9 best light bulb for photography

Light bulbs for photography are specialized lighting sources used in photography studios or other settings to provide consistent and controlled lighting conditions for capturing images and videos. These bulbs are designed to meet specific color temperature and brightness requirements for photography. Here are some key points about light bulbs used in photography:

  1. Color Temperature: Light bulbs for photography are available in various color temperatures, typically measured in Kelvins (K). The most common color temperatures used in photography are daylight-balanced (around 5500K) and tungsten-balanced (around 3200K). Daylight bulbs produce a cooler, bluish-white light, while tungsten bulbs emit a warmer, yellowish light.

  2. Types of Bulbs: There are different types of light bulbs used in photography, including incandescent, fluorescent, LED, and halogen bulbs.Each type has its own characteristics and advantages. LED bulbs, for example, are energy-efficient and produce minimal heat, making them a popular choice for photography lighting.

  3. Continuous Output Lighting: Light bulbs for photography are often used in continuous lighting setups, where the light remains on continuously during the photoshoot. Continuous lighting is beneficial for both photography and videography, as it allows photographers to see the lighting effect in real-time and make adjustments accordingly.

  4. Soft and Diffused Lighting: To achieve soft and diffused lighting in photography, photographers often use softboxes, umbrellas, or diffusers in combination with the light bulbs. These modifiers help spread and soften the light, reducing harsh shadows and creating flattering illumination for subjects.

  5. Color Rendering Index (CRI): CRI is a metric that measures how accurately a light source reproduces colors compared to natural daylight. In photography, high-CRI bulbs are preferred to ensure accurate and true-to-life color representation in images.

  6. Wattage and Brightness: The wattage of the light bulb determines its brightness. In photography, photographers often use bulbs with different wattages to control the intensity of the light. Lower-wattage bulbs may be used for subtle fill lighting, while higher-wattage bulbs provide more illumination.

  7. Longevity and Heat: Many modern photography light bulbs are designed to be long-lasting and produce minimal heat. This is important for the comfort of the photographer and the safety of the subject during extended photoshoots.

  8. Compatibility: Light bulbs for photography should be compatible with the lighting fixtures and accessories used in the studio setup. Ensure that the bulbs fit securely and can be easily mounted or adjusted as needed.

  9. Lighting Techniques: Different photography genres and styles require various lighting techniques. Photographers may use multiple light bulbs positioned at different angles and distances to achieve specific lighting effects, such as key lighting, fill lighting, and rim lighting.

  10. Energy Efficiency: Energy-efficient bulbs, such as LED bulbs, are not only cost-effective in the long run but also reduce the environmental impact of continuous lighting setups.

Photography lighting is a critical aspect of achieving desired visual effects in photos and videos. Selecting the right light bulbs and modifiers for your specific photography needs is essential for creating professional-quality images. Experimentation and practice are often key to mastering the art of lighting in photography.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best light bulb for photography on the market
  

LS LIMO STUDIO LIMOSTUDIO 2-Pack 125W, 6500K Fluorescent Daylight Light Bulb for Photography and Video Lighting, Regular Screw Base, Energy Saving Compact Fluorescent Spiral Bulb, AGG878

LS LIMO STUDIO LIMOSTUDIO

Based on 248 reviews Check latest price

Product description

[2 x] Photography Lighting 125Watts Day-Light Studio Light Bulbs.



Energy Saving Compact Fluorescent Spiral Bulb

- Saves Energy Up to 80%

- Regular Screw Base

- Color Temperature: 6500K

- Watts: 125W

- Equals to 400W Regular Incandescent Light Bulb Output (Total Output: 800W)

- Style: Spiral

- Lamp Tone: Day Light

- Overall Diameter: 3.8”

- Overall Length: 10.5”

  • Contents: [2 x] Photography Lighting 125Watts Day-Light Studio Light Bulb
  • Energy Saving Spiral Bulb: Saves Energy Up to 80% (125 Watt: Equals to 400W Regular)
  • E26/E27 Standard Regular Screw Base Size
  • Overall Length: 10.5 inch / Overall Diameter: 3.8 inch
  • Color Temperature: 6500K / Lamp Tone: Daylight

User questions & answers

Question: Will these bulbs work for growing plants
Answer: Yes! They work great for vegetative growth. 6500k (kelvin) is perfect for this. 2700k to 3000k bulbs are what’s needed for flowering plants.
Question: What is the voltage of these bulbs ? Does it work with 220V
Answer: They run off a110 regular house outlet.
Question: Can i use these bulbs with this kit- https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/b005fhz2si ? or using sockets provided there will cause bulbs to catch on fire
Answer: These bulbs do not get hot, I had them on for an hour and they were warm but not hot.
Question: What's the bulb's CRI
Answer: Idk.. Mine came shipped in the original package that said on the box.. "Do not ship in this box" and they came in broke

