V-Light vs Tota at DVinfo.net

Jim Andrada · November 30th, 2008, 10:31 PM

I was looking at Lowel's site and came across the V-Light. I'm wondering how it compares to a Tota. Obviously there are physical differences, but I'm more interested in so far as how the application of the two would differ.

For example, would one be better or worse than the other for lighting a green screen or other background?

Or are there oher areas where one would be superior to the other?

Or are they pretty much the same animal?

Dave Dodds · November 30th, 2008, 11:19 PM

I have a V-Light and I love it. It's the size of a Betacam tape and frankly, I never know when or how I'll use it. That said, the Tota is a great workhorse too. It's a bit more durable. When collapsed, it's "barn doors" fold over the lamp and everything's protected (unlike the V-Light). It's a perfect light for throwing in a bag on the go. And it can be lamped down, while I haven't found lower wattages for the V.

As for lighting a green screen, I don't really see how one or the other would be better for that sort of thing. The Tota can take up to a 750w lamp, and go as low as 300w. Do you need that sort of versatility? I don't know. Both are a broad, unfocusable light, which is the same animal (sort of).

~~Dave

Jim Andrada · November 30th, 2008, 11:30 PM

Dave,

Thanks much. That helps.

David W. Jones · December 1st, 2008, 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Dodds

The Tota can take up to a 750w lamp, and go as low as 300w.
~~Dave

The Tota can be lamped as a 1K.

Dave Dodds · December 1st, 2008, 10:16 AM

There's a 650w bulb for the Tota that puts out the equivalent light of a 1k. As for an actual 1k lamp, Lowel is very clear about not putting anything above 750w (or 800w in PAL land) in the Tota. That special 650w (FCM, I believe) is awesome, though. If you get a Tota, get some of these.

Good luck.

~~Dave

Bill Pryor · December 1st, 2008, 08:14 PM

I've used Totas before for lightng a green screen. In fact, that's about the only time I've ever used them direct. Usually they are bounced off umbrellas. I thought the V-light only worked with a 500 watt bulb. Their only advantage, I think, is that they are so small and light. But so are Totas.

David W. Jones · December 1st, 2008, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Dodds

There's a 650w bulb for the Tota that puts out the equivalent light of a 1k. As for an actual 1k lamp, Lowel is very clear about not putting anything above 750w (or 800w in PAL land) in the Tota. That special 650w (FCM, I believe) is awesome, though. If you get a Tota, get some of these.

Good luck.

~~Dave

I have probably a half dozen or so Totas in my kit.
The only time I usually use them is lamped as a 1k in a medium soft box with a grid or honeycomb.
If I remember right, the lamp code for the 1K is "FHM"
Just make sure to use the chicken wire protector over the face.

By the way, neither the V-Light nor the Tota would be at the top of my list for green screen or background lighting.

Good Luck!

Jim Andrada · December 1st, 2008, 09:30 PM

David,

Thanks for the comment. What would be your favorite and would it be different (or not) if portability were a big piece of the requirement?

Steve Oakley · December 2nd, 2008, 02:35 PM

I've used 1K's in tota's. the problem is if you turn on the light with the barndoors closed, it will melt the aluminum reflectors very fast. I've not done that, but I had some PA's handle the light and do it. :( like the label says, for professional use only.

that said, its not a very useful light. I haven't used mine in years. they are ok for stuff like dumping light into a background at night, but even there, a 1K mole is the preffered fixture. you can also use them as cheap cyc lights, or inside a softwbox. however, given that you need to burn the bulb in the level horizontal position or risk bulb explosion, its again, not a light for use by anyone who doesn't really understand proper handling of it.

one place they work ok is in a space light, where you mount 5 or 6 1K's into a frame, and hang it over head shooting into a 8X8 with a skirt, but of course you need a grid or speed rail and big stands to rig that.

overall, not really a very useful light

November 30th, 2008, 10:31 PM	#1
Jim Andrada Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Tucson AZ Posts: 2,211	V-Light vs Tota I was looking at Lowel's site and came across the V-Light. I'm wondering how it compares to a Tota. Obviously there are physical differences, but I'm more interested in so far as how the application of the two would differ. For example, would one be better or worse than the other for lighting a green screen or other background? Or are there oher areas where one would be superior to the other? Or are they pretty much the same animal?

November 30th, 2008, 11:19 PM	#2
Dave Dodds Major Player Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: New York Posts: 204	I have a V-Light and I love it. It's the size of a Betacam tape and frankly, I never know when or how I'll use it. That said, the Tota is a great workhorse too. It's a bit more durable. When collapsed, it's "barn doors" fold over the lamp and everything's protected (unlike the V-Light). It's a perfect light for throwing in a bag on the go. And it can be lamped down, while I haven't found lower wattages for the V. As for lighting a green screen, I don't really see how one or the other would be better for that sort of thing. The Tota can take up to a 750w lamp, and go as low as 300w. Do you need that sort of versatility? I don't know. Both are a broad, unfocusable light, which is the same animal (sort of). ~~Dave

November 30th, 2008, 11:30 PM	#3
Jim Andrada Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Tucson AZ Posts: 2,211	Dave, Thanks much. That helps.

December 1st, 2008, 10:16 AM	#5
Dave Dodds Major Player Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: New York Posts: 204	There's a 650w bulb for the Tota that puts out the equivalent light of a 1k. As for an actual 1k lamp, Lowel is very clear about not putting anything above 750w (or 800w in PAL land) in the Tota. That special 650w (FCM, I believe) is awesome, though. If you get a Tota, get some of these. Good luck. ~~Dave

December 1st, 2008, 08:14 PM	#6
Bill Pryor Contributor Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 4,449	I've used Totas before for lightng a green screen. In fact, that's about the only time I've ever used them direct. Usually they are bounced off umbrellas. I thought the V-light only worked with a 500 watt bulb. Their only advantage, I think, is that they are so small and light. But so are Totas.

December 1st, 2008, 09:30 PM	#8
Jim Andrada Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Tucson AZ Posts: 2,211	David, Thanks for the comment. What would be your favorite and would it be different (or not) if portability were a big piece of the requirement?

December 2nd, 2008, 02:35 PM	#9
Steve Oakley Trustee Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: United States Posts: 1,158	I've used 1K's in tota's. the problem is if you turn on the light with the barndoors closed, it will melt the aluminum reflectors very fast. I've not done that, but I had some PA's handle the light and do it. :( like the label says, for professional use only. that said, its not a very useful light. I haven't used mine in years. they are ok for stuff like dumping light into a background at night, but even there, a 1K mole is the preffered fixture. you can also use them as cheap cyc lights, or inside a softwbox. however, given that you need to burn the bulb in the level horizontal position or risk bulb explosion, its again, not a light for use by anyone who doesn't really understand proper handling of it. one place they work ok is in a space light, where you mount 5 or 6 1K's into a frame, and hang it over head shooting into a 8X8 with a skirt, but of course you need a grid or speed rail and big stands to rig that. overall, not really a very useful light