This is the updated 2024 edition of the flashlight/torch buying guide for light painting and night photographers. Now in its 8th year, this buying guide is the most trusted source of information on flashlights for light painters, and the only buying guide that covers a wide range of light painting systems. Ratings are based on feedback from light painting and night photographers, flashlight enthusiast reviews, and my own testing. 2024 has so far been an excellent year for new lights, with the release of the amazing Ants On A Melon RGB Critter BT and Light Painting Paradise LightPainter - Ryu's Lightworks V2. For the more budget conscious, there are plenty of flashlights that cost less than $30.
Each light’s description includes the maximum brightness in lumens (lm) or illuminance (lux/0.5m), battery type, and typical retail price in US$ (excluding tax and and shipping). Lumens for RGB colour lights have not been quoted as colour lumens are not directly comparable to white light lumens.
This article contains some affiliate (marked as such) and non-affiliate product links. Commission made through purchases via affiliate links allows me to test more flashlights for the benefit of the light painting community. I do not make any commission through non-affiliate links. Affiliate links have no influence on product ratings.
1. Best Flashlights for Creating Light Trails
This section is for flashlights/torches and tube lights that can be used to create light trails when connected to light painting tools. A matrix displays which featured lights are compatible with each commercial light painting system. I've also added flashlight head diameter information to the matrix for light painters who like to make their own tools or connectors.
Light pens, calligraphy lights, programmable LED pixel sticks, staffs, tubes, pois, and hula hoops are out of the scope of this article, but are mentioned in my Light Painting Tools Buying Guide. If you want more information on how to create light trails, please read the article The Art of Light Drawing.
For a flashlight/torch to be featured in this section, it needs to meet most of these requirements:
Compatibility with at least one or more commercial light painting systems.
On/off switches need to be accessible when used with light painting systems (usually a tail switch, with some exceptions).
Single click, or momentary switch* access from off, to constant frequency strobe or multiple continuous (non-strobe) brightness levels with last mode memory.
Beam profile suitable for light painting.
Value for money, internal battery charging, a side clip (for use with T8 tubes), and high colour rendering index (CRI) LEDs if used for portraits, will also help the ranking!
* a momentary switch is where the light only produces light whilst the switch/button is pressed.
Please be aware that most flashlights rapidly step-down (dim) from their maximum advertised brightness. Generally, the higher the brightness/size, the shorter the light will operate at maximum brightness before step-down. Also, there are many factors that affect how many lumens actually end up in the light painting tool. More lumens is not necessarily better.
Best RGB Colour Mixing Flashlights for Light Painting Photography
These RGB colour mixing flashlights all have colourful effects modes, making them fantastic for creative light painting photography
Ants On A Melon RGB Critter BT (18650, $159) - The latest version of the the best flashlight for light painting photography (creating light trails) for the 3rd year running. The RGB Critter BT's settings are controlled by a Bluetooth connected app (iOS and Android), plus on-board buttons for on/off and navigation. Native tool attachments available including the Modular Sol Saber, Modular Lumi Saber, BitWhip, Fiber Optic Dusters, and Light Painting Blades. Compatibility with most other light painting systems via adapters. USB-C charging. Review here. Ants On A Melon (affiliate) 5% off purchases including an RGB Critter BT with code: Stephen24
Ants On A Melon RGB Critter 2.0 (18650, $129) - Limited re-release of the RGB Critter 2.0. Unlike it's newer BT version, all control is on-board using 3 buttons. It offers 39 colors and 93 presets (color patterns), sound and motion-based capabilities, adjustable brightness and strobe speed. Micro USB charging. Ants On A Melon (affiliate)
Lightpainting.me Magic-Light (18650, $155) - RGB flashlight with colour WYSIWYG touch screen, and 24 programmable modes including colour strobe effects. Lightpainting.me.
Skilhunt / ESKTE MiX-7 Gen 2 Plus (18650, $104-$131) - Bright RGBW-UV light with colour mixing and high CRI options. Complex user interface (single button UIs are sub-optimal for RGB lights), and the side switch is only accessible with the LPB system. USB-A to magnetic charging. Skilhunt (affiliate).
Coming soon:
RGB LightPainter Beacon Mini - Exciting new RGB flashlight from a UK based company. Watch this space for specifications, and a review.
Best Flashlights for Strobe Light Trails
All of the flashlights in this category have constant frequency strobes. The top 6 options have adjustable strobe frequency/speed. All of these flashlights have either single click or momentary access to strobe modes.
