Last updated on February 19th, 2024
Have you ever captured a photo of a product, let’s say a watch, on a white background, and the results were not satisfying? Do you ever wonder how photographers in commercials or sale listings take stunning photos free from blemishes? If yes, then you might have googled it for answers. Chances are, you may have come across lightboxes.
Also known as a light tent, a photo lightbox has a backdrop and translucent sides. You place a product you want to capture inside the box and take a photo with your camera. It results in a professional-looking photo with no background and shadows.
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12 Best Light Boxes for Photography
This review provides an overview of the 12 best lightboxes and their pros and cons to help you decide.
1. Foldio3 Portable Foldable Product Photo Lightning Studio
The Foldio3 Portable lightbox, built using opaque plastic, lets you set it up in 10 seconds. You might be wondering, how is that even possible? Anyone can fix it up in seconds because of its magnetic structure and lack of screws, nuts, and bolts. There are no complicated parts, such as screws, nuts, and bolts. So, users can play around with it without any issues. It measures 25 x 25 x 22 inches when fully opened. On the other hand, it is 25 x 15 x 2.6 inches when folded.
You can attach the backdrop in 3 seconds by connecting it to the lower part of the lightbox and rolling it up to the top. It should give you a black backdrop without any reflections on the background.
You can also purchase a halo light, which is entirely optional. However, keep in mind that the triple LED setup in Foldio 3 is bright enough for most purposes. Thus, it eliminates the need for an add-on external lighting source. Moreover, the LED system has a controllable dimmer and a diffuser cover.
The Foldio3 comes in two backdrops: white and black. You can drape it inside the lightbox and secured using velcros. For added flexibility and access, you can remove the side panels. Also, it is large enough to work with a DSLR.
Things you find with this lightbox include:
- LED lighting system
- Power adaptor
- Two backdrops,
- Dimming control
As previously mentioned, you can purchase a halo lighting system separately. If you eventually want the halo lights, buying them as part of the package will save you a few bucks.
Pros
- Super compact when folded
- Easy to assemble and disassemble
- Removable side panels for easy access
Cons
- Black backdrop with a velvet texture
- Free white and black backdrops
2. Travor Photo Studio Light Box
If you are looking for a lightbox with bright LED lights, you should opt for the Travor Photo Studio Lightbox. It contains 126 pieces of 15000-lumen power LED light beads, which are bright enough for most purposes. It has a service life of over 50,000 hours and a color rendering index of 95+.
When assembled, the Travor Photo Studio Lightbox measures 35 x 35 x 35 inches. The shooting tent uses a reflective fabric as its main component. The reflective inner wall evenly distributes the amplified effects of the LED light beads to every corner of the lightbox. As a result, it is brighter than most lightboxes on the market.
What makes the Travor Photo Studio truly special is that it comes with different backdrops. You will find four backdrops in the box: blue, orange, white, and black. Although you can purchase different color backdrops for most lightboxes, having one with more backdrops is always convenient for users. The lightbox opens in four ways, giving you the flexibility needed when shooting at different angles. Assembling and disassembling require no tools at all.
Pros
- Four backdrop colors out of the box
- Impressive 50,000+ hours of service life
- Four-way opening for multi-angle photography
Cons
- Zippers can be tricky to figure out
- Bulky in size and difficult to transport
3. Neewer Photo Studio Light Box
The Neewer Photo Studio Lightbox has 80 built-in adjustable LEDs and a color temperature ranging between 6000-6500K. For flexibility, the three openings enable multiple shooting angles. You can shoot through the front opening when shooting small products and front panels for large items. You can also be creative and use the top panel to take stunning photos of different products. The Neewer Lightbox is useful for shooting art objects, record keeping, cataloging, e-commerce, product, and food photography.
This lightbox is super-light and easy to assemble and fold. The 16-inch tall tent folds quickly, allowing for easy storage. Use the touch fasteners located at its edges to assemble the lightbox swiftly when needed. The textured interior enables equal light distribution. You can also adjust the brightness of the LEDs.
