Gear of the Year: Lighting

Posted on Jun 20, 2025 by Pro Moviemaker

Gear of the Year is here – cast your vote and back the best lighting of 2025

Great lighting shapes your scene and defines your visual storytelling. Whether you’re shooting a moody short film, punchy commercial or podcast with polish, today’s lighting gear is smarter, more powerful and more portable than ever before. The Pro Moviemaker Gear of the Year Awards 2025 shine a light on the most outstanding products across panels, hard lights and innovation.

LED panels remain the backbone of many sets, as they offer soft and flattering light yet don’t take up too much space. This year’s nominees deliver incredible output, colour accuracy and control.

The Litepanels Gemini 2×1 Hard continues to dominate the scene with its rock-solid build and versatile performance. Plus, its output can be easily modified for a different look. Aputure’s Infinibar PB6 and Amaran’s Ace 25c present modular flexibility and RGBWW output in compact bodies, perfect for dynamic set-ups.

Astera’s Hydrapanel and the Kenro Smart Lite RGB bring pro-level features to smaller budgets, while Godox’s F800R flexible mat and P1200R are lighting solutions that literally bend to your will. Nanlite’s Alien 300C and Pavoslim 120C offer thin, punchy panels perfect for tight locations or travel, while the latest Amaran Pano 120c provides soft light and huge versatility. Last but not least, the Sumolight Sumosky brings innovation to large-scale RGB lighting for full-set coverage.

When output and punch are the key, hard lights deliver. The Nanlux Evoke 5000B and Aputure Storm 1000C top the list with cinematic power and professional modifiers. Godox Knowled M1000R and MG1200Bi are studio-ready beasts with high output and full control.

For indie creators, the Amaran 150c, Neewer FS150C and HB80C give powerful results without a massive footprint. Kenro’s Smart Lite KSLC101 and Nanlite’s FC-500B each boast reliable daylight options, while the Profoto L1600D radiates luxurious, broadcast-grade quality on any set.

Innovation moves the industry forward, and the Aputure MC Pro kit puts colour-accurate lights in your pocket – perfect for mobile creators. Astera’s Lunabulb opens up a variety of new creative options with its huge range of accessories, and the Atomos Sun Dragon pushes boundaries with cinematic, wireless effects.

Both Dedolight’s Eflect system and Matthews’ Microgrip Master Rigging Kit cater to DOPs looking for ultimate control and precision. Neewer’s GC21B inflatable tube light, Nanlite’s Rapid softboxes and Nanlux’s motorised FL-35E fresnel bring bold, forward-thinking design to pro lighting rigs.

From studio to field, compact to colossal, this year’s lighting gear has transformed how creators shape their vision. Cast your vote now and help us crown the brightest stars in filmmaking illumination.