This BUDGET lighting gear from Amazon is INSANE!

The first 500 people to click my link will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare:
skl.sh/ryankao...
🔴 Win some of the gear used in this video - comment below and follow me over on Instagram so I can message you!
Mirrors: geni.us/DfLg05
Mounts for mirrors: geni.us/5wh63A
Frost spray: geni.us/ZzgK4
Mirror vinyl: geni.us/3hGAB
Amazing powerful light: geni.us/qLQxhG
If that one is sold out ⬆️: geni.us/xTqg
Smaller budget light: geni.us/5gh2z
Fresnel modifier: geni.us/ezL5DaV
Mini DIY haze machine: geni.us/vWcV5vS
Mini fan: geni.us/hEiSs
Mount for fan: geni.us/7PIlwm
DIY 6x6 overhead frame: geni.us/3tfFfqq
Unbleached muslin fabric: geni.us/kTP0
Black solid fabric: geni.us/HV6sM
Window ND roll: geni.us/5BPPX
Best budget C-stand: geni.us/OUf6
Clamp to mount frame or pole: geni.us/29LBrqS
Cheap stand for fabrics: geni.us/VCcjAHm
📽 My Camera Gear: (Updated Nov 2023)
Primary KZbin Camera - geni.us/FpAb
Stills / B-Camera - geni.us/pv0V
Cinema Camera: geni.us/QoifW8
Main Wide Angle Lens - geni.us/yHAP5Q
Main Lens - geni.us/JEBOLD
Cinema Lenses: geni.us/66pr
Best 7" Monitor: geni.us/jDFPFrL
Best 5" Monitor: geni.us/AK0qJDq
VND Filter: geni.us/btMeAJ
Mattebox: geni.us/DBi9Fl
Favorite Cinema Filters (10% OFF "RYANKAO10") - geni.us/ovr0
Best SD Cards: geni.us/FNEw56s
On Camera Mic - geni.us/twH1
Boom Mic: geni.us/RMKTEy
Audio Recorder: geni.us/rz2uBz
Camera Rig Tool (you need this): geni.us/JfIM
Main Key Light: geni.us/duR87V8
Big Softbox: geni.us/hAEsimu
📍🎬 My filmmaking and video editing classes on Skillshare: geni.us/OZyqjY
🔴 My Sony a7sIII Rig Breakdown:
geni.us/wuC3ICZ
🔴 My RED Komodo Rig Breakdown:
geni.us/bYzTC
► All of my favorite filmmaking gear: geni.us/DqpCu!
► The music I use in my videos: fm.pxf.io/QyPKyM
► Sound effects I use in my videos: geni.us/lmUK
Follow me:
► Instagram: / ryanmkao
► Twitter: / ryan_kao
► Snapchat: @justaskryan
Business Inquires: [e-mail]
Did you actually read the description?

[@RyanKao]

Had a tonnnn of fun with this one. Hoping to do more like this, let me know what other types of gear or setups you’d like to see?

[@abdul-haqqmahama3753]

@@RyanKao I would say carrying case or camera bag.

[@Menosfilms]

@@RyanKao here’s a good one, I want a flexible LED mat for overhead lighting since it makes your life easy. But I have LED panels that don’t weight much. I can hang it overhead but need a way to diffuse it and not letting it spill over the sides. Any ideas?

[@YCImaging]

Mirror and 6x6 frame ideas were genius! Dope video bro

[@RyanKao]

Only slight hiccup with the 6x6 is mounting it lol... couple super clamps does it but looking for some better hardware soon. Love you bro!

[@TheAaronalden]

With all the cheap gear on the market I miss all of the old DIY days. It's good to see DIY is still alive and well! The fan is pretty genius, and the scrim frame is a great option as well!

[@RyanKao]

Couldn't agree more! Thanks!

[@Hahahasanaha]

The fan in front of the fog machine is genius, can't wait to try it. Love from Lebanon!

[@M.A.D.C.J]

Not commenting to win anything, just want to say that I'm glad you are still posting KZbin content, I look up to you so much as a filmmaker.