Light Painting Paradise LightPainter – Ryu’s Lightworks V2 (1,800lm, 18650, $172) - awesome flashlight for light painting with adjustable strobe speed and brightness. 8 brightness levels, 8 strobe speeds (1-50Hz), 8 flash mode speeds (1-66Hz), 8 ribbon strobe speeds (1-66Hz), tail switch, and 2 side switches with 2 different side access modes for more creativity. Optional remote pressure switch. 50% brighter than the original. Battery with USB-C charging included. Review here. LPP Light. LPP Kits. - 10% off with code: Stephen Knight
Ants On A Melon RGB Critter BT (18650, $159) - A large number of the Critter BT's presets contain strobes, and a 0.25Hz to 75Hz strobe can also be overlaid on all presets. Users can create more effects presets using the Bluetooth connected app (iOS and Android) for almost unlimited creative options. Review here. Ants On A Melon. 5% off purchases including an RGB Critter BT with code: Stephen24
Ants On A Melon RGB Critter 2.0 (18650, $129) - Limited re-release of the RGB Critter 2.0. Unlike it's newer BT version, all control is on-board using 3 buttons. Many of the presets contain strobe effects, and a strobe with adjustable frequency can be overlaid on all presets. Micro USB charging. Ants On A Melon.
Lightpainting.me Magic-Strobe (1,400lm, 18650, $107) - 10 strobe modes plus continuous, adjustable strobe frequency, and 2 to 3 brightness levels. Lightpainting.me also make the Strobelight and Strobelight PRO.
Noctigon KR1 (2,200lm, 18650, $70-$75) - The XHP70.3 HI or SFT-70 6500K LED options are best for use with saber like light painting tools, or XHP70.3 HI 5000K 90CRI if you need high CRI. with plenty more LED options available. Tail switch light with the complex Anduril 2 user interface. 7 brightness levels + turbo, tactical strobe with 33% on-time (adjustable 2.3Hz-80Hz), "motion freezing" party strobe (adjustable 3.5Hz-90Hz), plus configurable momentary and tactical modes. Too large for T8 tubes. No internal charging. Best used with a high current unprotected 18650 battery. Intl Outdoor.
Noctigon KR4 (2,000-3,000lm, 18650, $77) - The "throwy" SFT-25 for use with saber like tools, or "floody" high-CRI 519A 5700K with dome (both with Boost driver option) are the most optimal configurations of the KR4 for light painting, with plenty more LED options available. Tail switch with the complex Anduril 2 user interface. 7 brightness levels + turbo, tactical strobe with 33% on-time (adjustable 2.5Hz-90Hz), "motion freezing" party strobe (adjustable 4Hz-90Hz), plus configurable momentary and tactical modes. Squeezes into most T8 tubes, and also fits the Light Painting Paradise Ryu's V2 "All in One" adapter. No internal charging. Best used with a high current unprotected 18650 battery. Intl Outdoor.
Nitecore P10v2 (1,100lm, 18650, $55) - This ageing model, is my favourite consumer orientated flashlight for light painting. This dual tail switch light that makes it easy to switch between turbo and 19Hz strobe modes on the fly in "Tactical" mode. "Daily" mode has last mode memory and momentary functionality for all 3 brightness settings. Can be used with the Nitecore RSW2 remote pressure switch. 3 minutes until brightness step-down. Noticeable Pulse Width Modulation (PWM). Requires button top protected 18650 batteries if not included, and no internal charging. Nitecore Store USA (affiliate).
Ledlenser P6R Signature (1,400lm, 18650, $150) / P6R Core (900lm, 18650, $100) - Best zoom light for light painting. Programmable modes. Configurable last mode memory, but with 3 second mode memory timer. 20Hz strobe. Expensive, but with a 7 year warranty. Battery included. Magnetic charging input.
Convoy S2+ Black XML2 (800lm, 18650, $14) - A rare older version of the Convoy S2+ with 3/5 mode user interface. 10Hz strobe. Last mode memory, but with 3 second timer. Select U2 1A, and 7135x8 configuration. Optional side clip. Requires an unprotected 18650 battery. No internal charging. Convoy (Aliexpress).
Klarus XT2CR Pro (2,200lm, 18650, $75) – One of the best flashlights for (briefly) getting lots of light into a light painting tool. It is basically the XT11GT (below) with a smaller head. Battery included. USB-C charging input.
