Quick answer
Choose the 2000 Watt Lighting Studio Portrait Kit with Carrying Case if you mainly shoot headshots and portraits and want soft, controllable light in a compact setup. Choose the 800 w Video Studio Photo Background Support Lighting 20 if you need a complete backdrop system with stands, crossbars, and muslin included for full-body or group shots.
Why wattage numbers don't tell the whole story
The 2000W kit uses 45W fluorescent bulbs that are described as equivalent to 200W incandescent lights. That means the '2000W' label refers to the total incandescent-equivalent output of the kit, not its actual power draw. The 800W kit's wattage is listed without a bulb type or equivalence note, so you can't directly compare the two numbers as if they were the same measurement. When comparing a tungsten studio lighting setup to a fluorescent one, ask what the wattage actually represents and whether the bulbs are included.
What each kit includes and what that means for your workflow
The 2000W kit focuses on the lights themselves: two softboxes, fluorescent bulbs, and a carrying case. It does not list a backdrop or stand system, so you'll need to supply your own background if you want one. The 800W kit is a full background support lighting kit with two light stands, two backdrop support stands, four sectional crossbars, a 10 x 20 black and white muslin backdrop, and a carrying case. That completeness saves you from buying separate backdrop hardware, but it also means the lighting portion is only part of what you're paying for.
Setup speed and portability
The 2000W kit is described as setting up in minutes to offer professional results, and its carrying case makes it easy to transport for location portraits. The 800W kit also includes a carrying case, but its backdrop stand and crossbar assembly adds steps before you can shoot. If you frequently move between locations or shoot in tight spaces, the simpler 2000W kit will likely be faster to deploy. If you need a controlled background every time, the 800W kit's extra assembly is the price of a complete studio-in-a-bag.
Key trade-offs
- Light quality vs. background control: The 2000W kit prioritizes soft, controllable portrait lighting with softboxes, while the 800W kit prioritizes a full backdrop system. Neither kit gives you both a softbox setup and a complete backdrop out of the box. Decide whether soft light or a ready background is more critical for your typical shoot.
- Portability vs. completeness: Both kits include carrying cases, but the 2000W kit's simpler light-only setup is faster to pack and assemble. The 800W kit's backdrop stands and crossbars add bulk and setup time. If you shoot on location often, weight the assembly time as heavily as the price.
- Bulb type and replacement: The 2000W kit uses fluorescent bulbs with a stated incandescent equivalence. The 800W kit does not specify bulb type or equivalence in the supplied facts, so you cannot assume comparable color or output characteristics. Ask the seller about bulb type and replacement availability for the 800W kit before buying.
Product facts
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2000 Watt Lighting Studio Portrait Kit with Carrying Case: 2000 watts total output using 45W fluorescent bulbs, equivalent to 200W incandescent lights. This gives you a clear brightness reference when comparing to traditional tungsten studio lighting.
2000 Watt Lighting Studio Portrait Kit with Carrying Case
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800 w Video Studio Photo Background Support Lighting 20: Includes two 7-foot light stands, two 9-foot backdrop support stands, four sectional crossbars for 10-foot width, and a 10 x 20 black and white muslin backdrop. You get a complete background support lighting kit without sourcing stands or muslin separately.
800 w Video Studio Photo Background Support Lighting 20
Which kit fits your studio?
Best for
- Portrait photographers who want soft, controllable light and a compact kit they can carry to client locations.
- Beginners who already have a backdrop or prefer to shoot against a wall and want an affordable entry into studio lighting.
Not for
- Photographers who need a complete backdrop system with stands and muslin included in one purchase.
- Shooters who regularly photograph full-body or group portraits and need a wide, supported background.
