New Lab LED Studio Lights - Suggestions - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 29, 2017, 04:45:35 am
content: End of year tax time...I want to get two new portable studio lab lights.Looking for top quality brands and models, no ebay crap.High CRI, 5000K (or adjustable) to match my existing ceiling lights, and soft diffuser.I heard these Aputure Lightstorm's are pretty good?https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MQFNAJN/Or these smaller ones?https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00S7WQSO0?psc=1I also need a light tent and lights for macro photography, but cheap-ish probably works ok there? I want this to be a permanent setup in the corner of the lab, suitable for PCB and product shots etc.Opinions please from those in the know.Thanks.

author: anishkgt
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 29, 2017, 04:50:09 am
content: Since the thread is more of photography try bhphotovideo.com. They should have most of the photo equipments. Or adorama.comSent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

author: anishkgt
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 29, 2017, 04:53:20 am
content: Hi Dave those that you have linked above are bare led's. They would be a little too much for the object being shot. Try ones with a diffuser. Those give better results.Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 29, 2017, 05:10:45 am
content: Quote from: anishkgt on June 29, 2017, 04:53:20 amI know, they come with a diffuses, and an optional soft box like the EZ BOXThe two stand kit looks pretty good:http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/AU-2x-Aputure-Amaran-AL-HR672-C-LED-Video-Light-Panel-for-Camcorder-and-Cameras-/262163047549?hash=item3d0a22a47d:g:gLgAAOSw8oFX0uRuSmall and compact (could take on shoots also), high CRI, dual battery system (no messy wires). Any quality competitors to these?

author: H.O
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 29, 2017, 05:23:53 am
content: Have you seen theARRI Skypanel? They're apparently pretty highly regarded in the industry and it certainly fits the no EBAY crap category.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 29, 2017, 05:28:44 am
content: Not sure how much you want to spend, butKino Floare very well regarded for soft studio lighting. I have two of their4' 4-bank unitsand I am very happy with them. They have5500K bulbswith very good color rendition (especially versus LED, regardless of manufacturer's gamed CRI numbers). Very popular in cinema.The 4' banks are a little large compared to the LED banks you linked, but just keep in mind the softness of a light source is directly related to its size proportional to the subject.If you want top quality in LED,ArriandMole Richardsonare the places to go. There are only a handful of well known cinema lighting manufacturers; generally a bit above the Amazon price point though.Tungsten will give better color rendition than LED at a lower cost if budget is an issue, but of course will not match your 5000K overhead lighting.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 29, 2017, 05:30:12 am
content: Quote from: H.O on June 29, 2017, 05:23:53 amAwesome, but at $4k per light for the small one, kinda out of the budget.

author: DrGeoff
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 29, 2017, 05:31:52 am
content: I have some of the smaller Aputure ones and use them for various video projects, mounted on tripods.They seem to work really well with the soft diffuser clipped over the front (it comes with a couple of diffusers).Also variable intensity so you can set the lighting how you want it. I use a rechargeable battery clipped on the back for power.Basic but useful for the kind of stuff you do.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 29, 2017, 05:35:59 am
content: Quote from: Elf on June 29, 2017, 05:28:44 amYeah, too big for what I need I'm afraid.I already have a reasonable amount of ceiling light, just need some extra portable lights for various tasks like supplementing the Tagarno microscope, high speed camera work, and extra product fill lighting.Small and battery powered so they don't get the the way is the key.They can also double as the light tent sources.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 29, 2017, 05:37:53 am
content: Quote from: DrGeoff on June 29, 2017, 05:31:52 amYeah, I don't have a big fixed studio setup, almost every video I do has different needs.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 30, 2017, 02:44:24 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on June 29, 2017, 05:35:59 amUnfortunately I am not too familiar with battery powered gear, which I think mostly gets developed for the ENG (Electronic News Gathering) market.However if you can live with a plug, it occurred to me that something like a pair ofMole "Baby" LED fresnelswith somediffusionthat you can clip and unclip from the barn doors might do the job well. It would also give you a lot more light output for high speed, vs a panel.Bardwell & McAllisterare also a good competitor to Mole Richardson.Other than that, maybe just take a peek around somewhere likeB&Hfor ENG targeted battery powered LED products.

author: cdev
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 01, 2017, 09:07:07 pm
content: Dave, if you ever make it to NYC in the US, B&H is an absolutely awesome place to visit.