Best Video Ring Light?

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digitalskylight

Active member
Hey everyone,

Just wanted to see what your best opinion on an ring light for video use was? I originally was looking at the 352 LED light Konova offers, as well as the Diva CFL light, but the latter looks to be enormous and I'm concerned about traveling with the bulbs.

If anyone has used ring lights for their video productions/music videos and has some great feedback, please let me know!

Also, anyone know what kind they're using in this Snow Patrol video? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwTXwJg6_VE&ob=av2e


 
DIY route, I made a 12v 32+24 (2 rings) light. I get a nice even spread, but it really softens up after about 2 meters. Although mine is much smaller, so its best suited for close up and macro stuff.
These more professional level of lights, id guess they can throw a good 5-10 meters. Of course after a few meters, I think you should invest in a more standard video light... as a ring light is more effective close up.
Most uses ive seen them in, is for small interview situations.
 
digitalskylight said:
How is it in terms of travel, and how do you go about mounting it? Do you have the full kit or just the ring light, and does it require the purchase of an extra battery?
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It travels just fine in its case. I mount it via 15mm rods on a noga arm so I can pull it out of the way if needed. I have both daylight and studio tubes to match my light needs. I generally power it via IDX batteries mounted rear of the camera on 15mm rods.

All the Best!

Dave
 
digitalskylight said:
Holy cow, Dingo! This is insanely large! Might be a bit too large for my needs (unless I'm looking to do dental work on a giant?)
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...But large means brighter / softer / lower-contrast light. If I was in to the clean shadowless "beauty" lighting look I would probably own both of these 1152 LED and 352 LED models.
 
The ring light in that video is mostly there as a fill, and eye-light. It would add little to the overall exposure in similar studio situations.

I'd test carefully any ring light before splurging on one. It's a distinctive look you'd likely tire of quickly. I've used them a lot for fashion photography, but never dug them.

Just last week I did some extensive testing of LitePanel's Mini, & Cinema, Ringlites. A director was convinced she wanted to key with one, but we proved she didn't.

One movie that used the Mini well as a key, but mostly at night, was Reno 911, Miami.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxX0iYjpXl8
 
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At 4:11 right at the end, you see the ring light in the talents eyes. The reason you see it, is because he is very close to the ring light. If this look is what you are after, then in order to have it with the talent further from the camera it needs to be larger.

If you just want flat light then small and bright will do.
 
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