My Documentary Filmmaking Lighting Kit (Late 2022)

#filmmaking #documentary #gear #travel #lights
When choosing lights for a documentary film in 2022 there’s more choice than ever. What are the different kinds of lights that are most useful for doc filmmakers, which ones do I personally like the most, and which ones should you invest in first? We’re going to look at all that in this video. Enjoy!
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🔗 LINKS FROM THIS VIDEO
Key Light: Aputure 300d II amzn.to/3zgmBzL
Key Light Softbox: Light Dome II amzn.to/3W4Vtxp
Small Key Light or Backlight: SmallRig 120d amzn.to/3zelHUi
Small Light Panels: Westcott 1x1 Flex Panels amzn.to/3SzC9Wf
Big Light Panel: Godox FL150R bhpho.to/3FcEGT5
Light Tubes I own: Westcott Ice Light 2 (DISCONTINUED!!)
Light Tubes I’d buy Now: Quasar Science 3 Light Kit bhpho.to/3D8sJLv
Light Tubes I’m curious about: Aputure MT Pro amzn.to/3supiKd
Tiny Bi-Colour Lights: Aladdin A Lite and Aladdin Eye Lite bhpho.to/3zgZncR
Tiny Lights with Effects: Aputure MC amzn.to/3zgZzc5
CHAPTERS
0:00 - Intro
1:00 - Thank You!
2:45 - Big Key Light
4:42 - Small Keylight/Backlight
6:39 - Small Light Panels
8:14 - Big Light Panels
9:39 - Tube Lights
12:06 - Tiny lights
13:38 - Order I would build my lighting kit when starting out.
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[@LucForsyth]

What sorts of lighting set ups do you guys use for your doc filmmaking? Love hearing what others are doing!

[@RugbyPass81]

I use the Nanlite Forza 300b II as my key light, for pretty much the same reasons you opted for the Aputure 300d mk II; that being that it offers a good weight/portability to power ratio. It's a really good unit, and I've built a pretty large lighting kit around the Nanlite gear, specifically their Forza line of products. Would like to also take the opportunity to thank you for the videos you put out there for us. Your content inspired me to actually pull my finger out and get started in documentary filmmaking. I talked myself out of it for quite some time, then at 42 your work encouraged me to adopt the "screw it, let's do it" attitude. Nothing to lose, right? So a big thank you for that, Luc. All the best from not so sunny England, UK

[@mano40]

Perfect got my answer clearly and efficiently by watching your video. Great job. Thank you so much

[@CreativeTies_]

Awesome to see you cross 10K - It's wild that it was just in July that your channel has been popping off. Really excited to see where you'll take this!

[@LucForsyth]

I know, crazy right?!

[@Phasefirefilms]

I have a Smallrig 220B and love it. It came with a vmount plate and it's great for mobile shooting.

[@IdeaStudioBKK]

Congrats on 10k, Luc, and great video, lighting is so key and know some more portable options now will be real helpful for me.

[@LucForsyth]

Thanks! Yeah, getting a basic lighting package together can really up your production value

[@thidnascimento]

Congrats for the 10k subscriptions mark! And thanks for the video! I have one Amaran 60x and wanted the small lights and tubes next, but definitly will look for the panels now, thanks for the advice

[@LucForsyth]

Thanks! I mean only you know what will work best for you and if you think tubes are the answer, they probably are! Only sharing what I've found most useful for myself - hope it helps!

[@karllautman]

One advantage of getting all your lights from the same vendor (e.g. Aputure) is that you're more likely to be able to control all of them from the same app.

[@LucForsyth]

This is very true...do you use the app a lot? I haven't really but maybe I should...

[@karllautman]

@@LucForsyth No, as I use my lights (300D, 120D, and MCs) only occasionally, but, once I bought my first one, it strongly inclined toward Aputure for additional lights, and continues to provide a bias. If I get more serious about my videomaking, I think it will come in very handy compared to multiple apps for multiple vendors' lights.

[@the_black_douglas9041]

yeah - also not all Bowens mount modifiers fit all brands.

[@seanp2k617]

This is true for the more affordable lighting for sure. A lot of more professional-oriented gear has CRMX / DMX and would be controlled on set wirelessly by someone walking around with something like a Gaffers Control unit or an Exalux Control One. Sidus Link is dope tho and definitely a boon for anyone looking at getting into lighting. Super easy and approachable. It feels like going from genlock to Tentacles - no having to manage DMX address spaces and universes and fixtures with weird behavior and DMX terminators and all the cabling.

[@ijovy3]

congrats on passing 10k subs! well deserved!!

[@LucForsyth]

Thanks, appreciate that!

[@ibrahimvisuals6745]

Congrats on the 10k! Another great video.

[@LucForsyth]

Thank you kindly!

