Lighting is a crucial component when creating high-quality visual content. This is where light tubes come in. These versatile light sources can be found in most cinematographers, photographers, and content creators’ gear rooms due to their ability to provide soft, even illumination that can enhance the look and feel of your work.
Light tubes are easy to use, portable, and relatively inexpensive. They can be used almost anywhere and provide a range of customizable options, making them a great choice for any creative. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, understanding the benefits of light tubes and how to use them can take your creative projects to the next level.
What is a Light Tube?
A light tube is a type of lighting fixture specifically designed to provide soft, even illumination that can enhance the look and feel of your visual content. These lights consist of a long, narrow tube-shaped housing that contains a series of LEDs which are arranged in rows along the length of the tube.
Light tubes are commonly used in the film and photography industry due to their high versatility and adjustability to meet project requirements. They are particularly effective at producing diffused light. This reduces harsh shadows and results in a more natural-looking image.
While the Titan Tubes by Astera were — and still are in their own right — the pioneers at the forefront of this technology, many brands have come along and started to expand on that revolution in the prosumer market. For example, Aputure recently released their Infinibar Series, which is essentially more of a bar shape rather than a tube. This gives the capability of seamless connections and the ability to create geometrical shapes when connecting multiple Infinibars.
Features of a Light Tube
If you’re looking for a way to add some creative flair and dimension to your projects, light tubes can offer a range of exciting lighting possibilities for enhancing your work. Before you make a purchase, there are a few things you should consider when choosing a single light tube or kit.
Output
Dimmability is a feature that allows you to adjust the brightness as needed. Look for a light tube that either comes with a built-in dimmer — or has an external one — so you can control the light to the desired output for your scene. This is particularly helpful if you’re shooting in a location with fluctuating natural light, as you can easily adjust the brightness to match.
Color Temperature
Color temperature refers to the warmth or coolness of the light emitted by the tube. Look for a light tube that offers a range of color temperatures to choose from, such as daylight or Tungsten. This allows you to adjust to match the ambient lighting conditions on your set. For example, if you’re shooting a scene in a warm, cozy room, you might choose a tube light with a warm color temperature. Some tube lights also offer full RGB spectrum color palettes.
Control
Some tube lights come with advanced control features that can make them easier to use with your phone or tablet for ultimate flexibility. For example, some tube lights are equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, DMX Control or Sidus Link technology, allowing you to operate the light remotely.
This can be particularly useful in situations where it’s difficult to access the light directly, or where you need to make adjustments to the lighting quickly and easily. Some tube lights also come with on-board controls which allow you to adjust the brightness, color temperature, and power without using a separate controller.
CRI
CRI stands for Color Rendering Index. This measures how accurately a light source reproduces colors. Look for a light tube with a high CRI rating, such as 90 or above, to ensure that your colors are accurately represented in your photos or footage. A higher CRI means that the light will reproduce colors more accurately. This is especially important if you’re shooting objects or people where color accuracy is crucial.
Price and Size
Light tubes come in a variety of sizes and kit packages. Therefore, it’s important to choose one that fits your needs. Look for a tube light that is the appropriate size for your production, budget, and is easy to mount and position. For example, if you find yourself shooting tight spaces, a smaller one-foot or two-foot tube light might be a better choice than a four-foot one.
How Can a Light Tube be Used in Photo and Video?
Light tubes can be used as a key light, fill light, backlight, rim light, or practical light, depending on the desired effect. Whether you’re shooting a dramatic scene or doing a product shoot, tube lights can help you achieve the appropriate, creative lighting for your project. Here are some more specific ways to implement light tubes in your setup.
3-Point Lighting
A light tube is an ideal choice for three-point lighting since you can use a larger tube as a key positioned at a 45-degree angle above or to the side of the subject. It provides the primary source of illumination while a smaller one-foot light tube can be used as a fill, balancing out harsh shadows. For added depth and separation, add an additional tube to be used as a backlight to produce a subtle or dramatic halo effect behind the subject. Alternatively, positioned at an angle, the light tube can also serve as a rim light.
