Lowel pro light or Arri fresnel 150 watt

I love the Arri. And absolutely hate the Lowel - They are so cheap, and break so easily. Used them once or twice and I just wanted to toss it out. Mainly because of the stand, but still not a fan. I would not consider using them ever. I just don't like it.

I like open face lights. the 1000w, looks really nice to me.
I compared them to a Red Head and the 1000w open face had nicer shadows, it focused much better and was overall much brighter at the same distance. Which was weird, but I really like them.

Lowel DP and Omni are very good lights, plenty of accesories to shape the light, and as far as my traveling and location work has shown , very strong. There are models I don't like for example Tota.
You said mainly because of the stand, not mainly because of the light.
 
Last edited:
To me the advantage of lowel is the portability and maybe price. If you don't need those things then get something else. They are OK starter kits.
 
I have both.

I never shoot people with the open face Omni. I don't like the multiple shadows it gives off. I only use them with a softbox, and for that they work very well.

I like the Arri 300 and 650. The 650 is great as well with a softbox. In fact I prefer the 650 over the 300 for its punch and versatility. Sometimes you want the lights farther back but need the output.

My basic Arri kit is
two 300
two 650 with 2 speed rings.
four Omini with two speed rings
four small Chimera softboxes
four LTM 100 peppers
four Mole 1K with 650 bulbs as well.

Light em up!
 
I have both.

I never shoot people with the open face Omni. I don't like the multiple shadows it gives off. I only use them with a softbox, and for that they work very well.

I like the Arri 300 and 650. The 650 is great as well with a softbox. In fact I prefer the 650 over the 300 for its punch and versatility. Sometimes you want the lights farther back but need the output.

Light em up!

16 lights sound overwhelming, but I just noticed you are NBC Camera, checked your videos at vimeo and are Great .
About the omni, I never use it naked, I mean some kind of diffuser or gel snot etc, Also with this
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/31867-REG/Lowel_O1_50_Diffused_Glass_for_Omni_Light.html
gives a very even light.

I just noticed something I didn't like about Arri fresnel glass are this replacement glasses
The 650 watt replacement glass is $ 64 http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/153597-REG/Arri_L4_79404_E_Replacement_Lens_for_Arri.html
and the 300 watt is $ 104 http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/282667-REG/Arri_L4_79224_E_Replacement_Lens_for_Fresnel.html

I mean how come the 300 watt glass is more expensive than the 650 being larger.
By any chance do you know why ?
 
Thanks!!!!

I wouldn’t be concerned with the replacement cost of the glass. I have never broke one. The lamps are more expensive but last a long time.

My kit is big and I don’t suggest that you need it only pointing out that variety is important and gives you options for different situations. I need to have options. Maybe just get a 300 or 650 and try it out. I bet you will want a a pair. Lights work well in pairs.

Happy lighting!!!!
 
Hey Erik, how do you like the 100 watt peppers? Do you ever put/feel you need to put 200 watt bulbs in them? And Are you glad you went with the 100/200 over the 200 or 300? I need a kicker.
 
Thanks!!!!

The lamps are more expensive but last a long time.


Happy lighting!!!!

Replacement glass is important for me, but any way, how ever sounds arbitrary.
Lamps are very attractive, since cost as any lamp $ 20-30 but last a long time.
I'll try one to see and the idea is a pair.
Keep up the good work
 
In over 30 years I have Never had to replace a fresnel lens in any of my lights.

There are a variety of smaller lights which may fit your bill... Mole, LTM, Dedolight, to name a few.
 
Last edited:
Hey Erik, how do you like the 100 watt peppers? Do you ever put/feel you need to put 200 watt bulbs in them? And Are you glad you went with the 100/200 over the 200 or 300? I need a kicker.
I like them and use the 100 watt bulb in all of them. The Arri 150 is a better fixture so If I was buying I would buy that one. Arri fixtures have really nice cords with heavy duty on/off switches.

Nice little eye light, hair light. Put em under a potted plant for accent. So many uses. The work horse is the 300 but I wish I had two more 650’s.

For a kicker the 300 or 650 would be a good choice. You can always add some ND or soft spun to knock them down.
 
Purchasing a product based on the replacement parts cost, of a part you will likely never have to replace?

I hope I'll no have to replace , Since this pointing to a project where I'll be traveling to Amazon and gear oftenly will be handled by not glamourish savage people.
And if I have to replace is not even the cost for a 1 person hotel for one night. BUT ANY WAY maybe you have the answer why a spare fresnel glass
for a 300 watt cost almost twice as 650 watt Arri fresnel, since it looks same build, and the 650 is twice the size.
Is not the amount of money is the marketing. If you want to see it more important is the same 640.000 than 1.040.000
Probably I could spend $ 40 on a limo at NY as a tip.
 
Mr Jones :
Not to be nasty.
But my point is is Arri the kind of company with a high class image , that keeps looking where their customers need them more to charge more ?
Different to Lowel where service, and customer satisfaction is number one.
Don't forget tools are to be handled by the artist who really defines if a footage is nice or not.
 
No problem, I was just suggesting that there may be other less costly used lighting instruments available instead of buying new.
If only the two lights mentioned from your initial post, then the Arri 150w.
Having used Arri lighting many times over the years, I can say they make a good product, I just have other favorites I like better than Arri.
Obviously if you are running a rental company and need to have Arri lights for their name recognition, then by all means!
But I really do prefer Mole Richardson lights over Arri, and have for many years.
The LTM Peppers are also a nice lower cost Fresnel that can be had for a good price used as well.
If you could find a deal on a used Dedolight kit, it would also be a fantastic addition to your kit.

Good Luck!

Dave
 
No problem, I was just suggesting that there may be other less costly used lighting instruments available instead of buying new.
If only the two lights mentioned from your initial post, then the Arri 150w.
Having used Arri lighting many times over the years, I can say they make a good product, I just have other favorites I like better than Arri.
Obviously if you are running a rental company and need to have Arri lights for their name recognition, then by all means!
But I really do prefer Mole Richardson lights over Arri, and have for many years.
The LTM Peppers are also a nice lower cost Fresnel that can be had for a good price used as well.
If you could find a deal on a used Dedolight kit, it would also be a fantastic addition to your kit.

Good Luck!

Dave

Arri fresnel : quality, price, design
 
I like them and use the 100 watt bulb in all of them. The Arri 150 is a better fixture so If I was buying I would buy that one. Arri fixtures have really nice cords with heavy duty on/off switches.

Nice little eye light, hair light. Put em under a potted plant for accent. So many uses. The work horse is the 300 but I wish I had two more 650’s.

For a kicker the 300 or 650 would be a good choice. You can always add some ND or soft spun to knock them down.

I already own 3x 650 desisti fresnels. I am looking for a SMALL light. How does the size of the 100watt peppers compare to the size of the arri 150?
 
I already own 3x 650 desisti fresnels. I am looking for a SMALL light. How does the size of the 100watt peppers compare to the size of the arri 150?

The pepper is about the same size, not significaly larger than the Arri.

Though, if you can get it for a good price, the pepper is a great deal.
 
So I've been watching like 7 items on ebay and watching the prices/bids go up and now I think I am ironically deciding that the cool lights 150W would be the best deal because it comes with barn doors and a bulb etc and is $190. From what I hear it's similar to the arri and everyone here seems to like the arri. It's ironic because I just ordered another light from them so I could have saved a lot on shipping if I just ordered them together :/
 
Back
Top