[@RyanKao]

You're the best and I deeply appreciate your Mikey.

[@petermorris8907]

So true! Keep it going Ryan.

[@Paneer_Panda]

Dude, Im a teen really into film making, and theses videos are super useful(even tho they're way out of my budget). Ive learned so much about lighting from your videos.

[@shaaban_]

Mann the finesse is inspiring. The true spirit of filmmaking

[@sheldonnorton9035]

I found the best way to reproduce Lightbridge/Lightstream/Liteflow panels is to buy aluminum panels and learn how to polish them to various degrees of reflectiveness. You use a car polisher/sander with pads of 400 600 800 and 1000 grit and then aluminum polish for a mirror finish - lesser polishing for diffusion levels. Works very well and then add corner protectors on the sharp corners. For mounting use mini and regular magic arms with camera suction cup mounts to attach the various panels. Saved… I dunno $6K. LOL

[@paulhorn24]

Great idea/suggestion! Thanks a lot! 👍👍👍

[@sheldonnorton9035]

@@paulhorn24 Hit me up if you need help, if you actually start making them.

[@ChiliVonat]

Algorithm is awesome! Didn’t search for this video but it was on the right time! Now I can go to buy my next light with confidence! Thank you!

[@olacrau]

Always nice to see videos with cheaper solutions for filmmaking! Thanks man! 😌

[@thechrishau]

Ryan - this is the first time I've come across your videos! I love your vibe and the way you speak to camera. So so good!

[@RyanKao]

So happy to hear from you Chris! I really appreciate the kind words. Hope life is good on your end!

[@mirandatown]

Your videos have helped me so much you don't even understand. I've been trying to find affordable, good quality lighting gear that a student can afford and these ones are perfect. thank you.

[@RyanKao]

Great to hear Miranda!

[@MFMUK]

You deserve way more recognition you're one of the most helpful youtubers with highest quality content and honestly the best color grade on here.

[@RyanKao]

This means a lot to hear. I really aspire to do my best with each piece of content I share. Thanks for being apart of this community!

[@howevisual7099]

Duuuuude the fan+fog machine combo!! Love that--I've been wanting to do real haze for the longest time and only ever have time+budget to work with plain ole fog.

[@adamivy]

Love your content bro. Been a fan for a while. Super helpful and engaging. Keep up the good work.

[@RyanKao]

Thanks for the support dude!

[@vladvig3]

that fog/fan idea was badass genius. thanks!.

[@GabrielJThomas]

I love the fact that you continue practicing your craft. Its a never ending pursuit!

[@goldpiecefilms2431]

I really appreciate a lot of the setups that you have shown. It has made me rethink how I focus on setups with lighting. Thank you.

[@RyanKao]

My pleasure!!!

[@bastian8597]

The DIY hazer was nuts! What a great idea dude

[@ngowanjun]

As filmmakers who work with a limited budget and first starting out, these are actually some quite creative ideas to work things around, its always nice to see people solving problems rather than complaining I dont have this piece of gear thats why I can't create this💯

[@ChesterBunglay]

I always come back to your channel when I feel uninspired! Great video bro!

[@RyanKao]

This is amazing to hear. Appreciate it Chester.

[@RadeenChoudhury]

You're such an inspiration and your authenticity is really appreciated

[@RyanKao]

Thank you so much Radeen. Appreciate your comment

[@JSPDL]

i needed this video fr fr, I was looking for a video that showed real life budget gear thats usable in the field, thank you!

[@RyanKao]

Absolutely!

[@TAKUMISEGI]

6x6 idea is geniussss. also love the amazon came-tv light. looks super promising

[@RyanKao]

It honestly works great! Little weak compared to a proper 1" frame, but can absolutely handle most needs

[@blissscience8689]

Great texture! I like your overall look. So much cinematic.

[@RyanKao]

Thank you so much!

[@reggimentmedia6105]

The mirrors with the frosted coat are a great idea!!

