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10 Best Strobe Lights For Photography: Reviewed & Compared

By Emily Hutton
  • Last Updated: Apr 25, 2023
We independently research, review, and recommend the best products. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

The foundation of perfect photography is excellent lighting. Whether you are shooting a fashion model, interior landscape, or food adverts, your images will be of poor quality if your lighting is poor.
It is impossible to obtain a perfect balance of contrast and brightness in ultra-low lighting unless you have natural light streams. This is why strobe lights are necessary to create an artificial lighting set-up to help you get desired exposure for your photos.

It is impossible to obtain a perfect balance of contrast and brightness in ultra-low lighting unless you have natural light streams. This is why strobe lights are necessary to create an artificial lighting set-up to help you get desired exposure for your photos.

Top 10 Strobe Lights Picks

Godox AD200Ws
Godox AD200Ws
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The Godox AD600BM Witstro
The Godox AD600BM Witstro
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Godox SL-60W
Godox SL-60W
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Godox MS300W Compact Flash
Godox MS300W Compact Flash
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Godox AD200Pro
Godox AD200Pro
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Godox AD300Pro Product Photo
Godox AD300Pro
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RALENO Video And Stand Lighting Kit
RALENO Video And Stand Lighting Kit
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Godox SK400II 400Ws
Godox SK400II 400Ws
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LimoStudio 200W Photo Monolight Flash Strobe
LimoStudio 200W Photo Monolight Flash Strobe
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Fovitec 2-Light XL
Fovitec 2-Light XL
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The Godox AD600BM Witstro

1. The Godox AD600BM Witstro

4.9
4.9/5
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The Godox AD600BM Witstro outdoor flash is essentially a manual edition of the AD600Pro and the AD60. This adaptable light provides 600Ws with nine power steps adjustments varying from 1/1 to 1/256. Its strong 11.1V/8700mAh lithium battery bundle offers up to 500 full-energy flickers while keeping 5600K color calibration irrespective of voltage level.

The AD600BM has a super-speed synchrony configuration that performs with shutter velocities of up to 1/7000 seconds to regulate background light brightness.

It has a flash frequency ranging from 1/220 to 1/10,000 seconds to stop action.

The AD600BM, a part of Godox’s wireless system, has an inbuilt 2.4 GHz X System that enables wireless restarting at distances of up to 262 ft with the receipt of a Godox transceiver.

The strobe head has a Bowens-style front attachable mount, making it suitable with Godox gadgets and light fixers from the many producers who use this widely known mount.

Product Specifications

  • Up to 500 full-power flashes per charge
  • 600Ws, Li-Ion battery
  • Manually controlled flash functions 
  • Wireless X system (2.4 GHz) Built-In
  • Power control range: 1/256 to 1/1
  • Time to recycle: 0.01-2.5 seconds
  • Time between flashes: As little as 1/10,000 sec and as much as 1/8000 sec 
  • Optional high-speed sync the AD-H1200 head produces 1200Ws.

The Godox AD600BM Witstro

4.9
4.9/5
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The Godox AD600BM Witstro
The Godox AD600BM Witstro
Godox AD200Ws
Image Courtesy Of Amazon

2. Godox AD200Ws

4.8
4.8/5
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The Godox AD200 200Ws is designed with an exclusive headlight power source, a bulb, and a functional speedlite head that offers two different light quality options. Its kit comes with a custom case, battery, two headlights, and a charger.

The speedlite head produces the classic on-camera flicker peek, which can be tweaked with a selectable beauty dish, translucent umbrella, or a softbox. Its naked bulb has a detachable flash duct and generates soft, sparkling, nearly shadowless light at 360 degrees. Its optical mirrors concentrate the beam’s angular position and provide directional stability with the head.

The AD200‘s primary features include 200W of power that can be adjusted in eight phases from 1/126 to 1/2 reprocessing between 0.01 to 2.3 seconds and flash frequency as quick as 1/11,400 secs. The flashes are powered by a removable lithium-based battery that can last up to 600 full energy flashes and multiple low-power flashes.

The three flash modes available on the AD200 are the manual, TTL, and Multi. Your preference for modeling light, full power, two curtain synchrony, and other options are displayed on the manual.

The multi-flash mode can control up to 90 times the strobing rate (90 Hz). The built-in X1 receiver on the flash head is used for Canon, Nikon, Fuji, and Sony cameras with X1 TTL transceivers as an alternative (not included in the kit).

The flash mode, its fast-speed sync up to 1/9000 sec, power levels, modeling headlight, and instant beeper are all controlled by the 32-channel wireless system at ranges up to 328′ ft.

