Building a kit...

D

DVX100Shooter

Veteran
I guess my question comes down to money. Is it better to just buy a complete kit like a ARRI that has a 150,300, and 650watt Fresnel or buy those same lights or other lights separately? I am just starting out with lights. I have been told to get a 300 and a couple of 650's what are your thoughts? I would love to add a HMI to my collection but those bad boys are expensive! LOL!
 
Re: Building a kit...

My own preference is to forget the kits and buy each piece separately as you need it. That way you only end up with what you're really going to use. Also, I like to hunt for used and demo items in great condition and it's easier to pick things up piece by piece.

If you have no idea what you want or need, than a kit is an easy start. Also, if you by chance find a kit that has exactly what you need--it's a good option.

My single most useful light is the Arri 650 fresnel. The 650 is my go-to light because you can spot it, flood it, bounce it, stick it in a softbox--anything. 300's are useful, but less so than the 650. I can't find anything to do with 150's--but that's just a personal preference. I just bought a zoom ellipsoidal which is a great instrument, but I wouldn't recommend it as a starter light.

The advice to get a couple of 650's and a 300 is good. Add a small or medium softbox, some *good* stands, scrims, barndoors, and gels and you're off to a great start. HMI's? They're great to rent, but for buying you need some corporate $$.
 
Re: Building a kit...

You should visit your local equipment houses. Some of them might be able to build you a custom kit w/ custom case for around the same price.
 
Re: Building a kit...

Don't just skim over Barry's last paragraph. Make sure you have money in your budget for light control. I could create a better image with only one instrument with the right controls (for bouncing, diffusing and blocking the light) than a typical 3 or 4 light kit and no tools for controlling it.
 
Re: Building a kit...

I just put together a kit of used lights from a local rental house here in LA.

I got two Pepper 650 fresnels and a Mole Richardson 1K fresnel, all three with four-way barn doors and light stands, 3 spare bulbs, and 3 full scrims all for $950. Ironically, the 1K was the cheapest light. People like the smaller portable 650s, so I got the 1K for a song.
 
Re: Building a kit...

I went into our studio here at the TV station tonight and was surprised that they have a lot of Arri 650's mounted all over the place among an array of Arri softlights. I just saw a used Arri 1k light for $350 on some website...I will have to look into that!
 
Re: Building a kit...

You have to define your filming. Usually a dedo kit and a 1kw and 2kw will help you a lot. The advantage of the smaller lamps are that it is more controllable, but usually you find that you lack the power the bigger lamps are doing for you in overall lighting.

A softsource is useful, a KinoFlo is handy but expensive indeed. The best stand ever made, is the c-stand. Worth every penny!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top