A portable photography light is a compact, lightweight lighting source designed for easy transport and quick setup in any shooting location. In this article, we explore why it’s useful, recommend top models from COLBOR, share tips on choosing the right one, and answer common questions.
Why do you need a portable photography light?
Portable photography lights offer better flexibility and control than traditional studio setups. They are not limited by natural light or fixed power sources, making them ideal for both indoor and outdoor photography.
Here are the key benefits of using portable light for photography:
- Flexible shooting locations: With a portable light, you can shoot anywhere such as a studio, a remote outdoor spot, or an indoor setting without good lighting.
- Greater lighting control: Unlike natural light, these artificial lighting gear allow you to adjust brightness, color temperature, and diffusion to suit the style and mood you want to create.
- Improved image quality: With consistent brightness and accurate color, they reduce harsh shadows and reveal details to help you shoot clear and vivid images.
- Versatile application: Whether you’re shooting portraits, products, food, or events, portable lights can adapt to various needs and shooting styles.
- Convenience: Lightweight and often battery-powered, they are easy to transport and set up, making them perfect for travel photography or location work.
- Cost efficiency: A portable light is more affordable than building a full studio setup and is ideal for photographers who often shoot in different locations.
Best portable light for photography: 4 picks at COLBOR
Here are four of the best portable photography lights from COLBOR, each designed to meet different shooting needs. Whether you are capturing portraits, products, or outdoor scenes, they can offer reliable performance and easy transport.
Best overall: COLBOR CL60 portable LED light for photography
If you need a portable light for outdoor photography, the COLBOR CL60 is an excellent choice. It features adjustable color temperatures from 2700K to 6500K and a high CRI rating of 97+. Weighing only 550g, it’s easy to carry and works with AC power, PD adapters, or V-mount batteries. Its quiet cooling fan avoids noisy operation, and you can control it remotely through an app. The Bowens mount also allows you to add various modifiers to shape your light exactly how you want.
Best for phone photography: COLBOR PL8B portable light panel
The COLBOR PL8B is a portable light for iPhone photography and other mobile shooting. It features a magnetic back panel for easy mounting on metal surfaces and a Type-A DC output port that lets you charge your phone while shooting. This compact panel packs 60 LED beads to deliver soft, balanced light. With adjustable brightness and color temperature, it adapts to different environments with ease. Lightweight and USB-C rechargeable, the COLBOR PL8B is a handy lighting companion wherever you go.
Best powerful: COLBOR CL600R portable RGB light for photography
The COLBOR CL600R is a portable photography light with powerful output and full-color control. It delivers up to 600W of output and supports the full RGB spectrum with high color accuracy. With an IP54 rating and flexible power options including AC, DC, and dual V-mount batteries, it performs reliably even in outdoor settings. Despite its high output, it remains compact and lightweight at just 4.2kg. This makes it a great choice for studios seeking both strong performance and easy transport.
Best handheld lighting kit: COLBOR W100 Kit with battery and reflector
The COLBOR W100 Kit is a portable photography lighting kit designed for mobile and travel shooting. It combines a 100W LED light, a handheld battery base, and a high-luminance reflector to deliver strong and consistent output. The PB74 battery base supports up to 30 minutes of full-power use and allows charging while shooting. Magnetic accessories like barn doors and honeycomb grids are also included to help shape and direct the light, offering more creative control in varied environments.
How to choose a suitable one?
Choosing the right portable photography light can be tricky with so many options available. Here are five buying tips to help you pick the best one.
Check size and weight to ensure portability
Size and weight are the main factors that determine how portable a photography light is. Look for lightweight options made from materials like aluminum and ABS. The overall size should be compact enough to fit into a small bag along with its accessories, making it easy to carry and hold during shoots.
Pick a portable photography light with adjustable brightness and color
A good portable photography lighting gear should offer adjustable brightness and color temperature to adapt to various shooting conditions. Dimmable brightness helps avoid overexposure and gives you more control over your scene. The wide color temperature, typically from 2500K to 6500K, helps you match different ambient lighting. For example, use 5600K for daylight balance or switch to 3200K for warmer indoor scenes.
Look for long battery life and multiple power options
The best portable lighting for outdoor photography needs reliable power to support long shoots. Choose models with long-lasting batteries or support for multiple power sources. USB-C charging is great for travel, and some lights can even connect to power banks. If you shoot outdoors or on location, flexible options like V-mount battery and DC input help avoid downtime and keep your workflow smooth.
Opt for a portable photography light with flexible mounting
Flexible mounting options enhance the portability of photography lights. Magnetic backs, cold shoe mounts, and tripod threads let you attach the light to your camera, hold it by hand, or place it nearby. This allows the photographer to set up and adjust lighting quickly.
Consider extra features and control options
When choosing a small portable light for photography, you should look for extra features and control options to make it more versatile. RGB lighting can create different colors. The built-in diffuser softens the light for a more effective result. Special effects like flicker simulate natural scenes. Wireless remote and app control make it easy to adjust settings without touching the light.
Comparison table of 4 COLBOR portable photography lights
| COLBOR CL60 | COLBOR PL8B | COLBOR CL600R | COLBOR W100 Kit | |
| Size | 140x80x90mm (Light Base Not Included) |
125x75x17mm | 25x14x13cm (Light Base Not Included) |
Light: 157x43x93cm |
| Weight | Light: 550g; Light Base: 160g |
187g | 4.2kg | Light: 345g |
| Illumination | 2,843Lux (at 1m 5600K, No Reflector); 19,665Lux (at 1m 5600K, With Reflector) |
/ | 15,600Lux (at 1m 5600K, No Reflector); 68,500Lux (at 1m 5600K, With Reflector) |
11,700 LUX at 1 meter |
| Color temperature | 2700K-6500K(±200) | 2500K-9000K | 2700K~6500K (±200K) | 2700K-6500K (±200) |
| CRI | 97+ | 98+ | 97+ | 96±2 |
| Power source | DC 20V Type-C; PD power bank; V Mount battery; NP-F battery |
Built-in Lithium battery; DC power supply |
AC, DC, and V Mount battery power | DC, DC 20V Type-C, and COLBOR PB74 battery base |
| Control options | Onboard and wireless APP control | APP remote and onboard control | Onboard, APP, 2.4G remote, and DMX control | Onboard and APP remote control |
| Extra features | 10 built-in lighting FX | HD display; Can act as a power bank |
IP54 rating; RGB lighting |
Built-in accessories |
FAQ
Here are common questions with clear answers to help you understand portable photography lighting equipment.
Portable continuous light vs. strobe light: Which one is better for photography?
Both have their strengths, and the best choice depends on your needs.
Continuous light works well for video and beginners because it provides real-time feedback and is easy to control.
Strobe light suits studio and action photography since it offers powerful and precise bursts for freezing motion.
What other accessories should I consider?
To get high-quality portable photography lighting, you can consider these accessories:
- Light stand: Holds your light in place and adjusts height and angle for stable positioning.
- Extra batteries: Provide extended shooting time, especially important for outdoor sessions.
- Softbox or diffuser: Softens the light to reduce harsh shadows and create even illumination.
- Carrying bag or case: Keeps all gear organized and protected during transport.
- Mounting adapters: Cold shoe, tripod thread, or clamps for flexible setup in different environments.
If you want an all-in-one solution, the COLBOR W100 Kit includes many of these essential tools.