The lightbox has dimensions of 20 x 20 x 20 inches. It also comes with four backdrop colors: orange, gray, white, and black. You get the following items in the package:
- One LED power adapter
- One LED shooting tent kit
- Four backdrops
- One diffuser cloth
- Four 20-LED lighting bands
Pros
- Portable and foldable into a hand strap
- Four backdrops in the box
- Three openings to assist in photography
- Adjustable color temperature between 6000-6500K
Cons
- Only 80-piece LED beads
- Lights may only last a year of regular use
4. MyStudio 20 Tabletop Photo Studio Kit
The MyStudio 20 Tabletop Photo Studio Kit caters to self-employed photographers working on the go. It provides the tools to be creative on a tight budget. The kit comes with a 20 x 20 x 12 inches background, two 9 x 12 inches bounce cards, a 5000K daylight-balanced LED light, and an overhead reflector.
The product you are shooting would seem like it is floating on a white background. The light source, a 5000k color-balanced LED light, attaches to an adjustable stand. Moreover, the bounce cards allow you to direct the light even further.
Pros
- Adjustable 20 to 64 inches width for a better field-of-view
- Adjustable stand to accommodate different object sizes
- Built-in reflector cards
Cons
- Only white backdrop in the box
- LED light white balance is not adjustable
5. Amazon Basics Portable Photo Studio Box with LED Light
The Amazon Basics Photo Studio Box does not require any form of assembly. Setting it up takes less than a minute. Its thin, durable, and portable design makes it easy to transport. When fully expanded, it measures 25 x 30 x 25 inches, allowing you to fit different products to shoot. The package contains the unit, a power supply, a user manual, and a removable white backdrop.
It also has built-in 5600K daylight-balanced LED lights in the lightbox. Extra directional lights are also available when needed. As a result, your images look spectacular, especially in their sharpness, brightness, and contrast. There is no switch to turn off LED lights. Thus, you have to unplug the lightbox from the socket to turn off the lights.
A front three-door system reduces reflection, and a top panel allows for a bird’s eye point-of-view.
Pros
- Suitable for different product sizes
- Built-in lighting system
- Collapsible and easy to carry around
Cons
- No switch to turn off LED lights
- It only comes with one backdrop – white
6. FOSITAN Photo Light Box
The FOSITAN Photo Lightbox uses high-quality SMD LED with a CRI index of 92. You can adjust the brightness of these lights from 1% to 100% and soften the lights using a diffuser.
It comes in five backdrop colors: gray, orange, blue, white, and black. The one-piece structure allows for quick installation. You can fold it down into a storage bag and carry it. The following items are available inside the package:
- FOTOSAN Lightbox
- One power adapter
- One brightness dimmer
- Five backdrops
- One diffuser cloth
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Durable
- Extraordinarily bright and dimmable lights
Cons
- Lining up velcro is challenging
- Wrinkles in the fabric
7. Godox Mini LED Photography Studio Shooting Tent
The Godox Mini LED Studio Tent features several light boards, which you can adjust freely. It comes in 32 x 32 x 32 inches and has a bright shooting box with LEDs capable of 11000 lumens. You can adjust the light via step-less light control.
Pros
- Bulky in size
- Adjustable LED strips and a layer of diffusion
- Windows on front and top for multi-angle photoshoot
- Portable and foldable
Cons
- Time-consuming to assemble
- Difficult to fit cover properly
8. SAMTIAN Photo Studio Light Box
The SAMTIAN Photo Studio is an excellent option if you are looking for a lightbox with dimmable LEDS and a CLI of +95. It has 168 LED lamps, which you can easily adjust. You can change the color temperature from 3200K to 5500K, providing high-quality, professional-grade photos in any shooting environment.
You get the following backdrop colors out of the box — beige, gray, red, blue, white, and black. It is available in 12-inch and 16-inch sizes. You can easily carry it around thanks to its foldable and portable design. The upgraded version comes with an improved brightness dimmer, which you can use to adjust color temperature and brightness.
Pros
- Two size options are available
- Lifetime customer service support
- Color temperature range of 3200K to 5500K
Cons
- Extra lighting needed to eliminate shadows
- Longer backdrop
9. Glendan Portable Photo Studio Light Box
The Glendan Lightbox comes with 112 LED beads, which you can dim from anywhere between 1% and 100%. Adjust the brightness if you are trying to achieve a specific effect. The lightbox has several openings, enabling you to shoot from multiple angles.
