Looking to purchase LED panels to rent

[ilauzirika]

I've been renting out my light kit (which includes, fresnel and HMI's) for some time. Recently I am being asked more and more about LED panels. That is why I am looking to invest in a LED panel two unit light kit to rent out. I know that there are many options out there. I've seen The Felloni (this one sounds as If I were to commit a crime...), Litepanels, Rotolight anovas, and many other brands...
I have tried to look for honest reviews and in depth info about the units, but what I am finding is an endless war between litepanels and others, or people doing totally biased reviews or not very in depth reviews (not that I don't value their work, cause it has already helped me a lot!)

What I am looking for is a sturdy panel, that won't break id accidentally mishandled .. which the highest cri rating possible and the least green spike possible (I know that this is asking too much for a LED light... But I am sure that there must be something out there).
For those of you that use this units. which material are the fellonis, litepanels or anovas made of? Due to the location I am in, I have difficulty getting access to this units (a nice reason to own a kit to rent...) and can't touch and feel them. I am looking for a daylight unit, as they usually (by looking at the photometrics) pack a greater punch.

I know some users have the Fellonis, how is the green cast? is the filter system ok, I know how the litepanels and other 1x1 panels slide-in system works, but I wonder if the Fellonis system is fast to set or change while on set. Has anyone tried the high output version and compared it to other 1x1 panels?

Now, about the litepanels, I know that there is some controversy about this units...but lets not talk about that, if an unit delivers and is rented I don't mind the history behind...now, the question is, does it deliver?(sorry if this sound a bit unethical, but I am so fed up with all the legal battles between companies that I tend to just focus on the product itself...). How is the green cast? for those that have tried different units, does it stand out in terms of color rendition? which material is it built from, I've been trying to answer that question looking around the net, and I'am not seeing that info...They are expensive, but so are other led products I have seen. If by the end of the day they are rented... hey a 2.5k hmi is expensive but you end up recovering its cost...

I've also read about the anovas, do they deliver in terms of light quality? I know they definitely don't deliver as much as a 1000w fresnel, you just have to look at the photometrics... But for those of you that may have used it how does it compare to a lets say 2f 4bank kino? or how does it mix with a 1x1 LED panel in terms of light quality?

keep in mind that I will be renting out this units ( I already have some clients asking for them, many ask for the litepanels, but before buying them I want to listen to this great community!!!), so they should be the best panels around (I don't mind the cost, I will end up recovering the investment after some time).

If you are renting some of this units, which one is asked for more often? are clients happy with the units?
(btw I am in Europe)
I know I am asking a lot of questions, but I am going to plunge some considerable amount of money and I really want to make a good decision.
I really appreciate your contribution and help!
thanks

 

[Patryk_Rebisz]

I never had LP actually break on me but their plastic casing feels too flimsy - i assume they've done it to either cut cos or to cut on weight of the unit, still it doesn't give me confidence that it will sustain the abuses of the set.

 

[Bern Caughey]

I have the original LitePanels 1x1 & the case is metal. Are the new ones plastic?

 

[Patryk_Rebisz]

I have the original LitePanels 1x1 & the case is metal. Are the new ones plastic?

Yup...

 

[ilauzirika]

Thank you guys. The new ones as in all the line-up? Or only the ls series?
because that could be a dealbreaker for me.

 

[Bern Caughey]

Whatever you decide get something that can be repaired in the EU. LitePanel's bricks are very robust, but I've seen a pile them in their repair dept.

Also consider some of the super bright panels coming to market that use the larger LEDs. They're pricier then the 1x1(s), but so much brighter.

I'm also looking forward to trying out Zylight's Fresnel. Love how compact it is.

http://www.zylight.com/products/f8-fresnel/

 

[ilauzirika]

What about the arri locaster?, if anyone has seen it in action with a litepanel 1x1 flood. How can you compare the brightness? I can clearly see, by the photometrics, that it is dimmer, but I prefer to ask you as a professional's eye and experience is key. Is it sturdier, I guess being an arri it should stand the test of time better...but who knows.

thank you for your help guys/gals!

 

[ilauzirika]

I'm also looking forward to trying out Zylight's Fresnel. Love how compact it is.

http://www.zylight.com/products/f8-fresnel/

I am also liking the fresnel. So much that I am going to get one (at a nice price) and try it. if the green cast is acceptable, the unit is rugged and I can attach a barndoor (to protect that fresnel lens, damn it is big and sexy!), it would make a nice key light, if not back to where it came from... Maybe someone that has seen it recently, can talk about the color quality and power (which by the looks of the photometrics is around a 650w tungsten, but in daylight!). at its weight I bet it is still hand holdable when battery and barndoors are attached.
A kit containing one of this fresnels, a 1x1 and a smaller locaster or litepanels plus kind of unit is looking interesting for totally battery operated shoots (kind of a 650w/300w/150w kit)....damn I will have to invest in a 2000+ battery system...