The monolight is designed to provide a constant, even light source. It is used primarily by professional photographers and videographers. Monolights are generally more powerful than other types of photographic lighting and offer more control over the lighting. They are also more expensive than other types of photographic lighting. Some of the renowned brands are ADB Acute, Elinca, & Yongnuo.
Choosing the right photographic lighting monolight is difficult as there are many factors to consider such as power, features, price, and brand. To make it easier to find the exact photographic lighting monolight you’re looking for, we rounded up the best photographic lighting monolights on Amazon, according to thousands of customer reviews.
Check out our favorite photographic lighting monolights in the list below, and keep reading for our buying guide.
Our Editor’s Best Photographic Lighting Monolights Reviews
- The andoer snoot bowen snoot interfit snoot optical snoot bowens mount is designed to help you focus the light and pinpoint the product details.
- The conical optical snoot for portrait flash snoot light snoot comes with honeycomb, more convenient and accurate.
- The photography snoot speedlight snoot photographic lighting truncated cone spot diffuser bowens compatible for Bowens mount studio photography light.
- photo light snoot kit conico bowens cone photography has five color filters(Transparent, red, green, blue and yellow) create effects at different color temperatures.
- cone for spot flash snoot for bowens mount made of high quality aluminum alloy, more durable.bowers mount snoot metal conical snoot with honeycomb grid is perfect as a hair light or dramatic accent light, creates a unique portrait for you.
- 3 Light Modes&2 Pack: The selfie light for iphone has 3 light modes(cool light, warm light, cold-warm light) and color temperature adjustments from 2500K-9000K, which are provided to meet your various usage needs and ensure you always look your best, such as makeup lighting, selfie, video recording, video conferencing, vlog show, live streaming. The selfie light for phone can meet the requirements of different skin tones, bringing you a good complexion when the surrounding light is not good enough. Photographic lighting monolights.
- 10 Brightness Levels: The camera light built-in 60 high-brightness LED light beads, solving the problem of light and improving the quality of night photography. The phone light for pictures has 10 levels of brightness adjustable, no matter whether indoor or outdoor, day or night, you can have the brightness you want, and enjoy the fun of a selfie. The color rendering index of the makeup light is as high as 95+, giving you a natural, smooth, and radiant complexion. Photographic lighting monolights.
- Dual Phone Light Clip Design: The portable light has two clips: a front clip and a back clip. The front clip can be installed horizontally or vertically through the 2 1/4" screw hole. With the front clip, the video light can be rotated 120° front and back, and 360° left and right. The back clip can fix the light on the back of the phone. For mobile phone rear camera shooting. The clip design is not easy to drop, compatible with all kinds of mobile phones and laptops. Photographic lighting monolights.
- 2 Types Charge Ports and Built-In High-Capacity Rechargeable Battery: LED light for phone built-in 5000mAh high-capacity battery, and has long battery life. The led light for phone can be charged by most devices that support USB ports or Type-C ports, such as laptops, PCs, power banks, USB chargers, car chargers, etc. This portable light for photography can be fully charged in about 2 hours, maximum brightness output of about 2 hours, minimum brightness output of about 15 hours. Photographic lighting monolights.
- Universal Compatibility and Portable: This tiktok light is compatible with all smartphones, tablets, laptops, etc. It is perfect for creating high-quality real-time videos on popular social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Snapchat, FaceTime, TikTok, etc. It is used for selfies, makeup, live show, art photography, live streaming, and other scenes to solve the problem of low light. This led phone light is only pocket-sized, so you can easily carry it with you wherever you go. Photographic lighting monolights.
- 【2x 180W Studio Flash Kit】 Godox K180A 2-light studio flash kit for Photography: features 75W 3200K yellow color continous lamp and 180W 5600K white blance strobe light, built in energy save sensor and cooling fan. Flash output is adjustable from 1/8 to full stepless, flash duration: 1/2000-1/800s, GN 45. Satisfys the light requirements in different environment.
- 【Equipped Wireless Flash Trigger】Build-in light sensor allows 2 lights strobe synchronously, please set flash transmitter and receiver at the same channel and make sure master light is able to reach another lamp to realize synchronization. wireless control working distances is up to 30 meters. Godox RT-16 strobe trigger is legacy hotshoe control, compatible with Nikon /Canon /Fujifilm /Olympus /Pentax hot shoe.
