Lighting equipment question - DPChallenge Forums

12/27/2006 08:36:43 PM · #1

I am interested in getting a simple lighting setup for my apartment. Right now I'm using some ikea lamps that are rather cumbersome, don't diffuse very well, and i often have to hold them in the air by hand while trying to hit the shutter release.

I found the following link on ebay for two lights with tripod/stands, umbrellas, and bulbs for ~$100 (with shipping). The seller has a very high ebay rating, so I'm not concerned about that. Having little experience with lighting, I was wondering if people had thoughts if this equipment was any good? If not, are there alternatives in a similar price range? Any feedback and suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you.

my current setup:

DianeS

Canon EOS-30D

12/27/2006 09:00:59 PM · #2

I just started with studio lighting, and I bought this one. I only glanced at the link you posted, but I think it's probably similar quality. Looks like you're in a fairly small space like me, too.

I've only had my kit a week, but so far I'm really impressed. For what it costs, and considering that I'm not doing professional shoots, I think it's well worth it. Depends on how much you expect from your equipment, though -- lots of people would never bother with the cheap stuff.

12/27/2006 09:07:53 PM · #3

Originally posted by DianeS:

[...] I've only had my kit a week, but so far I'm really impressed. For what it costs, and considering that I'm not doing professional shoots, I think it's well worth it. Depends on how much you expect from your equipment, though -- lots of people would never bother with the cheap stuff. [...]

that's some cool equipment that you have! can't wait to see the results of it in action. i'm not sure if i should try something like that right away, or stick with the cheaper set and migrate to something more later. hmm...

Your set seems to be more flash, and the one I mentioned continuous lighting... for now, continuous would probably allow me to do simple still-life shots like the setups shown in my first post. Does anyone with some lighting experience have some more insight? Otherwise, I may start with the $100 setup and work from there.

Message edited by author 2006-12-28 12:02:16.

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

12/28/2006 12:04:11 PM · #4

bump...

robs

Canon EOS R6 Mk II

12/28/2006 12:09:43 PM · #5

Another option (and one I am following) is to use old cheap flashes and cheap umbrellas. There are a number of sites that have home made light modifiers (like pringles cans and what not). Has the big advantage of been fairly portable and lowish budget. There are people doing some really cool things with this type of setup.

jfriesen

Panasonic LUMIX GH5

12/28/2006 12:13:10 PM · #6

Is that going to be bright enough? I am also looking for a lighting setup..

But if you ever shoot people, they are going to get hot in that continous lighting..

There was a thread a couple weeks ago about lighting that said continuous lighting is no good for people..

12/28/2006 12:17:06 PM · #7

Originally posted by jfriesen:

Re: bright enough, don't know... one of the things i was looking for help with

Re: continuous lighting, I agree, and if I were shooting people I would go with a flash setup (possibly the one DianeS listed, which seems pretty cool). I do mostly still-life setups, so I think continuous may work, and be a less expensive way for me to experiment with lighting. Maybe a flash setup is better, though, since it would allow me to do both. I don't shoot people... yet. They're not in season.

Message edited by author 2006-12-28 12:18:29.

jfriesen

Panasonic LUMIX GH5

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

12/28/2006 12:21:07 PM · #8

Well, good luck.. For lighting, I am using two reading lamps most of the time.. heheh I will be watching this thread and reading others for more information..

Man_Called_Horse

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

12/28/2006 12:28:43 PM · #9

I only have high appreaciation for what you have to do to get the job done.

Improvise, Adapt, Overcome!

I have been preaching about how Home Depot is the poor mans lighting source.

Two words' however. CHINA BALL...or otherwise known as 'paper balloons' to some.

They come in several sizes round. The smaller the ball, the hotter the light. The bigger the ball, the softer and warmer.

They are already papered, and provide good diffusion, they are cheap, and storable.

The downside is that they are fragile. But for under $10 (Ikea $5) you can prolly afford it.

Keep going.

Call on me if you need more inspiration.

Message edited by author 2006-12-28 12:29:04.

Spork99

OM System OM-1

12/28/2006 01:41:06 PM · #10

Originally posted by American_Horse:

They are impressively flammable too.

Man_Called_Horse

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

12/28/2006 01:57:27 PM · #11

Originally posted by Spazmo99:

They are impressively flammable too.

In the career that I have chosen, and am disappointed with, in all the time vested, I have never seen a china ball flame up.

I have seen them tear often.

I guess if you install a bulb that exceeds the wattage recamended, it most definetly will enflame. However, using a standard 75 watt bulb, or less, won't do much except maybe some reverse osmosis.

And actually, I have seen other lamps catch on fire that require higher voltage, and ballasts. I've seen huge tungsten lamps basically explode.
I have seen 4/0 cable bust into flames. I saw a generator catch on fire because a tree had fallen on it. I even seen an abandoned church catch on fire due to operator error in the efx department.

I have never seen a china ball flame up.

Message edited by author 2006-12-28 14:01:35.

J-Me

Sony DSLR-A200

Sony 75-300 mm f/4.5-5.6

12/28/2006 02:03:30 PM · #12

Just out of curiosity.....are you all setting up this lighting etc., solely for these challenges, or are you also entering other competitions that net something for the efforts?

I know that I'm having fun attempting these challenges as a method to encourage myself to get creative and set up some shots, but I can't afford to go out and buy any equipment just for the fun of these challenges. My lighting, as poor as it is, will have to be sufficient with desk lamps and ball lamps. The most I'll do is change a lightbulb. *says, hiding her head in embarrassment*

Would love to know what you guys will do with this equipment besides these challenges.

jfriesen

Panasonic LUMIX GH5

12/28/2006 02:06:47 PM · #13

The exposure and composition are only 50% of the battle... LIGHTING is the other 50%

Well, that's what I think anyway..

