Are Tube Lights Worth It for Filmmaking? Hands-On With Nanlite PavoTube 6XR & II 15C

Ryan Camp
4 days ago
6 min read

As indie filmmakers, we're always on the hunt for better lighting. Good light doesn’t have to break the bank, but finding the right tools for a lean budget can mean the difference between "student film" and stunning, cinematic clarity. After years of sticking with softboxes, lanterns, and bouncing daylight from windows, I finally got to take tube lights out for a real spin. Specifically, the Nanlite PavoTube 6XR and PavoTube II 15C.

When I first heard about tube lights, I pictured harsh fluorescent tubes from a grocery store aisle. Honestly, I was skeptical. Would these be any better than my trusted soft sources? The team at Nanlite gave me a chance to see for myself, sending over both tube models to test. I brought them into my indie setups—no big crews, no huge budgets—and put every feature to work. Curious if tube lights are worth adding to your kit as a no-budget filmmaker? I’m sharing every insight below.

What Makes Nanlite PavoTube 6XR and II 15C Stand Out?

Physical Features and Build

Right out of the box, the Nanlite PavoTube II 15C looks substantial, while the smaller 6XR packs quick flexibility. Here's what stands out:

Magnetic Mounting on the 6XR: Snap it straight to metal surfaces—fridge doors, cabinets, car interiors. Included plates open even more options to mount or hang it, like a lantern.
Sturdy Construction: Both models feel “built like tanks.” Every accessory, from mounting clips to power boxes, comes ready for out-of-the-box use.
Battery Powered: Forget cables. Charge them up and light anywhere, indoors or out, with full untethered freedom.
Portability: Both lights are lightweight, making them effortless to reposition—huge if you shoot solo or need to work fast.

Learn more about these tube lights in-depth in this review of the Nanlite PavoTube II 6XR.

Color Range and Creative Effects

One of the joys of using the PavoTubes is the sheer creative flexibility:

RGB & White Balance Control: With the Nan Link app, you can set any color or temperature you want. Match ambient light for realism, or build vibrant colored sets for music videos or mood scenes.
Special Effects at Your Fingertips: Both models handle effects like lightning, faulty bulbs, police lights, fire, and TV flicker. This adds instant production value.
DMX App Control: For music videos or dynamic scenes, sync colors and movement to the beat with digital controls.
Custom Color Matching: Re-create the glow from a practical (like a warm lamp) with a couple of taps. No gels required.

Get a thorough rundown of RGBWW features and CRMX wireless capabilities in the PavoTube II 6XR RGBWW Tubes breakdown.

How Do Tube Lights Perform On Set?

Over weeks of real indie shooting, I tested every setup I could think of—talking head, home story scenes, dramatic mood shots, even creative in-camera effects. Here’s how each scenario played out:

1. Diffused Daylight Look: Turning Window Light Cinematic

Starting with daylight as my base, I used a back window to anchor my exposure, diffused a pair of 15Cs through soft fabric, and shot from the shadow side. The tubes gave me a soft, wraparound light with a look straight out of a high-end drama. The light was easy to shape and shift around the set, and adding a touch of color with grading gave it that finished, cinematic look.

2. Warm, Deakins-Inspired Lighting

For a moody, cinematic atmosphere reminiscent of Roger Deakins, I placed a warm lamp in the background. Using the Nan Link app, I color-matched the tube lights exactly to my practical lamp—the whole scene just felt believable. Negative fill on the far side of my face lifted shadow and gave the look depth. I also placed a plant in the foreground for added layer, while admitting it didn’t quite look perfect. Still, it added some nice foreground separation.

3. Exploring Overhead Lighting

I moved over to an overhead setup, securing a PavoTube II 15C to a C-stand. With some makeshift diffusion in place, I saw firsthand how tiny changes in tube placement can dramatically shift the mood and shape of your shot. Although my diffusion rig wasn’t perfect, this is a setup I’d use in narrative work—a little more prep and it’s film set quality.