2-Pack 150W Photography Compact Fluorescent 5500K CFL Daylight Balanced Bulb for Photography & Video Studio Lighting

G-raphy

Based on 202 reviews Check latest price
  • x The 5500K perfect daylight bulb 150w. To make the lights long lasting , The actual maximum wattage is around 100w .
  • Energy Saving CFL Spiral Bulb: Saves energy up to 80%.
  • Long lasting bulbs for hours of usuage, rated to last up to 5 years.
  • Accurate Color Rendering Index (CRI) for professional photography & video, rated CRI 90.
  • Photo & Video Friendly: Flicker & Noise Free | Can be Used as a Grow Light for Plants.

User questions & answers

Question: Can you use this for indoor growing
Answer: I'm 6'3" and I didn't need to go up a size. The legs have more than enough room.
Question: Are these bulbs dimmable
Answer: Hello, When the inside temperature of my house was around 45 degrees wearing the thermal pants with a tee shirt was quite comfortable. I didn't turn on my heater because I wanted to save money . I recommend getting a pair and see how they perform for you.
Question: Could this bulb replace an Eiko 250w 3200k in a prism projector
Answer: I would say large is your size. I'm wearing 2x thinking of going to an XL, and I'm about a size 44.
Question: What watts/lumens/etc would I need for true colors (blues for instance) in shooting clothing photos
Answer: I'm not sure but ive purchased duofold thermals. They are a good value. So, for tops, they match your x-shirt size. I hope that helps. For bottoms medium is 32-33 waist.

Foto&Tech Photography Daylight Bulb 42W 6500K 120V White Spiral Fluorescent Light Bulb Studio Light for Photography and Daylight Video Lighting (1)

FOTO&TECH

Based on 86 reviews Check latest price

Product description

High quality and designed to last. The natural light bulbs for photography are nice and bright, runs on 42w 120v 6500k with CRI Rating > 80. They are eco-friendly and save energy consumption up to 80% in your household. Easy to recycle. RoHS compliant. The photo bulbs come in a spiral design, making vents generate less energy to keep them cool. Average lifetime is 8,000 Hours.   



E26 versus E27: 



E26 stands for 26 mm and the E27 for 27 mm in diameter. 



These two standards are interchangeable, meaning a US E26 will fit in a European E27 base, and E27 will fit in a E26 base. The only difference is the voltage (for light bulbs). They are virtually identical. 



An easy reference for which light bulb type is used in major markets is as follows:

  • United States - E26 Edison Screw 
  • Canada - E26 Edison Screw 
  • United Kingdom - E27 Edison Screw/B22 Bayonet Cap   
  • Europe - E27 Edison Screw 
  • Australia - E27 Edison Screw/B22 Bayonet Cap 
  • Japan & Taiwan - E26 Edison Screw 

     

Specifications

Style: Spiral 

Screw Base: Regular Edison E26 

Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 3 x3 inches 

Product Weight: 7 oz / each

  • For Photography Lighting - The 42W, 120V Daylight Photographic Light Bulbs from Foto&Tech is a spiral, compact fluorescent lamp with Daylight temperature of 6500K and an output of 2500 Lumens. CRI rating > 80 indicating accurate color rendition that makes it a good choice for photography, video light, or general use.
  • Long-Lasting Use - High quality and designed to last. Each 6500k photography light bulb is bright and natural with a daylight-balanced tone. Average lifetime is 8,000 Hours.
  • Fits Perfectly - The studio lights have a standard E26 size, a US Edison (medium) base, and will fit most lighting fixture sockets. They also are compatible with E27 (EU).
  • Energy-Efficient - Eco-friendly and saves energy up to 80%. RoHS compliant and recyclable. The photography light bulbs come in a spiral design, making vents generate less energy to keep them cool.
  • Multipurpose Utility - Work great for other projects like photography lighting, filming, and promote growing indoor plants. They can brighten rooms inside homes and provide a difference in the atmosphere.

User questions & answers

Question: Will this fit a E27 socket? Or is it made for E26 socket? i have a Relano light box kit with 85w bulbs now, but want less powerful lights
Answer: Yes, they have the functional fly.
Question: How many lumens
Answer: They don’t have a pouch but I have plenty to room in the front.

