Lighting for interviews and commercial production:

S

Sean_Bryan

New member
I'm pricing lighting kits, but truth be told I don't know what I should be looking for and what I need to get by.

I'm using a DVX with a Redrock M2 Adapter and fast Zeiss lenses, although the fast lenses don't compensate for the M2's light-loss. I have a 500w China Ball light, which works for the DVX without the M2, but it is insufficient in power and control for the M2 and shaped lighting.

I'm looking for a kit that comes in a tailored-to-fit hard case. I have a budget of $2,700, although I would like to keep the cost down to $1,800.

I will be working in the following environments: offices, small studio (15'x15'), private residences. I'd like to also use the light kit for dramatic lighting (with gels, scrims, etc.) -- if that should somehow influence your feedback. I'm shooting in 24P.

I was looking at an Arri 4-light Tungsten kit: 300w, (2) 650w, 1000w for $2,700 with shipping.

Is that overkill? Will I see more bang for my buck if I spend the extra $900 (from an ideal $1,800 price tag)?

Also, I originally wanted a 4-light kit of: 150w, 300w, 650w, 1000w. I couldn't find a kit like that.

Thanks.
 
Is it fair to say that the Arri kit is "the cost of entry" into the lighting for DV production market?

Could I get by with a 3 light kit? 300w, 650w, 1000w?
 
The Arri fresnels are nice but I'm partial to open face quartz fixtures for location use. Why put a softbox on a fresnel when you can put a softbox on an open face quartz light and enjoy a bit more light output?

And, you don't really need to buy a pre-configured kit new. Save your money and buy used lighting, stands, and a case. Lighting isn't terribly complicated. It either works or it doesn't. It's not like buying a camera.

You could do a lot with a few open face 2K and/or 1K lights and 2 or 3 650 fresnel fixtures. Photoflex and Westcott both make well made affordable softboxes.

http://photography.shop.ebay.com/it...omfsb=&_trksid=m270.l1313&_odkw=&_osacat=3860

http://photography.shop.ebay.com/it...omfsb=&_trksid=m270.l1313&_odkw=&_osacat=3860

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to be more exact, a 1k open face with a chimera and 2 650 fresnells would be my kit of preference in that price range.
 
Sorry to hijack the thread but this gets at a question I was wondering about. Do you prefer to use a fresnel or an open face in your softbox?

Obviously, we are all concerned with versatility and lighter loads. I can see the argument for softboxing the 1k fresnel when a 1k fresnel is almost always going to be your key in one way or another. On the other hand, the fresnel lens is wasted inside the softbox.

I ask because in my case, my budget only allows me one speed ring. Do I buy the speed ring for my open face or my fresnel? Thanks for your input.
 
I'd buy it for the open face light, because as you said the fresnel is wasted inside the softbox.

-J.
 
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