The new forums will be named Coin Return (based on the most recent vote)! You can check on the status and timeline of the transition to the new forums here.
The Guiding Principles and New Rules document is now in effect.
Looking for some cheap, high-power portable lighting
yalborap
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
So, for various reasons, I need ways to light on the go. The obvious solution here is a flashlight.
Ah ah ah! But there is a problem. See, I'm not just going this in the dark. I'm a photographer as a hobby, and I'm looking for two things;
1, to make nighttime stuff more viable without relying on my pop-up flash or getting a hugely expensive hot-shoe mounted flash.
2, to add some extra light in the day that I can control independently.
Basically, I need this thing strong enough that it will make a noticeable difference in sunlight.
However, I've never really shopped for lighting, especially not portable lighting. I don't know what's good, what's bad, and I don't know just how much x amount of 'candlepower' will translate into in actual use. Which is where you come in. What're my options here?
Further limits:
Rechargable battery is very good. I'd rather not have to buy a bunch of batteries to power this behemoth.
Power or focus control is awesome, but not necessarily required. I can build something to block off some light if need be, I'd just rather not have to.
Some kind of stand. I need to be able to set this on something, get my light where I want it, and start shooting without having to carry the thing around or have it fall over.
So, any thoughts as to something good? I don't have an exact budget, but cheaper the better, and we can probably safely say below the three-digit mark.
Ah ah ah! But there is a problem. See, I'm not just going this in the dark. I'm a photographer as a hobby, and I'm looking for two things;
1, to make nighttime stuff more viable without relying on my pop-up flash or getting a hugely expensive hot-shoe mounted flash.
2, to add some extra light in the day that I can control independently.
Basically, I need this thing strong enough that it will make a noticeable difference in sunlight.
However, I've never really shopped for lighting, especially not portable lighting. I don't know what's good, what's bad, and I don't know just how much x amount of 'candlepower' will translate into in actual use. Which is where you come in. What're my options here?
Further limits:
Rechargable battery is very good. I'd rather not have to buy a bunch of batteries to power this behemoth.
Power or focus control is awesome, but not necessarily required. I can build something to block off some light if need be, I'd just rather not have to.
Some kind of stand. I need to be able to set this on something, get my light where I want it, and start shooting without having to carry the thing around or have it fall over.
So, any thoughts as to something good? I don't have an exact budget, but cheaper the better, and we can probably safely say below the three-digit mark.
yalborap on
0
Posts
But, I found a better solution while I was at work. Get a battery powered outlet/portable power supply that you can just plug a light into. Then you can just use your regular lamps. I can't seem to find the brand name of the ones we use for work...I was thinking they were called "rebels" but, as that's also the name of a Cannon camera I'm not having much luck googling it.
It's something like this http://store.sundancesolar.com/xapo150.html, just more compact and 2 would fit side by side in a carrying case, so you could plug 2 things in. We use them for flash, and they last quite a long time. I'm sure, if used conservatively turning lights on only while you're setting up the lighting and shooting and turned off in between that it would last plenty of time.
They are probably a little bit expensive...I'd imagine around $100 or so for 1 pack, and I'd probably get a couple, but you can use them to power ANY light you might need or invest in later. Flash or not.
Something like this http://www.cetsolar.com/xpower1500.htm is $400. That's not even the price of many lenses though. It is pretty big...the ones I have for work are about the size of a lunch box I guess...easy to carry, but still really heavy for being small.
A single flexifill runs between $50 and $100 I think, depending on size/facings. Probably tack on another $30+ for a stand.
I really can't think of any useful light source within that budget.