Strobe light flashtubes are an essential component in strobe lighting systems for photography. Most professional-quality flash heads and monolights use replaceable strobe flashtubes. Also called flashlamps, flashtubes produce intense, short-duration flashes of light to brilliantly illuminate subjects, resulting in beautiful photos.

Xenon flashtubes are the most common type of flashlamp, and they are known for their high output and fast flash duration. When shopping for a strobe light flashtube, it is important to consider your lighting equipment's specifications. Factors such as power requirements, flash duration, and color temperature should all be taken into account when choosing a flash head and accompanying flashtubes. We offer a selection of strobe flashtubes from trusted brands, such as Profoto, Elinchrom, Broncolor, and more.

How Does a Flashtube Work?

Flashtubes are typically made of a glass or quartz tube filled with an inert gas such as xenon. The xenon flashtube is sealed and contains a pair of electrodes. When an electrical current is passed through the flashtube's electrodes, it ionizes the gas, creating a bright flash of light. The flashlamp is installed in the flash head, which can then be paired with light diffusers and other tools to create the desired lighting effects.

Are Flashtubes Brighter than LED Flashes?

Yes. While LED flash systems are energy efficient and durable, flashtubes are considerably brighter and more powerful. In most cases, LED flashes provide bright enough flashes to achieve great-looking photos, but strobe light flashtubes deliver light intensity that gives photographers and lighting professionals more to work with.