Indie Light Kit?

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dave12781

Well-known member
The question is... are there any independent companies that make light kits? There are so many companies that produces 35mm adapters, jibs, dollys, matte boxes, follow focuses, and all that other jazz... but why haven't I heard of any small companies that make good lights for cheap?

Are there any? And if not, what does everyone consider to be the best "brand name" for the money? We're currently using a Lowel Kit and hate it.

Thanks, any help/advice is appreciated.
 
dave12781 said:
what does everyone consider to be the best "brand name" for the money?
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Arri, Mole and Altman fresnels have served me well. They last forever, keep their value, and put out some nice, very controllable light.
 
I agree with Horse, the established players seem to have a lock on creating the best lighting tools. I would say that any new players, other than niche manufacturers/importers like Britek/Rostronics, have surveyed the lighting market and determined that they cannot create a better product for siginificantly less money.

When you think about it, lighting is incredibly cheap compared to other tools for video/film production. I have owned most of my lighting/grip gear for around 10 years and very little of it has broken and none of it has become outdated. You can pick up a Mole Richardson light that is 50 years old and it will still function on set as perfectly as a brand new light. Investing a few thousand dollars in quality lights and grip gear will pay dividends years down the road. Cameras are often technologically outdated before they are even introduced. Monitor technology changes all of the time. Audio gear is more future-proof than video gear but even it changes significantly every few years. Lights are pretty much future proof, they will always put out light no matter what you are shooting or what you are shooting with.

I personally have made a lot of money with my grip/lighting package and I have saved hundreds of thousands of dollars in rental fees over the years. Quality lighting gear is a great investment for a professional.

Best,

Dan
 
I so agree about getting the better brands HD you an before them.

As for the Lowels, what lights and what dont you like about them? I personally have the Tota and the Omni. I love the Pro Light. That light is great. I just wish they made a 500 and 1000w version.

- GageFX
 
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