Outdoor photography can be challenging because natural light is hard to predict and control. That’s why you need to choose the best portable lighting kit for outdoor photography. This article will guide you on what to look for and recommend three top kits to fit different needs.
What should be included in a portable lighting kit for outdoor photography?
The best portable lighting kit for outdoor photography depends on the specific needs of your shoot. However, there are some essential pieces of gear that every kit should include.
Portable photography light: Outdoor photographers need lightweight yet powerful lights that balance output with portability. Flashlights are compact and easy to carry. They provide quick bursts of bright light, perfect for freezing motion and adding highlights. Continuous lights, such as LED studio lights, offer steady illumination with adjustable brightness and color, making them ideal for video and precise lighting control.
Foldable light modifiers and diffusers: These are essential gear in portable lighting kits for outdoor photography because they allow you to control the direction, intensity, and quality of your light. Common types include softboxes, reflectors, and umbrellas. For outdoor shoots, choose compact and foldable options that can fit in a small bag and are easy to set up.
Portable light stand for photography: A stable tripod or stand is crucial for outdoor photography lighting, especially in uneven or windy environments. It helps secure your lights in place and allows flexible positioning. Choose sturdy yet lightweight stands that are easy to carry and quick to set up for reliable support throughout the shoot.
Compact power sources: Since outdoor locations may not have access to outlets, portable power sources are essential in your lighting kit. Battery packs and V-mount batteries are the most common choices. Make sure they match your lights’ power needs and pack extras if you plan to shoot for extended periods.
Carrying bag: The last gear you need is a durable, spacious carrying bag to keep all your lighting gear protected and organized. Look for one with thick padding and compartments for quick access to your lights, stands, and accessories while on the go.
Best portable lighting kit for outdoor photography in 2025
To help you make a quick decision, we select three portable photography outdoor lighting kits at COLBOR. Take a look at their features, advantages, and drawbacks to find the one that suits you best.
Best outdoor photography lighting kit for beginners: COLBOR W100 Kit
The COLBOR W100 Kit is an ideal portable lighting kit for outdoor photography beginners. It includes a powerful 100W LED light with adjustable color temperature from 2700K to 6500K. This light weighs only 345g, so it can be easily held in one hand. The kit comes with a battery base that supports simultaneous charging and use, ensuring long shooting times. Magnetic accessories such as the barn door, dome, and honeycomb grid help you shape and control the light easily. Overall, this kit offers reliable, versatile lighting in a compact, easy-to-carry package.
What’s in the kit:
- COLBOR W100 100W LED Light
- COLBOR PB74 battery base
- A highlight reflector, 4-leaf barn door, dome Diffuser, and honeycomb grid
Specification:
| Type | Bi-Color LED light |
| Output | 100W |
| Color range | 2700-6500k (±200k) |
| Weight | 345g |
| Size | 157*43*93mm |
Pro:
- Compact and lightweight
- High brightness with a reflector
- Flexible battery base for outdoor use
- Magnetic accessories for quick setup
Cons:
- Plastic housing feels less durable
Best for colorful outdoor shoots: COLBOR CL60R portable LED lighting kit
If you need a portable RGB lighting kit for outdoor photography, the COLBOR CL60R is a great choice. It offers 360° full-color adjustment and sound recognition for dynamic lighting effects. The kit includes a 2.2m air-cushioned stand for stability, a 45cm parabolic softbox for soft light control, and a Bowens spotlight modifier for dramatic highlights. Powered by the COLBOR Power 99 Pro battery, it provides reliable performance in outdoor settings. This kit is both compact and versatile, perfect for colorful and creative shoots on the go.
What’s in the kit:
- COLBOR CL60R RGB light
- COLBOR 2200FP light stand
- COLBOR BP45 45cm parabolic softbox
- COLBOR Power 99 Pro V Mount battery
Specification:
| Type | RGB LED light |
| Output | 60W |
| Color range | 2700-6500k (±200k) |
| Weight | Light: 600g; Light base: 160g |
| Size | 140*80*90mm |
Pros:
- Full RGB with 360° color adjustment
- Sound recognition function
- Good price for a complete kit
- Easy to use, ideal for quick setups
Cons:
- 65W output may be insufficient for some outdoor scenes
Best portable continuous lighting kit for outdoor photography: COLBOR CL330
The COLBOR CL330 kit is a powerful and portable lighting kit for outdoor shoots. It delivers 330W of constant power with excellent color accuracy and consistency, thanks to its Rf96/Rg103 TM-30 rating and Red/Green Balance function. The kit includes a 2.46m stand for stability, a 90cm octa softbox for soft and natural light, and two Power 99 Pro batteries for mobile use. The Bowens mount and multiple power options make it a flexible and professional solution for outdoor photography and video production.
What’s in the kit:
- COLBOR CL300 LED continuous light
- COLBOR WH-260 light stand
- COLBOR BSO90 65cm octa softbox
- 2 COLBOR Power 99 Pro V-mount batteries
Specification:
| Type | LED continuous light |
| Output | 330W |
| Color range | 2700-6500k (±200k) |
| Weight | Light: 2.07kg |
| Size | 299*128*232mm |
Pros:
- Compact but powerful
- Excellent color accuracy with TM-30 Rf96/Rg103
- Quiet cooling system
- Durable build quality
Cons:
- Higher price
Conclusion: What kind of lighting kit should you go for?
The best portable lighting kit for outdoor photography depends on what you plan to shoot:
- If you’re a beginner or want a compact, lightweight kit with stable power, the COLBOR W100 Kit is a great pick.
- For colorful outdoor shoots with flexible lighting effects, the COLBOR CL60R Kit provides full RGB control and sound recognition. It’s portable and ideal for creative lighting setups.
- If you need powerful continuous lighting for video or portrait work, the COLBOR CL330 Kit delivers high brightness, accurate color, and soft natural light with its large octa softbox.
Think about your shooting style, budget, and portability needs to find the kit that fits your outdoor photography best.