Lighting Accessories

polecat

polecat

Active member
I am wondering about accessories to a lighting kit, must have stuff like stands, clamps etc. What to purchase to be prepared on portable shoots.
A list to get started would be of great benefit.
 
In a fresnel or lightweight tungsten kit I like to have

Per light:
2 1/2 CTOs
2 1/2 CTBs
light and heavy diffusion
full-size stand
barn doors

Plus:
blackwrap
gaff tape
c-47s
short stand
an umbrella if the light will accept it
A few gels for excitement... usually red, green, yellow but it depends.
extra lamps for your fixtures
gloves
A mafer clamp is nice if you're indoors.

Outside of the lighting kit, I usually also bring a foamcore kit, a flag, and a c-stand. If I'm outside, I might bring an extra c-stand or two and a 4x4 (or bigger if I'm lucky) with some options for controlling/bouncing the sun.

Of course, each project requires different gear, and if you plan in advance, you may decide you need more or different gear.
 
Because kits come somewhat complete, I'd just add the basics like some shot bags, extars gels (and other expendables) and some custom made gobos.
You may save some money by not buying a kit and just grabbin up ala carte.
That said, I have come out on top with a small Lowell light kit from BandH. I was cheap, highly capable and like any light kit, fully customizable.
Nobody can tell ya your needs. You know those more than us. Customize accordingly.
 
Also grab yourself some scissor clamps. Just incase you run into a location where you can rig these up. A little maglight comes in handy if you have to dissect the light on set. Already said but, GLOVES! I have murdered my hands because of a lack of concern for hot light fixtures. I know that lee sells a master location gel pack that includes full half quarter ctb/cto/diffusion. Runs about 40 i think? Check filmtools.com for confirmation.

Also, bring some low wattage daylight balanced bulbs/ tungsten balanced bulbs for replacement in practical lgith fixtures. If you can't invest in flags, get some black foamcore to act as flags. They are a tad reflective but odds are won't cause any issues and will do more good than harm. Grab a few white foam cores for bounce fills. I'd rather use a bounce card over an umbrella, this is preference but just my preference. A 5-1 flexfil will also come in handy for exterior day shoots and don't run too expensive for the punch they pack.

Stingers! Make sure you get quality stingers 12/10 gauge. Don't buy cheap-o quality!

I'm sure theres more I just can't think now.
 
Some good advice in this thread. I'll just add a couple of things:

- Three prong to two prong adapters (lights are useless if you can't plug them in)
- Power inverter (for car scenes)
- Dimmers
 
I carry a bunch of spring clamps.

Also, when traveling, I found 2 3'x5' black flexfills I use as flags, they work great.
 
The accessory kit is taking great shape. Thanks for all the input.
Now to figure out what lights to get?
 
Based on much info from many of you this is the basic kit I have put together. Feel free to add items if I miss something important.


Lighting kit

Lowel Tota-Light Tungsten Flood Light (120-240V AC)
Lowel Pro-Light Tungsten Focusing Flood Light without Bulb (120-230V
Lowel 4 Leaf Barndoor Set for Pro and i-Light
Lowel Snoot for Pro and i-Light
Impact D-600 Dimmer Control - 600W Maximum

Impact 5-in-1 Collapsible Circular Reflector Disc
Flexfill Adjustable Holder for Collapsible Reflectors

Rosco Cinegel Sampler Kit

Photoflex Silverdome NXT Softbox - Small - 16x22x13"
Photoflex Speed Ring, Video - for CineDome Pro, Silver and WhiteDome NXT
Photoflex Nylon Fabric Grid - Small

Photoflex Heavy Duty Swivel Mount with Reversible Stud
Bogen / Manfrotto 3399 - Convertible Boom Stand with Steel Base
(2) Avenger A625B - Midi Kit Stand - Black, 7' 10"
(2) Avenger A630B Midi-Max Kit Stand - Black, 10'8"
Avenger A225SCBKIT - Turtle Base Century C Stand with 40" Riser, Grip Head
Impact Grip Head - 2.5"
Impact Super Clamp with Standard Stud

Assorted clamps
Stingers
Tape
 
Most users here suggest the router speed control from HFT as a high-wattage dimmer. I have a bunch and use them all the time. They handle up to 1800w without melting or exploding, unlike the 600w dimmers which use hardware that was probably designed for residential use.
 
everything i do is usually run-n-gun, and being a 1 man band i've began to appreciate such a kit. currently right now my kit is:

2 tota's
1 pro
1 dp
1 lp-mirco
1 bescor vs-65
2 bescor battery packs
photoflex medium softbox for tota
1/4 & 1/2 ctb
some random colored gels
4 stands
impact boom stand
HFT router speed control, AKA dimmer
gaf tape
c-47s
2 stingers with 3 way ends
2 15lb sandbags

but i don't have that sweet kata bag, which is next on my list, thats for sure!
 
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