The Cheap LED Lights Shootout.

There appears to be a whole family of these Chinese multiple LED lights, for around $50. I bought a 126 x version. The light output is cool with a touch of green and a little uneven, especially when the subject is close. The light is made to a price and the quality of the foot and construction is lightweight.

I just bought the other major contender, Comer, their 1800 lx version. The measured central light intensity is the same as the 126 LED panel but the light quality is overall smoother, just with 10 LED's, broader and has a slightly lower colour temperature, without any obvious shortcomings. When I work it out, I will try and post some comparisons. The Comer was just over £230 but the build construction is very good.
 
Here are two comparison shots. Panasonic GH2, set to 16:9, 14mm (28mm equiv), Daylight white balance, white emulsioned wall, from about 5 feet.

http://www.beyondmonochrome.co.uk/main/Links_files/126led.jpg
http://www.beyondmonochrome.co.uk/main/Links_files/comer1800.jpg

The 126 Led light has a dim spot in the middle, the Comer, without the lens panel, has a more even spread. In use, I found, even after white-balancing, the 126 Led light gave sickly (green) flesh tones. The Comer is warmer and kinder to people pictures.

Hope this helps
 
I'm selling a Comer 1800. I just shot with it in a warehouse. At 1800 lux at 1m, it provided me with an excellent range of staying away from the talent but keeping her lit. Try that with a Cowboy Studio.

 
Lux output should be measured per a certain distance. Most manufacturers use 1 meter or 3 feet in the spec. I had Litepanels micro, it is such a weak light. Not sure what distance you have the 970 lux value. From their web site, 280 lux per 4 feet. So you can assume it's about 320 lux at 1 meter. Even their newer MicroPro is only 560 lux per 4 feet. So it would be about 600 lux per 3 feet.
 
Leds are really getting better and better. I will soon have an on-camera light with very close to or exceeding these specs. 1600 lux at 3 ft. High 90+ CRI , 4200K temp. wide 75 deg beam, consumes LESS than 10W, operates from 6 to 18VDC.
Also one that is a tri-color mode model 2800K-4200K-6200K with a flick of a switch. I will post when I have it on hand. Be Patient.
 
MrHeavySilence said:
I want the Comer 1800 but the chinese 126 and 160 are so cheap and seem to be at least comparable
Click to expand...

The CN126 and CN160 is inexpensive that's for sure. But it is nothing comparable to the Comer 1800 in terms of brightness (less than half the brightness), spread, and color temperature. Both 126 and 160 are 5600K that you will need to use the warming filter indoor. However, the warming filter is not quite well made.
 
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