How much watts for a lighting kit

A

alexander

Member
Hi,

Like everybody here I'm looking to get more control of my ligthing and I want to purchase some lights.

I plan to buy Lowel. I know people here don't find them very good and prefer Arri's light. But nobody imports Arri in Switzerland. And I like the portability of them. All my video gears need to fit in my car and I own a mini.

I'm interested in the dv 55 kit:

http://www.lowel.com/kits/DVcreator55.html

or one of the kit with a fresnel plus kit:

http://www.lowel.com/kits_frenl.html

the 98, 96 or 95 one.

-the 98 has a 1000 w Rifa, a 650 fresnel and a 750 w tota
-the 96 has a 750 w Rifa, a 650 fresnel and a 750 w tota
-the 95 has a 500 w Rifa, a 650 fresnel and a 750 w tota

My question is how much watt for the rifa would you take.

And would you take the dv55 or a fresnel kit.

thanks

Alex
 
Re: How much watts for a lighting kit

Well, various stuff:

- interviews mainly
- some martial art clips and demonstrations
- a dvd about first care for your pets

and who knows the future.

Alex
 
Re: How much watts for a lighting kit

I would go for the 500w Rifa. Make sure to order the egg crate so you can have some controle.

Interviews are my bread and butter.
I couldn't tell you how many I've done over the last ten years. If you watch TV the chances are good that you have seen at least one of my interviews.

For 90% of the faces I light, I use 500 watts or less for my key. Lately, I have been using a 250w Pro  behind an XS Chimera with egg crate as a key and another Pro through a S Chimera with egg crate as a topper/back light. My other set-up is to key with a 500w Tota behind a Med Chimera for a really soft look. A bounce card is used for fill.

I cut my teeth on a Arri 1K open face with a S Chimmera. This light needed to be scrimmed down to an equvilent of 500 watts almost every time.
 
Re: How much watts for a lighting kit

I agree with Camop on most everything. The Rifa 500 will be plenty for the situations you plan on shooting. I've shot probably thousands of interviews over the past 30 years, and for the past 7 or 8 years, I've used no more than a 500 watt soft bank with a grid for a key. As the digital cameras get more sensitive, you need less light to create a beautiful scenario. Less light (but enough light) allows you to shoot with a more open lens, thus creating a more shallow depth of field. Don't forget the use of gels, frosts, flags, cookies and dimmers to help create the look you want. Good luck-
 
Re: How much watts for a lighting kit

Thanks for your answers.

I will go with the 500 W Rifa.

And what kit do you think will be the most usefull for the beginning. The dv 55 kit or the fresnel 55 plus.

In the dv one you have a rifa (500w), a tota(750w), one omni (500W) and a pro light (250W).

In the fresnel kit you have a rifa (500w), a tota(750w), one fresnel (650w).


Is it better to have one fresnel or an omni and a pro light for the beginning? It seems that everybody speeks about the fresnel being the light that you must have.

It seems to me that the dv kit is more complete with it's accesories, and cheaper too.

Thanks again for your time.

Alex
 
Re: How much watts for a lighting kit

Fresnels are always better in my opinion. I don't really care for the totas and omnis...not enough control. Fresnels will give you more control and provide a 'prettier' light pattern. Best of luck in your shooting.
 
Re: How much watts for a lighting kit

Hi Alexander.

I got the DV55 kit. I dig it. The softbox definitely has enough wattage that the DVX is happy, although I wish it was a touch bigger surface area (softer light).

As for the: Fresnel vs. Pro+Omni+BitOfMoneyLeftOverInYourPocket debate...

I like having the variety of the kit I have... with all the different lights. And the little Pro is the one I always end up using in any setup... so I'd hate to think of a kit w/o it. I look forward to fancier toys perhaps in the future, but for now I rather like it and given the price I'd buy it again if given the choice.
 
Re: How much watts for a lighting kit

I have to agree with the use of the Lowell Pro light. It's a great little 250 watt light with what I would call a semi-fresnel lens on the front. Its not quite as nice as a true fresnel, but not bad. It works great as a kicker or hair light. I use them when I'm on the road because they are so small and easy to pack.
 
Re: How much watts for a lighting kit

Of all the lights that Lowel makes, I think the Pro is the most usable. Its tiny size is one of its best features.
 
Re: How much watts for a lighting kit

I would suggest getting at least 1 650 with barn doors. Its the lowest watts you can use outdoors on a sunny day with CTB if a reflector isnt usable. That said, I have found the perfect package for me is 1 650, 2x250, and 1 150W. Does everything I need. Barndoors are a must in my opinion, and a softbank or 2 is good to have after you get tired of pony clipping Diffusion sheets everywhere.
 
Re: How much watts for a lighting kit

I just picked up the Lowel DV Creator 55 Kit. I can't wait to get it.
 
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