any 2k recomendations?

Patryk_Rebisz

Patryk_Rebisz

Veteran
I'm looking for solid recommendations for 2k light. Since we are dealing with such huge power consumption and heat i would rather stay away from the traditional knockoffs but if you know some cheaper then usual (Arris and such) lights that deal with the heat well and have good wiring, i would love to hear from you guys.
 
I'd take serious look at the HID/HMI stuff out there, unless you're working strictly in a studio or with a generator truck. What's your budget?

You can get 2K's with an edison plug (Pyramid films usually has Mole 12" fresnels for $150 or so) and they'll pull 15-18 amps - but most household breakers are 15 amps, so the risk of blowing a breaker is great - you can run extension cords to unused outlets, but long runs raise resistance, etc. These are also big lights that require a junior-sized stand.

(On the other hand, I could find a lot of uses for a 12" fresnel - it's a beautiful look and could be lamped down to at least 1.5, maybe lower).

For open faced there's the blondes and blonde knock-offs; same power issues though. And a tungsten 2K is HOT.

Cool lights has the 6" fresnel HMI that's claimed to be 2000 watts+ equivalent in a daylight setup (I think 6" is a little small for that much light, but that's a personal style/workflow thing).

I have two of the Alzo 800 HIDs and I think they're a great deal - really about a 500-600 watt equivalent, and they need to warm up/cool down, but I use them in standard photo softboxes - they draw little power and heat seems equivalent to a 100-200 watt lamp. Alzo sells a three-bulb setup that's claimed to be 2000 watt eq. (but is the same bulb as the 800 so I'd guess a bit under). They have barn doors, grids and speed rings available.

Many here feel the Alzo's are a "non-pro" wanna-be item, but light is light. The grip setup is a bit plastic-ish, but for budget daylight temp units, they've been dynamite and I use them for video and product stills.

There are likely reputable sources for used HMI as well - check with Pyramid films, they have stuff from time to time.
 
I absolutely LOVE my Mole 2K. Built like a Tank, and will likely outlast me. But yea, 2K tungsten is very hot and you do need to make proper allowances for that. The light is also heavy, and junior stands are no joke.
 
I won't pretend to know your situation, but my recommendation would be a used 1.2k HMI w/full CTO.
It will give you the output you need running on less power, and can be used at 5600k without the gel.

All the Best!

Dave
 
I bought a 6 inch and a 10 inch 2k fresnels both by Colortran. Built like tanks and I got them each under $100.
 
A 2K light is serious business. If you're on a budget, you're probably better off getting a used light from a first rate brand, then a brand new light from some knock off company.

If you get a used HMI, make sure the shielding is in good shape. You don't want to cause permanent eye damage to anyone by blasting them with UV rays.

Good luck!
 
I have several 1.2KW HMI PARs and two 575W HMI fresnels. Bought them all used. For interiors in my mains-powered small operation, I find myself using the 575s a lot. They're versatile as keys, in softboxes and as rim lights where Kinos are key and fill. The 1.2Ks are good for larger spaces or coming through a window, but are big, hot and bright indoors. I use them indoors, just much less.

I guess you're still interested in tungsten, though. I'd find a good used pro movie light on eBay or at Pyramid. Sometimes even the local grip house will part with one that's plenty good. I have a couple of well-made Colortran 2K fresnels with big lenses. They sit a lot more than other fixtures.
 
Pyramid usually has dozens of 'em, Moles and Desisti, often with scrims and barn doors. I still sort of covet one (that giant lens, that pretty light!) and $150 for a mole is a great deal. But I dunno, it's tough to find an affordable junior stand (and you'll need wheels on it), power & heat issues, and (my belief) that DSLR and much AVCHD footage just looks cleaner on the daylight setting really has pushed me to more daylight gear.

I'd love to see Richard come out with a retrofit HMI kit for the big moles... that would rock my little world...
 
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