The difference between floodlights, spotlights and lighting lamps-Jiangsu Bisong Lighting Co., Ltd

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The difference between floodlights, spotlights and lighting lamps

Release time:

2026-03-23

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Floodlights generally do not have lenses (except for spotlights). Instead, they utilize direct light from the light source and iris light from a curved iris plate to create a directional structure. However, some floodlights are used for long-distance lighting, where the direct light from the light source is focused by a lens and projected outwards; these are spotlights. In addition, there are strip lights designed for a wider range of illumination, and individual lights designed to create effective, soft lighting for specific areas of the stage, or to provide even illumination to curved surfaces by adjusting their angle.

I. Floodlights (Diffuse Lights or Flat Lights)

Floodlights are characterized by their illumination and soft, even light. With color filters, other colors of light can be obtained. Floodlights used for stage lighting are generally designed as a row of lights for large-area illumination. For targeted stage lighting, individual lights with adjustable angles are used. Floodlights should not have bright spots or noticeable edges within the stage's illumination range.

II. Spotlights

A spotlight's structure involves reflecting a beam of light emitted from a light source, concentrating it in front, and then projecting it onto a specific area of the stage through a lens. It allows adjustment of the light's flux and projection angle, with two adjustment methods: moving the light source and moving the lens.

A spotlight is a basic stage lighting fixture. Its light system mainly consists of a concave reflector and a focusing lens. Its characteristics include a bright center and sharp edges, a narrower projection range than a floodlight, and adjustable light intensity within the projection range. Adjustment is divided into two types: moving the light source and moving the lens. By adjusting the illuminance of the projection surface, localized lighting effects are achieved. Spotlights are generally used for front lighting, side lighting, column lighting, top lighting, etc., and are currently widely used in stage lighting.

Based on the shape of the edge formed by the projected light, spotlights can be broadly classified into three types: soft spotlights, plano-convex spotlights, and contour spotlights.

(1) Soft Spotlight

A soft spotlight emits a gentle, evocative light. It is a type of spotlight that provides soft, emotional illumination. Fresnel lenses are typically used.

2) Plano-convex Lens Spotlight

The light emitted is stronger than soft light, and while the outline is still clear, it is not as focused as a contour spotlight. Because it is difficult to describe its quality in terms of light quality, it is generally referred to as a plano-convex spotlight based on its construction. It has become a primary lighting fixture for stage lighting and is indispensable on stage.

(3) Contour Spotlight (Shaping Spotlight)

This type of spotlight has a structure that strongly focuses the light around the projection surface, making it essential for tracking performers. Unlike other spotlights, it has two lenses and is equipped with a cutoff plate to change the size of the projection area and shape of the projection.

III. Effects Lighting

Effects lighting is used to depict phenomena such as rain, snow, clouds, waves, and flames. It can also provide background lighting for song, dance, and drama performances, making it a crucial lighting technique for modern stages. Unlike ordinary slide projectors, effects lighting equipment is larger, brighter, and capable of projection, making it an essential projection tool for the stage.

The difference between floodlights, spotlights, and lighting fixtures

Shenwan 3:30, Bisong Lighting in conversation with the New Third Board