[@postproductionmentor1081]

this is my fav video, taking cheep lighting and use it to create amazing results

[@RyanKao]

So glad you enjoyed it!!!

[@DavidForgang]

Thanks for this video. I'm starting to film for animal rescues and looking into inexpensive lights. This is excellent.

[@phillpine]

Great video with so many practical solutions for lighting a scene. Thanks for this amazing content!

[@RyanKao]

My pleasure man!!

[@andrew1171]

this was a really cool video. I shit you not I have been thinking about doing the frosted spray paint mirror trick for a while, now that I saw you do it and the results I'm gonna give it a try. Thank you for this video!

[@MePeterNicholls]

I’m really loving neewer lights atm.

[@PeterDiBussolo]

the fog with the fan idea is genius !

[@mofuclarisu]

I feel like mirror, stand, and negative fill are underrated in KZbin video making, so many people focus on the camera and accessory but your video shows that reflection can make a scene beautiful

[@VideoRealmMedia]

Came-TV Tioga 310W is now out of stock and can only be found for $400+ on other sites. Really sad that companies do this once sales skyrocket after a KZbin video covers equipment. Do you have any comparable lights that you could recommend? Thanks for the video!

[@LCreeper575]

Yeah me too. So sad.

[@maximilliankoopman]

This was super helpful 🔥 I was pretty overwhelmed trying to find a light for my business I am trying to start up

[@RyanKao]

So glad this helped! Hopefully you can find something that works for you. Here if you have if any questions!

[@britegames2419]

thank you for this video, as a student its very hard to find anything me and my friends can afford, that helped out a lot

[@RyanKao]

Great to hear it!

[@JeffCorcelius]

Loving finding cheap or affordable hacks and gear. Neat trick with the fog machine.

[@noathecrip]

Always fun when a video like this gets made. Especially with everything being work-work-work; It helps re-inspire me to get back into the fun that IS storytelling/filmmaking. Dunno if the giveaway is still going on, but would be dope to add this light to a setup for YT and for productions! 🙌🏽

[@MarcosRomero]

This video is so sick. I feel so encouraged. Playing with light is the current thing I'm working on, I just bought my first powerful light and cant wait to build my kit with more lights and flags and gaffing gear.

[@RyanKao]

Go for it man! Thanks for the watch!

[@NeilHadynNicholson]

Great video. I am just starting out learning to do film making. I don't have a lot of equipment but I plan on adding a video to this channel soon. The frame idea definitely gives me ideas. I'm just waiting to purchase a wide angle lens and a decent key light to start. I love the look/color grading reminds me of I do with photos.

[@interconnectedbeing]

I absolutely LOVE to light a scene. As a one-man-band it can be tough and time consuming but so rewarding :)

[@RyanKao]

It really is!

[@ericamurphy7074]

Love this! I am a student right now in photography and could use this!

[@CX3Productions]

The audio on this video is so immersive and beautiful sounding 😎

[@_iLLWills]

Been coming back regularly, always insightful and helps keep me motivated to get it done by any means necessary

[@RyanKao]

Thanks for your support!!

[@bkid19]

I love the sun film on the window effect. I suggested this once and it worked wonders for our budget and I ended up getting a fair tip in the payment my client gave me at the end for saving them some money. loved the entire video!! Specially the fog machine. Going to save up to get that. Thanks!

[@Mark_Boussios]

Great tips! Very cohesive and to the point video that proves there are no budget excuses to make a great image! Thank you very much!

[@catoarce]

Working with light is frustrating and inspiring at the same time. I like it when I find the way to do more with less. Still. it is always good to have the right equipment, so no to have any excuses to procrastinate. Thank you for the tutorial.

[@RyanKao]

It can absolutely be both! But it's such a great tool in every way despite initial reservations. You're more than welcome. Thanks for the watch.

[@tadikovideo]

Nice vid. Big fan of balling on a budget ngl. Some folks are so bent out of shape about specs when all they need is a good output and good color rendition.

