Continuous lights - options

[Kalrog]

I picked up a used set of continuous lights and have used them a couple of times to pretty good effect. There are a couple of things about them that I really like over strobes - although I will probably head the strobes route at some point in the future. Until I do that though, the two biggest thing that is causing problems for me right now are:

1) The short life of the bulbs.
2) The yellow color temp.

I am using incandescent bulbs (of the kind that came with the kit). Are there other options out there in the 500+ watt (equiv) range? I do want them bright, but I would prefer that they be whiter and last longer.

[Daniel W.]

Not sure what brand, but using Osram bulbs in Lowel Omni's I've gone over a year (that's probably 10-12 2-3hr interviews). Maybe a wattage difference in the bulbs vs. fixture that's causing a premature burnout?

The color temp should easily be overcome with a custom WB (easiest option) or if you're mixing sources, CTB (color temperature blue) gels will take the incandescent and cool it down more towards daylight temp. You can also use a dichroic glass, unlike gels they let more light through and don't wear through time / use (but the cost makes them less attractive.)

[bondarnes]

Originally Posted by Kalrog

I picked up a used set of continuous lights and have used them a couple of times to pretty good effect. There are a couple of things about them that I really like over strobes - although I will probably head the strobes route at some point in the future. Until I do that though, the two biggest thing that is causing problems for me right now are:

1) The short life of the bulbs.
2) The yellow color temp.

I am using incandescent bulbs (of the kind that came with the kit). Are there other options out there in the 500+ watt (equiv) range? I do want them bright, but I would prefer that they be whiter and last longer.

You are probably using photoflood bulbs. Six to ten hours is their usual lifespan, however they maintain color consistency over their short life. They are also available in a 250 watt size and also in daylight blue.

If you shoot in RAW it is easy to correct the color with your RAW conversion software. If you shoot jpeg you need to set the camera white balance to incandescent or set a custom white bablnce.

[Kalrog]

I am using the photoflood bulbs - but Precision had some that were 60 hours for their 500w and 20 hours for their 250w (rated of course) instead of the 6 hour that I was used to. For only an extra buck. SOLD! Now let's see if they really work that long.

The CWB thing is something that I usually do. The issue really is when the lights don't overpower all the other lights like in our wide open living room at 2pm. Huge wall of windows is great, except when doing this type of thing. Which is why I was hoping for a more "daylight white".

Kalrog added 2 Minutes and 16 Seconds later...Double Post Merged Below

And y'all rock - thanks!

[bondarnes]

In that case definitely track down some daylight blue Photofloods, but you are now back to six to ten hour lifespan.

[Kalrog]

I don't mind having 2 sets... That helps a bunch. Thanks!

[brad]

Here is a light that I built for myself last year.. still use it pretty regularly..

Some posts from my blog at http://bradbarton.us :

http://bradbarton.us/?p=920
http://bradbarton.us/?p=922