- 【20"X28"/50x70cm Softbox】 The soft box can diffuse light and provide a soft beam to eliminate shadows and take perfect pictures. No flash, protect our eyes and create the perfect lighting for indoors shooting. Height adjustable tripod stand and angle adjusting screw gives diffrent shoot experience according to your needs.
- 【Easy to install and use】 The softbox photography strobe Kit is setting-easy with a few minute. works with various light accessories: softboxes, reflectors, umbrella, snoots, etc. It is ideal for using in studios, portrait shooting, fashion photo shoots, product photography, children's photo shoots, still life shots. Great choice for studio photography beginner, small business starter, photography beginer.
- 【Strobe photography lighting kit】 includes 2x 180W Monolights, 2x Softbox, 2x Light Stands, 2x Power cable, 1x RT-16 Trigger set, 1x RTR-16 Trigger receiver (orders after Nov/2024 includes). 【Product support】 we provide one year customer support, any issue please contact us via amazon message.
- 【3x250W studio strobe light kit】 Godox E250 3-light strobe flash kit features 75W modeling lamp (9 levels brightness) and 250W strobe light. Flash output is adjustable stepless power from 1/9 to full, GN 58, recycle time: 0.3-2s, duration: 1/2000-1/800s. Satisfys the light requirements in different environment. Built-in cooling fan ensures longer lifetime.
- 【Equipped Wireless Flash Trigger】 Light-sensor syns and pre-flash system allows 3 lights strobe synchronously, wireless flash trigger is working within 50 meters. Godox FT-16 strobe trigger set features 16 groups and 16-channel settings, compatible with Nikon /Canon /Fujifilm /Olympus /Pentax hot shoe, can be used on cameras directly to make shoot and flashes synchronously.
- 【20"X28" Softbox & 53" Boom Arm】 The soft box can diffuse light and provide a soft beam to eliminate shadows. Boom arm allows you have upper lighting to create the perfect lighting for indoors shooting. Height adjustable tripod stand and angle adjusting screw gives different shoot experience according to your needs.
- 【Easy to install and use】 The softbox photography Light Kit is easy to set up. It is ideal for using in studios, portrait shooting, fashion photo shoots, product photography, children's photo shoots, still life shots. Great choice for studio photography beginner, small business starter.
- 【The photography lighting kit】 includes 3x 250W Monolights, 3x 20"X28" Softbox, 3x 190cm Light stands, 1x 135cm Boom Arm, 3x power cable, 1x FT-16 trigger set. 【Product support】 we provide one year customer support, any issue please contact us via amazon message.
- ✴️ Package Contents: [1x] Flash Body / [1x] 120V 75W Modeling Bulb / [1x] Instrution Sheet
- ✴️ Wattage: Flash Power (160W in Full) / Modeling Power (Halogen 75W), Voltage: AC 110 - 130V/60Hz / Comes with a Test Buttom and Power Output Dial from 1/16 to full
- ✴️ LED Light Indicators: AC Power On(Red LED), Flash Ready Indicator (Green LED), Photo Light Cell
- ✴️ Recharge Time: 0.2 – 1.5 S / Works as Main, Back, or Focus Light / Easy Adjustable Shooting angle
- ✴️ Photo-Cell(Salve Sensor) Include: Turns on Automatically in Dark / Wireless Trigger Sold Separately
- Multi-Function. Can hang Photography, camera, chandelier, flash light and other applicable products.The Photography stand can be used vertically or horizontally.
- Space-saving&Practical. Hang your camera to ceiling or wall, which saves a lot of floor space and makes your studio look in perfect order.
- Easy Installation. Fit the screws into the holes, install your device firmly. The base comes with 4 pieces holes helping mount the boom arm on the wall and ceiling. Adjustable length between 13.7-21.6 inch(35-55cm).
- Aluminium Alloy Skeleton. The aluminium alloy skeleton shows that this bracket is more solid, lightweight, secure and stronger in anti-corrosion than traditional iron bracket.
- Fully Equipped. Comes with 3/8,1/4 adapter screw to fit for mounting most mainstream video light.No need to purchase additional installation equipment.
