Ranking of the best flash and light bulbs for 2022

Lighting is one of the most important things when creating a new picture. Although daylight seems to be the most natural for real image transmission, it is rather unstable. And thus it takes a long time to wait for the right moment, especially in winter. So the purchase of lighting devices becomes indispensable for the ability to take photos and videos at any convenient time.

How to choose the best light

Properly selected lighting will remove unnecessary shadows in a photo or video picture that distract the viewer. An incorrectly selected lamp of the device will distort. For example, fluorescent emitters in videos can give off a greenish tint. And some halogen lamps get very hot, and the model's makeup can run even before the actual shooting begins.

How to choose the right lighting for photo and video shooting

Lighting devices worn on gadgets for photography and video shooting or mounted side by side on a tripod are also called on-camera lights. They give point, directional or diffused illumination of the area being filmed. Additional lamps are used in conditions of unstable lighting at dusk or weak lighting in a dark room during reportage implementation or artistic shooting.

Shooting lights fall into two main categories

Illuminators

These are light sources that continuously emit light for some sufficiently long period of time. The constant light from the lamps of the equipment is characterized by diffused softness, which gives additional volume to the lighting. Since the distribution of light is static, the illuminator does not need to limit exposure. During the operation of the video camera, it is practiced to use only illuminators.

Flashes

So called devices that emit light for only a small fraction of a second. The flash is a flash light source. It has specific exposure limits. In reality, it is impossible to set the shutter speed to be shorter than shorter than 1/200-1/320 sec. This is the time to synchronize the camera with the flash.

Characteristics of lamps in lighting fixtures

Power consumption

The higher this parameter, the brighter the light emitted by the element. Measured in watts. Very powerful lamps in devices are large and inconvenient for placement on a compact photo or video camera. Such powerful illuminators are usually mounted on tripods. And this technical solution is used only for studio work.

Light brightness

It directly depends on the amount of power consumed. Calculated in suites. Very bright illumination of the shooting area is not always required, but it gives good illumination in complete darkness.

Color rendering index

This is the name of the effect of the emission spectrum on the perception of shades of color by the human eye in comparison with the standard of sunlight. The value is measured in percent. The higher its value, the closer the flux emitted by the product to the solar, natural light and the less color distortion.

Colorful temperature

The current parameter indicates the hue of the illumination device lamp ("cold" or "warm" colors).Color temperature is measured in kelvins (K). The larger this value, the "colder" the emitted color.

The color temperature varies depending on the type of lighting device:

• halogen - in the region of 3200K;
• LED exceeds 4000-6000K and above.

The presence or absence of additional light sources during shooting should be taken into account. If these sources exist, then lighting with a color temperature of 5000K is suitable, if they are not, then it is better to choose a device model with a temperature of 3200K.

Scattering angle

This is the angle of scattering of light from the emitter. Measured in degrees. To achieve uniform illumination, the angle should be 60°. For point directional lighting, you need a product with a small scattering angle. Usually on sale there are fixtures with a light scattering angle of 55-65 °.

Guide number

Another of the significant characteristics is the guide number, which means the power of the flash radiation and estimates how far the device can illuminate the space. This setting is specified at f/1 and ISO 100. The higher the value, the farther the flash fires. When the aperture is closed, the distance to the subject becomes proportionally smaller. For example, at 32m the aperture is f/1, at 16m it will be f/2, at 8m it will be f/4, and so on.

Power supplies

They come in several versions:

• battery (AA) - easy to buy when needed, but means constant overhead;
• battery (often Li-Ion) - significantly cheaper with regular use, but requires monitoring the charge constantly;
• from the network (via an adapter) - the most economical way, but only suitable for studio work;
• combined (battery and battery) - a universal option, for any situation.

Fastening

There are two types:

• on the so-called "hot shoe" for installation directly on a photo or video camera;
• on a separate tripod when working in the studio.

The best option is selected based on the shooting conditions.

The best lamps used in flashes and illuminators on the Russian market. Types of lighting elements

Halogen lamps

These devices consume a lot of electricity, get very hot and emit a lot of noise interference, which significantly reduces and distorts the quality of the recorded sound. Despite the fact that the product is quite heavy and short-lived, it is still used in photo or video shooting, rather out of the habit of operators. Halogen lamps require regular replacement of lamps, which appear on sale less and less. This location lighting solution has long been outdated, but it is sometimes used in stationary studios.

