
- Lamp Wattage: 45W
- Light Stand: 7' (2.13 m)
- Boom Arm: 31 - 71" (78.7 x 180.3 cm)
- Carrying Bag: 46.3 x 14.7 x 12" (117.6 x 37.3 x 30.5 cm)
- Price: $ 147
Pros:
- Individual control of the bulbs
- Counterweight and sandbags included
- Boom stand included
Cons:
- It can be hard to adjust
- A bit hard to fit in the storage bag
3. Neewer 700W 24-inch
Key features:
- Color Temperature: 5500 K
- Softbox Dimensions: 24 x 24" (60 x 60 cm)
- Lamp Wattage: 85W
- Light Stand: 6'9" (2.10 m)
- Carrying Bag: 32 x 12 x 9" (81.3 x 30.5 x 22.9 cm)
- Price: $ 112
Pros:
- Great variety of options
- Price
- Great light-stand height
Cons:
- Materials seem sub-par
4. MountDog 20"X28"
Key features:
- Color Temperature: 5500 K
- Softbox Dimensions: 20 x 28" (50 x 70 cm)
- Lamp Wattage: 95W
- Light Stand: 7'4" (2.23 m)
- Price: $ 50
Pros:
- Adjustable
- Great nylon material
Cons:
- No weights for the light stand
5. RaLeno Softbox Photography
Key features:
- Color Temperature: 5500 K
- Softbox Dimensions: 20 x 28" (50 x 70 cm)
- Lamp Wattage: 85W
- Light Stand: 6'6" (1.99 m)
- Price: $ 86
Pros:
- Great quality bulbs
- Simple and easy to use
- Long cables
Cons:
- Price
- No accessories
6. Inkeltech softbox lighting kit
Key features:
- Color Temperature: 3000 - 6500 K
- Softbox Dimensions: 20 x 27" (50 x 68.6 cm)
- Lamp Wattage: 50W
- Light Stand: 6'6" (1.99 m)
- Price: $ 85
Pros:
- Easy to setup
- Several color temperatures
Cons:
- Remote quality is subpar
7. Yesker Photography Lighting Kit
Key features:
- Color Temperature: 5500 K
- Softbox Dimensions: 20 x 28" (50 x 70 cm)
- Lamp Wattage: 45W
- Light Stand: 6'6" (2 m)
- Price: $ 150
Pros:
- Solid build
- Easy adjustments
- Comes with 4 different lights
Cons:
- Not effective outdoors
8. YICOE Softbox Lighting Kit
Key features:
- Color Temperature: 2800- 5700K
- Softbox Dimensions: 20 x 28" (50 x 70 cm)
- Lamp Wattage: 45W
- Light Stand: 6'8" (2.03 m)
- Carrying Bag: 27.6 x 9.5 x 6.9" (70.1 x 24.1 x 17.5 cm)
- Price: $ 81
Pros:
- Energy efficient
- Adjustable color temperature
Cons:
- Limited by a single head
9. LimoStudio 700W
Key features:
- Color Temperature: 6500 K
- Softbox Dimensions: 24 x 24" (60 x 60 cm)
- Lamp Wattage: 85W
- Light Stand: 6'6" (1.98 m)
- Carrying Bag: 30 x 12.7 x 6.1" (76.2 x 32.3 x 15.5 cm)
- Price: $ 50
Pros:
- Several lights
- Great umbrella reflection
- Very portable
Cons:
- Umbrellas are fairly small
10. Savage 500 Watt LED
Key features:
- Color Accuracy: 90+ CRI
- Color Temperature: 5500 K
- Softbox Dimensions: 33 x 33" (83.8 x 83.8 cm)
- Lamp Wattage: 35W
- Light Stand: 6' (1.83 m)
- Price: $ 169
Pros:
- Large umbrellas
- Great umbrella quality
Cons:
- Price
What to look out for in a lighting kit
1. Size
One of the most essential things about softboxes is their size. When it comes to softbox lighting, size matters! The larger the softbox is, the softer the light will be.
Soft light is typically used to have a natural look on your subject.
It is a light source that wraps around the subject to create soft edges in the image. So consider how soft you want the light to be when evaluating which softbox lighting kit to get.
2. Portability
If you're using a softbox lighting kit, you're traveling to different places with your photography. If that's the truth, you'll want a relatively compact and portable kit.
These kits are usually pretty big, so they come with a carrying bag.
You must consider how portable the kit is when choosing, relative to your own resources and transportation methods.
Of course, this doesn't matter to you if you're just getting a kit for your own personal studio.
3. Adjustability
Lastly, we have adjustability. The softboxes vary; some have adjustable light stands, some have actual boom arms, and some even have adjustable color temperatures.
All of these things are something to consider about your own needs.
If you like being flexible with the various angles, you should probably get one with a boom arm. If you want different color temperatures, get one that can adjust it.
The more adjustable a softbox is, the more versatile it will be.
Rent or subscribe to a lighting kit
I hope this article helped you decide which softbox lighting kit to use!
If unsure, you can always rent or subscribe to a lighting kit on Wedio!
Which softbox lighting kit is the best?
Fovitec SPK10-037.
What is included in a softbox lighting kit?
Light Stand, softboxes, backdrop, and a carrying case.