You can transfer the basics of this three-point lighting setup to create driving effects. A four-foot length of light can be rigged to simulate light passing by, while a two-foot light tube can be used to simulate a street lamp, and a smaller one-foot light tube can play as a mobile phone accent light or dashboard illumination light. Now all that’s left to do is program the lights to the appropriate colors and your scene is ready for filming!
Practical Lighting
Light tubes make for excellent practical lights that can be positioned within a scene to provide a sense of realism. They also add to the overall ambience. They can provide warm, neon-lit atmospheres for bar scenes, romantic dinner scenes, and even Sci-Fi films that require intricate shapes for lit corridors or loading docks.
Additionally, you can attach light tubes magnetically to a stove in front of your subject to work as an oven light. You can also ceiling-mount them in a closet. You can even use them to create realistic TV illumination or as a backdrop to create eye-catching focal points for your images.
Content creators, including YouTubers, use light tubes to add depth and a colorful vibe to their videos. Some creators hide them behind furniture or off-camera to achieve a subtle effect that shines on the surrounding walls. Light tubes provide endless possibilities for create unique lighting setups and add creativity to any production.
Product Photography
The most notable thing about tubes and tube lengths is that you can use them to illuminate products, resulting in specular highlights. With specular highlights, you have to light the products from a large source. Tubes can provide different levels of coverage where the tubes are longer than the products creating this effect.
To get this effect, you can rig the lights on a tripod that many light tubes come with or one that you already own. It is possible to mount them on overhead rigging structures if there are available ones. These can also be used as a quick-fix light when you need extra fill. This is done by placing it just outside the frame on the desired side of the product.
Portrait Photography
Using light tubes in studio photography can add a distinct and eye-catching element to your shots. To implement them effectively, start by deciding on the type of lighting effect you want to achieve, such as a soft or dramatic look. Once you have your desired effect in mind, determine the right placement. Consider using an assistant to hold the light tube so that they can move it around the subject while you take the shots. This will allow you to experiment with different angles and positions of the light source.
You can also mount the light tube on a light stand or C-stand stand or attach it to a wall or ceiling magnetically for a more stationary setup. Adjust the brightness and color temperature of the light tube to match the other light sources in the shot for a more cohesive look. Finally, experiment with different filters or modifiers to create even more intriguing lighting effects.
For street and lifestyle photographers, light tubes can be used to simulate neon lights, street lights, or even ambient window lighting when shooting in the city. By placing the light tubes and your subject in strategic positions, you can create a variety of different lighting effects that will help to create a more interesting and dramatic portrait.
Gorilla Style
Creators of all types can enjoy run-and-gun setups with some of the smaller light tubes in one, two, and four-foot lengths since they’re extremely lightweight and capable of being taped up almost anywhere.
Filmmakers and documentary shooters will find this trick helpful: When you’re on location, tape up some magnetic sheets to practically any surface and mount the light tube on it (since most of them are magnetic). Now, you have a fixture that can instantly be used as a practical light or as part of your three-point lighting setup.
Another option is to use a light tube as a chase light. Whether you’re filming walking and talking interviews, scenes with movement, or even action scenes, you can mount the light tubes on C-stands or a boom pole to follow your subjects around while they’re in motion (using the light tubes as a key light).
Types of Light Tubes
There are various types of light tubes available on the market. Each one has its own unique features and advantages. One of which is that they come in different lengths, both individually and in kits, making it easier to customize your lighting setup that best suits your use case.
Single Light Tubes
Godox TP4R 4′ 64W RGBWW LED Pixel Tube Light
The Godox TP4R 64W RGBWW LED Pixel Tube Light is a 4-foot RGBWW LED tube light with a brightness of up to 765 Lux at 3.3′ (5600K) and a color temperature range of 2000-10000K in 100K increments. It can be controlled wirelessly via Bluetooth, the Godox Light 3.0 app, or wired DMX. It has built-in lighting effects such as chase, flow, and fade as well as a 2-hour battery life — making it ideal for on-the-go use. The light also has a CRI of 96 and a TLCI of 96, reproducing colors accurately.
