Intellytech Litecloth-LC-160 group buy

I have the Falconeyes RX-18D (daylight only, has a smaller dimmer module) and I can attest that the softbox frame and the x-frame are both pretty long when folded -- the softbox reflector folds longer than the 18" length would imply, 2 feet+, so they are not as travel-friendly as I would like. I'd assume the 24" version is longer still.
 
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So what's the difference between the Intellytech LC-160 and the FalconEyes RX-24TDX? They look exactly the same except that the Intellytech folds up smaller and has a nice little carrying case ( that could be a big deal) and it also extends the Kelvin from 5500 to 10K ( which is pointless as far as I can see). The FalconEyes though is $150 cheaper even with the group buy. Tell me why I should get the Intellytech?

I am concerned over how to carry the FalconEyes though - any ideas?

BTW this whole thread got me turned on to some of the other FalconEyes panels -especially the 48" x 10" RX-29T
https://www.amazon.com/FalconEyes-3...rd_wg=MQ0nd&psc=1&refRID=2AHQTGFY59XQ1V68C4G0

Looks great for greens screen as well as just a big soft backlight.

Also the RX-12TD (16x12") and the RX-18TD ( 24"x17") look attractive for nice soft backlights and even quick and dirty keys.

All in all these look like possible alternatives to Diva lights and Kino's if they hold up and you can figure out a good way to carry them .

Any experience out there?

I’m glad you asked. The two lights look similar but the only component they actually share is the ballast casing (not the electronics. This other light has come up earlier in this thread and of course I had to check into it.

The LC-160 has:
More power
It’s sturdier and will likely last longer under production stress.
A better and easier back mount which is less bulky especially when built.
On the LC-160 the LEDs are coated to refract and spread the light of each bulb to minimize that multi shadow effect that many LED can create.
A much greater range of color up to 10,000K vs 56000K.

Another important detail to keep in mind is customer support. If you have any warrenty issues or need any information at all, Intellytech will bend over backwards to make sure you are satisfied.

Besides a general shape and a little bit of aluminum they are quite different. If you were to compare them together you would find the LC-160 has a much sturdier and professional feel and finish.
Basically you get what you pay for, except in this case you get a better light for almost the same price.
 
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Not sure which Falconeyes light your looking at but the RX-24TDX is fairly close to identical to the Intellytech as are all of their lighting units. Caleb just reviewed the Falconeyes a month ago and was goo-goo over it as well. It's $549 with the Softbox and grid.

https://www.amzn.com/B075QD1DP4

Actually the rx-24tdx is $449 with softbox and egg crate and free fast DHL shipping: http://s.aliexpress.com/z67baYJB
$411 without the softbox
 
I have the Falconeyes RX-18D (daylight only, has a smaller dimmer module) and I can attest that the softbox frame and the x-frame are both pretty long when folded -- the softbox reflector folds longer than the 18" length would imply, 2 feet+, so they are not as travel-friendly as I would like. I'd assume the 24" version is longer still.



I agree the softbox is too long folded. I was thinking one could introduce(force) another couple folds in it to make it fold up shorter.. It shouldn't significantly reduce the rigidity when attached since the velcro should keep it straight I think?

Also the falconeyes carrying case does kinda suck and feel like it will fall apart soon but I do like that I can fit the whole light plus softbox in it plus a Nano stand, lightweight power extension cord, and a v-mount battery for one portable contained package. That wouldn't be possible with a rectangular hard case.
 
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Just received my Intellytech from BHPhoto. I had ordered it a few days before this group buy was announced. If I don't like it, I'll return it. If I do like it, I may place an order for an additional unit within the group buy.

Headed out on a few international trips soon so ordered a Litecloth LC-160 from B&H to test, & if it fits my needs will pickup another, hopefully through the Group Buy.
 
...it also extends the Kelvin from 5500 to 10K ( which is pointless as far as I can see).

Two real world uses for this very useful feature.

1) You need some very blue light for effect or mood.

2)You need to match ambient light that is cooler(higher color temp) than just 5500/5600k. There have been many times outdoors when I had to or needed to put CTB on an HMI or LED to raise the color temp to match the very blue ambient natural light that can occur early in the morning(just before/after sunrise) and early in the evening(just before/after sunset).

I wish my Astra's went above 56...
 
Two real world uses for this very useful feature.

1) You need some very blue light for effect or mood.

2)You need to match ambient light that is cooler(higher color temp) than just 5500/5600k. There have been many times outdoors when I had to or needed to put CTB on an HMI or LED to raise the color temp to match the very blue ambient natural light that can occur early in the morning(just before/after sunrise) and early in the evening(just before/after sunset).

I wish my Astra's went above 56...


There have been many times in early morning or early evening when I have performed a WB and the reading from the camera was over 16,000 Kelvin. I think I even had a reading once that was over 18kK. ( that's 18-thousand degrees Kelvin :thumbsup: )

As to the Intellytech LC-160, I just purchased one from B&H and it should arrive within days. The potential group-buy price is a substantial savings off the current B&H price.
 
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Interesting points. I agree that outdoors one might often want a white balance that's over 5600 but in my experience its awfully rare indoors . Would many of you imagine using this light outdoors? I guess maybe at dusk in which case it is possible that that the color would be useful. Other times when you'll use it outdoors much. is it that bright?