LimoStudio [x1] Full Spectrum Light Bulb 85 Watt, 6500K Pure White Daylight Balanced CFL Light Bulb for Photography and Video Lighting, AGG3042

Based on 6 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Photography Studio Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb Daylight



- Energy Saving Compact Fluorescent Spiral Bulb

- Saves energy up to 80%

- Regular Screw Base

- Color Temperature: 6500K

- Watts: 85W

- Style: Spiral

- Lamp Tone: Day Light

- Daylight balanced and pure white light bulb produces natural color for perfect shooting.

  • 💡 [1 x] 85W Full Spectrum Photo Light Bulb
  • 💡 Color Temperature: 6500K / Day Light
  • 💡 Energy Saving (up to 80%), Regular Screw Base
  • 💡 Long Life: 8,000 hours
  • 💡 Size: E26/27 Standard Base Size

AMAZING POWER 150W Equivalent E26 LED Studio Light Bulbs Medium Screw Base 3000LM Daylight Super Bright Light Bulb for Photography and Garage Lighting

AMAZING POWER

Based on 689 reviews Check latest price
  • 💰 Energy Saving: Cut down your electricity bill by up to 73% by replacing 150W with 40W E26 / E27 LED garage light bulb (140pcs super bright 5730 SMD chips, Daylight White 6000K-6500K).
  • 👍🏻 Super Bright: 3000 lumens bright white light, 40 watt led corn light equals 150w halogen bulb or 200w incandescent bulb, light up every dark corner of your big garage warehouse.
  • 🕒 Long Lifespan: 35,000 hours lifespan(About 20 years based on 5 hours per day)! - 360 dedree shining- no dead corner, no flicker, consistent and stable luminescence - easy install, just screw into e26/e27 socket.
  • ✌️ Turns On Instantly: our street light is engineered to light instantly when the switch is flipped. no more waiting for bulbs to “warm up” or turn all the way on.
  • ✨ Application: Great for photography, garage, workshop, warehouse, factory, driveway, barn, patio, basement, porch, shopping mall, supermarket, restaurant, hotel, street, school, courtyard, garden, hospital, anywhere need bright light. 💡 Perfect as garage light bulbs, 150w light bulbs, led corn light 150w.

User questions & answers

Question: Is this bulb the exact same size as a regular incandescent bulb
Answer: The base of the bulb is the same as a standard bulb. As for the overall size, I really haven't measured it.
Question: what kind of lamp would you recommend for this type of bulb
Answer: I used them in a regular table lamp
Question: Can these blubs be use in place of a 60 watt blub
Answer: Yes. these bulbs provide light equivalent to a 100 watt incandescent.
Question: Can this bulb be used in an enclosed outdoor light fixture
Answer: Hi Daniel B, Thanks for your question, our bulbs can be used in outdoor and indoor, so you can use in indoor or outdoor light fixture you like. If you have any question, please contact us, thanks. AMAZING POWER Team

Product features

150W Bright LED Studio Light Bulb

  • LED Qty: 140pcs super bright 5730 SMD chips
  • Lamp Base: Medium Screw Base E26/E27
  • Power consumption: 40W
  • Lumens: 3000LM
  • Input voltages: AC85-265V
  • Long lifespan: 5-10 times longer than CFL bulb or incandescent bulb
  • Equivalent: 150W CFL studio bulb
  • Color temperature: 6000K-6500K standard studio bulb color temperature
  • Beam angle: 360 Degree

Package: 1 x 40W LED Studio light bulb

Widely Use

Great for photography, garage, workshop, warehouse, factory, driveway, barn, patio, basement, porch, shopping mall, supermarket, restaurant, hotel, street, school, courtyard, garden, hospital, anywhere need bright light.

Note

Make sure to remove/bypass the ballast from your existing CFL fixture before installation. Using the ballast will cause them to flicker or destroy the LED Bulb.

Long Lifespan

AMAZING POWER LED photography light bulb lifespan can last up to 5-10 times longer than CFL bulb or incandescent bulb.

Energy Saving

40W LED studio light can replace 150W CFL studio bulb, super energy saving, saves energy up to 73%.