[@pseudomalandro]

Usually when I watch videos about budget gear, something that throws me off is how sometimes they say things like "this light is just 200 dollars" and simply show the gear. Here, I think you did an amazing job. Even though some of these are not as cheap as I would like, I just love the way you try to show us how good these are for the price, and also show how to take advantage on them. I even added some of these to my wishlist 😂 Props to you, bro!

[@RyanKao]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bySeneca]

Love the 6x6 frame idea!

[@piusgyagenda]

The shot close to the window with fog was dope.

[@mk-gf9kg]

It is always nice to try out new lighting techniques at home. The homemade mirror reflector looks really good!

[@RyanKao]

Yes! Thank you!!

[@GeorgeLoch]

Good tips. Big fan of diffusion of natural sources. Overheads outside look so nice.

[@aaronghdesign]

Light would come in handy, trying to improve my lighting gear for my vlogs and branching into wedding videography. Also love your quality content 🫶🏽

[@hanfpeter4190]

bro your production level is so high!

[@raggyslaw]

Your methods have inspired me a lot! ❤ Hoping to improve further in my journey 😃 Specially that ZV-E10 video was such a motivational one! Thanks Man! 😊

[@craigozancin]

The mirror idea is nice, I would use plywood or heavy card stock with aluminum foil over it instead. You could attach the mount to it using screws. It would be much more durable and lighter, getting you close to the same thing. I have used this trick when shooting food,

[@BonifacioIVBorebor]

the came tv light value is actually amazing

[@Tecknowledgy]

I want that smallrig light with the parabolic soft box so bad

[@ronmayo4041]

I have Nanlight FC500 and Same Fresnel. Loving this video, great work.

[@RyanKao]

Thanks for watching!

[@DarioCalvo2]

I was looking for a content to find new ways to improve as a beginner filmmaker and this video its the perfect example to me to learn and find new stuffs. Thanks.

[@RyanKao]

Awesome, thank you Dario!!

[@Theropeway]

Ryan i would love to see more recreational shots from movies and personally that was my fav video of your channel ( practicing cinematography in cheapest camera one that you made previously ) and really helpful video btw ❤🤝

[@RyanKao]

Great to hear. I have a lot of fun making them, so it's definitely something I'll continue to pursue here on the channel!!

[@jacob.peterson]

Great video! Super helpful reminder that we don’t always need the most expensive gear starting off. What are the clamps used for the 6x6 frame?

[@unseenraven]

Commenting hust to thank you for putting the information out there. That budget stuff aren’t always bad.

[@KenDavis-uo8kq]

Little grip trick for NDing windows - bucket of soapy water and a squeegee 😉. Works great. Hard gels are another matter and a pain in the cranium. Oh, and Rosco is another go to. 👍

[@patrickcasella]

this saved me on a shoot recently. excellent trick!

[@KenDavis-uo8kq]

@@patrickcasella checked out your channel, pretty cool. 😎 If you’re ever working on a film in LA and wanna free hand, I like working on indie stuff when my schedule permits.

[@patrickcasella]

@@KenDavis-uo8kq absolutely, do you have an instagram or email where I can reach out to you?

[@RyanKao]

Ahh this is so good. Thanks for stopping by man

[@Menosfilms]

This couldn’t have came at a more perfect time. I have been looking for scrims and just been trying to find ways around spending that money. Thanks man!

[@RyanKao]

No problem 👍

[@ImagenStudios]

Great content, I have been struggling with lighting on my shoots. Lighting is much more important than people think. keep creating.

[@baxslatton]

I love the overhead scrim idea! I saw a similar build for that but out of PVC from Lowe’s

[@samthomas7131]

Wedding frame was dope

[@angelbarclay7109]

Super sick video Ryan! Definitely keep it up with the Amazon finds !

[@RyanKao]

Yessirr! More to come

[@bhgemini]

Loving the tips. That fog/fan idea was so good.

[@RyanKao]

Glad you liked it!

[@gm5155]

Your video is a gateway to get into cinematic lighting

[@jasono9358]

Using mirrors to create interesting lighting was a great idea !

[@Wolf_1775]

Dude, this was a fantastic video. Nicely done!

