Battery-powered lighting? - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

05/26/2006 05:30:59 PM · #1

I searched, probably missed it, but couldn't find what I was after. Maybe there isn't even any such thing, but with this ingenious bunch, I doubt that :)

My equipment budget is basically nil, as is my knowledge of lighting.
What I have in mind is some of those big square shop lights rigged to hook up to batteries. Would that work, both photographically and technically? How would I do it? Car batteries? I know nuffink... sighhhhh...... Please explain as to a child. :)

scalvert

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

05/26/2006 05:37:46 PM · #2

Batteries are generally used for strobe lights (see Steinar's current winner), and they're not cheap... several hundred dollars in most cases. Shop lights run continuously and would draw too much juice (I think)- you'd have to use a generator for that. Depending on how much power the lights draw, you might be able to use an inverter plugged into an outlet in your car, though.

Message edited by author 2006-05-26 17:38:32.

fotomann_forever

05/26/2006 05:38:01 PM · #3

You'd need car batteries and a power inverter large enough to handle the power consumption of the lights.

I'm relatively sure that with one car battery on one 500 watt halogen, your battery life would be pretty short though. And a power inverter large enough to handle that kind of power consumption would be pretty hefty in price.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM

05/26/2006 05:38:27 PM · #4

Yeah, you could use shops lights, a car battery (or several) and an inverter to use them on the go.

The a 1500-2000 watt inverter should be able to power 2 500 watt lights. You can find inverters at some auto part stores, home improvement places, marine/RV stores, etc. Just make sure its continuous output (not peak) is over the combined wattage of your lights...

If you want more info you can PM me and I'll help you out as best I can.

Dave

hsteg

Fujifilm X-T20

05/26/2006 05:38:53 PM · #5

get some vivitar 285's or something similar.

05/26/2006 05:47:15 PM · #6

Me again...

An inverter like THIS
from Harbor Freight would be fine for your needs.

You could power it from a single battery, though you'd probably want to keep your run time under 20-30 minutes. If you use it with your car you can have it run off the alternator while the engine is running and the batter when its not.

Make sure not to run your battery down to much or you may be SOL when you go to start the car.

I used to use an inverter like this on my boat to power the whole electrical system, but that was with a bank of 8 batteries with solar charging so slightly different beast, but it definitly works.

05/26/2006 05:47:40 PM · #7

Reason I was asking is because we found a great abandoned building that would be perfect for shooting in. I only have P&S so that limits what I can do flashwise, so wondered about floods and spots. There's definitely no power source nearby and anything would have to fit in my car.
Thanks for the help, all :D Looks like I'll have to go with LOTS of various-sized flashlights, eh? )

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5- 5.6G ED DX

05/26/2006 05:49:07 PM · #8

Count, thank you :D Our posts everlapped. I'll search around for something like that :)

Rebecca

Nikon D80

05/26/2006 05:53:08 PM · #9

Originally posted by BeeCee:

portable generator?

05/26/2006 05:58:23 PM · #10

Originally posted by karmabreeze:

Originally posted by BeeCee:
Reason I was asking is because we found a great abandoned building that would be perfect for shooting in. I only have P&S so that limits what I can do flashwise, so wondered about floods and spots. There's definitely no power source nearby and anything would have to fit in my car.
Thanks for the help, all :D Looks like I'll have to go with LOTS of various-sized flashlights, eh? )

portable generator?

Too expensive, won't fit in the car with everything else, dammit :( (At least any I've found.) Would be the perfect solution otherwise.

edit to add: Just checked out generators and inverters on Canadian Tire site... Flashlights it is!!! 1200watt inverter, $200, generator $450. Wayyy beyond my budget of $1.27 CAD ;) But thanks everyone for your help :D

Message edited by author 2006-05-26 18:04:11.

05/26/2006 06:04:13 PM · #11

Originally posted by BeeCee:

Originally posted by karmabreeze:

Originally posted by BeeCee:
Reason I was asking is because we found a great abandoned building that would be perfect for shooting in. I only have P&S so that limits what I can do flashwise, so wondered about floods and spots. There's definitely no power source nearby and anything would have to fit in my car.
Thanks for the help, all :D Looks like I'll have to go with LOTS of various-sized flashlights, eh? )

portable generator?

Too expensive, won't fit in the car with everything else, dammit :( (At least any I've found.) Would be the perfect solution otherwise.

Used to use one of THESE
generators on the boat (well, mine was the 2000 watt) and they're great. They are more expensive than the other solution though, 1000W isn't quite enough juice, and the 2000W is to heavy to lug around far. I'd stick with the inverter hooked up to the car (wire it in though, don't use it though the cigarette lighter with that much wattage!) and use a 100' extension cord for your lights (if you can get the car that close to your shoot location), use 2 cords if nessisary but check them frequently to make sure they aren't getting hot (the cords).

05/26/2006 06:06:30 PM · #12

Thanks so much! Now that I know what I need I can keep a watch out for second-hand and such. Eventually I'll find something, I'm sure. I just had no idea what I was even looking for!

fotomann_forever

05/26/2006 06:19:26 PM · #13

BeeCee, you might consider some of these Slave Flashes. They'll fire when they see your onboard flash fire. Might be an affordable solution for you.

05/26/2006 06:20:26 PM · #14

Ok BeeCee, one last solution for you, cheapest one yet...

Goto HomeDepot (or similar store) and get one of the:

HUSKY Jumpstarter System : Model HSK037HD
(its a battery, and 400W inverter, and car jumpstarter all in one little package)

for under a hundred bucks. You'll have to use smaller lights than big shop ones (maybe 2 200W lights) but its cheap, light(ish), and easy. Plus its nice to keep in the trunk for emergencies!

edited to fix the link that didn't work. You can search the site for the item and see what I'm talking about I guess... sigh.

Message edited by author 2006-05-26 18:28:00.