Product Specifications

  • Compatible TTL Autoflash
  • Exchangeable flash headlights
  • Large lithium battery power
  • Wireless Built-in 2.4GHz control receiver
  • Wireless Optional X1 transmitter

Godox AD200Ws

4.8
4.8/5
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Godox AD200Ws
Godox AD200Ws
Godox SL-60W

3. Godox SL-60W

4.7
4.7/5
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The Godox SL-60W is a versatile Bowen mount strobe light for studio photography. Its wireless remote control allows you to modify the brightness and intensity of light during your shoots.

It has an inbuilt heatsink and fan that permits easy temperature control and heat dissipation to avoid overheating, especially during lengthy photoshoots.

Its high-powered 70W LED beads, protected by a unique cover, reliably offer color rendering capabilities and control about 8-100% light dimming. This feature also provides you with stable high lighting.

This strobe light is best suited for recording videos and capturing perfect wedding shoots. Its SL-60W has a continuous lighting effect with no flash; hence it is ideal for kids’ photography as it has no eye discomfort caused by camera flashes.

Product Specifications

  • AC110-250V power
  • 65W power
  • 5500±320K color temperature: 
  • 20- 100% brightness levels
  • 12-60℃ operating temperature 
  • Dimension: 24*28*12cm
  • Weight: 1.51kg

Godox SL-60W

4.7
4.7/5
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Godox SL-60W
Godox SL-60W
Godox MS300W Compact Flash

4. Godox MS300W Compact Flash

4.6
4.6/5
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The 150W modeling light quality offers you a 6 to 100% light range adjustment. Suppose you plan a lengthy location photoshoot where your flash will continuously be used for several hours, in this case, the Godox MS300 300W strobe guarantees a stable power output with a less than 3% output tolerance.

If you have a camera that fires a preflash, this strobe will perfectly synchronize with your camera as it has an anti-preflash feature.

It has an inbuilt control system, allowing you to remotely adjust the modeling light and power output. Its Godox trigger and transmitter enable you to control your studio flash buzzer remotely.

Since it’s lightweight and compact with an approximate weight of 1.2kgs, it is perfect for traveling, mainly when doing shoots in distant locations.

Product Specifications

  • 300W power
  • 5500±200K color temperature
  • AC90-120V/55HZworking voltage
  • 150w model light
  • 0.1-1.9s recycling time
  • 6-100% modeling light levels

Godox MS300W Compact Flash

4.9
4.9/5
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Godox MS300W Compact Flash
Godox MS300W Compact Flash
Godox AD200Pro

5. Godox AD200Pro

4.8
4.8/5
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The Godox AD200 TTL is designed around a distinctive strobe light power source with a regular speedlite head and a bare head bulb, giving you the possibility of two diverse light attributes. Its kit includes two headlights, a lithium-powered battery, its charger, and a portable case.

The speedlite produces the classic peek of a camera flash, which can be altered with the addition of an optional softbox or glamor dish. Whereas the bulb has a detachable flash pipe, it emits 360 degrees of bright and soft light with no shadow elements. Elective reflectors are used on the head to focus the frame angle and provide directional control.

Product Specifications

  • 1 x speedlite
  • 1 x flash head (Bare bulb)
  • 1 x Lithium Battery + charger
  • Integrated wireless X system receiver
  • TTL support for Sony, Canon, and Nikon
  • Super-fast sync up to 1/8000 sec

Godox MS300W Compact Flash

4.8
4.8/5
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Godox AD200Pro
Godox AD200Pro
Godox AD300Pro Product Photo

6. Godox AD300Pro

4.6
4.6/5
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The Godox AD300Pro is a versatile strobe with a 13W bi-color modeling light adjustable from 1 to 9 brightness levels. The different brightness levels blend well with ambient lighting to improve your pre-visualization. It also has a 10W continuous lighting feature allowing you to record short videos.

Its inbuilt wireless system is compatible with TTL Nikon Canon, Sony, and Panasonic cameras. With the wireless XPro system, you can remotely adjust light and contrast settings.

This Godox has a longer battery life with a 330 lithium full power rechargeable battery that can last you through the day, and it fully charges in less than two hours.

Since this model is Gordon’s mount, it is adaptable to different Godox mount accessories including the SN Snoot. You can also install an adapter ring separately to mount additional adapters such as the Elinchrom and Broncolor mounts.