Key Features:
- 3-foot drop resistant
- 180 degree rotatable screen
- Built-in CRMX module for wireless control, DMX, Godox Light 3.0
- CCT ranges from 2000K to 10000K in 100K increments
- High pixel density for smoother pixel chasing effects
- Pixel mapping for lifelike scenarios
- Color Modes: RGB, Daylight, Tungsten
- CRI 96, TLCI 96 color accuracy
Aputure MT Pro 1’ RGBWW LED Mini Tube Light
The Aputure MT Pro 1’ RGBWW LED MINI Tube Light features a 1-foot tube light with 36 RGBWW pixels, which allows for a wide range of color and lighting effects. The light also has a built-in battery that provides up to 120 minutes of continuous use. The Aputure MT Pro 1’ RGBWW LED Mini Tube Light is a great choice for photographers, videographers, and filmmakers looking for a powerful and versatile light.
Key Features:
- 7.5W output pixel-mappable RGBWW mini tube LED
- 614 lux @ 0.5m, color temperature 6500K
- 36 pixels in 1′
- Ultra-fine pixels: 0.3″ wide, ultra-fine pixels
- 180-degree aperture
- Fully tunable CCT from 2,000K to 10,000K
- Built-in battery provides approx. 120 min runtime
Godox TL120 RGB Tube Light
The Godox TL120 RGB Tube Light is a 4-foot, 30W LED tube light with a built-in battery that can provide up to 120 minutes of continuous use. It features a wide range of color options, including RGB, white, and UV. It can be controlled remotely using a smartphone or tablet via the Godox Light App or DMX controller. The light also has a variety of lighting effects, such as flash, strobe, and continuous lighting.
Key Features:
- 30W LED RGB tube light
- Color: 2700-6500K, CRI/TLCI: 96/98
- RGB w/ HSI control, 40 built-in filters
- Phone, DMX, 2.4 GHz wireless control
- 46″ long, battery provides approx. 2-hour runtime
Quasar Science Double Rainbow 50W Linear RGBX LED Light, 2’
The Quasar Science Double Rainbow 50W Linear RGBX LED Light, 2’ tube light is a powerful and versatile light that can be used for a variety of purposes. It features two rows of high-fidelity RGBX pixels, which create realistic lighting with vibrant saturated colors and intense white light. The light also has a built-in LumenRadio CRMX chip for wireless control. The Double Rainbow can also be wired to DMX via an Ethernet Port.
Key Features:
- 25,000 hours LED lifetime
- Equipped with both an ethernet node and network switch
- Ossium mounting system
- Color temperature 1750-10,000K
- 0-100% dimmability
- Hue and saturation control
Light Kits
Aputure Amaran PT4c 4’ RGBWW LED Pixel Tube 2-Light Production Kit
The Aputure Amaran PT4c 4’ RGBWW LED Pixel Tube 2-Light Production Kit features two 4-foot pixel tubes with 16 independently assignable LED pixels. This allows for a wide range of color and lighting effects. The light also has a built-in battery that provides up to 170 minutes of continuous use. The kit additionally includes two USB-C to DMX adapters, which allow wireless light control using DMX. The kit also comes with a carrying case, making it easy to transport and store these lights.
Key Features:
- 2-light kit with 4′ battery-powered RGBWW color LED pixel tubes
- 16 independently controllable pixels
- Built-in 77Wh lithium-ion battery provides up to 170 min runtime
- Supports USB PD 32W fast charging
- Wireless control via DMX
- 3/8-16″ mounting points for various rigging options
- Fully tunable 2700 to 10000K; CCT RGB control
- CRI: 95 TLCI: 98
Godox TP2R 2’ 33W RGBWW LED Pixel Tube 4-Light Kit
The Godox TP2R 2′ 33W RGBWW LED Pixel Tube 4-Light Kit is an upcoming, soon-to-be released kit. It’s sure to be an excellent choice for anyone looking for a versatile and powerful lighting package. It features four 2′ tubes that can be used in a variety of ways, including as a main light, fill light, or background light. The light also has a built-in battery that provides up to 180 minutes of continuous use.