[@andrei_videodj]

Great stuff, great editing! Loved that zoom-in's zoom-out's

[@asaadyt]

yeah, noice note mate

[@papsny]

Appreciate this video, I am a wedding videographer trying to do a documentary as a side project and your insights has helped me be efficient and selective with my lighting for this side project. I went for the 200x as it is easier to manage and can be as bright as the 300

[@LucForsyth]

Nice one, I've heard good things, and the bicolour will be super handy!

[@youngerbrotherpictures]

I'm still on my Godox SL60 and finally just got some Nanlite pavotubes recently - I do love them so far! No need to break the bank if my kit works for now. Good tips as always!

[@LucForsyth]

💯 agree - if the kit works, it's the right one! Heard good things about those pavotubes, might have to check them out if the ice lights go down...

[@chaseertzberger6626]

Good solid video mate with good solid advice. I actually wasn’t aware of the Godox 1’x4’ panel, and am going to be taking a good look at it to go with my Godox UL150’s for my work.

[@LucForsyth]

Me neither tbh! But it's super cool and useful in a bunch of situations - and relatively cheap!

[@TheFlyFishingFilmmaker]

Thanks for this, super helpful!

[@LucForsyth]

You're very welcome!

[@DANAMIONLINE]

Thanks for the video. It'd be cool to hear your decision-making process when choosing lights for a doc, i.e. when to use all-natural vs. natural with some small lights for increasing ambience vs. bringing your entire light kit.

[@LucForsyth]

Great idea, thanks! I'll put it on the list, but be patient with me!

[@pjtavera]

Subscribed Luc! Very informative channel for my work. Cheers

[@LucForsyth]

Glad to hear it, and welcome aboard!

[@the_black_douglas9041]

Another excellent vid and same same here Luc! I have the 300Dii with Light Dome 2, Lantern and Fresnel modifiers. Fantastic combo with the added unexpected bonus that I’d like $1 for everytime talent has said how pretty and cool the Light Dome itself looks. We once interviewed a lady who said the light dome reminded her of a Flamenco dancers dress and that it made her feel like dancing. Anything that gets talent relaxed I guess is a bonus!

[@LucForsyth]

hahah, I try to choose all my gear based on style points! Compared to when I started it's shocking how much more accessible lighting is - something like the 300d would have cost 5-10 x a much and weighed a ton. A real golden age for gear!

[@the_black_douglas9041]

@@LucForsyth 100% !!

[@offgrideditor]

My new favorite pocket light is the Zhiyun m40 led light. Other than that, I enjoyed this video. Helped confirm efficiency my current lighting setup and the way I prioritized them. Great vid

[@LucForsyth]

Thanks, didn't know they were making lights, I'll check them out!

[@paulgero]

Luc...solid video and good choices and thoughts....I might add that the Zhiyuan M40 Fiveray is a beast of a small little led light a bit bigger than the Aputure MC and only bi-color but it is a 40W little bad boy that packs a wallop. I also have the Small Rig 120D and it is superb....the reason I went for that over the Amaran 100D or 200D is the fact that you can easily put a v mount to power it with the Small Rig v-mount adaptor....while the Amaran's can be powered by V-mount you need to get their Two Bay Power Support which is a bit heftier than I would like. Glad I found your channel....very insightful and useful information!

[@LucForsyth]

Thanks for the tip!

[@zwheels654]

I actually use a Westcott Ice Light as my key all the time. You have to get it pretty close and turn it sideways if you want a soft look but I like that you can get several different looks without a modifier just by changing the angle. I've pre-cut correction gels to size and just put them in the little case the light travels in. Add a couple of rubber bands and you can match lighting really easily.

[@LucForsyth]

Interesting...that could work for sure, I guess I've just found that at any distance it wouldn't be very bright, unless you were in a totally dark space. But really cool you've made that work, must be really easy to travel with - jealous!

[@zwheels654]

@@LucForsyth I'm a wheelchair user, so weight is a MASSIVE priority. I've adapted my shooting style around really light gear. Typically I'll match with ambient light and just use my key to shape the shadows on the face. I also use tight frames for that reason too and I tend to place my actor on the edge of them. You can put your lights pretty close that way. Also, pro tip: you can boom the light if necessary too. It's light enough.

[@zhenyucai]

I was heavily influenced by tube lights. It is so easy to set up. However, I cant seem to find any good bags/cases to pack a couple of tube lights and reverse light stands for travelling. Any thoughts? Maybe a new episode about packing?

[@shiftfilms]

Excellent, Thank you, LUC!!! Great video. I'm rebuilding my light kit, and this video really helped me. For tiny lights, I like Lime Cube!

[@LucForsyth]

Oh nice, I heard good things about those!