Product Specifications

  • 2.5 GHz wireless system ranging up to 120m
  • 300Ws output power
  • Up to 340 max power flash with 1/9000 Sec rate sync
  • Recycling time of 0.01-1.5seconds
  • Flash Duration: 1/210 to 1/10100sec flash duration
  • 3100-6100K±600K color temperature
  • 1 to 9 brightness levels

Godox AD300Pro

4.6
4.6/5
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Godox AD300Pro Product Photo
Godox AD300Pro Product Photo
RALENO Video And Stand Lighting Kit

7. RALENO Video And Stand Lighting Kit

4.6
4.6/5
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You can modify the brightness levels and color temperature of this RALENO strobe light to suit your shooting surroundings. Its CRI94+ may assist you in achieving accurate color reproduction and give your images an HD look, particularly for portrait pictures.

Its lock feature adjusts the strobe’s height from 17 to 78 inches, allowing for quick and precise light stand height control. The two light brackets are composed of an aluminum frame, which is not easily broken under challenging outdoor conditions.

Its case is made of oxford cloth and polyethylene foam fabric which is waterproof and durable. Because of the mobility of shooting with strobe lights, carrying it in a good quality backpack will allow you to travel and safeguard the strobe light during shoots.

Product Specifications

  • 0 to 100% brightness levels
  • 3300-5700k color temperature
  • It has a hot shoe mount
  • Rechargeable 3500mAh Lithium battery
  • Weight:9.25 pounds
  • Dimensions: 23 x 5.8 x 10.1 inches

RALENO Video And Stand Lighting Kit

4.6
4.6/5
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RALENO Video And Stand Lighting Kit
RALENO Video And Stand Lighting Kit
Godox SK400II 400Ws

8. Godox SK400II 400Ws

4.5
4.5/5
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The Godox SK400II has excellent power stability with a 150+W modeling light that is adjustable from 6 to 100% levels. Its inbuilt 2.4 wireless system allows this strobe to synchronize with cameras with a preflash system easily.

This strobe’s flash charges fast and last longer because of its superpower capacitors and stable, precise voltage output.

Being a lightweight and compact photography lighting gear, it is easy to travel with and shoot on location. Its excellent built-in cooling system prevents the flash tube from overheating and damaging other internal parts.

Product Specifications

  • 400Ws power
  • 5700±250K color temperature
  • AC90~140V/60Hz voltage
  • 150W modeling light power
  • 4-100% modeling light
  • 0.1-1.2s recycling time
  • 1/2100s to 1/810s flash duration
  • Fuse: 5A fuse
  • 2.4GHz wireless transmission control
  • Adaptable Bowens mount

Godox SK400II 400Ws

4.5
4.5/5
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Godox SK400II 400Ws
Godox SK400II 400Ws
LimoStudio 200W Photo Monolight Flash Strobe

9. LimoStudio 200W Photo Monolight Flash Strobe

4.3
4.3/5
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The Limostudio 200W is among the best battery-powered strobe lights for photography, ideal for beginners who want to dabble in strobe lighting. It offers a continuous modeling light with a powerful 200-watt yield flashlight for less than $100.

The Limostudio 200W has both a modeling light and flashbulb lighting features that work separately to provide sufficient lighting exposure. Another great feature is the seamlessly customizable angle, which allows you to lighten up your model subjects on different levels. It has an excellent charging time, ranging from 0.01 to 1.5 seconds.

Product Specifications

  • Top-quality photography studio flash strobe lighting kit
  • High-performance circle flicker tube light
  • Top-notch model fluorescent bulb
  • AC 110 – 130V/60Hz wattage
  • Output power dial from 1/16 to full LED light metrics
  • 0.01 – 1.5 S recharge time
  • Functions as central, rear, or focus lights
  • Simple to adjust the shooting angle
  • The Photo-cell instantly turns on in the dark
  • Wireless trigger purchased separately

LimoStudio 200W Photo Monolight Flash Strobe

4.3
4.3/5
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LimoStudio 200W Photo Monolight Flash Strobe
LimoStudio 200W Photo Monolight Flash Strobe
Fovitec 2-Light XL

10. Fovitec 2-Light XL

4.3
4.3/5
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The Fovitec 2-light XL fluorescent studio lighting kit is intended to give uniform lighting diffusion in your picture or video studio. This studio lamp kit improves the look of your photographs by minimizing shadows and focusing on the subject image.

This single-light kit provides greater versatility when working with bigger subjects. It has an enhanced ambient light, thanks to two additional lights and an added 450W approximate output.

It is a high-intensity two-light package ideal for lighting vast spaces or countering harsh ambient light. This set is 30% brighter than your typical five-light kit due to seven bulbs in each head.