- COMPACT DESIGN: This Strobe Light Flash, measuring 4.4 x 3.0 x 3.0" and weighing just over 1 pound, delivers a robust 100ws power output
- HIGH PERFORMANCE: This Wireless Strobe Flash features a 7.2V/2600mAh lithium battery that offers up to 360 full power photo flash light, and a super-fast 0.01-1.5s recycle time
- WIRELESS STROBE TRIGGER: The R2 Wireless Flash System offers seamless connectivity with Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fuji, Olympus, Panasonic, and Pentax. The perfect tool for Strobe Lighting Photography
- VERSATILE FUNCTIONALITY: The Flashpoint LED features TTL/Manual/Multi Strobe Light Photography modes, HSS up to 1/8000s, and 9 stop power range (1/256 - 1/1)
- MAGNETIC MODIFIERS: The magnetic front face of this Portable Speed light is designed to hold a array of light modifiers. Advanced IGBT circuitry for stable and precise flash duration
- 【300Ws High Power Outdoor Strobe Light】 300Ws photo flash with 1/64–1/1 power and stable 5600K (±200K) lighting. 13W modeling lamp for up to 5010lux at 0.5m. Ideal for camera photography and studio photoshoots. Note: Q300 does not support TTL or HSS
- 【Smartly Protected High Capacity Lithium Battery】 Upgraded 10.8V 7800mAh lithium battery with multiple protections (overheat, overvoltage, etc.) delivers 1000 full power flashes with 0.4-2.5s recycle time. Fully charges in 5 hours via the included charger, while the low battery alert prevents unexpected power loss. Content creator essential gear, influencer must have camera photography accessories. NOTE: For optimal battery longevity, please fully charge the device before first use
- 【Manual/Multi/S1/S2/Quick Modes】 Fully supports Manual, Multi (Stroboscopic), and Optical Triggering (S1/S2), and does not support TTL and HSS modes (with sync speed no more than 1/200s when used with Q Compact trigger). Multi mode controls the stroboscopic rate up to 20 times (20 Hz). In Quick mode, you can adjust the flash duration from 1/1000s to 1/10000s across 10 levels. The high definition display with clear buttons allows for easy and efficient adjustment of this off camera external flash
- 【2.4G Wireless Q System】 As a slave flash in 5 wireless control groups (A/B/C/D/E), 32 channels, controlled by a master flash like Z1 Z2 Z760, it works with QPRO-C/N/S triggers (excluding QPRO-F triggers, all not included), Q COMPACT single contact trigger or sync cable for other Q system speedlights in 16 channels and a 98'/30m range. The camera speedlite is compatible with Canon Nikon Panasonic Fujifilm Sony DSLRs, not compatible with Canon EOS Rebel SL3/250D T7/1500D 2000D T100/3000D 4000D
- 【Standard Bowens Mount & Adjustable Handle】 Features a standard Bowens mount that easily attaches to softboxes, umbrellas, reflectors, and other light modifiers, and comes with a standard reflector and an umbrella hole to expand your camera lighting equipment and photography rig. The adjustable handle can either be mounted on a studio tripod light stand and allows for 180°rotation, or simply handheld for the convenience of outdoor shooting. Also includes a cleaning cloth to keep it clean
- The Godox Advantage: Godox, since 1993, is a high-tech manufacturer specializing in lighting and audio equipment. Godox has been committed to providing consumers with professional and high-quality: Camera Flash; Continuous Light; Audio; Monitor; Light Shaper, and Photography Accessories. etc. It enables more people to enjoy the fun of light shaping. Godox All-in-One Outdoor Flash Make every whim and desire there is a direct button ready for action
- Technical Support: Compatible with Canon E-TTL II, Nikon i-TTL Autoflash, Sony, FUJIFILM, Olympus and Panasonic TTL Autoflash System. 0.01-1.5s recycle time, more 320 pops at full power, stable color temperature, 9 stop range of power adjusts from full to 1/256 in 1/10th stop increments, really make AD300Pro stands out from the crowd. Built-in receiver for triggering and power control with 2.4G wireless system.
- Why choose it: 12W Bi-Color Dimmable Modeling Led; The color temperature can be adjusted from 3000K to 6000K;weights 2.75lb with the small size of 7.5×3.9×3.5in. Easy to use buttons command a full range of functions like reliable Channel triggering, Group mode selectivity, HSS. The LCD panel clearly displays the status of all remote Strobes, so you always have control of group lighting setup.
- Wide Compatibility: 300Ws powerful performance to meet diverse shooting requirements, widely used travel, wedding, portrait, event and outdoor photography, such as art photo, creative shooting, commercial advertising, studio photography etc.It matches all the camera systems.
