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.
- [Interchangeable Flash Heads] Flexibly snap in the exciting Round Head(NOT Included) with superior clean light spread, the Speedlight-Styled Fresnel Head(GN52, Direct-Focused Beam) and Bare-Bulb Head (GN60, Omni-Directional Beam)
- [Large Capacity Lithium Battery] The Godox AD200 Pro offers 500 full power flashes with 0. 01 to 1. 8 sec. Recycling. Expanded manual 9 stop range of power adjusts from full to 1/256 in 1/10th stop increments
- [2.4G Control with 330Ft Range] Godox AD200Pro supports Nikon, Canon, Sony, Fujifilm, Olympus, Panasonic and Pentax TTL. With Master Slave Function, AD200Pro Can be Used in Combination with Godox TTL Camera Flashes, TTL Outdoor Flashes, etc
- [Manual/TTL/Multi flash modes] Fully support flash exposure compensation, 1/8000S high speed Sync. Manual outputs the user's choice of power, modeling light, first/second curtain sync, etc. Multi controls the stroboscopic rate up to 90 times
- [Lightweight Portable Easy to Use] 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
- 【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.
- ✴️ Contents: (1 x) Flash Strobe Light/ (1 x) 120V 75W Modeling Bulb / (1 x) 16-Channel Radio Signal Receiver / (1 x) Radio Remote Transmitter Trigger / (1 x) Instrution Sheet
- ✴️ Wattage: Flash Power (300W in Full) / Modeling Power (Halogen 75W), Voltage: AC 110–130V/60Hz / Comes with a Test Buttom and Brightness Adjustable (1–8 Level)
- ✴️ Recharge Time: 0.5–1.5 S / Works as Main, Back, or Focus Light / Easy Adjustable Shooting Angle
- ✴️ Wireless Remote Trigger & Receiver: 16 Channels to Avoid Interference (Channel: 1(Rt–01)/2(Rt–02)/4(Rt–04)/16(Rt–16)) / Indoor Operation Distance: 20M, Outdoor Operation Distance: 20–30M (Approximate Distance Number)
- ✴️ Compatible with Softbox and Umbrella: The Light Can Be Mounted on a Light Stand. Also, It Comes with an Umbrella Hole Which Can Mount a Umbrella Reflector and Softbot Light Kit.
- 【Built-in 2.4G Wireless X System】--MS300 Studio Strobe flash kit with stand built-in 2.4G X system,can use X2, XPro, XT32, RT-16 triggers to achieve wireless synchronous trigger and control.Widely compatible with Canon,Nikon,Pentax,Olympus,Fuji, camras etc.
- 【Bowens Mount & 150W LED Modeling Light】--Bowens Mount GODOX MS300 strobe flash is designed with a 150W LED modeling lamp,brightness can be adjusted from 5% to 100% manually,can be compatible with most Bowens mount light effect accessories,like strip softboxes,barn door kits,beam tube,etc.
- 【Powerful & Anti-preflash Function】--GN58 MS300 studio lighting kit for photography has an anti-preflash function,The camera with a pre-flash function can realize synchronous shooting with light control. 0.1-1.8s recycling times and flash durations from 1/2000 to 1/800s.
- 【Multiple Flash Control Methods】--300Ws compact studio flash light with Bowens mount softbox has multiple flash control methods,sync cable,test button,Light control sensing, and wireless control port.With 16 groups (0-9, A-F), 32 channels (1-32), and 3 modeling light modes.
- 【Professional Studio Photography Flash Kit】--2 packs GODOX MS300 Studio flash kit with 2* honeycomb grid softbox and 33" Black silver and Black white reflective umbrella,2* light stands,1*power cable.RT-16 flash trigger,suitable for studio shooting, portrait shooting, still life shooting and a wide range of scenes as a background light tool.
- MULTIPLE USES: Ideal for professional photographers and videographers alike! Go from still images to video with beautiful lighting.
- Self-important US Sign lighting, LED ring light, unique light design, soft light, accurate color temperature, color display white, to achieve beautiful skin, and instantly make the picture becomes clear.
- Professional portrait photography fill light, shooting still life, video dedicated.
- Widely applied to outdoor photo light, filling light indoors, portrait, fashion, wedding art, advertisement photography, shooting video, etc.
- Product Includes: LED Photography Fill Light x2, Retractable Light Stand x2, Dimming Adapter x2, Carrying Bag x1 (All the accessories can be put into the carrying bag for easy storage and carrying.
- 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.