THL-1000-2 Lamp for halogen illuminators

The power of the THL-1000-2 halogen product is 1000W. The fixture with the G9.5 base is most often used in the popular Falcon Eyes QL-1000BW v2.0 illuminators. These devices have an excellent color rendering index (CRI≈100) and provide a reference warm flux with a color temperature of 3200 kelvins with a constant linear spectrum that meets all the standards of emitters for the shooting process.

Price - 1130 rubles.

• color temperature 3200K (reference);
• the ability to use for both photos and videos;
• color rendering – high (CRI≈100).

• gets very hot.

Falcon Eyes "ML-250/E27" Halogen lamp

A product with an E27 ML-250 / E27 cartridge is designed to work in Falcon Eyes studio lighting devices of the TE, DE, 600, 900 or 1200 series. The presented lamp most often serves as a source of additional or pilot light, with a power of 250 watts.

The price is 670 rubles.

• energy saving
• the ability to use for both photos and videos;
• standard base E27.

• gets very hot.

Halogen Osram 64575

Quartz halogen device, used in products of the HaloLight, Master, HaloPro, Evolution, Promo series. The filament, due to the cyclic process of use, remains operational for a longer time, and the dimming of the glass surface is noticeably slower than that of conventional incandescent lamps. Plinth G 6.35. Power 1000 watts. Typical use: professional theater or film production, concert halls.

The price is 1040 rubles.

• high energy saving
• color temperature up to 3400K;
• the ability to use for both photos and videos;
• color rendering index CRI≈100.

• gets very hot;
• low service resource.

Pulse flash

This device outperforms LED illuminators in terms of power, but surrenders in ease of use during operation. Flash in the dark is much more difficult to work with when you need an autofocus illuminator. If a constant illuminator gives a regular light, allowing you to see the shadow pattern and the final image of the subject itself, then with a flash you can distinguish only instantaneous illumination of the space.

Falcon Eyes MF-45 lamp, flash

The MF-45 flash lamp can be used as a stand-alone flash or as an auxiliary light source for subject or macro photography. Often used for photography in small studios for portraiture or ID photos.

To power this studio flash, a power adapter with a standard seat for E27 cartridge is used. Unlike analogues, with the same small dimensions, the device has an increased power of 45 J. The flash unit weighs only 160 g and has a diameter of 8 cm. The color temperature is about 5600 kelvin.

The flash has a charge indicator when it is ready to fire a flash.
It provides for synchronization via a sync cable or a light pulse (light trap).

The price is 1840 rubles.

• pulse synchronization;
• power 45 J;
• mobility;
• price quality;
• reload no more than 2 s.

• photography only;
• no power adjustment.

Buying a flash lamp is not the best idea for today's photography lovers. Any modern photographer sooner or later begins to try himself in video, and there is a need for on-camera light. And what kind of lighting device will close all the wishes at once? Of course, LED (light-emitting diode)!

LED or LED type

The nature of this type of lighting is characterized by economical power consumption in the region of only 10-20 watts. The lamp is almost silent and does not heat up.

The advantages of this type of lighting lamp model include light weight and compactness. Suitable for both video and photography. The service life is quite long. About 100,000 hours. But it was not without its downsides.The cost of LED devices in relation to the amount of luminous flux is higher than that of halogen counterparts. And in comparison with pulsed radiation, a significantly lower power.

Falcon Eyes ML-18 LED

An LED element often used in various CC studio illuminators with a standard E27 cartridge and a power of 18 watts. The device uses powerful modern SMD modules with a high degree of light output and minimal power consumption. In addition, they are distinguished by significantly less heat generation in comparison with other analogues. Thanks to the increased CRI index of 82, the radiation faithfully reproduces the reality of colors. The color temperature index of 5400 kelvin is fully consistent with daylight. Supply voltage standard 220 V. Number of LEDs - 26.

The price is 200 rubles.

• excellent energy saving;
• color temperature 5400K;
• can be used for both photo and video shooting;
• low heat dissipation;
• color rendering index CRI 82.

• not found for their price.

Rechargeable RGB Color Light Stick (LED Element)

RGB Light Stick is an innovative LED rechargeable light. It finds application both for studio shooting and on the road, it has proven itself well during streaming, to create an extraordinary atmosphere. The device can be used as a led backlight. Due to its low weight, the RGB stick is easy to move with just your hands, which makes it convenient to control the light on the site. But the product also has a mount for connecting to a tripod and can be integrated into the LED lamp due to its small diameter.