Green, Blue, Red, Orange, White, and Black are the backdrop colors you get out of the box. The PVC material makes it sturdy and less prone to wrinkles. The whole assembly process takes about 10 seconds because there are no complicated screws or brackets.
Pros
- Adjustable dimness of source light (1%-100%)
- Six backdrop colors out of the box
- Multiple openings allow multiple-angle shooting
Cons
- Problematic customer support
- USB instead of a three-prong plug for powering
10. Emart Photography Table Top Light Box
The Emart Lightbox is a 14 x 16 inches tabletop shooting tent, which allows you to set up a studio almost anywhere. The unit, an 83.5 inches micro USB port power cable, and four backdrop colors are what you get out of the package.
Accidental spills and splashes are common in photo studios. When this happens, you want to ensure your essentials are safe. The Emart Lightbox is waterproof, so you do not have to worry about it. The backdrop is wrinkle-free, so your photos will look clean and free from any imperfections. After every shoot, you want to make sure the insides are clean. Having the ability to clean the unit with a damp cloth makes life easier.
Pros
- Durable and tear-resistant
- Controllable high-quality LED (10% to 100%).
- Portable design lets you transport it easily
Cons
- LED lights are not bright enough
11. DUCLUS Mini Photo Studio Light Box
The DUCLUS has four variants: 20cm with two hard lights, 30cm adjustable light, 40cm studio box, and 60cm lightbox. The integrated light bar is two sets of 20 pieces of LED beads. These LED beads provide more brightness whenever you need them.
It is ideal for shooting fine jewelry, small items, toys, watches, accessories, etc.
Pros
- Different variations available
- Six backdrop colors: black, white, yellow, red, green, and blue
- Multiple-angle shots possible
Cons
- Difficult to fit any wiring through the LED strips at the top
12. PULUZ Foldable Portable Photo Studio Light Box
Are you looking for a portable photo studio with 96 pieces of LED light beads? The PULUZ Foldable Portable Lightbox is easy to assemble. Once you have, wait three seconds before unfolding the LED beads. The PULUZ adopts the CRI 95 color temperature. As a result, you get the most out of it.
The lightbox has a vertical and a horizontal window opening for multi-angle photography. As a result, it is best for taking photos of watches, jewelry, small accessories, toys, and other similar items.
Pros
- Three-second folding display
- Several backdrop colors are available
- Adjustable LED beads and brightness levels
Cons
- Thinner body of the lightbox
Conclusion
You have learned about the best 12 lightboxes for taking professional-grade photos by the end of this article. All you need to do now is choose the best lightbox that best fits your needs. Be sure to take into account the size of the lightbox, whether it has adjustable light settings, and if you need any additional accessories.
With all the options out there, you are sure to find one that perfectly meets your needs for professional-grade photography. When choosing a lightbox, always remember that quality matters more than quantity. The most expensive lightboxes may not necessarily be the best ones for your needs — so make sure to carefully consider all aspects of the lightbox before making your purchase.
Finally, don’t forget to practice with your new equipment and become familiar with how it works before taking photos.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a lightbox used for in photography?
A lightbox is a versatile tool that can be used for many different photography techniques. It’s most commonly used for product photography, where it creates even and diffused lighting with minimal shadows. Lightboxes are great for taking high-quality photos of small items in an effortless manner. They can also be used to create dramatic shots of larger objects by providing directional lighting with consistent color temperature.
Additionally, they are perfect for taking professional portraits as they can provide evenly lit backgrounds without worrying about external factors such as the sun or weather conditions. Finally, they make it easy to capture special effects shots like macro photographs and HDR images without having to worry about additional equipment or complex lighting setups. With their simple setup and low cost, lightboxes have become an essential tool for any photographer.
If you’re looking for the best photography light box, then you should consider the Foldio3 Portable Foldable Product Photo Lightning Studio. This light box is perfect for product photography, featuring an adjustable LED strip, soft lighting, and a white backdrop to help you capture the best shots. It also features three different brightness levels so that you can get exactly the look you’re after. Plus, its foldable design makes it easy to set up and store away quickly. Finally, this lightbox comes with a built-in USB cable for convenient charging and power options. With its excellent features and affordable price tag, the Foldio3 Portable Foldable Product Photo Lightning Studio is an ideal choice for any photographer looking to take their photos to the next level.
Is a light box for photography worth it?
