Head-to-head · Best Softbox Lighting Kits

Godox SK400II 2-Light Studio Flash Kit vs Neewer Photography Lighting Kit with Backdrops

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Godox SK400II 2-Light Studio Flash Kit comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.6 vs 4.3). The gap is mostly about Portrait and product photographers who want an affordable, expandable studio strobe kit — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Softbox Lighting Kits

Godox SK400II 2-Light Studio Flash Kit

4.6

$419.9as of Jun 7

The Godox SK400II 2-light kit is the best-value entry into studio strobe lighting, and Digital Camera World made it a 5-star pick, noting you get a full two-head softbox kit 'for less than the cost of just a single flash head from a premium brand.' TheGadgetHead rated it 4.5/5. The Bowens mount and built-in Godox X radio make it easy to expand later; the main caveat is the plasticky build.

Strengths

— Two 400Ws strobes with softbox, umbrellas, stands and remote for one low price
— 150W modeling lamp adjustable 5-100% to preview the lighting effect
— Fast 0.4-3s recycle time and stable output (under 2% variation)

Watch-outs

— Mostly plastic body that can feel a little fragile
— Strobes need AC power, not battery-portable
— Flash output means it is less beginner-friendly than continuous LED for video

$419.9 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #5 in Best Softbox Lighting Kits

Neewer Photography Lighting Kit with Backdrops

4.3

$149.99as of Jun 7

The Neewer Photography Lighting Kit with Backdrops is the best all-in-one beginner studio, bundling softboxes, umbrellas, stands and three backdrops with a support system for around $230. A detailed review and hands-on setup videos call it a 'complete and versatile solution,' while flagging that the backdrop crossbar can sag and the components are budget-grade. It is the pick when you need a whole set, not just lights.

Strengths

— All-in-one studio: softboxes, umbrellas, stands AND backdrops in one box
— Three backdrops (black/white/green) plus a background support system
— UL-certified 5700K LED bulbs equivalent to 800W incandescent

Watch-outs

— Backdrop crossbar can sag and the stands feel thin
— Continuous bulbs are modest in output, like other budget kits
— Large footprint needs considerable storage space

$149.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Godox SK400II 2-Light Studio Flash Kit

The SK400II is a flash kit, where the Godox SL60IIBi, Neewer 700W and Neewer backdrop kits are continuous lighting; it offers far more power-per-pop than any of them and recycles faster than the higher-wattage Godox DP1000III-V at lower cost.

Neewer Photography Lighting Kit with Backdrops

Unlike the Neewer 700W kit or the Godox SL60IIBi, this kit bundles backdrops and a background support system, making it a full set; its bulb-based lights are modest in output like the Neewer 700W and far below the Godox SK400II or DP1000III-V strobes.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Godox SK400II 2-Light Studio Flash Kit	Neewer Photography Lighting Kit with Backdrops
Type	Strobe (2x 400Ws monolight)	Continuous (bulb)
Power	400Ws per head	—
Modeling Lamp	150W (5-100%)	—
Recycle Time	0.4-3s	—
Color Temp	5600K	—
Mount	Bowens	—
Wireless	2.4GHz Godox X	—
Includes	2 strobes, softbox, 2 umbrellas, 2 stands, remote, bag	Lights, backdrops, support system, carry bags
Bulbs	—	4x 24W 5700K LED (800W equiv)
Softboxes	—	2x 24x24 in
Umbrellas	—	2x 33 in
Backdrops	—	3x 6x9 ft (black/white/green)
Support System	—	8.5x10 ft background stand
Stands	—	4x 7 ft (200cm)

← See the full ranking of best softbox lighting kits