[@shiftfilms]

@@LucForsyth sorry “lume” cube

[@brooklyn9588]

Hey Luc! I LOVE your work and am always looking forward to your videos! I was wondering, when you are making videos like this, if you could add some footage that you shot where you used the specific lights you mention? I feel like it would really help get a better sense of what each light does! Great job though, as always! Can't wait to see what you put out next!

[@LucForsyth]

I really want to, I'm just not often legally allowed to film BTS on paid jobs...working on this for 2023 though!

[@brooklyn9588]

@@LucForsyth That's understandable! Thank you for your response!

[@TannerGwaltney]

I really love the Quasar Science Q15 2' tubes. I have one daylight and one tungsten and I got some cheap dimmers from Amazon. For $50 per light + maybe $10 per dimmer, I think everybody should have them. They're great as back lights especially.

[@LucForsyth]

Agree!

[@DreadinNY]

Hey man, thanx for another lesson! I am here learning! I started years ago with GVM LED panels. I thought I struck gold. Recently I purchased two Amaran 100d lights with Aperture soft boxes. WHAT A DIFFERENCE

[@LucForsyth]

You're very welcome! And yeah - incredible what a bigger light with a soft box can do for you...happy shooting!

[@Rosenbis]

Always interesting to see what a real world user carry on shoot And by the way, I just tested the COB Amaran 60d/x from Aputure for my super light kit. Bowens mount, can be battery operated (NPF / Vmount) and super small footprint. You should check it out !

[@LucForsyth]

Nice one, I will!

[@WedisemaetAntonios]

Thanks! Just subscribed!

[@LucForsyth]

welcome! glad to have you!

[@OliverH93]

great video - would love to see one on interview setups

[@LucForsyth]

Awesome, I'll put it on the list!

[@mychalsimmons4177]

Nice; great info

[@karllautman]

Another great video, Luc. Thanks. It would have been nice, however, to see your rim light setup, just as you showed the key light setup. Also, Aputure sells a four light kit of the MCs, called the MC 4 (there's also an MC 12), which includes a cool charging case; the case has an exterior outlet, so you can keep it plugged in, always charging the lights, and just grab it and go, knowing you have four, fully-charged lights.

[@LucForsyth]

yeah, that's my bad - sorry! Will do better next time there... Love those MC kits - if I thought I could possibly put that many to use at once I'd love to have it, but my storage space is non-existent at the moment! Did you grab one?

[@karllautman]

@@LucForsyth My wife got me one for Xmas a while back. I'm sympathetic towards lack of space, but the MC 4 is so thin it fits almost anywhere.

[@stephencaserta2969]

Doc DP here as well. I second your advice- buy the brightest key light you can afford. 95% of the time im using a single light with daylight. The more powerful the light the more options you have and in doc it's always great to have options. I currently have a 300x and it's good most of the time but would much rather a 600 or even 1200. Knowing how to work with the available light and a single light is the best skill you can have as a doc dp. It allows you to be agile while still getting beautiful images. Id say buy the most powerful light you can afford and a few modifiers and that will go a long way. Shower curtain or large diffusion source, Large soft box, fresnel attachment, spotlight attachment and invest in some large bounces/neg fill.

[@LucForsyth]

Agreed! I think the 600 is enough o mostly fight the sun and is still small enough to travel with, but I only own the 300 as well...one day!

[@dathofilms]

2x Tube lights with muslin diffusion all the way :) bright, portable and soft. One man band run and gun situations its my go to. Only need one light stand and no space required.

[@LucForsyth]

sounds amazing from a travel perspective - so easy to move around! great idea

[@BenPhanStudios]

Do you diffuse your back light or leave it hard? Thanks!

[@Huttersvuur]

Nice to see all categories but wouldve been nice to hear about the CRI's. Pretty important to get consistent skintones.

[@LucForsyth]

Thanks for the feedback! But to be honest I have no idea how to measure that and it's not something I research when buying lights for myself. LED tech used to have all sorts of weird tones, but these days I find that pretty much all lights from reliable manufacturers look good to me. Just my experience, and would probably be different in the narrative or commercial world, but CRI isn't really an issue for me these days!

[@mychalsimmons4177]

Awesome

[@Bo_Hazem]

I think you would love lights like the Aputure Amaran COB 60X/60D that come with NP-F battery plates to run 100% brightness (65w).

[@LucForsyth]

I'm sure I would too! I'm a total gear nerd and all this stuff these days is amazing

[@timdanyo898]

I like using a Nanlite RGB 2ft tube with barn doors and grid for back light.

[@LucForsyth]

heard great things about them!

[@crodas8628]

Agree. I started with the opposite. But looking back I would follow ur suggestion.