Klarus XT11GT Pro V2 (3,300, 18650 $90) – Only recommend for use with the Liteblades KYO system. Rapid brightness step down due to high brightness. Dual tail switches for instant access to Turbo or Strobe. Strobes are alternating frequency unless the strobe switch is held down which results in constant frequency. Optional Klarus TRC1 remote pressure switch. Battery included with USB-C charging. Also consider the older XT11S, XT11GT, and XT11GT Pro.
Coming soon:
Wurkkos TS10 MAX and TS10 SG - Anduril 2 UI lights with adjustable strobe frequency, expected to be reviewed in early 2025.
The Wurkkos TD02 connected to a Luminosify Choob (T8 Tube).
Best Budget Flashlights for Continuous Light Trails
These budget flashlights are useful for creating continuous (non-strobe) light trails during light painting photography, and have at least 4 brightness modes with last mode memory. Some have momentary switches. As with most consumer orientated flashlights currently on the market, they all have either (undesirable) alternating/two frequency strobes, or strobes accessible by (inaccessible) side switch when used with light painting connectors.
Wurkkos TD02 (1.250lm, 18650, $27-29) - Not as bright as the claimed 2,000lm, but still a decent budget light. 5 well spaced brightness levels with last mode memory, USB-C charging, optional battery, and a side clip.
Sofirn SP31 V2.0 XP-L HI (1,200lm, 18650, $25) - This light is directly compatible with the LPP "All In One" adapter designed for the original LightPainter - Ryu's Lightworks (V1) flashlight. Five well spaced brightness levels, with last mode memory and momentary. Sustains Turbo mode longer than most flashlights. Battery and charger are optional.
Sofirn SP31 V3.0 (2,000lm, 18650, $27) - Updated version of the SP31 V2.0, with more lumens, a larger head diameter (not compatible with the LPP "All In One" adapter), USB-C charging and included battery. A 519A high CRI version is coming soon.
Convoy S2+ (700-1500lm, 18650, $17-20) – Popular budget flashlight. The Osram CSLNM1 emitter versions are available in red, green, blue, and orange-yellow; 519A version for high CRI, or SST40 versions for maximum lumens. Select "12 Group Buck" driver option. Last mode memory. Optional side clip, and remote pressure switch. No internal charging. Convoy (ConvoyLight).
Convoy T4 (420lm with 2xAA, $21) - The best budget AA/AAA flashlight I've tested (also compatible with 14500 Li-ion). Sustained 420lm with SST-20 6500K, or high-CRI 519A 5700K option. Default mode has 4 brightness levels with last mode memory. Optional side clip. Convoy (ConvoyLight).
Light Painting System Compatibility Matrix
The compatibility matrix looks at flashlight/torch compatibility with the following light painting connector systems - Ants On A Melon, Light Painting Brushes, Light Painting Paradise (LPP), and Liteblades KYO. T8 Tube manufacturers include Luminosify, Light Painting Tubes, Light Painting King, LightTube Pro, and generic T8 tubes. T8 tubes were tested using Luminosify Choobs, and each manufacturer may have compatibility variations. Please double check with manufacturers for compatibility.
Pixel LED sticks, tubes, staffs, tubes, pois, and hula hoops have been moved to the Light Painting Tools Buying Guide.
2. Best Lights for Night Photography Illumination
This section recommends the best portable light sources for illuminating scenes instead of creating light trails. This is also relevant to urbex (urban exploration), long exposure night landscapes, astrophotography, and low level landscape lighting genres of photography. Lights specifically designed for photography, videography, and filmmaking, such as pocket LED panel lights and portable COB lights are making headway into this section as they have both RGB colour mixing and adjustable white light correlated colour temperature (CCT) also known as bi-color. Aside from a couple of RGB flashlights, most flashlights are generally fixed to a single CCT or colour, but have more responsive on/off control as well as more portable ergonomics. I have split categories into nearfield illumination (<10m/33ft), medium distance illumination (10m/33ft to 30m/98ft), and some specialist categories. The article The Art of Illumination explains these techniques in more detail.
Best Pocket LED Panel Lights for Nearfield Illumination
All of these lights have RGB colour mixing, a range of CCTs from cool to warm white, and various beam shaping options.
Aputure MC Pro.(1,585lux/0.5m, integrated battery, $199) - Professional quality RGBWW LED panel light. The IP65 weatherproof design makes this a good choice for outdoor use in inclement weather. It has a more focussed 45 degree beam than other pocket panel lights, has magnets, multiple beam shaping accessories, effects modes, and lots of control options. USB-C charging. Aputure Store USA/CAN (affiliate).
