This is the 2025 edition of the flashlight/torch buying guide for light painting and night photographers. Now in its 9th 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 was an excellent year for new lights, with the release of the amazing Ants On A Melon RGB Critter BT, Light Painting Paradise LightPainter - Ryu's Lightworks V2, plus major advances in portable COB video and LED panel lights. For the more budget conscious, there are plenty of flashlights that cost less than US$40.
Each light’s description includes the maximum brightness in lumens (lm) or illuminance (lux/1m), battery type, and typical retail price in US$ (excluding tax and and shipping, prices are subject to change). Lumens for RGB colour lights have not been quoted as colour lumens are not directly comparable to white light lumens. Batteries are included or optional unless otherwise mentioned.
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.
Contents
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 popular commercial light painting systems. I've also added flashlight head diameter information to the matrix for other light painting systems, and for light painters who make DIY tools and 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.
Single click, or momentary switch access to most brightness levels and strobes.
Beam profile suitable for light painting - "Throwy" lights (higher candela) are better for saber like tools. "Floody" lights (lower candela) may be better for fiber optic brushes and light blades.
Value for money, internal battery charging, a side clip (for use with T8 tubes), and multiple LED options (including high CRI for portraits) will also help the ranking!
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 a wide range of colour fade and strobe/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 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: Stephen25.
Lightpainting.me Magic-Light (18650, $155) - RGB flashlight with colour WYSIWYG touch screen, and 24 programmable modes including colour strobe effects. Lightpainting.me.
Review coming soon:
RGB LightPainter Beacon Mini - Exciting new 9W RGB flashlight from a UK based company. Available in Beta, with the production version coming soon. Watch this space for specifications, and a review. RGB LightPainter Instagram RGB LightPainter Facebook
Best Flashlights with Strobes for Light Painting Photography
All of the flashlights in this category have bright white light output and constant frequency strobes. The top 2 options have adjustable strobe frequency/speed and strobe brightness. All of these flashlights have either single click or momentary access to strobe modes. Also, check out the RGB Colour Mixing Flashlight section (above), and Anduril 2 UI flashlight section (below).
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. Review here. LPP Light. LPP Kits. - 10% off with code: Stephen Knight
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.
Nitecore P10v2 (1,100lm, 18650, $55) - This classic 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 Nitecore NL1835 18650 batteries if not included. 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. Magnetic charging input.
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. 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 remote pressure switch. USB-C charging. Also consider the older XT11S, XT11GT, and XT11GT Pro.
Selection of Anduril 2 flashlights (KR1, KR4, TS10 MAX, TS10 SG), and light painting with the Wurkkos TS10 MAX and TS10 SG.
Best Anduril 2 UI Flashlights for Light Painting Photography
The open source Anduril 2 user interface (UI) has to a lot to offer light painters with adjustable strobe frequency for Tactical strobe (approx. 2.5Hz-90Hz), motion freezing Party strobe (approx. 4Hz-90Hz), 7 brightness levels + turbo, soft start fades, momentary and tactical modes. However, Anduril 2 flashlights require multiple configuration setting changes before being useable for light painting and are more suited to tech-savvy users. These are all tail switch lights.
Noctigon KR4 (2,000-3,000lm, 18650, $61) - Choose the "throwy" SFT-25R 6500K LEDs for use with saber like tools, or "floody" high-CRI 519A with dome 5700K (or other CTT of your choosing), are the most optimal configurations of the KR4 for light painting. Tick the Boost driver option. Other LED options are available. Squeezes into most T8 tubes, and also fits the Light Painting Paradise Ryu's V2 "All in One" adapter. No internal charging. Purchase unprotected high capacity 18650 battery separately. Intl Outdoor.
Noctigon KR1 (2,200lm, 18650, $50-$55) - The "throwy" XHP70.3 HI or SFT-70 6500K LED options are best for use with saber like light painting tools. Other LED options are available. Too large for T8 tubes. No internal charging. Purchase unprotected high current 18650 battery separately. Intl Outdoor.
Wurkkos TS10 SG (1,600lm, 14500, $22-24) - This tiny, yet "throwy" light with SFT-25R 6500K LED punches above its weight, and can also be used to create pretty starburst effects. Not compatible with Light Painting Brushes. No internal charging. Optional 14500 battery. Wurkkos (affiliate).
Wurkkos TS10 MAX (2,500lm, 18650, $32-36) - This "floody" 519A 5000K high CRI light is the only Anduril 2 light in the list with optional USB-C in-battery charging. Compatible with most light painting systems. Wurkkos (affiliate).
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, (apart from the S21E which requires a triple click to access a constant frequency strobe).
