Portable or Studio models of Cool Light's Flo lights?

R

ReelFilmGeek

Well-known member
Currently looking at getting a Flo light from cool lights (currently have one of their fresnel kits and have been loving it.) but was wanting to know from anyone who has used the flo lights what ones I should get. They have the "portable" model here:
http://www.coollights.biz/cl455p-cool-lights-portable-watt-softlight-p-67.html
and the cheaper "studio" version here:
http://www.coollights.biz/cl455-cool-lights-watt-fluorescent-video-soft-light-p-31.html

Now the difference I see is about 5lbs in weight. Now I dont have the most experience so I want to know how big of deal is the extra weight?

Just trying to figure out what one I would want to buy and also is getting the dimmable version really worth the extra money as well?
 
It's not just the weight, the studio model has no easy way of rotating. It can only be oriented horizontally, or if they offer a special yoke maybe it can go vertically. With the portable model, it can go any way possible. The extra weight isn't that big of a deal as long as you have a decent stand like a beefy baby or a baby rolling stand.

I wouldn't bother with the dimming version either. Dimming fluorescent lamps not only decreases the color temperature but also gives a nasty magenta spike. I learned this the hard way and now I won't dim my DeSisti fluorescent lights by more than half a stop. Just use ND gels if moving the fixture back to decrease the brightness is a problem.
 
Well in that case its the portable version, thanks for the answer! Now's just the hard part, saving up for the light and deciding if its worth investing in the light or some other type of gear.
 
If you're on a really tight budget, the Cowboy Studio flos are really pretty nice (several vendors sell them on ebay with various labels as well). I've been really surprised how well mine have held up. They don't have the all-angles thing that some cool lights have - but if you search these forums you'll find a some people have had trouble with that setup wearing out. Check with Richard at Cool lights, he's very responsive - his service is another great reason to consider them.

For dimming flos - I just wrap them in black or white polyester mesh (if I don't have a sheet of ND big enough for a 4 or 6 tube fixture. The white mesh softens them a bit.
 
First, let me say I like Cool Lights. For me, there products deliver a good performance/value. I really like the fact that I can send an email to the owner of the company and usually get a response from him within a few hours which is simply great customer service. I have a couple of the CL-455 portable flos and like them, but they are light. If I didn't mind the weight and size difference, I'd probably purchase the all metal studio versions, but if you travel much, the portables would be much nicer.

One thing in particular; I'm not a fan of the standard portable "ball" mount. I purchased the CL-MAMQR1 quick release retrofit, then drilled a baby-plate with 6" stud to attach to the QR plate. From there, I can use a standard grip-head which is entirely better.

http://www.coollights.biz/clmamqr1-quick-release-retrofit-p-149.html

Grant

edit: link added
 
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