3 Studio LIghting Kits for Less than $100

If you're just starting out in portrait photography, need a quick lighting setup for video or ebay phtos, or just want to "dabble", dishing out $1,500 or more for studio lighting may not be possible. Fortunately, there are several manufacturers that offer starter studio lighting kits with reasonably good quality at very affordable prices.

Yes, you're probably going to sacrifice something by purchasing the budget kits - setup/adjustment speed, durability, or some other feature of the high-end equipment, but if you're looking for studio lighting that will do the job without putting too much of a dent in your bank account, a little careful shopping will get you started, and I'm about to save you some "legwork" by showing you a few kits that are doing the job for many photographers that don't have unlimited funds. Check them out!

CowboyStudio Photography/Video Portrait Umbrella Continuous Triple Lighting Kit

This one gets top billing here because it strikes a balance for value. It isn't the least expensive, but it give you just a bit more for your money. The floor stands are somewhat sturdier and easier to adjust, and the case is more substantial than some of the competitive kits. The seller gets consistent high marks for prompt customer service, too, and that adds point to any rating, imho.



Here's what's in the kit: 2 - 78" light stands 1 - 30: tabletop light stands 3 - light holders w/switches 2 - 33" umbrellas 3 - 45W, 5500k fluorescent daylight bulbs 1 - padded carrying case It's a simple continuous lighting setup that's portable, versatile and easy to use. If you're careful about your umbrella placement, you can upgrade to higher output bulbs if you want to shoot at higher shutter speeds. It's available with either the white umbrellas shown here or with black/silver fabric.

Overall, this is simply a good choice for cheap, portable lighting that's expandable, upgradable and should last a while if don't manhandle it.  Best of all, it's only about $60.00!  GET THE DETAILS HERE .

LimoStudio-Photography Day Light Umbrella Continuous Lighting Kit

Here's one of the competitive kits to the one above, and it's Amazon's #1 best seller in continuous ligting. It's basically the same setup, but not quite as sturdy, with slower adjusters on the light stands and a more rudimentary case.

The kit contains: 2 - 80" light stands 1 - 28" tabletop light stand 3 - light holders 2 - 33" umbrellas 3 - 45W, 6500K daylight fluorescent bulbs 1 - carrying case Note that this kit claims higher color temperature and the reviews for the kit above mention more blue in the lights. This kit also lists as having "air cushion" light stands. So what's the real difference? This one is about $20.00 cheaper and at the time of this writing, is selling for $38.00 (+ shipping). If your budget is really tight, this one will get you started and you can save by getting it now. READ ALL ABOUT IT HERE .

   

CowboyStudio Photography Flash Strobe Studio Light Kit


If you prefer strobes to continuous lighting, there's an inexpensive starter kit for you, too. Yes, it's going to set you back a little more than the continuous setups, but it's still less than $100.

 

What's in the box: 2- 7' light stands 2 - light sockets 2 - 45W strobes (master & slave) 1 - 33" white umbrella 1 - 33" black/silver umbrella 1 - dual channel wireless trigger 1 - carrying case Not a bad start for $99.95. Quality? good for the price. If you're looking for high-end, expect to pay much more. If you need to get started with something that will fit your budget, here you go. This might be a great option for a student or someone just wanting to "play around" with remote strobes. CHECK IT OUT HERE 

One of these setups should help students, novices and broke photographers get set up with simple lighting. Remember, it's easy to start small and expand. When you get a few portrait jobs in your pocket or get those products moving on ebay, you can look at more expensive lighting options or add options to these.

You may also want to consider:
LimoStudio Set of Two 105 Watt, 6500 K Fluorescent Daylight Balanced Light Bulb
LimoStudio Full Spectrum Lighting Bulb 85W Photography Photo CFL 6500K, 4 Bulbs
How to Set Up Photography Lighting for a Home Studio
Step-By-Step Lighting for Studio Portrait Photography

A couple more.  With these you end up with a single light.  But you may not out grow this gear quite as fast -

www.adorama.com/FPLFBF120K1.html

www.cowboystudio.com/product_p/mountb-soft%20umb-w803.htm

There are manual flash units with optical slave trigger for around $40 USD to go with the Cowboystudio umbrella kit.

Kelly Cook