- PRECISE LIGHT CONTROL - Four-leaf barndoor design allows for accurate shaping and direction of light, minimizing spill and creating dramatic effects for professional photography.
- ENHANCED CREATIVITY - Includes red, yellow, green, and blue gel filters to easily adjust color temperature and add creative color washes to your XPLOR 300 Pro monolight.
- SUPERIOR LIGHT MODIFICATION - Features a 20½ honeycomb grid that narrows the beam spread, providing focused and controlled lighting for portraits and product photography.
- SEAMLESS INTEGRATION - Adapter ring set and filter holder designed specifically for the XPLOR 300 Pro ensures a secure and quick setup, enhancing workflow efficiency in studio.
- DURABLE & PORTABLE - Constructed with robust materials for long-lasting use, the barndoor kit collapses to a compact size (6.25 x 6.75 x 2.25") for easy transport and storage.
Best Photographic Lighting Monolights Buying Guide
Before choosing the best photographic lighting monolights you should consider following options:
1. Power Source: Photographic lighting systems can be powered by three different kinds of sources: AC, DC and battery.
AC-powered units are the most common and can be plugged into a wall outlet. AC units are generally more expensive than DC models, but they’re also more versatile and safer to use.
DC units can be powered by either batteries or a power cord, and they’re generally more affordable than AC units, but they’re less versatile.
Battery-powered units are the most portable option, but they require regular battery changes and can be expensive to operate.
2. Battery Life: Battery life is determined by two main factors: the number of batteries and the power draw of the lighting system.
The number of batteries affects the runtime in two ways: First, it determines the number of flashes you can get from a fully charged set of batteries. Second, it determines the length of time it takes for the batteries to discharge, known as the duty cycle.
The power draw of the lighting system determines the number of flashes you can get from a fully charged set of batteries.
The higher the power draw, the shorter the runtime. For example, a lighting system that draws 6 amps will only get about 20 flashes from a fully charged set of batteries compared to a lighting system that draws 1.5 amps, which will get more than 100 flashes from a fully charged set of batteries.
3. Power Draw: The amount of power that a lighting system draws determines the number of flashes you can get from a fully charged set of batteries.
For example, a lighting system that draws 6 amps will only get about 20 flashes from a fully charged set of batteries compared to a lighting system that draws 1.5 amps, which will get more than 100 flashes from a fully charged set of batteries.
4. Wattage: Wattage is the unit of measure used to rate the brightness of a lighting system. It’s calculated by multiplying the volts of the power supply by the amps of the lighting system by the number of flashes you can get from a fully charged set of batteries.
For example, a lighting system that draws 6 amps from a 12-volt power supply will have a wattage rating of 72 watts.
5. Modelling Lights: Modelling lights are used to help photographers visualize the lighting setup before taking the photo.
Modelling lights can be either incandescent or LED, and they’re generally brighter than the main light source. However, they can also be expensive and consume more power than the main light source.
6. Cost: Photographic lighting systems can be expensive, depending on the features and power draw of the lighting system.
As a general guideline, expect to pay $100 to $300 for a lighting system that draws 1.5 amps from a 12-volt power supply.
What else you should know about photographic lighting monolights
1. What are the best photographic lighting monolights for professional photographers?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the specific needs of the photographer. Some of the more popular brands of monolights among professional photographers include Profoto, Elinchrom, and Broncolor.
2. What are the best photographic lighting monolights for amateur photographers?
There are many different types of photographic lighting monolights available on the market, so it really depends on the specific needs of the amateur photographer. Some of the more popular brands include Nikon, Canon, and Sony.
3. What are the best photographic lighting monolights for low-light photography?
Some of the best photographic lighting monolights for low-light photography include the Profoto B1X, the Broncolor Siros L, and the Godox Witstro AD600B.
4. What are the best photographic lighting monolights for high-speed photography?
Some of the best photographic lighting monolights for high-speed photography are the Profoto B1X, the Broncolor Siros L, and the Elinchrom ELC Pro HD.
5. What are the best photographic lighting monolights for special effects photography?
There is no definitive answer to this question as there are a variety of monolights that can be used for special effects photography, depending on the desired effect. Some popular choices for special effects photography monolights include those with built-in color gels, diffusers, or flash heads that can be angled to create different lighting effects.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best photographic lighting monolights. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best photographic lighting monolights will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.