Wurkkos TD02 (1,250lm, 18650, $27-29) - Not as bright as the claimed 2,000lm, but still a best budget light with a tail switch only, and USB-C charging. 5 well spaced brightness levels with last mode memory. Optional battery, and a side clip. Wurkkos (affiliate).
Sofirn SP31 V2.0 XP-L HI (1,200lm, 18650, $28-30) - This light is directly compatible with the LPP "All In One" V1 adapter. Five well spaced brightness levels, with last mode memory and momentary. Side and tail switch. Sustains Turbo mode longer than most flashlights. Battery and charger are optional. Sofirn (affiliate).
Sofirn SP31 V3.0 (1,200/2,000lm, 18650, $34-36) - Updated version of the SP31 V2.0, with a larger head diameter. Side and tail switch. USB-C charging and optional battery. High brightness SST-40 6500K version is best for saber like tools. A high CRI 519A 5000K version is also available. SST-40 version. 519A version (affiliate).
Convoy S2+ (700-1500lm, 18650, $17-20) – Popular budget flashlight with tail switch and optional remote pressure switch. 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 battery, side clip. No internal charging. Convoy (ConvoyLight).
Convoy S21E (1150-1800lm, 21700, $20-$24) - Side switch flashlight, that is compatible with the LPP "All in One" V2 Adapter. 4 brightness levels. 519A versions for high CRI, or SST40 versions for maximum lumens. Select constant current version. Strobe accessible via triple click. USB-C charging. Convoy (Convoy Light).
Convoy T4 (420lm with 2xAA, $21) - The best budget AA tail switch flashlight I've tested. 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. Requires 2xAA batteries (or 2x14500 Li-ion) Convoy (ConvoyLight).
Light Painting System Compatibility Matrix
The compatibility matrix looks at flashlight/torch compatibility with various light painting systems.
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 HSI/RGB colour mixing and adjustable white light correlated colour temperature (CCT). 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 and 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.
Amaran Ace 25C (1,500lux/1m, integrated battery, $99) - The brightest pocket RGBWW LED panel light, with a focused 50 degree beam angle. Diffuser and cold shoe adapter included. Optional grid. On-board or app control. USB-C charging. Amaran.
Aputure MC Pro.(399lux/1m, 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 focused 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).
Ulanzi LE20 (800lux/1m, integrated battery, $49) - The brightest budget pocket RGBWW LED panel light. On-board control. Includes a diffuser, hot shoe base and diffuser. USB-C charging. Ulanzi (affiliate).
The Aputure MC Pro is useful for night and urbex photography illumination. Model: @tasma_tiger
Best Flashlights for Nearfield Illumination
These flashlights are useful for short distance illumination. The RGB Critter BT has full RGB colour mixing with saturation adjustment, whilst the NOV-MU2S has a choice of (fixed) white light CCTs.
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: Stephen25
FireflyLite NOV-Mu V2S (6000lm, 21700, $89-99) - Very "floody" (mule) photography flashlight has been recommended by many flashlight enthusiasts. Choice of LED options. 9xFFL351A 5000K 95CRI would be my recommended LED option. Anduril 2 UI. USB-C charging, and optional battery. Magnetic tail cap. FireflyLite
Also, consider using any of the 'flashlights for medium distance illumination' on lower output settings.
The RGB Critter BT has full RGB colour mixing.
Best Portable COB Video Lights for Medium Distance Illumination
These very bright portable lights (<750g) with internal battery, all have RGB colour mixing, a range of CCTs from cool to warm white, on-board and app control, plus beam shaping options including (included) reflectors and (optional) mini soft-boxes. Portable COB video lights can be prone to battery defects, so make sure you buy from reputable sources with warranties.
SmallRig RC 60C (2,430lux/1m without reflector, integrated battery, $179-$199) - The brightest portable (700g) RGBCW COB video light. USB-C charging (100W PD preferred). SmallRig (affiliate).
Zhiyun Molus X60 RGB Combo Kit (2,010lux/1m without reflector, battery grip, $265) - Compact portable RGBWW COB video light, with ergonomic battery grip. USB-C charging. Zhiyun (affiliate)
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. Select "constant current" driver. 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, or side switch D1K 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, require unprotected high current 18650 or 21700 Li-ion batteries, and lack internal charging. Not for muggles. Intl Outdoor.
The Convoy S21E is the best flashlight for colour temperature (CCT) options such as cool, neutral, and warm white.
Specialist Uses
Best Flashlight for 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! USB-A to magnetic charging. Olight USA (affiliate). - 10% off with code: 10OFFTD Olight Australia (affiliate). - 10% off with code: OLT2025.