Zhiyun M20C (1,950lux/0.5m, integrated battery, $140) - The brightest pocket RGBWW LED panel light, but with relatively short battery life (which YouTube reviewers forget to mention). On-board or app control. Optional cage with magnets and barn doors. USB-C charging. Zhiyun Store (affiliate).
Zhiyun CM15 (1,280lux/0.5m, integrated battery, $61) - The brightest budget pocket RGBWW LED panel light, and a cut down version of the M20C. On-board control. Includes a diffuser, hot shoe base and clip. No magnets. USB-C charging. Zhiyun Store (affiliate).
The Aputure MC Pro is useful for night illumination. Models: @tasma_tiger_ and @tay.tay.x_
Best Flashlights for Nearfield Illumination
These flashlights are useful for short distance illumination. Note: only the RGB Critter BT has full RGB colour mixing with saturation adjustment.
Ants On A Melon RGB Critter BT (18650, $159) - Upgraded version of the only consumer grade, colour changing/mixing RGB flashlight. The RGB Critter BT's settings are controlled by a Bluetooth connected app (iOS and Android), and on-board buttons for on/off and momentary, full RGB colour mixing, plus last mode memory. AOAM Orb Tool, DIY Connector, and Illuminator tools can be used to manipulate the light's beam. USB-C charging. Review here. Ants On A Melon (affiliate) 5% off purchases including an RGB Critter BT with code: Stephen24
Ants On A Melon RGB Critter 2.0 (18650, $129) - Limited re-release of the RGB Critter 2.0. Unlike it's newer BT version, all control is on-board using 3 buttons. There are 39 colour options and lots of beam shaping accessories. Micro USB charging. Ants On A Melon.
SmallRig SF 10C (1,570lux/0.5m, integrated battery, $53) - A chunky zoom photography light with 5600K cool white, sunset orange, red, and blue LEDs. Includes 20 gobo filters. tripod thread, integrated battery, and USB-C charging. SmallRig (affiliate).
Ulanzi LM07 (900lux/0.5m max, integrated battery, $23) - A budget zoom photography light with 3 CCT settings - 2000K, 5500K, and 8000K, 4 brightness levels, a tripod thread, diffuser, integrated battery, and USB-C charging. Ulanzi (affiliate).
Also, consider using any of the 'flashlights for medium distance illumination' on lower output settings.
The RGB Critter BT has full RGB colour mixing. Model: @belle_m_clare
Best Portable COB Video Lights for Medium Distance Illumination
These portable lights (<700g) with internal battery, all have decent brightness, RGB colour mixing, a range of CCTs from cool to warm white, plus beam shaping options including reflectors and mini soft-boxes .
SmallRig RC 60C (9,720lux/0.5m without reflector, integrated battery, $179) - My personal pick as the brightest portable (700g) RGB COB video light, with multiple beam shaping options, on-board or app control, USB-C charging (100W PD preferred). Review coming soon. SmallRig (affiliate).
Ulanzi L024 (9,100lux/0.5m with reflector, integrated battery, $100) - Best budget portable (490g) RGB COB video light. Not the brightest RGB COB option (noting claimed brightness is with reflector, other lights in this category are quoted without reflector) but still far brighter than most RGB flashlights. USB-C charging (65W PD preferred). Ulanzi (affiliate).
The Zhiyun Molus X60 RGB Zhiyun (affiliate) and Colbor W60R are also worth considering. Both require battery grip accessories for portable power.
Best Flashlights for Medium Distance Illumination
Unlike COB video lights, these flashlights are smaller, more weatherproof, have more responsive on/off/brightness control, but are more limited in colour and CCT options.
Convoy is my favourite budget flashlight manufacturer, with most lights offering a wide range of colour temperature (CCT), or colour options in their extensive range of flashlights The side switch S21E (1,150lm max, 21700, $26) with 519A or B35AM high CRI LEDs is my recommendation for night and urbex photography illumination, with 7 CCT options from 2700K warm white to 5700K cool white (I use 2x 2700K, and 2x5700K). Select "constant current" driver. Can sustain 500-600lm. USB-C charging, and optional diffuser. Convoy S21E ConvoyLight. The S2+ (1,000lm, 18650, $17-20) with 519A high CRI LEDs, or with Osram CSLNM1 emitter versions available in red, green, blue, and orange-yellow. Select "12 Group Buck" driver. Optional diffuser. No internal charging. Convoy S2+ (ConvoyLight).