Paul - I don't want to be negative and would prefer the LC-160 if its better, but wonder how you made your comparisons. Did you handle the FalconEyes in person? As far as I can see from specs & pics, the power the difference is 150W vs 160W (hardly significant) and at least from the pics, the dimmer controller looks pretty much the same.
The point about diffusion of the multiple shadows is a good one though I imagine a little opal would solve that easily.
 
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Looks like a return through AliBaba isn't offered unless the unit is "not as described" . So if you think its just a POS you're stuck. Usually Amazon you can send back anything.
 
Perhaps Paul can enlighten us, but it seems to me... and this is pure speculation on my part but US companies like Intellytech (I really have a hard time getting past the name when I type it) and others seem to import products that are most likely created / assembled in the same manufacturing space as the Falcon Eyes, etc and then "rebrand" them, while also perhaps adding to or changing some design elements (and accessories) & trying to make them a bit better. The "return" issue and customer support are important issues for me... and so might be worth a little more $. But I'm still on the fence with this one...now waiting for Bern's & JP's (who's opinions I respect) assessments of their lights.... so, please do report back before group buy expires...
 
I mentioned this in another post. The only component that the LC-160 shares is the casing for the ballast. When Intellytech designed their light they found that using the already existing case would make the light more affordable than constructing and producing their own. If I have this straight the rest of the light including the electronics inside the ballast are not shared with any other LED system. They are proud of the design of this light and I think it shows from the wide kelvin range and color accuracy to the sturdy feel of all the parts. I understand your question and have observed the same thing when shopping for Chinese made production equipment especially when it pertains to LED lights and I feel like you have to weigh all of the pros and cons. For example, I own two Brightcast flex panels and I like them but the cables running from the ballast to the light is very short. The light itself is very light and can be easily parted from the ballast but without a longer cable it’s fairly useless to do so. I emailed the company asking if they made extension cables and after a few days they emailed me back saying they do but can only be paid for and shipped direct from China. They provided me with a P.O. and apparently I have to wire the money to their bank and get a confirmation code, send it to them and then they will ship in 10-15 days. So far this process has taken about a week.. you see my point?
 
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... For example, I own two Brightcast flex panels and I like them but the cables running from the ballast to the light is very short. The light itself is very light and can be easily parted from the ballast but without a longer cable it’s fairly useless to do so. I emailed the company asking if they made extension cables and after a few days they emailed me back saying they do but can only be paid for and shipped direct from China. They provided me with a P.O. and apparently I have to wire the money to their bank and get a confirmation code, send it to them and then they will ship in 10-15 days. So far this process has taken about a week.. you see my point?

FWIW, I own two of the Brightcast panels as well, I too wanted a way to separate the panels from the ballasts. The cable does exist, but the U.S. Distributor doesn't stock it. I found out that CVP in the U.K. could get it for me so I ordered it through them. With shipping and the exchange rate, the cables turned out to be pretty expensive but at least I got them. I also bought D-tap to D-tap 10' extension cables on Amazon as I feel having a heavy V-mount battery on the back of the panel up high in the air is not safe. So I put the V-mount on the floor instead of on the back of the light.
 
FWIW, I own two of the Brightcast panels as well, I too wanted a way to separate the panels from the ballasts. The cable does exist, but the U.S. Distributor doesn't stock it. I found out that CVP in the U.K. could get it for me so I ordered it through them. With shipping and the exchange rate, the cables turned out to be pretty expensive but at least I got them. I also bought D-tap to D-tap 10' extension cables on Amazon as I feel having a heavy V-mount battery on the back of the panel up high in the air is not safe. So I put the V-mount on the floor instead of on the back of the light.

I don't know if the Brightcast ballasts have the same type of connection, but from the looks of it the Intellytech extension cable would work for the Falcon Eyes ballast. https://www.intellytechusa.com/coll...l-airlight/products/litecloth-extension-cable
 
The only component that the LC-160 shares is the casing for the ballast. When Intellytech designed their light they found that using the already existing case would make the light more affordable than constructing and producing their own. If I have this straight the rest of the light including the electronics inside the ballast are not shared with any other LED system.

Hard to believe when the header cable and remote and all the connectors and knobs and LCD on the ballast appear to be identical to the falconeyes. Is be quite surprised anything other than the LED panel and mount were new designs from what I've seen.

I think if you just replace "case" with "ballast" we'll agree. Perhaps there is a chance they replaced the led driver with their own despite using all of falconeyes knobs and dmx and xlr and control interface electronics. Seems unlikely though. No chance they decided we just have to have that boring ugly oversized extruded project case with knobs on it that is the ballast case but let's redesign all the internals that are fine even though no one will notice the difference ...
 
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Hard to believe when the header cable and remote and all the connectors and knobs and LCD on the ballast appear to be identical to the falconeyes. Is be quite surprised anything other than the LED panel and mount were new designs from what I've seen.
I didn’t want to come off as combative, but had the exact same thoughts. Look, $699 should probably be this lights price point. There is no way it’s double the price better than the falcon eyes. IMHO this IS a good deal on this light.
 
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