Best 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
Best 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.
Best Light for Drone Light Painting > LumeCube 2.0 (35lux/1m or 400lm, integrated battery, $90) - A compact 90CRI, 5600K, "floody" light. Lots of attachment options (including drones), claimed to be waterproof, can be remotely controlled via Bluetooth, and very low brightness modes suitable for astro photography. USB-C charging.
Best Flashlight for Gobo Projection > SmallRig SF 10C (250-464lux/1m, integrated battery, $53) - A chunky zoom video light with 5600K cool white, sunset orange, red, and blue LEDs. Includes 20 gobo filters. tripod thread, and USB-C charging. SmallRig (affiliate).
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: 10OFFTD Olight Australia (affiliate). - 10% off with code: OLT2025
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. Micro USB charging. This is my most used headlamp when out light painting! Sofirn (affiliate).
Headlamps with bright red LEDs are very useful for light painting.
4. Best Batteries and Chargers for Flashlights
Most of the flashlights in this article now come with included or optional batteries. However, if these are not included, or you need spares, these are my recommendations:
AA/AAA Batteries
Best 1.2V NiMH Rechargeable AA/AAA Batteries > Ikea Ladda 2450mAh (AA) / 750mAh (AAA) - high quality, low price, made in the same Japanese factory as Eneloops (which are my second choice)!
Best 1.5V Li-ion Recheargeable AA/AAA Batteries > XTAR 1.5V 4150mWh (AA) /1620mWh (AAA) - can be used instead of NiMH AA/AAA batteries, but requires a charger than can charge 1.5V Li-ion such as the XTAR VX4. 1.5V Li-ion batteries are expensive, and generally more suited to devices with motors or LCD screens. XTAR Direct (affiliate).
Li-ion 3.6/3.7V (4.2V max) batteries.
Best Unprotected 18650 Li-ion Batteries for High Capacity > Panasonic NCR18650GA, Molicel M35A, Samsung INR18650-35E, EVE INR18650/33V, LG MJ1, Vapcell F38, and Vapcell N40.
Best Unprotected 18650 Li-ion Batteries for High Current > Sony US18650VTC6, Samsung INR18650-30Q, LG INR18650-HG2, Molicel P28A, Molicel P30A, Vapcell U30.
Best Unprotected 21700 Li-ion Batteries for High Capacity > Samsung 50E, Samsung 53E, EVE 50E, Molicel M50A, Samsung 50S, Vapcell F58/F60.
Best Unprotected 21700 Li-ion Batteries for Higher Current > Molicel P50B, Molicel P45B, Samsung 40T, EVE 40P, and LG H40A 30A.
A Li-ion battery safety article is coming to my website soon!
Most of the lights in article include internal (usually USB) charging, however if you require a dedicated charger, don't trust internal chargers, or wish to use an analyzing charger to monitor battery capacity/health, then I recommend these choices:
Best Budget NiMH AA/AAA Charger > Ikea Stenkol ($10)- Best value 4 bay smart charger for AA/AAA NiMH batteries. This terminates charging correctly, unlike most other cheap AA/AAA chargers which are dumb timer based chargers.
Best Budget Li-ion Charger > Nitecore UI1 USB Charger ($8) - High quality, single bay, budget charger, that can charge most 3.6/3.7V (4.2V max) Li-ion batteries at up to 1A. Micro USB input. Nitecore Store (USA) (affiliate).
Best Consumer Analyzing Charger (and Best for 1.5V Li-ion) > XTAR VX4 ($45-49) - Easy to use, consumer orientated 4-bay charger. Voltage, capacity, and repair functions. Works with NiMH, 1.5V Li-ion, 3.2V LiFePO4, and 3.6/3.7V (4.2V max) Li-ion batteries. USB-C PD input. XTAR Direct (affiliate link)
Best Advanced Analysing Charger > Vapcell BL4 ($30) - Advanced, and well priced 4-bay analyzing charger. Voltage, capacity, internal resistance, repair, and store functions. Simple mode charges NiMH and 3.6/3.7V (4.2V max) Li-ion only. Pro mode can charge and test NiMH, 1.5V Li-ion (charge only), 3.2V LiFePO4, 3.6/3.7V (4.2V max) Li-ion, and 3.8V (4.35V max) Li-ion - however the user needs to take care the select the correct battery type setting. USB-C QC3 9V/2A input. Vapcell Aliexpress
5. Conclusion
This article has listed many flashlights or torches that will make light painting much easier. Your light painting techniques and budget will determine which lights are most suitable. I would advise building up a collection of flexible 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.
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