$200-300 to spend, but on what?

KyleProhaska

KyleProhaska

Veteran
I sunk alot of my dough into my computer and camera but didn't leave much left for lights. I have seen some incredible stuff done with simple kits that people put together and learned to use but i'm not sure exactly what to get. If you had about 200 or 300 bucks to spend on a low budget light setup, what would you buy? What stands, lights, reflectors (the old carboard and foil? lol), etc. Tell me what to buy because you guys would obviously know since alot of you (at least I hope so) use kits that you put together yourself. I don't have alot to spend but I think I can stretch that money a bit if I was told what to get. Any suggestions folks?

-Kyle
 
Do you need lights now? If not, I would hold onto your cash until you can afford to get a better kit.
 
if you need something NOW NOW NOW

pick up some work lights, or maybe you can find some used lights online.

just get a pair of those 500 watts, maybe some of those 250's

try to get some diffusion material and gels to color correct them, then some bounce boards...
 
Get a china ball and some photo floods. Rent anything else you need to when you need to.
 
Hi Kyle,

Noah makes a very good point about china balls & basic floods if you're looking for a rough way to get a start into your keylight and fill. But neither of these will work for your wedding videography - with your XL-2 and reception work (dancefloor and cake cutting), you'll want an on-camera light.

Regards, Michael
 
I'd check out www.rostronics.com and look at a 600watt focus-able light and a 300watt light. Then get a china lantern. Or look at A Lowel Omni and a Pro Light.


Not to plug my website, but go to www.scottspears.net and check out my filmmaking page for hints on low budget lighting stuff. (The reason I put together my filmmaking page was because I got tired of answering filmmaking questions individually, so I assembled my tips on one page and refer people to it.)

Good luck,

Scott
 
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If you do wedding videography, I would get a. an on camera light b. a lowel tota and stand or two for reception work - I have seen this used at events before and it has worked well to simply raise the overall illumination.
 
Tota on the wish list

Tota on the wish list

Noah, you're full of great ideas - yes, the Lowel Tota would be nice for receptions and within Kyle's budget. However, since it's a hard light, be sure to get an umbrella to difuse the Tota; wedding guests won't be impressed getting blasted by 500-800 watts . A soft box (and dimmer) would also be nice during cake cutting but would exceed the budget and can be bought later. Same with barn doors, gel and holders, snoots, etc. - always opportunties to lust over fun toys...

Regards, Michael
 
Noah said:
Get a china ball and some photo floods. Rent anything else you need to when you need to.
Click to expand...

Would that work as an "artifical sun" as well (for nightime shots meant for day), or would that require Home Depot Worklights outside the window?
 
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