I have a couple cheap LED lights that I use for home projects that provide me with some very soft , uncontrolled light. I am looking to get more creative and would like to get a more focused beam. I would like to keep it under 250 and was looking at lowel for either the Omni or the DP with barndoors. Would this be a good upgrade or does anyone have any other advice. Thanks
I have soft LED lights, need a hard light, suggestions?
- Thread starter fixxxer76
- Start date
David W. Jones
Veteran
Your money will go farther by purchasing used lights. My suggestion, look for used Mole-Richardson Fresnel lights for a good price on eBay.
bclighting
Well-known member
While the Omni's are popular, I never liked the light they produce. They tend to have a "donut" type beam, meaning there is a dark spot (or a hot spot) in the center of the beam. Other than Lowels and used fixtures you won't find much in the under $250 range. I personally avoid the blatant knockoff arri copies on ebay. I have a few Coollights fixtures and I would say they deserve a look.
Moseph
Veteran
Definitely do this. I now have 12 units, none of which were bought new but all of which do the EXACT same thing that a new one would have done. Or see if there are any rental houses in your area selling off old inventory. While they'll probably be completely beat cosmetically, they can be even cheaper than lights from eBay.
fixxxer76,
If you can afford them, fresnel spots are very desirable, and Mole Richardson has a reputation for ruggedness and dependability. If you're lucky enough to find them used, go for it!
Otherwise, LTM is a reasonably priced fresnel. A small low-powered unit could work well for an eye light or hair light:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/125371-REG/LTM_PH_154B_Pepper_100W_Fresnel.html
Or a somewhat larger unit could be a key light:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/125376-REG/LTM_PH_154E_Pepper_420W_Fresnel_Light.html
Years ago, I got a couple inexpensive Century 6" fresnel spots. They were designed as hanging lights for stage or showrooms, so I had to find some hardware that could mount them to a lightstand. The power cable had no plug, so I had to attach one. And the focusing was done by loosening a thumbscrew and sliding the bulb assembly fore or aft. But they were affordable! I don't see Century these days, but Altman seems to be the same sort of product:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/195831-REG/Altman_65Q_65Q_Fresnel_Light.html
-- Ken
P.S. - Don't forget to set aside some money for barndoors and a filter holder. And maybe some scrims.
If you can afford them, fresnel spots are very desirable, and Mole Richardson has a reputation for ruggedness and dependability. If you're lucky enough to find them used, go for it!
Otherwise, LTM is a reasonably priced fresnel. A small low-powered unit could work well for an eye light or hair light:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/125371-REG/LTM_PH_154B_Pepper_100W_Fresnel.html
Or a somewhat larger unit could be a key light:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/125376-REG/LTM_PH_154E_Pepper_420W_Fresnel_Light.html
Years ago, I got a couple inexpensive Century 6" fresnel spots. They were designed as hanging lights for stage or showrooms, so I had to find some hardware that could mount them to a lightstand. The power cable had no plug, so I had to attach one. And the focusing was done by loosening a thumbscrew and sliding the bulb assembly fore or aft. But they were affordable! I don't see Century these days, but Altman seems to be the same sort of product:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/195831-REG/Altman_65Q_65Q_Fresnel_Light.html
-- Ken
P.S. - Don't forget to set aside some money for barndoors and a filter holder. And maybe some scrims.
David W. Jones
Veteran
If your not in a hurry just keep your eyes open and watch eBay. Complete Mole Richardson sets will pop up with the Fresnel light, scrims, barn doors, and lamp all together. Depending on the model and wattage figure between $80-$200 depending.
I have picked up plenty of used Moles for around $150 each. Well within your budget leaving enough for a stand.
I have picked up plenty of used Moles for around $150 each. Well within your budget leaving enough for a stand.
Michael Carter
Veteran
If money is super tight - look for a theatrical fresnel, like L&E, etc. Get one around 500 if you will gel it blue to match your LEDs, you'll lose a lot of light.
If money is sorta-tight - look at the cool lights fresnels.
If you can swing it - look into the cool lights CDM 150 fresnels for a daylight fresnel with a 650 watt daylight equivalent. Very nice light and lotsa bang for the buck.
If you're handy - get an old used fresnel and the cool lights ballast, socket and bulb.
I have a 6" theatrical fresnel that I stuck the Alzo HID bulb in with the ballast attached to the stand. That's one kickass fresnel and it was under $200, got lucky on a used L&E.
If you buy theatrical fresnels, you may need a spud or TVMP adapter - the Avengers TVMP is nicer than the matthews (grip vs. thumbscrew). There are lots of lighter weight 3/8 stud to 5/8 yoke pieces out there - don;t know that I'd use them on a large fresnel though.
If money is sorta-tight - look at the cool lights fresnels.
If you can swing it - look into the cool lights CDM 150 fresnels for a daylight fresnel with a 650 watt daylight equivalent. Very nice light and lotsa bang for the buck.
If you're handy - get an old used fresnel and the cool lights ballast, socket and bulb.
I have a 6" theatrical fresnel that I stuck the Alzo HID bulb in with the ballast attached to the stand. That's one kickass fresnel and it was under $200, got lucky on a used L&E.
If you buy theatrical fresnels, you may need a spud or TVMP adapter - the Avengers TVMP is nicer than the matthews (grip vs. thumbscrew). There are lots of lighter weight 3/8 stud to 5/8 yoke pieces out there - don;t know that I'd use them on a large fresnel though.