Good light matters more than the camera. We build our kit in layers: a strong COB as the key, tubes for color and accents, and pocket lights for practicals. These are the eight LEDs we use on client work, from the Aputure LS 600d Pro down to a budget Neewer COB.
At a glance
- Aputure LS 600d Pro: best for maximum daylight output
- Nanlite Forza 300B II: best bi-color key light
- Godox SL200III Bi: best value bi-color COB
- Aputure MC Pro: best pocket accent light
- Nanlite PavoTube II 30X: best tube light
- Godox TL60: best budget tube for multi-light setups
- amaran 200x S: best mid-range bi-color COB
- Neewer MS60B: best for tight budgets and small spaces
1. Aputure LS 600d Pro
The LS 600d Pro is the most powerful daylight fixture in our inventory. Aputure rates its output as comparable to a 1200W HMI, which is enough to push through windows and light large sets. The Bowens mount takes softboxes, fresnels and domes (Aputure warns some modifiers can't handle its output), it runs on AC or V-mount batteries, and the Sidus Link app controls it from your phone. We reach for it whenever a commercial or narrative shoot needs serious output.
The catch: Aputure now lists the LS 600d Pro as no longer in manufacture, replaced by the STORM 400x. It's still common used and at rental houses.
Our pick
Aputure LS 600d Pro — high-output daylight COB with a Bowens mount and app control.
Check price on Amazon2. Nanlite Forza 300B II
The Forza 300B II is a bi-color COB light that runs from 2700K to 6500K, which makes it easy to match mixed light on location. Nanlite rates its color accuracy at CRI 96 and TLCI 97. It takes Bowens-mount modifiers and runs on AC or V-mount batteries through built-in plates. It's our primary key light for interviews and product shots.
The catch: batteries aren't included, so budget for V-mount packs if you want to run it cordless. Our take on one option is in our SmallRig V-mount battery review.
Our pick
Nanlite Forza 300B II — bi-color COB with accurate color and AC or V-mount power.
Check price on Amazon3. Godox SL200III Bi
Godox delivers solid performance at aggressive prices, and the SL200III Bi follows that pattern. It's a bi-color COB with a 2800K to 6500K range, a Bowens mount and Bluetooth control through the Godox Light app. Its two cooling fans can be switched off for sound-sensitive takes.
The output is plenty for most interview and small-set work, and it usually costs noticeably less than comparable Aputure fixtures.
The catch: Godox also sells an SL200III Daylight version with a fixed 5600K. Make sure the listing says "Bi" if you want adjustable color temperature.
Our pick
Godox SL200III Bi — affordable bi-color COB with app control and switchable fans.
Check price on Amazon4. Aputure MC Pro
The MC Pro is a pocket-sized RGBWW panel, smaller than a phone. It covers 2000K to 10,000K plus full color, includes built-in effects like lightning and TV flicker, and is rated IP65 for dust and water. The magnetic back sticks to any metal surface, and the internal battery lasts about two hours at full output.
We use MC Pros constantly for accents, practicals and color in otherwise flat rooms.
The catch: it's a 5W light. Treat it as an accent, not a key.
Our pick
Aputure MC Pro — pocket-sized RGBWW light with a magnetic back and built-in effects.
Check price on Amazon5. Nanlite PavoTube II 30X
The PavoTube II 30X is a four-foot RGBWW pixel tube that gives soft, even light as a key, fill or background element. Pixel effects let you run chases, pulses and color sweeps along its length. It mounts on a stand or lies on the floor for uplighting.
The catch: runtime is about an hour and a half at full brightness, so bring the AC adapter for longer setups.
Our pick
Nanlite PavoTube II 30X — four-foot RGBWW pixel tube with an internal battery.
Check price on Amazon6. Godox TL60
The TL60 is a budget RGB tube about 2.5 feet long, with an internal battery (about two hours at full power), app control and a long list of color effects. In our experience its build and color don't quite match the PavoTubes, but it costs much less, and we often run four or six together for colorful backgrounds on music videos and brand content.
The catch: it's a shorter, lower-output tube than the PavoTube 30X, so you'll need more of them to cover the same area.
Our pick
Godox TL60 — affordable RGB tube with app control, good for multi-light setups.
Check price on Amazon7. amaran 200x S
The amaran 200x S is Aputure's mid-range bi-color COB: 200W, 2700K to 6500K, with improved color accuracy and a quieter fan than the original 200x. It uses the same Bowens mount as Aputure's bigger lights, so your modifiers work across the kit, and it connects to the same Sidus Link app.
The catch: it has less output than the Forza 300B II. In a large space or behind heavy diffusion, you'll want more power.
Our pick
amaran 200x S — mid-range bi-color COB with a Bowens mount and app control.
Check price on Amazon8. Neewer MS60B
The MS60B is a compact 65W bi-color COB (2700K to 6500K) that fits in a camera bag but can still act as a key light in a controlled space. It has 12 built-in effects, app and 2.4G remote control, and runs on AC or NP-F batteries.
The catch: it uses Neewer's own mount, with an included adapter for Bowens modifiers. And its output won't compete with the bigger fixtures here.
How to choose
- Buy the key light first. A strong, accurate COB does most of the work.
- Bi-color or daylight? Bi-color matches mixed light more easily. Daylight-only fixtures usually give more output for the money.
- Stick to one mount. Bowens-mount lights share modifiers.
- Plan your power. On location, check which batteries a light takes and how long it runs.
- Listen to the fan. For interviews, a quiet or switchable fan matters.
Our starter recommendation: a key light like the Forza 300B II or amaran 200x S, a couple of PavoTube II 30X tubes for accents, and a few MC Pros in the bag. On a tighter budget, the Godox SL200III Bi with a set of TL60s gets you a professional look for less.
Questions about lighting a shoot, or want us to light yours? Get in touch.