Hey all,
I'm looking to add a 1x1 LED to my lighting kit for interviews and have narrowed it down to two light options from Litepanels: the Astra 6X Bicolor and the Astra Soft Bicolor.
A bit about me for context, I'm a radio producer/audio documentarian by trade - but am also passionate about making indie doc films, although I have no delusions of being more than a hobbyist when it comes to telling stories with camera and light (my focus is primarily on stories from within my local music scene and communities). Currently I have a mix of lights bought over the years - primarily a Litepanels Astra EP Bicolor, a Rifa ex88, and a couple F&V R-30s.
Because I shoot primarily talking head interviews, I'm hoping to narrow my lighting kit down to just 3 main lights for key, hair and fill. And because I already have (and really like) the Litepanels Astra EP Bicolor I figured I'd ditch the Rifa and F&V lights and pick up either the Astra 6X Bicolor or the Astra Soft Bicolor. I'm also thinking of adding a used Litepanels Brick One or Caliber as my third light.
I like the 6X because it's just a raw LED power source that can be molded to whatever I need, but I'm also aware that the Litepanels softbox, grids etc would be mandatory additions that are pretty expensive on their own.
I like the Litepanels Soft option because it gives good diffused light out the box so the grids and extra accessories - while helpful - won't be mandatory. My concern is whether the Astra Soft - given its almost niche attributes - will be something I'll always be satisfied with as a key or fill light.
Both lights are going for the same price on B&H right now, so taking my situation into consideration, any thoughts on what might be the better choice between the 6X and the Soft would be appreciated. Thanks!
I'm looking to add a 1x1 LED to my lighting kit for interviews and have narrowed it down to two light options from Litepanels: the Astra 6X Bicolor and the Astra Soft Bicolor.
A bit about me for context, I'm a radio producer/audio documentarian by trade - but am also passionate about making indie doc films, although I have no delusions of being more than a hobbyist when it comes to telling stories with camera and light (my focus is primarily on stories from within my local music scene and communities). Currently I have a mix of lights bought over the years - primarily a Litepanels Astra EP Bicolor, a Rifa ex88, and a couple F&V R-30s.
Because I shoot primarily talking head interviews, I'm hoping to narrow my lighting kit down to just 3 main lights for key, hair and fill. And because I already have (and really like) the Litepanels Astra EP Bicolor I figured I'd ditch the Rifa and F&V lights and pick up either the Astra 6X Bicolor or the Astra Soft Bicolor. I'm also thinking of adding a used Litepanels Brick One or Caliber as my third light.
I like the 6X because it's just a raw LED power source that can be molded to whatever I need, but I'm also aware that the Litepanels softbox, grids etc would be mandatory additions that are pretty expensive on their own.
I like the Litepanels Soft option because it gives good diffused light out the box so the grids and extra accessories - while helpful - won't be mandatory. My concern is whether the Astra Soft - given its almost niche attributes - will be something I'll always be satisfied with as a key or fill light.
Both lights are going for the same price on B&H right now, so taking my situation into consideration, any thoughts on what might be the better choice between the 6X and the Soft would be appreciated. Thanks!