The kit includes a remote control that allows you to turn on / off the element, adjust the color temperature, stream brightness and lighting modes. It also comes with a carrying case for easy storage and transport. WithLED element. The battery capacity allows you to work up to 14 hours without recharging. Convenient USB interface allows you to charge from any device with a USB port.

Characteristics:

• luminous flux corresponds to 2000 lm;
• color temperature range from 3000K to 6000K;
• color rendering index ≥ 85 CRI
• input voltage: 5V
• number of modes - 10;
• built-in battery with a capacity of 2000 mAh;
• rated power -18 W;
• RGB - 360 colors;
• smooth power adjustment: 10-100%,
• remote control up to 10m

Price - 1999 rubles.

• excellent energy saving;
• mobility;
• use of photo/video;
• low heat dissipation;
• color rendering CRI 85.

• high cost of equipment.

Ulanzi VL49 RGB LED Bulb

This compact RGB lamp, consisting of 60 LEDs, is designed to work with camcorders, smartphones and cameras. The Ulanzi VL49 is so light that it's easy to add a few extra lights without adding a lot of weight. The beam angle of the instrument is 120°. Stream brightness 800 lux. The color temperature is adjustable from 2500K to 9000K.

The power source is a 2000 mAh lithium-ion battery built into the case, recharged via the Type-C USB port. Operating time at minimum dimmer from about ten hours to two hours at maximum setting.

On the back of the product is a display showing color temperature readings and battery status. The VL-49 has a 0 to 100% dimmer and a diffuse filter to create a soft spot light. It also has several kinds of color modes and hue and brightness adjustment for different types of shooting.

The product is equipped with magnets built into the body, thanks to which it can be installed on any flat metal surface. And three "shoes" on each side make it possible to add several lamps into one block to increase illumination.

The price is 2150 rubles.

• high level of energy saving;
• using a smartphone/photo/video;
• mobility;
• low heat dissipation.

• inconvenient location of buttons for changing modes.

The functionality of lighting fixtures

Summing up, I would like to draw attention to the functional features of lighting fixtures. Because in rare cases, only the lamp is enough for shooting.

Dimmer

The light intensity regulator changes the brightness of the stream depending on the shooting conditions. There are two types of this adjustment:

• smooth, allowing you to adjust the brightness depending on the surrounding situation;
• step tuning is less accurate, but more reliable option. The more adjustment steps, the more accurately the desired brightness is set.

curtains

Adjust the angle of scattering of the light flux, which allows you to change the distribution of radiation, making it, if necessary, diffused or directed.The greater the range of possible adjustment (for example, 30-60°), the more accurate the ability for the operator to adjust to the given shooting conditions.

Used power display

This information is displayed on the screen of the device and adds comfort when working with the illuminator.

Battery charge

A necessary indicator of the device's battery health level, which helps to avoid unexpected failure of the light or flash.

Adjusting the color temperature

This feature is usually presented in two ways:

• Light filters - usually 3200K and 5600K light filters are included, which are installed on the emitter of the device. Some products are equipped with 3-4 filters for more precise temperature control.
• control room -2 LEDs 3200K and 5600K are built into the illuminator body. This is a more convenient option, providing smooth adjustment of the color temperature.

Additional equipment

Lighting devices are often equipped with a battery, a charger for it, a handle for easy holding, a microphone, cables and other related equipment. Sometimes manufacturers supply on-camera light products with cases for easy carrying and storage.

Control

In the classic version, devices for lighting the shooting location are equipped with push-button controls on the rear panel of the device.

There are models with remote control of the device from a distance or using a smartphone application.

Results

Please note that when using on-camera lighting elements, this is not suitable for shooting jewelry, shiny surfaces, women's makeup, etc.Because glare areas appear in the picture, the image quality noticeably deteriorates.

Attention should be paid to the design features of the emitter. There are usually two solutions: either a single LED or a light panel. Each operator has their own preferences, but it is better to choose an LED, which gives excellent focusing of directional light and high quality color reproduction.

The most convenient, almost universal source of illumination for all types of work with image transmission is light-emitting diode (LED). The weak side of such lamps is only one - the price / power ratio. The price of a really strong LED lamp is quite high. However, LED illuminators will be able to cope with all the basic tasks in both video shooting and photography, if you do not need to “freeze” movement (short shutter speeds of 1/1000 sec and very strong light output).

Good luck choosing!