Finally Some Affordable RGB LED Tube Lights

RGB LED lights are becoming more and more popular, for good reason. Have we finally got some affordable RGB tube lights?

I've spoken recently about my new found love for RGB lights. I've got several now, including the excellent Aputure MC RGB LED light mentioned in this video. While they aren't useful for everyone, they work excellently as scene practicals in video, photo, and for added interest in the backgrounds of your frame. I've been using them particularly in low-key portraiture to add interest and mood to the scene, as well as in my commercial work for similar purposes.

The manufacturer Nanlite (which incidentally is hilarious to an Englishman, it sounds like a Grandmother with only basic features) have already got a strong reputation in the lighting area and have large RGB LED tube lights on the market, albeit at a bit of a premium. These new mini version, the PavoTube 6C, are significantly cheaper at just $99 and could be just what you need.

I'm on the fence until I try them myself. They look a little small and a little weak in the video, but I would certainly be interested in using them in a number of my shoots if they are as good as Gerald Undone suggests they are.

Robert K Baggs's picture

Robert K Baggs is a professional portrait and commercial photographer, educator, and consultant from England. Robert has a First-Class degree in Philosophy and a Master's by Research. In 2015 Robert's work on plagiarism in photography was published as part of several universities' photography degree syllabuses.

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2 Comments

With soooooo many damn lights coming out I'd like to see less $99 small lights.

Cant imagine what a tube light this short would actually be useful for. Saw a popular YouTuber 'review' them and sing their praises. He sounded like he'd been paid off...