ProMaster Chroma TL9RGB Tube LED Light Review | Fstoppers

Oct 17, 2024

There are rare occasions when I need a lightweight lighting setup for on-location portraits. I have several kits pre-packed for this sort of thing—Nikon flashes with radio triggers, Flashpoint portable strobes, and once in a while, LED panels.

For on-location portrait photography, the choice between LED panels and strobes comes down to a few variables: notably, the type of camera you’re shooting on, the specific type of lighting effect you want to achieve, and the flexibility needed for your shoot. LED panels and lights can be particularly useful when you’re working on a mixed-media project. If your assignment includes both still and video products, strobes won’t fit the bill. LEDs provide continuous light, which allows you to see how the light interacts with the subject in real time and adjust as needed. This is especially useful in situations where fine adjustments to shadows and highlights are critical.

Strobes, on the other hand, provide powerful bursts of light that produce a high-intensity flash—ideal for freezing motion and producing crisp, well-exposed images even in challenging lighting conditions. These are even more useful when shooting with high shutter sync, low ISO film, or in conditions where you need an excess of light. Really, I’ve found them to be excellent for portrait work because they can provide a high level of illumination in a short burst, allowing for the use of lower ISOs, smaller apertures, and faster shutter speeds, all of which contribute to sharper images. The downside is that they require more setup, and the burst nature of strobe lighting can make it difficult to visualize lighting effects until after the shot is taken.

During my shoot, the ProMaster Chroma TL9RGB Tube LED Light proved to be a versatile and compact lighting solution that offers excellent performance. With a maximum brightness of 600 lux at 0.5 meters, it’s perfect for close-up shots and provides even illumination across a scene. One of the standout features is its color accuracy, boasting a TLCI of 98+ and a CRI of 95+, ensur

For this project, I was working in a small studio space—an outstanding venue called “Elsker Studio” in Brooklyn. I can’t recommend them highly enough. The space was large enough for several lighting setups, while at the same time small enough where this light could shine. My subject was looking for a vibrant, highly saturated image reminiscent of late-eighties or early-nineties vinyl covers.

The wide color temperature range of 2,500 K to 8,500 K allowed for varied lighting effects, from warm to cool tones, though for deeper colors, I used colored gels. The adjustable output (1-100%) provided flexibility, though my lighting conditions were largely static. Given its small size, it was extremely portable and very easy to slip into my gear bag. The 120-degree beam angle ensures that the light spreads out evenly, though you might need additional lights if working in a larger space.

Additionally, it easily mounted to any light stand with a threaded base or could be mounted via built-in magnets.

The internal 2,500 mAh battery was adequate for this short session, but if you’re shooting at 100% for more than an hour, you’re going to need a recharge. It can be powered via USB-C to an outlet, or directly through a battery pack.

In the smaller studio space, it worked perfectly; however, in open daylight, I believe it may struggle as a fill unless held close to the subject’s face. In the evening or at dusk, however, I believe it will be more than adequate for both video and still shooting.

Overall, the ProMaster Chroma TL9RGB Tube LED Light is a fantastic portable option that delivers excellent color accuracy, flexibility in brightness and color temperature, and a compact form factor perfect for travel or on-location shoots. The battery life could be better if you're shooting for extended periods at full power, but it's more than adequate for most photographers.

Full disclosure: ProMaster sent me a loaner model for testing.

C.S. Muncy is a news and military photographer based out of New York City and Washington D.C. With a passion for analog and alternative formats, he is rarely seen without a full cup of coffee and is frequently in trouble.