Absolutely yes! A light box is a great tool for photographers, so having one in your arsenal can be invaluable. Not only does a light box provide even lighting and an attractive backdrop to create the best possible shots, but it also helps to contain the light and soften shadows. Additionally, many modern photo boxes come with extra features such as adjustable LED lights and timers for added convenience when shooting. If you’re looking to take your photography skills to the next level, investing in a quality light box is worth every penny.
When shopping for a photography light box, there are several key features you should look out for. First of all, make sure the size of the lightbox fits your needs—too big or too small might not work for your particular project. Secondly, make sure the lightbox has adjustable brightness settings to customize your lighting as needed. Finally, look for one with a durable construction that can withstand regular use and travel well.
At the end of the day, having a good photography light box is an essential tool for any serious shooter looking to up his or her game. Whether you’re shooting portraits, product shots, or anything else in between, a quality light box will take your skills to the next level and give you professional-looking results every time. With so many great options available on the market today, finding the best photography light box for your needs has never been easier.
How do you make a photography light box?
Making a photography light box is relatively easy, and the materials required are inexpensive. To begin, you will need a cardboard box that is large enough to fit your subject and provide ample illumination. If possible, choose a white or translucent box so light can pass through it more easily.
Next, take four sheets of tracing paper (or parchment paper) and tape them over each side of the box – this will be your diffuser material. Then, cut out two holes on opposing sides of the top of the box for lights to be placed into. Now you’re ready to add the lighting components. Two bright lights should suffice; an LED bulb or ring light on one side and a halogen lamp on the other side facing inwards. Make sure that they are securely fastened to the box and adjust their positions according to your desired lighting effect. Finally, to create a backdrop, hang a sheet of colored paper or fabric behind the box and secure it with tape. You’re now ready to take beautiful photos.
For best results, experiment with different diffusers and light sources until you find what works best for you and your subject. Have fun creating your very own photography light box.
Can I use my phone as a light box for product photography?
Yes, you can use your phone as a light box for product photography. A light box is an enclosure that diffuses the light from small LED or fluorescent lamps to provide uniform lighting across a product. To make a DIY light box with your phone, you’ll need two white pieces of cardboard, some tape, and two flashlights or other sources of light (such as desk lamps). Place the two pieces of cardboard together, so they form a cube-like shape, and secure them in place with tape. Stand your phone up in the center of the cube and then place one flashlight on each side to evenly illuminate the product inside. Finally, adjust the angle and brightness of the lights until you have achieved an even spread over the surface of the product. With this simple setup, you can now take beautiful product photos with your phone.
Note: As LED flashlights and lamps can get hot, be sure to keep them away from the product when taking photos to avoid any potential damage. Additionally, make sure that all of your lights are at the same brightness for consistent lighting over the product. If one light is brighter than the other, adjust it accordingly until they are both even in illumination. Finally, if you find that the light is still not quite right or you want to experiment with different lighting effects, try using colored gels or fabric over the top of the lights to create different color casts and shadows on your product shots.
Should I use a light box for product photography?
The answer to this question depends on the type of product you are photographing and the desired effect you are trying to achieve. If you’re shooting small items such as jewelry or electronics, light boxes are an excellent option for obtaining quality images with minimal post-processing work. This is because light boxes tend to reduce glare and reflections, which can be troublesome when capturing shots of highly reflective surfaces in natural light. In addition, many light boxes have multiple backgrounds available that can be changed out quickly and easily depending on what look best suits your image.
On the other hand, if you’re shooting larger products such as furniture or clothing, using a light box may not be necessary. Depending on the space available and the amount of natural light available, it may be possible to achieve the desired effect without using a light box. If you’re shooting with natural light, consider using a reflector or additional lights to fill in shadows and reduce glare.
Ultimately, whether or not you choose to use a light box for product photography will depend on the items being photographed and the look you’re after. Use your best judgment and experiment with different lighting options to determine what works best for your specific needs.
Liya Kravchenkin is an experienced portrait photographer. She has worked with clients worldwide and has even traveled to more than 50 countries. Liya loves photography because it allows her to capture a moment that can never be repeated. Liya also enjoys traveling, learning about new cultures, and seeing the world’s unique natural wonders. Her favorite travel memories are from swimming with dolphins in the Galapagos and eating cheesecake in New York City.