Product Specifications

  • 7 bulb heads
  • 48W lamps
  • 23″x35″ softboxes
  • Dimensions:35 x 12x 10
  • Weight:17.6 pounds

Fovitec 2-Light XL

4.3
4.3/5
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Fovitec 2-Light XL
Fovitec 2-Light XL

Buyers Guide: How to Find the Best Strobe Lights for Photography

Strobe Light Power

The power intensity of the best strobe light can range from 120 to 1,300 watts. The amplitude of your strobe lighting should be proportional to the studio area in which you work.

For example, if you have a bigger-sized studio, you’ll need a high-intensity light to work with smaller tinier lens apertures and obtain the full depth of field.

To capture close-ups, some strobes can modify their power strength. If you have a small studio, the strength of the lighting won’t be an issue because you’ll be lighting a smaller area.

Time Between Flashes

If you’re going to photograph a fast-moving object or person, you’ll want to use a strobe light with a swift flash duration, such as a t0.5 value of 12,000th seconds or higher. Fast flash durations are not useful when photographing a dynamic or fast-moving subject.

Color Temperature

This is also something to think about when investing in strobe lighting. The color temperature of the finest strobe lights for photographers usually is between 4600k and 5500k.

However, this is less of an issue when shooting with modern DSLRs since most camera systems automatically adjust to the color intensity and temperature.

Budget & Cost Of Strobe Lights

Your budget mainly determines the price of the strobe lights you can buy. However, in today’s highly competitive digital photography marketplace, there is something for everyone ranging from less expensive versatile strobes to the premium-priced strobe models.

However, it’s also worth considering the strobe light’s performance. It’s pointless to buy a low-cost light if it costs a fortune to use and operate. It’ll also be a waste of money if it’s not powerful enough or has a short flash timeframe for your needs.

A good strobe light will set you back $100-$200 – or even more for something more advanced – but its value to your work should more than make up for it.

Type of Strobe Light

Strobe lights come in many different styles and emit light in various ways. For example, xenon, LED, and halogen lights are conventional light sources for stage lighting.

It’s worth looking for something versatile and battery-powered if you need to move your light around, especially if you’re going to use it outside.

Benefits of Strobe Lighting

Strobe lighting has huge advantages and can be utilized in various photography instances. These advantages include:

Capturing Well-Lit Photos

Strobe lighting is essential to capture perfectly-lit images. Most strobe lights have settings parameters that would enable you to change the intensity of the lighting to generate a smoother effect on your shots.

Outdoor Use Suitability

Strobe lighting isn’t just for studio work; it can be used for outdoor photography too. Because the synthetic flash strobes overwhelm the natural light, you can still use them outside to create a dramatic feel.

Fast Recycle Duration

Studio strobe lighting typically recycles rapidly, allowing you to take additional shots while the flash regenerates. This will enable you to record every motion or shift in expression. This is especially useful when working with models.

Easy Modeling

As previously stated, strobes are ideal for photographing models because most strobes include a modeling light, a steady light that allows the photographer to see the outcome of the light without taking a test shot.

This increases shooting performance and saves time for both you and the model. It also gives you more grip over your shooting session because you can see how your image will turn out before pressing the shutter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Difference Between Strobe and speedlites?

Speedlites and strobe lights are similar because they generate short flashes of light.

Speedlites, on the other hand, are unique in that they are typically battery-powered, resulting in lesser energy output, a longer reprocesses time, and far less consistent color temperature measurements.

Speedlites are lightweight and portable due to their power source, making them ideal for working remotely or outdoors instead of in a studio. They’re also considerably less expensive.

Which is better? Continuous Lighting or a Strobe Light

Since it is more functional, strobe lighting is highly preferable. Constant lighting lets you see what you’re getting before you press the shutter, but it uses a ton of energy and can be extra hot and inconvenient for your models to keep standing in front of it. As a result, many photographers prefer using continuous lighting for their shoots.

What is the Best Lighting for Studio Photography?

Strobe lighting is ideal for studio photography because when shooting indoors, you depend heavily on artificial ambient lighting rather than natural sunlight. A strobe light enables you to take photos of a subject multiple times in a short amount of time, capturing a variety of representations and movements.

This is favorable for brand modeling and studio photography because the shots will appear more natural, and the photographer will have more options for posture and expression.

For the perfect portrait shot, combine strobe lights with a softbox to disperse the light and translucent umbrellas to bounce reflections and provide low-contrast lighting.

Final Thoughts

Strobe lights offer you maximum lighting for your photography, whether you’re shooting in a studio or an outdoor location. With the inconsistencies that come with shooting under natural light, strobe lights offer you stable and powerful lighting for well-lit pictures. As a photographer, strive to invest in a strobe light that meets your shooting needs while saving you some cash.

Godox AD200Ws

Godox AD200Ws

4.8
4.8/5
Check Price On Amazon

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