Emisar / Noctigon is like a sweet shop for flashlight enthusiasts, offering an amazing selection of LED options in a range of CCTs, colours, high CRI, and dual/triple channel options. My picks for "floody" illumination are the tail switch KR4, or side switch D4K with either high CRI 519A LEDs or 'off-menu' (email before ordering) colour LEDs including XP-E Red, Green, Yellow, Pink, Cyan, and Purple, My pick for a "throwy" medium to long distance high CRI beam is the tail switch KR1 with XHP70.3 HI 90CRI LEDs. The KR4's 29mm, and KR1's 35mm head diameters allow light painting connectors to be used as a snoot. These lights all use the complex Anduril UI, and lack internal charging. Not for muggles. Intl Outdoor.
Skilhunt / ESKTE MiX-7 Gen 2 Plus (18650, $104-$131) - RGBW-UV light with colour mixing (but no saturation adjustment), and optional high CRI 5000K LEDs. Complex single button user interface. USB-A to magnetic charging. Skilhunt (affiliate).
The Convoy S21E is the best flashlight for colour temperature (CCT) options such as cool, neutral, and warm white.
Specialist Uses
High Brightness / Long Distance Illumination / Showing Off > Olight Marauder Mini (7,000lm max, 32650, $199) - Hugely popular and feature packed flood/throw flashlight. This is my "go to" flashlight for when I need lots of lumens, weatherproofing, backlighting, or a long distance spotlight. The 7,000lm floody beam is bright enough for 99% of applications, 600m spot beam, as well as Red, Green, and Blue (RGB) LEDs (though no last mode memory for RGB). Awesome sustained output - can sustain 6,000lm for the first 4mins on L7 mode, or 2,700lm for the first 23mins on L6 mode! 70 CRI. Battery included, USB-A to magnetic charging. Olight USA (affiliate). - 10% off with code: OLIGHTSTORE10 Olight Australia (affiliate). - 10% off with code: LUMEN10.
Pen Flashlight for Miniature Scenes > Wuben E19 (200lm max, 2xAAA, $25) - Pen lights are useful for illuminating miniature scenes - flowers, fruit bowls, etc. This light is also excellent for medical use. The Wuben E19 uses a 4000K high-CRI 219C emitter, and has 4 brightness levels with last mode memory. Requires 2xAAA batteries. Wuben (affiliate). - 10% off with code: STEPHENKNIGHT
Flashlight for Backlight Scanners > Convoy S21D 519A (2,100lm max, 21700, $30) with "60 degree bead" optics is my choice for use with backlight scanners. No internal charging. ConvoyLight.
Drone Light Painting > LumeCube 2.0 (140lux/0.5m or 400lm, integrated battery, $90) - A compact 90CRI, 5600K, "floody" light. Lots of attachment options (including drones), claimed to be waterproof (but no IPX rating), can be remotely controlled via Bluetooth, and low brightness modes suitable for astro photography. Internal battery and USB-C charging.
3. Best Headlamps for Night Photography
I would advise using headlamps/head torches with at least 200 lumens for finding your way in the dark, and for camera pre-focusing - many headlamps will fit that requirement. These featured headlamps have the edge for light painting and night photography uses. Both have red emitters at least x20 brighter than most headlamps.
Best Headlamps for Night Photography
Olight Array 2 Pro (1,500lm max, integrated battery, $89) - Centrally located spot and flood white emitters (1500lm), plus a super bright red (200lm) emitter. Last mode memory. No moonlight mode is the only major omission. Integrated battery and USB-C charging. Olight USA (affiliate). - 10% off with code: OLIGHTSTORE10 Olight Australia (affiliate). - 10% off with code: LUMEN10
Wurkkos HD50 (4,000lm max, 21700, $47)- Very bright, and well priced headlamp with 4000lm spotlight, 1000lm high CRI floodlight, and 135lm red light.
Sofirn D25LR (500lm max, 18650, $25) - Excellent value for money budget headlamp with 500lm high CRI LED, and super bright 150lm deep red LED. Moonlight modes, last mode memory for both Red and White, and easy user interface. Can get rather hot on the highest modes. Optional battery and micro USB charging. This is my most used headlamp when out light painting!
Headlamps with bright red LEDs are very useful for light painting.
4. Conclusion
This article has listed many flashlights or torches that will make light painting much easier. Your light painting techniques will determine which lights are most suitable, and I would advise building up a collection of lights that meet your requirements. If you have questions on any requirements not covered in this article, feel free to reach out to me on social media.
If you need more information about batteries and chargers, please have a look at my Battery and Charger Buying Guide.
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