The light can be controlled wirelessly using a smartphone or tablet. It also has built-in lighting effects, such as flash, strobe, and continuous lighting. The light is also very easy to use, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced photographers and videographers.
Key Features:
- TP2R RGBWW LED pixel tube light highlights
- Superior pixel density makes it easy to get true-to-life scenes
- With the CCT range from 2000K to 10000K in 100K increments
- Three built-in pixel effects: Chase, Flow, and Fade
- Rigid plastic storage case with secure latches
NanLite PavoTube II 30C 4’ 55W RGBWW LED Tube 4-Light Kit
These well-designed and lightweight fixtures offer class-leading color accuracy and can be used in a variety of settings, on or off-camera. The second-generation PavoTube lights are brighter, have seamless light tubes with LED obscuring diffusion, faster recharge times, expanded CCT range, and Bluetooth control via the free NANLINK app. With smaller end caps, larger illumination surfaces, and locking DMX/RDM ports, the PavoTube II 30C kit is the right choice for any filmmaker or photographer in need of a powerful and user-friendly lighting solution.
Key Features:
- Top-performing color accuracy: CRI 97, TLCI of 98
- Wider CCT range: 2700K-7500K
- On-board controls: Bluetooth, 2.4G, and locking DMX/RDM port
- 15 built-in lighting effects
- Lock button and recessed power switch
- USB-C port for firmware updates and charging
- Runs on internal battery, AC, or D-Tap batteries
Light Tubes: Frequently Asked Questions
What are the advantages of light tubes?
Some of the many advantages include high brightness, energy efficiency, and a long lifespan. They are lightweight, compact, and easily adjustable to achieve the desired lighting effect. Light tubes emit consistent, flicker-free light perfect for high-quality video and photos. Advanced features like adjustable color temperature and wireless control make them even more versatile and convenient.
What are the best light sources for photography?
Consistent, high-quality lighting with a high CRI rating is crucial for excellent photography. LED lights are a popular choice for their energy efficiency, low heat emission, and adjustable brightness and color temperature.
Other options include strobe lights and continuous lighting, such as daylight or Tungsten lights. The choice depends on the photographer’s needs and the type of photography. Ultimately, the right light source complements the subject and provides the desired lighting effect. However, natural light is also an excellent option and shouldn’t be overlooked.
What are the best light sources for video?
To ensure consistent, flicker-free light with a high color rendering index (CRI) rating, videographers and cinematographers rely on continuous LED lights as their go-to lighting option. LED lights offer portability and versatility with adjustable brightness and color temperature options.
Natural or available light can offer a more dramatic or natural look but requires careful control of lighting conditions. Ultimately, the right light source for a production should align with the director’s creative vision and the specific needs of the project.
What are some other types of lights?
Different types of lighting equipment are available for various applications, such as Tungsten, Kino Flo, ARRI HMI, and LED lights. Strobe lights are commonly used in fashion photography, while ring lights are popular for creating soft, even light for portraits, auditions, and macro photography.
Some photographers prefer natural light or window light for a flattering, natural look. Each type of light has its own strengths and weaknesses depending on the specific needs of the production or shoot.
Additionally, Litepanels are a popular brand of LED lights widely utilized in professional studios and on film sets. They’re also incredibly popular amongst independent filmmakers and photographers with studios of all sizes. Their products are known for their high quality and versatility. Litepanels lights are available in a variety of shapes and sizes that can be used to create a variety of lighting effects. They offer versatile mounting options, wireless control, built-in effects, and are incredibly easy to use.
Additionally, softboxes are light modifiers that diffuse light, creating a softer and more even light. Studio lights are powerful and versatile, suitable for professional photography and videography. LED strips are ideal for accent lighting and can be mounted on walls, ceilings, or furniture. Each of these lighting tools serves a distinct purpose and can be used to create different lighting effects. This is depending on the specific needs of the production or shoot.
Final Thoughts
Light tubes have grown in popularity over recent years because they’re such a valuable, easy-to-use, and cost effective tool for anyone looking to create high quality visual content. Whether you’re a professional cinematographer, photographer, or content creator, these versatile lights can seriously enhance your work in a way that few other lighting options can.
