Constant light vs studio strobes: Which reigns supreme?

As photographers, we’re constantly chasing the perfect light. Whether you’re crafting moody portraits or dramatic product shots, your choice of lighting can make or break the final image. Today, we’re taking a look at the age-old debate: constant light versus studio strobes. Is one inherently better than the other? Let’s break it down, shed some light (pun absolutely intended), and help you decide which is best for your photography.

Neewer CB200C LED Light

Constant light: Always on, always reliable

Constant lights—as the name suggests—are always on. These lights let you see exactly how they illuminate your subject in real-time, no surprises. Whether you’re using LEDs, fluorescent panels, or tungsten bulbs, what you see is truly what you get.

Why constant light shines:

1. Ease of use: Beginners, rejoice! Constant lights are incredibly intuitive. Since they’re always on, you can instantly see how shadows and highlights fall on your subject. No need to chimp your camera screen after every image or fiddle with complex settings.
2. Great for video: Constant light is essential if you’re dabbling in video or hybrid photography (think behind-the-scenes reels for Instagram). Strobes can’t keep up when you’re rolling footage, but a good LED panel can.
3. Budget-friendly: You can snag a decent constant light setup without breaking the bank. This makes them a great option for those just starting out or experimenting with new genres. Check out the Neewer CB200C, it’s fantastic.

Where constant light fails:

1. Limited power: Constant lights often lack the raw oomph of strobes. This can be a problem when you’re working in bright environments or need to overpower sunlight.
2. Heat (with certain types): Traditional tungsten lights double as mini space heaters. Not fun for you or your subject on a summer afternoon. However, newer Constant lights have much better fans in most cases.
3. Motion blur: Because constant lights generally output less power, you’ll often need to use slower shutter speeds to compensate. This can lead to motion blur if your subject moves or if you’re not using a tripod. This is especially noticeable when photographing animals or dancers, where movement is a given.

Studio strobes: The flashy contenders

Studio strobes, on the other hand, deliver short bursts of intense light. These powerful flashes freeze your subject in a split second, giving you sharp, well-exposed images even in challenging conditions.

Why studio strobes are brilliant:

1. Raw power: Need to work in broad daylight? No problem. Strobes can overpower sunlight with ease, making them ideal for outdoor portraits and high-key setups.
2. Freezing motion Photographing dancers, athletes, or excitable kids? Strobes are your best friend. Their short flash duration freezes movement like magic, ensuring every detail is crisp.
3. Creative control: With strobes, you can easily manipulate light intensity, direction, and modifiers to craft the perfect look. From soft, diffused light to dramatic shadows, the possibilities are endless.

Where studio strobes stumble:

1. Learning Curve Let’s face it: strobes can be intimidating for beginners. That’s where workshops come in! I can help you learn the what, where, when, and how, making strobes less scary and way more fun. Syncing your camera, dialing in the right power settings, and understanding flash duration can take some practice.
2. Not Video-Friendly Strobes are fabulous for stills but useless for video. If you’re planning to do both, you’ll need a hybrid lighting setup.
3. Pricey A good strobe setup can be a significant investment. And once you start adding modifiers and accessories, the costs add up quickly. In saying that a pocket flash or hybrid like the Godox AD200Pro really does close that gap.

So, which is better?

The answer, as with most things in photography, is: it depends. Both constant lights and strobes have their strengths and weaknesses. Your choice should be guided by the type of photography you’re doing and the look you’re trying to achieve.

• Choose constant light if: You’re creating video, prefer a simpler setup, or are working on a tight budget.
• Choose studio strobes if: You need power, precision, and the ability to freeze motion, especially for dynamic subjects like dancers or pets.

My take

Personally, I’ve been leaning toward constant lights more often for workshops and studio sessions. They’re approachable for students and work beautifully for still subjects or controlled environments. However, I’ve definitely noticed their limitations when photographing animals, dance, or any kind of movement. That’s when my trusty strobes come to the rescue, freezing action with precision and power.

At the end of the day, the best light is the one you’ve got. Learn its quirks, experiment with setups, and remember: light is the brush; your camera is the canvas.

Happy shooting!

• Posted on January 8, 2025