Portable LED lights for photography are small and easy to carry, making them great for outdoor shoots or travel. But not every choice gives you the brightness or quality you need. In this guide, we’ll review 4 top options and show you how to choose the right one. Keep reading to see which one fits your needs!
Comparison table of LED portable lights for photography
Are you looking for portable LED lighting for photography? To help you decide, we’ve compared four top-rated models in the table below. You can check their power, illumination, battery life, and weight to see which one matches your needs quickly.
| Product | Power | Illumination | Battery capacity | Weight | Smart cooling system |
| COLBOR W60 | 60W |
2,890Lux (at 1m 5600K, No Reflector); 4,770Lux (at 1m 5600K, With Reflector) |
/ | 345g | Yes |
| COLBOR W100 Kit | 100W |
45,200 LUX at 0.5 meters; 11,700 LUX at 1 meter |
19200mAh | 345g | Yes |
| COLBOR P8B |
8W | / | 5000mAh | 187g | Yes |
| COLBOR CL60R | >60W |
2,082Lux (at 1m 5600K, No Reflector); 22,655Lux (at 1m 5600K, With Reflector) |
/ |
Light: 600g Light base: 160g |
Yes |
Best portable LED lights for photography: 4 picks
In this section, we’ll recommend four top portable LED lights for photography. Each one is reliable, easy to carry, and bright enough for different shooting needs. Let’s take a closer look at what makes them stand out.
Best overall: COLBOR W60 handheld LED light for photography
If you need a portable continuous lighting for photography, the handheld LED light COLBOR W60 is a great option. It weighs only 345g and fits easily in your everyday bag. Its flat panel design not only looks more interesting but also gives a wider and more even light spread. With the reflector, it delivers 4,770 Lux of 5600K lighting at a distance of 1 meter.
This LED light can be powered by a DC adapter, COLBOR battery grip, or PD Type-C fast charging. With a smart cooling system and full support for COLBOR accessories, it is built for smooth and creative shooting, especially outdoors.
Best all-in-one: COLBOR W100 Kit portable LED lighting solution for photography
The COLBOR W100 Kit is the best portable LED lighting kit for photography. It includes a 100W LED light, a 71Wh battery base, and a set of lighting accessories for flexible use.
The battery base powers the light for 30 minutes at 100W, and provides an extra 10 minutes at 50W. This gives you steady and reliable support for mobile shooting.
The accessory kit includes a high-luminance reflector, 4-leaf barn door, dome, and honeycomb grid. These tools boost brightness by up to four times and make it easy to shape the light as you need.
The W100 Kit also supports wireless control, allowing you to adjust lighting settings easily using the COLBOR Studio App.
Best compact: COLBOR PL8B small portable LED lights for photography
The COLBOR PL8B is the lightest portable LED light for photography. It weighs only 187g and is about the size of a smartphone, making it easy to carry anywhere.
With a 5000mAh built-in battery, it can run for 125 minutes at 100% brightness. Its color temperature ranges from 2500K to 9000K, and CRI reaches 98 to deliver vivid and accurate color.
This small LED panel also features a clear display and supports app control, so you can check the settings and make any adjustments easily. With two 1/4” screw holes, a cold shoe mount, and a magnetic back, it is compatible with cameras, stands, or even phones.
Best premium: COLBOR CL60R portable rechargeable LED light for outdoor and travel photography
The COLBOR CL60R is a portable LED light for photography designed for professionals. It’s an RGB light with 360° full-color adjustment and a color temperature range from 2700K to 6500K. With a high CRI of 97, it ensures accurate color reproduction.
This rechargeable LED light is ideal for outdoor and travel shooting. It supports various power sources, including PD power banks, PD adapters, V-mount batteries, and NP-F batteries, giving you flexibility on the go.
It also features sound pickup and changes the light effect based on nearby audio. You can connect up to 10 CL60R units to create a 650W lighting setup. For professional studio photography needs portable and powerful LED lighting solution, the COLBOR CL60R is a great choice.
Looking for more powerful options? Check out our top picks in LED photography lights to find the best fit for studio and professional use.
How to choose the best one: 5 expert tips
When choosing good portable LED lights for photography, you need to focus on a few key features. This part will explain what to look for, so you can make the right choice.
Opt for adjustable brightness and color temperature
A good portable LED light allows you to adjust the brightness and color temperature for different photography scenarios. This helps you handle different lighting situations and avoid overexposure.
All portable photography lights mentioned in this article support 0% to 100% brightness and a color temperature range from 2700K to 6500K. For example, you can set 5600K for daylight-style lighting at indoor events or choose 3200K to match warm ambient tones when shooting at sunset. This flexibility makes them useful for both photographers and filmmakers.
Check power options and battery life
When choosing portable LED lights for photography, flexible power options and long battery life are important. Look for models with rechargeable batteries like NP-F or built-in lithium-ion types. USB-C charging is also helpful when traveling.
All COLBOR lights have a reliable power source and support multiple power methods. You can use USB-C, DC input, V-mount, or NP-F batteries for longer shoots. For example, street photographers may choose COLBOR PL8B that runs for 125 minutes to capture night scenes. Video creators might prefer COLBOR W100 that switch easily between battery and DC power to avoid delays.
Consider compact design with mounting flexibility
Small and lightweight photography LED lights are easier to carry and transport. Look for features like magnetic backs, cold shoe mounts, or tripod threads to place the light where you need it.
Travel vloggers often attach portable LED panels like the COLBOR PL8B to metal surfaces for hands-free lighting. In contrast, studio photographers prefer using the COLBOR CL60R on light stands to create soft fill light.
Look for efficient heat dissipation and low noise
The best portable LED continuous light for photography should have an efficient heat-dissipation system to stay cool and quiet during long shoots. All COLBOR lights feature smart cooling systems that effectively manage heat while minimizing noise. This ensures they remain cool and silent during extended use, making them perfect for both photography and video recording.
Evaluate extra features and controls
When choosing a portable LED light for photography, it’s also important to consider additional features and controls that enhance flexibility. Additionally, their wireless remote or app control allows for easy adjustments without physically handling the light, making it more convenient for photographers and videographers.
For example, the COLBOR CL60R offers RGB lighting and sound pickup to give you full control over your lighting mood. The COLBOR W100 Kit includes various accessories to provide more creative possibilities.