[@crodas8628]

Fyi your link for your tripod doesn't work

[@LucForsyth]

I did too! But if I started again I'd do it this way personally

[@LucForsyth]

bhpho.to/3VD3Gsn - sorry, fixed!

[@ThanhPhan]

I have a question about traveling with tube lights. They have build-in battery, so do you put it in carry bag or checked bag? Thank you!

[@nolesdennhardt8986]

Thank you

[@LucForsyth]

You're welcome!

[@Ryan-Payne]

Really great insight Luc! I was wondering what you do for airport travel? Do you check the 300d or leave it behind and rent on the other end?

[@LucForsyth]

If I think I'm doing big sit down interviews I'll usually bring it with me. It fits inside a big rolling suitcase I have that I also fill with other stuff. If I really can't bring much stuff, I'll usually use the LED panels with some sort of diffusion or china ball, but would always prefer to have a big key with a soft box when possible!

[@shaggysk8r1]

Have any of the 60 watt compact COB lights found their way into your kit? Amaran 60x comes to mind.

[@davidschwan]

You made my Day if you Post a new Video Bro!

[@LucForsyth]

You're going to have some good Wednesdays ahead then! Glad to hear it

[@mtmccornack]

You were asking for ideas for small budget panel light options. As nice as those little $100 MC aperature lights are, i bought a couple of lights from some random company called "Soonpho". They seem to be bright enough and do most of the things that the aperature lights have, (no magnets) only at half the cost. For about $50 bucks a head you get a tiny pocket sized rgb panel loaded with effects. I cant speak to color accuracy, but ive owned them for 2 years now and they go with me for all projects and with the thread mount i even use them for a bad ass bicycle lights. (I totally dont use them for the police effect 😂)

[@MiroAcronymity]

I have tried out a few different types of light in the last few years. The first really good one was the Godox SL150 II which I still love. It's fantastic indoors and I almost never have to use more than 1/3 of its power so I can keep it in quiet mode (no fan). I also have a small GVM panel which I planned to use as a fill light, but the second catch light (

[@LucForsyth]

Awesome, thanks for sharing. I’ve been liking the new Godox stuff as well. And thanks for the idea, I’ll add it to the list

[@maproductions8495]

Bro you talked about a sand bag with water in it in one of your videos but I can’t find it what’s the name or brand of it? I’m really in need for a couple hahaha huge thanks

[@7kingsart955]

are these lights good outdoors during daylight for extra punch when filming in the shade ?

[@LucForsyth]

The 300d will work here, but smaller lights can’t really fight the sun. If you really want to Balance sunlight outside a 300d is about the smallest you can go, maybe even a 600d would be better

[@mychalsimmons4177]

Godox 60W with softbox

[@Jadesfishing]

Great video! What is an eye light Luc? Can you explain?

[@LucForsyth]

really any light that's causing a bright reflection in someone's eye, which makes them look more lifelike and emotive on camera. In this case I'm using small lights that I'll put somewhere close to the subjects so that their eyes pick up the reflection. Hope that makes sense!

[@Jadesfishing]

@@LucForsyth sure does thanks luc!

[@kineticvillagemedia]

As a Doc shooter myself I have a very similar kit. I do also have Aperture 600x while I love this light I suggest that beginners stay away from this light it is much bigger than the more practical 300 and 120x lights.

[@LucForsyth]

Yeah, totally agree. I've used them and loved it, can overpower the sun most of the time, but it's big and overkill if you're just starting out.

[@sammorganmoore]

maybe concentrate a little bit more on 'why'. Usually lighting is to see the subject, that can be a littl light in a black hole or a powerful light in the sun. So the first light id get in one for my pocket so I can see if it is dark. In terms of 'investment' (aka spending money) I think Apture have a big in with thier app. Honeslty its good to just use thier stuff unless you are going to join the DMX gang with $50k. Also not mentioned a 'free lights'.. or things that dont use power at least.. shower curtain, white cloth black cloth or polyboard. A poly will do the same or better than an hmi for fighting the sun if propery positioned.

[@LucForsyth]

Love the shower curtain - have suggested it myself as a key piece of gear! And great ideas for another video here, thanks!

[@Whaever_1981]

Upgrade your tubes!

[@LucForsyth]

I'd love to...but I'm cheap and these still work!

[@rumorscameras]

its really disturbing to watch the continuous punch ins ...the 5 mm punch in doesnt really make it interesting

[@ekphotography]

That westcott 1 x 1 is WAY overpriced.... Are they joking? 1000.00 for that? The new aputure panels are was better and cheaper..

[@LucForsyth]

You're right on that - super expensive. I will say that the build quality is incredible, which is very important for what I do, and that's where the money goes. But for the majority of people, it's ridiculous. If they broke I'd probably go with Aputure too, but they're not showing any signs of slowing down yet!