Monolight Recommendations

scorsesefan

scorsesefan

Veteran
I'm mostly an LED panel guy, but the thought of a compact, high output COB light appeals to me. I'm looking for something with a 1000w + hot light equivalent that I can use as a diffused key for solo interviews. Thoughts? Also what type of diffusion do you guys use?

I was looking at these: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1566328-REG/nanlite_12_2032_forza_60b_bi_color_led.html/qa

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1476380-REG/nanlite_12_2022_forza_60_led_monolight.html

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1611860-REG/nanlite_fs_150_ac_led_monolight.html
 
I have the SL150 (version 1) and my client/colleague has a few sl200s. I like them a lot. Nothing fancy. I think the SL200 actually has lower fan noise than the 150. Overheating can be an issue in hot environments and as such you may not be able to run it at full power. But at room temperature, theres no cause for concern.

The VL series supposedly has even quieter fans. And one advantage of separating the ballast from the light is you can distribute the heat to more places and get more fan surface area. But I do like the self-contained design...

I have a Nicefoto 330w cob (same type of design as these others) that I bought off ebay. Never heard of the brand before, but I like the light a lot. It has a separated ballast and it doesnt take long to set it up and use the built-in clamp to attach it to the oight stand.
 
scorsesefan said:
I'm mostly an LED panel guy, but the thought of a compact, high output COB light appeals to me. I'm looking for something with a 1000w + hot light equivalent that I can use as a diffused key for solo interviews. Thoughts? Also what type of diffusion do you guys use?

I was looking at these: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1566328-REG/nanlite_12_2032_forza_60b_bi_color_led.html/qa

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1476380-REG/nanlite_12_2022_forza_60_led_monolight.html

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1611860-REG/nanlite_fs_150_ac_led_monolight.html
Click to expand...

I've got the forza 200, it's pretty good so far. I'm sure godox is great value too but I can't comment on the brand.

For softboxes, I'd avoid the 150cm version, it takes too long to assemble (and it's huge!).

Nanlite just came out with "quick-open" versions of their 90/120cm soft boxes. I have the 90cm and it seems great so far. The first time breaking it down, the parts were pretty stiff but it's been getting easier since then.

I'd start with the 90cm then you can add 120cm later. The set up is still fairly deep so for tight spaces the panels probably still have an advantage here.

I plan on using it this week where I'll keep the light/stand/softbox almost completely assembled and I can just pull it out of the car, walk it into the house I'm shooting in then do the reverse to pack up. I also keep the diffusion attached to the velcro.

I'm looking forward to trying this vs. carrying a case in, taking things out, setting the light up, moving the case out of the way then wrapping when finished.

For larger sources I use 6x6/8x8 diffusion/bounce fabrics like normal.
 
Thanks, Rob.. I went to BH yesterday and picked this up: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...daylight_led_150w_monolight.html?sts=pi&pim=Y It has a high output and looks pretty solid. I think the body does a good deal of heat dissipation, although there is a fan. I picked up this softbox which was on sale, too: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1378957-REG/angler_bb_36db_boom_box_36_bowens.html The salesman showed me a parabolic softbox and it was way too involved (locking and unlocking each support rod one at a time) so I opted for this one. It's 36" -- not sure what that is in Centimeters...
 
scorsesefan said:
Thanks, Rob.. I went to BH yesterday and picked this up: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...daylight_led_150w_monolight.html?sts=pi&pim=Y It has a high output and looks pretty solid. I think the body does a good deal of heat dissipation, although there is a fan. I picked up this softbox which was on sale, too: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1378957-REG/angler_bb_36db_boom_box_36_bowens.html The salesman showed me a parabolic softbox and it was way too involved (locking and unlocking each support rod one at a time) so I opted for this one. It's 36" -- not sure what that is in Centimeters...
Click to expand...

Nice. Can the angler soft box diffusion stay attached when it's packed up? You'll have to report back after using it for a few months.
 
scorsesefan said:
It's supposed to be a quick box so I'll see how quick it really is to set-up/break down.
Click to expand...

I have some umbrella-open boxes. They're fast, easy and great. I just expect them to break eventually although being careful will prolong their lifespan
 
Yes to deflector plate unless I really want to maximize output or for some reason want more of a hot spot in the center. Although if you're using 2 layers of diff its probably less of an issue to begin with. More of an issue with just one or bare
 
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