What Is a Tube Light?
A tube light is a type of fluorescent or LED light that is tubular in shape; it’s exactly what it sounds like! These lights are commonly used in filmmaking and photography for their even, soft light output, which can reduce harsh shadows and provide a natural-looking light source. They’re incredibly easy to stick anywhere for a quick lighting solution on the fly, with no long setup times or sandbags. I use these bad boys for nearly every production due to their versatility and compact size.
By incorporating tube lights into their toolkit, filmmakers can achieve professional-looking lighting with minimal equipment, making them ideal for both traditional and mobile filmmaking projects.
Key Features & Benefits:
- Even Illumination: Tube lights provide consistent light over a wide area, making them ideal for evenly lighting scenes without creating harsh shadows or highlights.
- Color Temperature Control: Many tube lights, especially LED versions, allow filmmakers to adjust the color temperature, enabling them to match the lighting to different environments or achieve specific moods.
- Portability: LED tube lights are lightweight and often battery-powered, making them easy to transport and set up for anywhere the scene takes you.
- Flexibility: Tube lights can be used in various configurations, such as mounted on stands, handheld, or even attached to walls or ceilings, providing versatility in lighting scenes.