Best Lighting setup on a budget! Aputure Edition
If you've ever watched a professional-looking YouTube video or a cinematic short film, you know that the difference between an amateur and a pro isn't just the camera—it's the lighting. And while professional lighting gear can cost a fortune, one brand has completely changed the game for budget-conscious creators: Aputure. The company’s Amaran and Light Storm series offer professional-grade quality without the prohibitive price tag.
At AWPRO, we believe that great lighting should be accessible to everyone. We've spent countless hours helping creators in the UAE build their dream studios without breaking the bank. This guide is dedicated to showing you exactly how to build a powerful and versatile lighting setup on a budget using a selection of our favorite Aputure lights. We'll cover everything from your first key light to creative accent lighting, giving you the roadmap to elevate your content from good to great.
Your Three-Point Lighting Setup
The most essential lighting technique for any content creator is a three-point lighting setup. It’s a simple, classic method that guarantees professional results by using three lights: a key light, a fill light, and a backlight. With Aputure's budget-friendly lights, this setup is more attainable than ever.
Your Key Light: The Amaran 100x S or Amaran 200x S This is the most important light in your setup—it’s the main light source on your subject. For a budget-friendly key light, we highly recommend the Amaran 100x S or the more powerful Amaran 200x S. These are bi-color COB LED lights that give you a huge amount of light output in a compact body. The "S" in the name stands for an upgraded chipset that provides even more accurate color. You can easily adjust the color temperature from a warm, cozy light to a bright, daylight-balanced tone, making it perfect for any situation.
Your Fill Light: A Second Amaran Light or a Reflector A fill light softens the shadows created by your key light. The best and most flexible way to do this is with a second light, like another Amaran 100x S, set to a lower intensity. However, for an even more budget-friendly option, a simple 5-in-1 reflector is a fantastic choice. It bounces some of the key light back onto your subject, filling in the shadows beautifully.
Your Backlight (Hair Light): The Amaran Ace 25x or Aputure MC A backlight, or hair light, is used to separate your subject from the background, adding depth and dimension. For this, a compact and versatile light is best. We love the Aputure MC and the Amaran Ace 25x. These are small, palm-sized RGB lights that can be placed anywhere, even on a wall using their built-in magnets. They are perfect for adding a touch of color to your background or a subtle highlight to your subject's hair.
I spoke with a professional videographer in Dubai, Tariq Al Farsi, about his lighting kit.
"A lot of people think you need expensive lights to get a professional look, but that’s not true anymore," says Al Farsi. "I use my Amaran 200x as a main light on a lot of my commercial shoots. It's powerful, reliable, and the color is fantastic. Aputure has made it so you can have a pro-level setup for a price that's actually accessible. The key is knowing how to use it."
Essential Modifiers and Accessories
The light itself is only half the story. To shape, soften, and control that light, you need the right modifiers. For a budget setup, these accessories are just as important as the lights themselves.
Softbox: This is the single most important modifier you can buy. A softbox turns the harsh, direct light from your COB light into a large, soft, and flattering light source. For your Amaran lights, we highly recommend a Godox or Neewer softbox with a Bowens Mount. These are affordable and work perfectly with the Amaran series.
Lantern Softbox: If you need to light an entire room or a wide area with a soft, ambient light, a lantern softbox is a game-changer. They provide a beautiful, omnidirectional light that is perfect for creating a bright, natural-looking atmosphere.
Reflectors: A simple, inexpensive 5-in-1 reflector can be used as a fill light or to create a bounce. This is an essential tool for any photographer or filmmaker.
Stands: For your key and fill lights, a sturdy light stand is a must. Neewer and Manfrotto both offer a wide range of affordable and reliable light stands.
The AWPRO Your Partner in Professional Lighting
At AWPRO, we are committed to being your trusted partner in creativity. We offer a curated selection of the best Aputure lights and accessories, along with the expertise to help you build the perfect setup.
Authorized Distributor: We are an authorized distributor of Aputure in the UAE, guaranteeing that you are purchasing genuine products with a full manufacturer's warranty.
Expert Consultation: Our team is composed of lighting experts who can provide you with a hands-on consultation, helping you select the right lights and modifiers for your specific needs.
A Complete Solution: We sell more than just lights. We offer a full range of stands, softboxes, reflectors, and power solutions from top brands like Godox, Neewer, and Promage to ensure your entire kit is reliable and effective.
I spoke with an event photographer in Abu Dhabi, Sarah Jenkins, who relies on us for her gear.
"My kit needs to be versatile and reliable. AWPRO has been a fantastic partner. I've bought several Aputure lights from them, and their team has always given me excellent advice on the best modifiers and accessories to pair with them. They're a resource I trust completely."
Conclusion
Building a professional lighting setup doesn’t have to be a daunting or expensive task. With a bit of knowledge and the right tools from Aputure, you can create a versatile and reliable lighting kit that will transform your content.
Whether you're building a studio in Dubai or need a portable lighting solution for on-location shoots, AWPRO is here to help. We are committed to empowering creators in the UAE with the best gear and the right expertise.
