just how bad are worklights?

Re: just how bad are worklights?

Nice!...but out of stock. :-/

So...what do you think? Go down a notch to the $59 light, or up to the $110? (Or just wait.)

And, can you recommend one of the stands they sell?
 
Re: just how bad are worklights?

I've got two of the "out of stock" 250's and they're really amazingly good for the money... not competitive with my Ianiro's and Mole's and B&M's, but come on... $76 for this light? It's a steal!

I don't have any of the others, although I'm thinking I'll order some. The 250 that I recommended was the lowest-priced unit Rostronics offered at the time, and it can take a softbox as an option. However, a 250w with a softbox is not going to be putting out hardly any light. I'd say if you want a three-light kit, two of the little $59's and one of the 650's with a softbox would get you through most any interview situation.

However, I'm not too impressed with Britek stands. They're cheap and lightweight and don't overall seem like high-quality equipment. I have some of the super-beefy stands and they just don't compare to the gear you get from Avenger or Matthews. Of course, they're less expensive too, but I've already seen one break from a simple two-foot fall off the equipment cart.

If budget is your overriding concern, they're not bad at all at $22. But if you can afford a better stand, definitely get it. Avenger stands start at about $60, Bogen has some as low as $43, but I haven't used 'em so I have no comment about 'em. My favorite stand is the small-base C-stand, but that starts at $90.

I've heard very good things about JTL stands (as a price-for-performance rating). They're supposed to include some nice air-cushioned 7' stands in with their Everlights... I've used JTL Everlights before but don't remember being overly impressed with the stands, but then again I wasn't paying attention specifically for that.

So, I don't really have any recommendations for inexpensive stands... hopefully someone else will weigh in.
 
Re: just how bad are worklights?

C stands are great, are 120 bucks and will last you for ever. As Barry said, I have yet to find a normal tripod lightstand that isnt crap... well at least compared to a C stand.

Barry also made a good point about the Rostronics.. to buy $50 lights from Home Depot and spend 10 hours making barn doors isnt very cost concious, unless you value your time at $2 an hour.

I actually have however just made some Fluro lights from home depot with electronic Ballasts.. super cheap, flicker free and all the most expensive thing on them is the Baby plate you screw into it to mount it.
 
Re: just how bad are worklights?

I just ordered one of the new 200w lights. I'm slowly putting all my work lights out of commision.
 
Re: just how bad are worklights?

Jarred,

Hello! Excellent forum! I'm getting a chance to read many of the reviews and tips on this site. Fantastic.

I just read your response above where you wrote:

"I actually have however just made some Fluro lights from home depot with electronic Ballasts.. super cheap, flicker free and all the most expensive thing on them is the Baby plate you screw into it to mount it."

Would you be willing to share step by step instructions on how to build such a thing? I've been on a couple forums where they discuss the fluoros, but there are never any specific part numbers, etc.

Which fixture did you use? Which ballast? Are there part numbers? Did you buy the color correct bulbs from Kino Flo or did you substitute another bulb type? Do they buzz and get in the way of audio? If a train leaves Chicago and another train leaves Orlando traveling at 60 MPH...

Thanks so much! :D
 
Re: just how bad are worklights?

i am building again another one tommorow maybe, will take some pics.
 
Re: just how bad are worklights?

Cool!

That would be great if you have the time.

Thanks!
 
Re: just how bad are worklights?

Just finished building it.. worked well again and took some pics
 
Re: just how bad are worklights?

Outstanding!

Can't wait to see them. Are you going to post them here or to a new thread?

Between reviewing products, moderating this board, working on productions and building new things, I'm surprised you even have time to sleep. :D
 
Re: just how bad are worklights?

[quote author=Barry_Green link=board=lighting;num=1092315558;start=0#14 date=08/15/04 at 14:25:56]The biggest problem worklights have is that there's such a thing as the Britek 250. For $76 you get a light that's focusable, mountable on any standard stand, can take scrims, and comes with excellent barn doors that even have gel clips on 'em. The Briteks are so much better than worklights that you'd probably be far better off to just save up a little and get some of them instead of trying to improvise and work around the limitations of a worklight, which was never designed for cinematography purposes.
[/quote]


The problem with that is that you only find them in the US (and Canada probably). I tried to find one here in the UK, but couldn't find any retailer. :'(

Does anyone know if there is any retailer in the UK? UK fellas? Anyone?

All the best

Fidel.
 
Re: just how bad are worklights?

I just got the new 200w (the G-2000). It's fantastic. Imagine a Lowel Pro but better built and half the price. I highly recommend this light.
 
Re: just how bad are worklights?

Dolby,

Very nice doors. But where do you get the steel sheet? Is that something Home Depot would have?

Thanks for the excellent instructions!
 
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