As an amateur photographer, I’ve always struggled with inconsistent lighting in my photos. I’ve often relied on natural light, which isn’t always available or reliable, especially when shooting indoors. This often resulted in grainy, poorly-lit images that weren’t up to my standards. I knew I needed a solution to achieve better lighting and create more professional-looking photos, and I was ready to invest in a good lighting kit.
- The kit includes (2) 24"X24"/60x60cm Softbox + (2) 35W 5700K LED Light Bulb (total equivalent to...
- (2)24"X24"/60x60cm Softbox:Softbox diffuses the light and gives you perfect even lighting when you...
- (2)35W 5700K LED Light Bulb: This UL certified 35W LED light bulb has a power output equivalent to a...
- 83"/210cm Light Stand: Constructed from aluminum alloy, giving them exceptional strength for heavy...
Navigating the World of Photography Lighting
The world of photography lighting can be overwhelming. There are tons of options available, from simple clamp lights to complex studio setups. It’s important to consider your needs and budget before choosing a lighting kit. If you’re just starting out, a basic kit with two lights and softboxes should be sufficient. But if you’re looking for more professional-grade lighting, you’ll need to invest in higher-quality lights and accessories.
For beginners, softbox lighting kits are a great option. These kits usually include two lights, softboxes, light stands, and a carrying case. Softboxes are designed to diffuse light, making it softer and more flattering. They are ideal for portrait photography, product photography, and even video recording. However, remember that most softbox kits don’t come with a background or backdrop system, which may be something you need to consider separately.
Neewer 700W Equivalent Softbox Lighting Kit – A Closer Look
The Neewer 700W Equivalent Softbox Lighting Kit is a popular choice among photographers looking for a budget-friendly, yet effective, lighting kit. It offers a lot for its price, including two 35W LED light bulbs, two 24×24-inch softboxes, two light stands, and a carrying bag.
The Neewer 700W kit is designed to provide a professional level of light output, equivalent to a 700W incandescent light bulb, but without the heat and energy consumption. The softboxes diffuse the light, creating a softer and more even lighting effect that’s ideal for portraits, product photography, and video recording.
Here are some of the key benefits of this kit:
* UL Certified Bulbs: The LED light bulbs are UL certified, ensuring safety and reliability.
* Adjustable Light Stands: The light stands are adjustable in height, giving you flexibility to position the lights at different angles.
* Carrying Bag: The included carrying bag makes it easy to transport the kit to different locations.
However, there are a few drawbacks to consider:
* Not the Most Powerful Option: While the 700W equivalent is sufficient for many situations, it might not be strong enough for larger studio shoots or outdoor work with a lot of ambient light.
* Stands Can Be Flimsy: The light stands, though adjustable, can feel a little flimsy, especially when fully extended.
* Light Bulbs Might Require Replacement: LED bulbs have a longer lifespan than traditional incandescent bulbs, but they will eventually need replacement.
Diving into the Features & Benefits of the Neewer 700W Kit
Unboxing and Setup
I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the packaging. The Neewer 700W kit arrived neatly packaged with everything labeled and organized. The assembly was straightforward, taking less than 10 minutes to unpack and set up. The instructions were clear and concise, making it easy to put everything together. I was up and running in no time.
Light Bulbs: The Core of Your Lighting
The two 35W LED light bulbs are the heart of the Neewer 700W kit. They are UL certified, which is a huge plus for me. It assures me that the bulbs are safe and meet quality standards. The bulbs provide a 5700K color temperature, which is a daylight-balanced white light ideal for photography and video recording.
The light output is equivalent to a 350W incandescent bulb, which provides enough brightness for most indoor shooting scenarios. The bulbs are also energy-efficient, using less power than traditional incandescent bulbs. This is a great benefit, especially if you’re planning on using the lights for extended periods.
Softboxes: Diffusing Your Light for Perfection
The 24×24-inch softboxes are the workhorses of this kit. They are designed to diffuse light, making it softer and more even. This creates a more flattering lighting effect on your subjects, reducing harsh shadows and creating a more natural-looking image.
The softboxes are easy to attach to the light stands and rotate to create various lighting angles. They also come with removable external diffusers, giving you the flexibility to adjust the level of light diffusion based on your shooting needs.
Light Stands: Keeping Your Lighting Stable
The light stands are made from sturdy aluminum alloy. They are adjustable in height, making it easy to position the lights at different angles. I found that the light stands are solid enough to support the softboxes, even when fully extended. However, as mentioned before, they can feel a little flimsy when fully extended and might need to be adjusted to remain stable.
Carrying Bag: Transportation Made Easy
The Neewer 700W kit comes with a large, durable carrying bag. This is a big plus for me, as I often need to transport my equipment to different locations. The bag is well-padded, protecting the lights and accessories from bumps and scratches during transport.
Real Users Chime In
Many other photographers have had positive experiences with the Neewer 700W kit. One reviewer noted that the setup was easy and the light quality was excellent for their home studio. They were particularly impressed with the even lighting the softboxes created.
However, some reviewers did mention that the stands can feel a bit flimsy when fully extended and that the light bulbs might require replacement sooner than expected.
Conclusion: Should You Get the Neewer 700W Equivalent Softbox Lighting Kit?
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly yet effective lighting kit for indoor photography and videography, the Neewer 700W Equivalent Softbox Lighting Kit is definitely worth considering. It’s a great option for beginners, offering a solid set of features at an affordable price. The light bulbs produce a bright, even light, and the softboxes are excellent at diffusing light, creating a more flattering effect on your subjects. While there are a few drawbacks to consider, such as the stand stability and potential need for bulb replacement, the overall value and performance of the kit make it a worthwhile investment for any aspiring photographer.