MOUNTDOG Softbox Lighting Kit Photography Studio Light 2x50x70cm Professional Continuous Light System with E27 95W Bulbs 5500K Photo Equipment for Filming Model Portraits Advertising Shooting

Based on 6 reviews Check latest price
  • 【2 Softbox】: 2pcs 20 x 28inch MountDog softbox ultimately soften light stream and remove shadow to make perfect shooting; Silver internal face to minimize light loss and maximize light spread, with E27 socket,you can directly connect light bulbs,fluorescent lamps or slave flash to offer the light.
  • 【Energy Efficient Bulbs】: 2 x 95W Energy saving compact fluorescent spiral bulb, in total to save energy up to 80% and life time approx 10000 hours. With 6500K color temperature, providing a good photographic environment.
  • 【210° Rotatable Head & Adjustable Light Stand】: Angle can be 210°adjustable lamp holder, which can suit for different perfect shooting with 1/4-inch Standard Screw Thread Tip. It still comes with 2 adjustable light stand that can be fold to 27'' or expand to 80''. Make you use it better.
  • 【Suitable for Various Photography】: It is ideal for general photography including portraits, group shots, glamour and product photography. This softbox is light weight and easy to set up and take anywhere you want.
  • 【High Quality Material】: Softbox light reflector made of professional particulate silver film reflective fabric with nylon white screen soften the hard light and eliminate object shadows. One-piece opening and folding easy to use and store. 110-130V bulb socket.The soft box can diffuse light and provide the soft light beam to eliminate shadows and take perfect pictures.

User questions & answers

Question: Im looking to take pictures inside my home based studio. Would these lights work to take pictures if i have no sunlight from outside
Answer: Yes. I’m a photographer for pet and have travelled to various indoor shelters to photograph the animals. These lights worked well where there is no or little natural light.
Question: Is this lighting white cooler or does it have a yellow tint _making it more warm
Answer: It's very white (cooler) and also very bright.
Question: This was $58 before the deal. What gives
Answer: like the picture show, all include, 3 softbox kit and 3 bulbs
Question: Seller: Why don't you fix the title instead of letting it remain misleading? Each bulb is 135w, not 1350w
Answer: I magnified the picture above and it does seem to say "135W" on the CFL bulb, but I am STILL suspicious and here's why: I have a CFL photographic bulb that is a 300W equivalent, that emits 4200 lumens, according to the box, and consumes 68W. That bulb is HUGE--the box is 10-1/2 inches high. They don't mention a lumen output in this product listing. If they did, it would be easier to know the tungsten equivalent.

Product features

Mountdog Softbox Lighting Kit

Softbox is ideal for use in studios. Whether it's portrait shooting, fashion photo shoots, children's photo shoots or still life shots, this softbox is easy to create the perfect lighting for indoors shooting, making photos more attractive.

210°Rotate

The product with an independent locking knob, the studio softbox can rotate 210° to suit at different angles perfect photo shoot with 1/4-inch Standard Screw Thread Tip. 3-section column design, collapsing down to 66cm and extending up to 200cm. Constructed from aluminum alloy, the light stand features exceptional strength.

95W Bulb

  • Energy Saving Compact Fluorescent Spiral Bulb
  • Saves Energy Up to 80%
  • Regular Screw Base
  • Color Temperature: 5500K

2 x 80" Adjustable Light Stand

  • Solid safety 3 legs stages
  • Standard top stud(1/4" screw tip on the stem )
  • Height adjustable: 27" to 80"

Large Capacity

  • The outer packaging has been thickened to prevent the light bulb/lamp holder from being damaged by heavy blows.
  • The large bag holds all the contents of softbox plus your extra items such as lens and tripod.
  • In this way, you could carry the softbox and other needed items everywhere you want to go.

Studio Lights

HengBo 40W LED Studio Light Bulb, E26 Medium Screw Base 150W Equivalent 6500K Daylight Non Dimmable LED Light Bulb for Garage Warehouse Factory Photography Video Studio Lighting

HengBo LED

Based on 59 reviews Check latest price
  • ➤【Super Brightness】 - LED studio light bulb built with 140pcs SMD chips. Super bright than traditional fluorescent bulb. 3000 lumens, 6500k daylight white, 360 degree beam angle, the studio full spectrum bulb lighting up for your home.
  • ➤【Aluminium Materials】- Aluminum material body has better heat dissipation compared to plastic. Excellent heat dissipation increase lifespan of the studio lighting.
  • ➤【Energy Saving】- The 40 watt led vedio light bulb can replace 150 watt incandescent bulb. Cut down your electricity bill for your family. No flicker, no buzzing, no strobe, eye protector. Best choice for your home lighting.
  • ➤【Wide Application】 - With e26/e27 universal medium screw base, this 150 watt equivalent led corn bulb can be used in you home lighting, such as living room, dinning room, kitchen and so on. Can also fit for hotels, schools, hospitals, factories, garage, supermarket , photography, studio,vedio etc.
  • ➤【Customer service】- We do our best to service for all customers. If you have any issues about this led light. Please feel free to contact us. We will get back to you within 24 hours.