4. Creative Practicals: In the Fridge and Beyond

Sometimes you need believable light where a practical just isn’t enough. The 6XR’s small form let me sneak it inside a refrigerator to give the impression of a stronger, more cinematic light when the fridge opened up. It’s far brighter than the installed fridge bulb and completely changes the reaction shot energy. The same trick works in car interiors, for dash light simulation, or anywhere you want hidden light.

You can even use the tubes for unique in-camera effects—TV glow, fire, candlelight. The combination of brightness, small size, and total color control makes these ideas easy rather than a headache.

Why Tube Lights Suit Indie and No-Budget Shooters

Tube lights aren’t just about looks—they reshape the practical side of filmmaking too.

Portability & Quick Setup

Unlike bulky studio lights, both the 15C and 6XR can be maneuvered with one hand. C-stands don’t sag under the weight, and you can skip sandbags for overhead shots. This speed matters, whether you’re running solo or racing sunset.

Huge Creative Flexibility

Magnetic Mounting: Stick the light where it’s needed and keep it off the floor (or out of tiny rooms).
Endless Color Options: Mimic streetlights, nightclub vibes, or candle-lit scenes instantly.
Battery Freedom: Forget extension cords; work in parks, cars, or basements without hunting for outlets.

High-Quality Light Output

Not only are these tubes bright enough to key a scene, but with some diffusion or bounce, they blend seamlessly with natural light or handily replace aging, heavy gear. I found myself preferring tube-based keys and fills for most setups—they're soft enough but have punch.

Value, Time, and Budget Gains

Swapping between looks is much faster, so less downtime between setups. No need to invest in as many gels, extra fixtures, or cable wrangling. It’s rare to find a tool that truly feels like an upgrade, especially one that slots right into a tiny indie budget.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Nanlite Pavo Tubes

1. Use the Right Mounting Accessory for the Shot

Magnetic plates or included clips let you place the 6XR anywhere—even as a practical inside the shot.
Use metal threads to hang tube lights like a lantern over tables or actors.

2. Don’t Skip Diffusion

Even a simple diffusion sheet can turn a hard LED into soft, flattering key light. Use bounce boards or sheer fabric for cheap and effective softness.

3. Take Full Advantage of the App

Match exact color tones in mixed lighting.
Use the built-in effects for moments that call for extra drama (fire, TV, lightning).
Try DMX syncing in music videos or fast-moving set pieces where lighting changes fluidly.

4. Plan for Battery Life

Always charge up extra before big shoots, and keep an eye on battery status in the Nan Link app.
Use shorter tube models for inserts and wide shots, saving the larger model for your main key or fill.

Checklist for Success:

Mount securely: use the magnetic feature, clips, or threads for each setup.
Rig diffusion: plan quick and reusable options, like tacked-up fabric or collapsible reflectors.
Get creative: experiment with hidden light placement and using tubes as practicals on set.
Use app controls: dial in custom colors and dynamic effects to fit your scene.

Should Indie Filmmakers Invest? Final Thoughts

The Nanlite PavoTube 6XR and II 15C completely changed my approach to indie lighting. Lightweight, color-flexible, and adaptable, they slid right into my budget workflow and solved old problems fast. After weeks of use, I know they’ll become my new main lights—not just backups.

These tube lights hit the sweet spot: accessible for no-budget filmmakers, yet powerful and pro-quality for bigger projects. The result? Less time fiddling with lights, more time rolling the camera and capturing your vision.

Are PavoTubes worth it? Yes—these are some of the best creative investments a small filmmaker can make today.

Stay tuned—I'll be sharing more videos soon, including a full short film lit entirely with these tubes and further breakdowns of my favorite setups.

Resources For Indie Filmmakers

If you want to upgrade your kit, check out the Nanlite PavoTube II 15C and Nanlite PavoTube II 6XR for more info, specs, and current pricing.

New to indie filmmaking? Download my free no-budget filmmaking guide packed with tips for beginners and creative pros alike.

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Thank you for supporting indie creators and for pushing the craft forward. Happy shooting, and see you in the next one!