I'm in the market for a lighting kit. At least four lights one of which being a softbox. I've used Altmans, Lowells, and Arris before. Does anyone have any opinions on the Desisti line. They have a ton of kits on B&H that look interesting. Any info is appreciated.

Thanks

Greg-

What’s the budget? I personally own Arri’s, K5600 Jokers, Various Chimera bank’s and light shaping accessories. I’ve never worked with Desisti before, but I would guess they are pretty comparable to Arri. I would also checkout Strand Lighting, I remember hearing good things about them from the grips and lighting techs at Vincent’s Lighting.

If you want new gear then I would get this and some fabric grids-

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/102962-REG/Arri_571884_Softbank_I_Tungsten_4.html


Also, checkout Ebay for used Arri’s. Personally, I would just piece together a nice kit for cheap.

-John

All those manufacturers make open face, fresnels, and HMIs. What are you looking for?

That open face Desisti set of orange lights looks exactly like the Ianiro Redheads, which are almost impossible to find in the U.S. I wonder if they are the same or a Chinese knockoff. I've always thought Redheads are the best open face lights.

I used a set of Altman fresnels for several years, two 650s and two 300s, and I liked them better than the equivalent Arri kit, though they are virtually identical. I thought the stands were a bit better. If you want a softbox, then one of your lights probably should be an open face 1K. Arri sells a nice kid consisting of an open face 1K with softbox, speedring and all, a 650 and two 300 fresnels. And I'm sure you can get similar packages from others.

try this site. i have several and love them. The owner richard is a member of dvinfo site

ken johnson

https://www.coollights.biz

He has excellent prices on fluorescents and HMIs too. And his tungsten fresnels look just like my old Altmans.

Wow, I just checked out coollights. That 575w Par looks like its gonna be a steal for only $1800! I may pick up a few when they come in.

-John

Hi Greg:

I have a DeSisti Monet fresnel. I have had it for a number of years. It's a decent light, built well and it was significantly cheaper than my Arris or Moles.

If I needed a single light, I would consider one but if you need a full kit or package, IMHO, the best ones available are the Arris. Even the Moles, while I have a few Moles and love the lights themselves, I prefer the Arri kits to the Mole kits. The Arris are lighter, slightly less clunky and cool down quicker than my Moles.

Moles are "old school" lights, love them and if I had a grip truck, it would have mostly Moles but since I often find myself lugging my kit through airports, up stairways, etc. the Arri kits get the nod as easiest to use while still built fairly well.

Best,

Dan

I'll also vouch personally for Richard Andrewski and his Cool Lights. I have a set of flourescents as well as their CDM-150's. The great thing about the CDM's is that they have the output of a 650w tungsten while having the power draw and heat characteristics of a 150w tungsten in addition to having much longer bulb lifespans. Also, they can be configured for either tungsten or daylight color temps. Richard has a bunch of new CDM and LED designs he is planning on releasing some time this year. High quality products, great price and awesome customer service...