User questions & answers

Question: What is the size of the bulb. Length and diameter
Answer: Yes, it does work with switch lite & also work with smartphones with any type c !
Question: Does this get hot? I’ll be streaming with no ac and need a light bulb for my light that won’t cause more heat
Answer: Yes, it does work type c usb
Question: Do you sell a shroud or some sort of plastic enclosure so you can soften the light? I want to use it for auto detailing but I need refracted light
Answer: Yes
Question: Do you have to use these supplied light bulbs? I seen the replacement cost and was just trying to find something more cost friendly
Answer: I know at least 3, maybe more
Question: can these be used with a dimmer
Answer: Anywhere in the world
Question: My light fell and the bulb burst, sending a white cloud up around the broken bits. i know cfl are mercury based. is it safe to be around the break
Answer: I got mine from Amazon, and had it in 3 days
Question: Is this the replacement bulb for the esddi photography light kit? I barely used mine and one bulb stopped working already
Answer: Yes. Look under David Archy men’s thermal underwear.

Product features

Bonlux 40W E26 LED Studio Light Bulb
No Radio Interference

Bonlux LED video light bulb instant on to full brightness, no flicker, no buzzing sound. No lead or mercury, no IR Radiation, safe for your home and the environment.

No Ballast Needed

Need REMOVE/BYPASS the ballast from your existing CFL fixture before installation. Otherwise it will damage the LED photography light or cause filckering.

Energy Saving

Replace 150W CFL bulb/300W incandescent bulb by 40W LED studio bulb, save over 90% on electricity bill of lighting.

LimoStudio 65W Photography Compact Fluorescent CFL Daylight Balanced Bulb with 6500K Color Temperature for Photography & Video Studio Lighting, AGG868

Based on 78 reviews Check latest price

Product description

65W Digital Full Spectrum Photo Light Bulb

Energy Saving Compact Fluorescent Spiral Bulb

Saves energy up to 80%

Regular Screw Base

Color Temperature: 6500K

Watts: 65W

Equals to 300W Regular Incandescent Light Bulb Output)

Style: Spiral

Lamp Tone: Day Light

Overall Diameter: 3"

Overall Length: 9.5"

Photo Light Bulb

Photo Studio Daylight Bulb

Photography CFL Bulb

  • [1 x] 65-Watt Day Light Fluorescent Photo Bulb
  • Color Rendering Index: 80 / Color Temperature: 6500K
  • Standard E26/E27 Base Size / Overall Diameter: 3" / Overall Length: 9.5"
  • Equals up to 300W Incandescent Light Bulb Output
  • Lifespan: 8,000-Hours (Energy-Saving Spiral Bulb)

User questions & answers

Question: What mount size are these bulbs
Answer: Suggest to fully charged the unit before using. There may not be enough charge in the battery. If needed, use a 30 pin USB cable to charge this adapter first. Then use it.
Question: How much lumens do these bulbs emit
Answer: It is Bluetooth 4.0 version.
Question: what's the size of this bulb
Answer: Yes

Mountdog 95W 5500K Lighting Bulb Photography Daylight Balanced Bulb for Soft Box Lighting Photo Studio Lamp Photography Photo Video Studio

Product description

bulb

  • 【Perfect Light Bulb for Photography】:The best artificial light source for photographers. The tri-color phosphor of the tri-color lamp is made of rare earth elements, with soft light, uniform brightness and no flicker.
  • 【Energy Saving Bulb】:Energy-saving compact fluorescent spiral bulb which energy saving up to 80%, 95W, lifespan of more than 8000 hours, if used for 5 hours a day, it can be used for 4 years.
  • 【Safe Material Bulb】:Safe PBT flame-retardant material, the lamp holder adopts special PBT flame-retardant material, which has heat resistance and strong insulation, avoiding the fire hazard caused by high temperature and sparks. Design heat dissipation holes to reject high temperature hazards.
  • 【Wide Use Bulb】:E27 socket is suitable for most equipment. It can be installed on the soft box, in the umbrella set and can even be used at home. The light is soft and bright.
  • 【About The Bulb】:Can help you find the most suitable light.Average service life: > 8000 hours,Color rendering index: > 83, color temperature 5500K day light balance,Bulb diameter: 478 mm,Trial socket: E27, Use scenario: suitable for softbox and photography lighting.

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