Godox LC500 LED Tubes vs the Godox TL Tube Range

Light painting is becoming an increasingly popular form of creative photography. With tube lights like the Godox TL Series and LC500R, photographers and filmmakers can explore dynamic lighting techniques that elevate visual storytelling. This guide compares both lighting systems in detail, covering colour temperature, brightness, power output, battery life, special effects, and more.

An expanding range, the LC LED range consist of handheld LED lighting sticks/wands that are supplied with barndoors and are perfect for illuminating moving subjects or things like music videos. With stand thread compatibility also, the LC range are available in Bi-Colour and RGB options, in normal and mini sizes, with a 180 degree light surface.

With built-in lighting effects, as well as a music mode on RGB models that makes the light react to audio, these sticks are great for both photoshoots like light painting, and also for video projects too! 

Godox LC500 LED Video Light Stick	LC500R Portable RGB LED Tube Stick	LC500mini Bi-Colour LED Stick	LC500RMini RGB LED Light Stick

Now available in 100w LC1000 models too! 

LC1000Bi 100W LED Light Stick	LC1000R 100W RGB LED Stick

In comparison, the Godox TL Series RGB Tubes are a different style of light, with longer, tube-style designs up to 180cm in length! The 

Godox TL30 RGB Tube 30cm	Godox TL60 RGB Tube 60cm	Godox TL120 RGB Tube 120cm	Godox TL180 RGB Tube 180cm

Brightness & Power Output

Here’s how they compare when it comes to output and usable light:

The LC Range 1000 models have a higher output than the longest of the TL range, so may offer more brightness and power in a smaller unit - great for those travelling!

Design & Build

• TL Series:

  • Cylindrical tube design.

  • Available in multiple lengths for different purposes
    

  • Durable, lightweight, and versatile for handheld or mounted use.

• LC Range:

  • Sword-like “lightsabre” design, perfect for handheld use.

  • Features a detachable barndoor for directional lighting control.

  • Ergonomic and ideal for run-and-gun shooting.

Colour Temperature & Colour Accuracy

Both the Godox TL Series and LC500R deliver exceptional colour performance with high CRI (96) and TLCI (98) ratings, ensuring accurate colour reproduction for photo and video work.

• TL Series (TL30, TL60, TL120, TL180):
  Adjustable CCT range from 2700K to 6500K, allowing smooth transitions from warm tungsten tones to daylight.

  • Offers 36,000+ colour options in RGB mode.
    

• LC500s:
  Slightly narrower CCT range from 2500K to 5500K, ideal for matching ambient light.

  • Includes RGB and FX lighting modes.

  • CRI 96 / TLCI 98 for true-to-life colour accuracy.

Lighting Effects

Both lights include built-in creative lighting effects to simulate real-world scenarios:

• TL Series:
  Includes 39 lighting presets such as TV flicker, fire, fireworks, lightning, and music sync mode.

• LC Series:
  Features 14 lighting effects, each with variations—also totalling 39 FX modes.

  • Music Mode dynamically adjusts light to audio beats—great for music videos or concerts. For RGB models only.

Battery Capacity

While all these tubes have built-in batteries for on-the-go shooting, they do have different power lengths each. While battery capacity scales up with TL Tube sizes, the LC500s have a maximum of 120 mins total on full power, compared to the TL180's 160mins. 

Control Options

• App & Remote Control:

  • Both support Bluetooth, Godox Light App, and 2.4GHz wireless remote.

  • Compatible with DMX controllers for professional setups.

• LC500R Specific:

  • Compatible with RC-A6 remote, allowing up to 6 groups and 32 channels.

  • Full control of HSI, CCT, and FX settings remotely.

The Verdict

Both the Godox TL Series and LC Wands are outstanding lighting tools for photographers and filmmakers at all levels, and different models will be suitable for different types of projects.

• Choose Godox TL if you need modular, studio-friendly, RGB lighting with maximum versatility.

• Choose LC Range for fast-paced, handheld work, music synchronisation, and FX-based lighting setups.

Got questions? Speak to our LiveChat team online, from 9:30-4:30 on weekdays, or email our team at info@essentialphoto.co.uk! 

Godox is a world-renowned brand & leading manufacturer for professional studio lighting equipment. Renowned for their high quality and innovative products, they lead the Film, TV and Photography industries with professional lighting.

EssentialPhoto & Video is the Official Godox Partner and UK Distributor, stocking the widest range of Godox kit in the UK, offering a 12 Month Warranty*, and Customer Support and after-sales repair at our Birmingham-based store. All Godox stock is dispatched from our warehouse in the West Midlands, UK.