[@RyanKao]

Thanks a ton man!

[@kevin.creates4941]

This is a very expensive industry to be in but I love every bit of it. Thanks a million for showing us these more inexpensive options… i bought the Ulanzi fog machine and i love it..great idea by adding the fan. I’m not saying you’re a genius but you are making some genius moves lol

[@RyanKao]

Really appreciate this one Kevin! I really love the industry as well so I'm always thinking of ways to do things a little differently. Glad you enjoyed! 🙌

[@GUTTYWOMACK]

Thank you for the pointers bro, I’ll be buying and using some of these soon 🙏🏾

[@simonbrooks8501]

I'm always amazed at the quality of some of the chinese "knock off" lighting and video kit. Some of it is incredible.

[@mauwow]

Thank youu! These are some great recommendations and your shots look great, new sub!

[@RyanKao]

Welcome!! Thank you!!

[@SurvivalRox]

Ok thanks for making my whole ethos here at ICE, of thinking up, making and AND using budget gear, a thing, so I don't feel so crazy bringing them out on 'set'.

[@RyanKao]

Glad to help!

[@OrenArieli]

Another frugal tip is to get charcoal/black fiberglass screen door material as a scrim. It will give you about 1.5 stops as a single, but you'll want to keep it out of focus, or you might get moire patterns. Makes no noise, unlike window film that isn't being applied to the glass.

[@barbarianberzerk]

Some great ideas in here, that light would be an amazing start to my kit.

[@RyanKao]

You're in!!!

[@Zero-is-infinite]

The mini fan in front of the fog machine was clutch. I’d like to get into product photography to get funds for more gear, and there’s a ton of smoke shops with very little to no branding or content, that tip will be super helpful.

[@doughgarcia6086]

Lights is what I need now that I am trying to make my first short film... anything will help... Love the videos Keep keeping on... 🤘🍻

[@RyanKao]

You can do it!! Best of luck to you. 👍

[@tlukasiewicz6433]

Appreciate the good explanations and the insights shared, which have already sparked new ideas for my work. Thank you

[@trail.squatch]

looks like some pretty awesome options!

[@lindalawson4296]

Wow Ryan. I was surprised that I wasn't subscribed to your channel. I fixed that. This is fabulous. Thank you.

[@RyanKao]

Welcome! And thank you!!

[@harakiriyoshi]

the light looks actually amazing!! nice list in general

[@RyanKao]

Thanks!

[@MichaeliFox]

Great video, appreciate your ingenuity in finding budget options to get a similar effect with pro gear.

[@devohnhenry5828]

Brother this is amazing, thank you so much!!

[@TwangThang57]

I’m getting ready to shoot a no budget doc and have been exploring some of the same options.

[@TheJ_G]

Someone finally covered that cheap cob light. I’m not surprised it’s sold out now. I’ve had one in my cart for months, amazed that it never sold out of the 2-3 it claimed to have left. Oh well. I always held off because I was worried the color accuracy would be pretty subpar. But always kept it in my cart for in a pinch kind of purchase.

[@leeroyntini]

That haze rig is pretty neat! love it man!

[@RyanKao]

Thanks 👍

[@jeffreyhopkins6948]

@@RyanKao how did you attach that fan to the unit? I have that little guy and just bought the fan, thanks!

[@TahirNarvaez]

i found your channel today and im already a fan! love the mirror idea!

[@RyanKao]

Yay! Thank you!

[@elfilmslike]

making lemonade out of lemons, love it!

[@UmairSharif-j5t]

Don’t stop posting such content ❤

[@stefansup]

i've been looking for a good light for some time now, this is actually a great idea!!

[@RyanKao]

Glad you like it!!!

[@AndyPeralta-w2b]

Really amazing content man, def learned a lot from this 🙏🏽

[@BenPatrik]

Gotta try the mirrors!

[@romanfernandez5349]

Great video for people getting started

[@RyanKao]

Thank you Roman!

[@prarthan.s9068]

man, i love diy ing filming equipments!