After reading some revues here i decided to take the plunge and got the 3 redhead kit for around 290$ from link-delight-na on ebay. Great price, fast shipping, nice looking lights. I suspect most sellers are selling the same lights, just different store names.
Yes, they look like the real deal.
Yes the deliver the wattage.
Yes it really felt like a bargain.
***That is until i actually used them***
No they are not professional cinema lights.
No they will not survive a full day of shooing without at least one major poo poo up per unit.
No the wires are not made of heat resistant material (they melt).
No they are not nearly as sturdy as brand lights, hint, hint... they fall apart in your hands.
No the included light bulbs are not made to last more than an hour.
No the carrying case is not meant to last for more than one trip.
I love generic stuff from china and often it is no less great than the original gear at a fraction of the price. I had heard things like "well they are not as nicely built as Arri's" or "all stuff made in china is low quality, so the lights suck". I was expecting something in the middle, but as a redhead is a pretty simple piece of equipment, i figured what can really go that wrong???
Answer: Everything!!!!!
After a two day shoot the lighting kit is in shambles - melted wires to the point where all three are not functioning, multiple light bulbs exploded, the read color is burnt on some of them, barn doors falling off, carrying case falling apart, light fixture breaking... the included light stands are so far the best part. Basically all three where dead by lunch on day two.
Did i abuse them???
If having them running for 3 hours counts as abuse than yes.
Bottom line, they might work if you are doing one hour interviews and maybe this is what they are being marketed as. Although i don't see them surviving multiple trips, loading, unloading... If on the other hand you are planning on using them on anything more substantial they are simply a waist of money. It is really sad as they could have been a great solution at a very cheep price. It seems that the cost cutting has deeply affected the building quality to the point where they are useless even in a moderately professional environment.
I was newer expecting a high quality product, but i do have to say i have newer had such a complete breakdown of any equipment in my life. I am not even angry at the seller its more like a smile of disbelieve on my face.
*This is obviously only one man's experience and maybe the lights come in different flavors of quality depending where you buy them. I bough one of the slightly higher priced kits fro one of the more sleeker looking sellers.
Hope this post helps someone else.
Yes, they look like the real deal.
Yes the deliver the wattage.
Yes it really felt like a bargain.
***That is until i actually used them***
No they are not professional cinema lights.
No they will not survive a full day of shooing without at least one major poo poo up per unit.
No the wires are not made of heat resistant material (they melt).
No they are not nearly as sturdy as brand lights, hint, hint... they fall apart in your hands.
No the included light bulbs are not made to last more than an hour.
No the carrying case is not meant to last for more than one trip.
I love generic stuff from china and often it is no less great than the original gear at a fraction of the price. I had heard things like "well they are not as nicely built as Arri's" or "all stuff made in china is low quality, so the lights suck". I was expecting something in the middle, but as a redhead is a pretty simple piece of equipment, i figured what can really go that wrong???
Answer: Everything!!!!!
After a two day shoot the lighting kit is in shambles - melted wires to the point where all three are not functioning, multiple light bulbs exploded, the read color is burnt on some of them, barn doors falling off, carrying case falling apart, light fixture breaking... the included light stands are so far the best part. Basically all three where dead by lunch on day two.
Did i abuse them???
If having them running for 3 hours counts as abuse than yes.
Bottom line, they might work if you are doing one hour interviews and maybe this is what they are being marketed as. Although i don't see them surviving multiple trips, loading, unloading... If on the other hand you are planning on using them on anything more substantial they are simply a waist of money. It is really sad as they could have been a great solution at a very cheep price. It seems that the cost cutting has deeply affected the building quality to the point where they are useless even in a moderately professional environment.
I was newer expecting a high quality product, but i do have to say i have newer had such a complete breakdown of any equipment in my life. I am not even angry at the seller its more like a smile of disbelieve on my face.
*This is obviously only one man's experience and maybe the lights come in different flavors of quality depending where you buy them. I bough one of the slightly higher priced kits fro one of the more sleeker looking sellers.
Hope this post helps someone else.
. I've had them on about seven shoots and have had no problem once so ever. Are they as good as pro lights ...no ...but I treat my equipment with care and take the extra time to pack them correctly. I have heard of others complaining about other cheap china knockoffs and of course they arn't as sturdy... but you then have to be a little more careful.