- 【STUDIO STROBE KIT INCLUDES】(2X)SK400ii 400W Studio Monolight,(2X)9.2ft Light Stand;(2X)24"*35" Softbox;(2X)Standard Reflector;(2X)Diffuser Filter;(1X)43"Reflector Umbrella;(1X)43"White Soft Umbrella;(1X)BD-04 Barndoor Kit;This kit include a whole set accessories for those professional photographers to take special effect of photo,perfect for Indoor Studio Portrait Photography,Video Shooting
- 【GODOX SK400II SPEEDLITE MONOLIGHT】Stable strobe light built in 2.4G Wireless System,with color temperature of 5600K;Guide Number GN65;150W modeling lamp adjusts in 5% to 100% power level;40 Steps from 1/16-1/1;Anti-preflash function;Large LED display and excellent heat dissipation.
- 【STURDY LIGHT STAND】Made of all solid metal,make it exceptional strength and stable for heavy duty work,8.5-9.2 feet/260-280 centimeters adjustable work height to meet various demands of photography, Load Capacity: 7.5 pounds/ 8 kilograms;
- 【SOFTBOX & UMBRELLA】24"*35"/60cm*90cm rectangular softbox with bowens mount,for photography speedlite,flash head,monolight and so on,ideal for shooting:Wedding,Portrait,Fashion,Advertising,Live broadcast,Youtube Video...The silver side of the umbrella for evenly distributed Soft Light, for Contrast and Increased Highlights,and black side for keeping unwanted lights from being reflected into photo.
- 【PERFECT KIT FOR STUDIO】This SK400II strobe light kits with built-in 2.4G wireless transmission is perfect for advertising products, portrait,photo-art, industrial, scientific and technical photography and much more! it allow you easily get high light, backgroud light, or hair light in large studios and workshops
- 【2x 400W Studio Strobe Kit】 Godox SK400II 2-light studio flash kit for Photography: features 150W modeling lamp (brightness adjustable from 5% to 100%) and 400W 5600K daylight strobe function, flash output is adjustable by 6.0-10.0 (1/16-1/1). flash duration: 1/2000 to 1/800s, recycle time: 0.1-1.0s, GN 65. Satisfys the light requirements in different environment.
- 【Built-in Godox 2.4G wireless X system】 compatible with godox X-system flash transmitter, such as Godox Xpro, X1,X2T, XT32 XT-16, or FT-16 Trigger. Outstanding power output stability, anti-preflash function guarantees the synchronization of cameras capable to fire a preflash. Light settings will be saved automatically after 3 seconds.
- 【Equipped XT-16 Flash Trigger】XT-16 features 2.4G singal, allows godox 2.4G X system studio strobe lights receive command from XT-16 trigger directly, please set the lights and XT-16 transmitter at the same channel. wireless control working distances is within 100 meters. Godox XT-16 strobe trigger is compatible with Nikon /Canon /Fujifilm /Olympus /Pentax hot shoe.
- 【Bowens Mount strobe light kit】 The softbox photography strobe kit is easy to set up in few minutes, works with various Bowens-mount 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 professional photography studio.
- 【Strobe photography lighting kit】 includes 2x Godox SK400II 400W Monolights, 1x 60*90cm Softbox, 2x Light Stands (Max 200cm extension), 2x Power cable, 1x XT-16 Flash transmitter, 2x reflectors, 1x 33" Black/Silver Umbrella, 1x 33" Black/White Umbrella, 1x Barn door with gel grid, 1x carrying bag. 【Product support】 we provide one year customer support, any issue please contact us via amazon message.
- 【71"/180cm Black/Silver Parabolic Reflective Umbrella】 This 71"/180cm deep parabolic camera umbrella softbox reflects a more intense and focused light, ideal for situations where you need to cover longer distances or overpower the ambient light. Comes with a black exterior and a silver internal coating on the nylon cloth that softens and reflects more light than the black/white version, resulting in a more contrasty light to create more defined shadows
- 【Detachable Soft Light Diffuser】 This white diffuser minimizes the overly bright highlights that may occur when using a silver umbrella, and achieves an extremely soft and flattering light for scenarios like portraits or beauty photography. Attach or detach using touch fasteners for a swift and simplified setup
- 【Umbrella Like Quick Fold & Unfold】 Effortlessly opens and closes like a real umbrella, and conveniently collapses to fit into the included storage bag when not in use. This photo umbrella is ideal for portraits, product photography, YouTube videos, TikTok vlogs, filmmaking, live streaming, video conferencing, online teaching, and more
- 【Built in Handle】 The built in handle allows easy attachment to light stands, continuous lights, or mounting brackets with umbrella holes, including NEEWER Q4 Vision 4 CB200B RGB CB60 MS60B MS60C MS150B S101-300WPRO/400W Pro flash strobes studio lights and continuous lights, compatible with Godox ML60Bi SL60w Aputure 120D 60D Amaran 100x 150c 600d, etc.
- 【Durable Build】 The black exterior and silver interior are nylon built for a long lasting life. 16 highly resilient ribs offer an impeccable parabolic shape that withstands tens of thousands of presses without deformation, and are heat resistant to high temperatures and other demanding weather conditions
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.