DianeS

Canon EOS-30D

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

12/28/2006 02:39:16 PM · #14

Originally posted by PhotoInterest:

Would love to know what you guys will do with this equipment besides these challenges.

I'm using mine to create stock photos, so hopefully I can recoup most of my costs later. (If you're not familiar with stock, check out this thread)

Spork99

OM System OM-1

12/28/2006 02:44:44 PM · #15

Originally posted by American_Horse:

Originally posted by Spazmo99:

They are impressively flammable too.

In the career that I have chosen, and am disappointed with, in all the time vested, I have never seen a china ball flame up.

I have seen them tear often.

I guess if you install a bulb that exceeds the wattage recamended, it most definetly will enflame. However, using a standard 75 watt bulb, or less, won't do much except maybe some reverse osmosis.

And actually, I have seen other lamps catch on fire that require higher voltage, and ballasts. I've seen huge tungsten lamps basically explode.
I have seen 4/0 cable bust into flames. I saw a generator catch on fire because a tree had fallen on it. I even seen an abandoned church catch on fire due to operator error in the efx department.

I have never seen a china ball flame up.

I believe you that a 75W bulb won't generate enough heat to make a china ball ignite.

I also know that if someone were to put one over a 500W or 1000W worklight from Home Depot it would be likely burn before you could take a meter reading.

I've blown a few flashtubes because someone handled it with bare hands and got some oil on it. That's impressive too. So is plugging a light into a charged powerpack and having it arc in your hand. Makes a lot of unwanted light and smoke, not to mention burning the connectors on the pack and the light. All in all, not fun

12/28/2006 03:02:21 PM · #16

Originally posted by DianeS:

That's the kit I've been looking at on ebay ... nice to know that you're not disappointed by the quality ... I might pull the trigger and buy it ... thanks for the info!

12/28/2006 03:09:27 PM · #17

Just food for thought ...

I used this criteria when deciding on my mono-lights:

User replaceable flash tube
Fan cooled
Total w/s - guide number
Number of accessories available I.E. soft box, barn doors, snoots etc.

Keep those things in mind when looking at your equipment. You dont want to buy lights that you have to send back to the manufacturer to get the flash tube replaced. Or burn out cuz of heat issues.

12/28/2006 03:31:34 PM · #18

Originally posted by thegrandwazoo:

are the soft boxes, barn doors, snoots etc "manufacturer specific" or can you buy generic accessories for most lights? what w/s guide number do you recommend? If they are strobes that only fire with the shutter why do they need to be fan cooled?

sorry for all of the questions ... I don't have any experience with studio lighting and would like to get started with a decent but inexpensive kit that isn't a pile of junk ...

12/28/2006 03:38:04 PM · #19

Some lights are manufacture specific. Some you can buy adapters. Some are compatible with other manufactures accessories and you will have to read the specs on the lights to know for sure. My kit uses a bayonet mount so I can use a great number of other manufactures accessories as they use the same mounting system. The bayonet mount is easily adapted.

As for w/s it depends on your space. My lights are 300w/s so my 2 lights combined are 600w/s which for me is more than enough light for everything I want to do. I hope to add a third light later this year just so I can be more creative in my setups.

The lights have a modeling light and flash tubes but the reason for the fan is to keep the capacitor cool. The capacitor stores the power until released during the flash. The longer the lights are in use the more heat that is generated.

12/28/2006 03:42:07 PM · #20

ok ... all good info to have ... my space is pretty limited ... I think it's about 12x18 or so (if I had to guess) ... low basement drop ceiling ...

so looking at the kit listed in my previous post ... what are your thoughts about it? I just don't want to waste $300 on a pile of crap ... the ebay seller says that he doesn't carry new flash tubes, but that they're 'industry standard' ... is there such a thing?

Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D

12/28/2006 03:56:17 PM · #21

Originally posted by pamelasue:

but that they're 'industry standard' ... is there such a thing?

NO. Some are 2 parts some are one. But the most important thing is that you can replace them yourself.

If I were you and had 300 to spend I would seriously consider getting one AlienBee 400 kit and start with that and add to it like Cindi did.

Louis

Nikon D800

12/28/2006 04:06:46 PM · #22

Originally posted by thegrandwazoo:

Originally posted by pamelasue:
but that they're 'industry standard' ... is there such a thing?

NO. Some are 2 parts some are one. But the most important thing is that you can replace them yourself.

If I were you and had 300 to spend I would seriously consider getting one AlienBee 400 kit and start with that and add to it like Cindi did.

What he said. AlienBees are excellent lights for the price, and come with a wide range of modifiers and accessories. I love their stuff.

Man_Called_Horse

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

12/28/2006 04:08:05 PM · #23

Originally posted by Spazmo99:

Ya know, if you put a quartz, or some sort of high end tungsten based globe inside a china ball, you better know what the f... you are doing. Usually in that configuration, a strengthended, reinforced 'harp' is required so the very hot quartz globe doesn't touch the paper. The harps that are provided really are not satisfactory.

In DPC land, I am assuming that the normal member would just use house hold globes from Home Depot. And, only the few that want to venture into other possible lights would know what the f... they are doing first.

12/28/2006 05:04:06 PM · #24

Originally posted by thegrandwazoo:

is one strobe enough to get started with? I have 3 of the cheapie Home Depot clamp lights that I stole from the garage ...that's what I've been trying to use ... albeit to very limited success considering the clamp factor ...