Spider light TD5

[jkderby]

Any thoughts on these? Anyone have them?

[LANCE B.]

I've used the them for a few years, including a lot of travel for video work. They are tough and versatile. I like them a lot but I've also been very happy with my Interfit Monstar for product shots. It has a higher output and is half the price. I wouldn't travel with it like I would with the TD5, but the Monstar is a helluva bargain. This is assuming you don't need tungsten or flash. If you want that added versatility, the TD5 is the best thing going. The biggest weakness of the Monstar is the huge, fragile bulb. All three that shipped from B&H were broken. They offered to refund my money or contact Interfit for a replacement. Interfit immediately shipped three new bulbs without hesitation...overnight. Fanstastic customer service on their part.

[jkderby]

What do you mean by "If you want that added versatility, the TD5 is the best thing going." How would they work out for studio lighting?

[bondarnes]

The TPF search function can be very helpful. These lights have been discussed several times.

Pros: Inexpensive and you can see what you are getting

Cons: Not really as much light as there appears to be, so large f stop, slow shutter speed, and/or high ISO

http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum...tudio-dfw.html
http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum...-balanced.html
http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum...er-school.html
http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum...june-22nd.html
http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum...need-help.html

[LANCE B.]

Don is quite right about the output. They are great for product work but not for anything with movement. What I meant about the versatility is their ability to utilize tungsten, strobes, or daylight balanced fl tubes. I used them with both fl and tungsten to color match a 2000 watt Arri. Reliant Energy really appreciates that como, lol. If you are not doing product shots or video, avoid constant lights, imho.