My first lighting kit any suggestion? at DVinfo.net

Kajito Nagib · May 13th, 2012, 08:10 AM

I'm going to pick up a few things over at B&H today just wanted to get everyone's input.
This setup will be used mostly for one person interview and some portrait stuff I'm doing as a key light. I also just want to be able to light things when needed.

Here's my list:
1. Avenger A630 light stand
2.Photoflex silverdome NXT softbox (not sure if I should get 24"X32" or 16"X22")
3.Photoflex speed ring for lowel tota light. (Not sure about which one to get maybe this?
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/310260-REG/Photoflex_VC_BL4002_Speed_Ring_for_Lowel.html )
4.Photoflex nylon grid
5.Photoflex heavy duty swivel mount with reversible stud
6.Lowel tota light 750W (should I get the one that comes with the front screen and adjustable reflecting door?)
7. Flexfill adjustable holder for collapsible reflectors (I already have a 42" reflector)
8.Impact D1000 (1000W) dimmer
9.Tota frame for 10X12 gels

My budget is under $900
Any suggestions would be appreciated thanks.

Les Wilson · May 13th, 2012, 12:57 PM

I use two of those 24x32 Photoflex Silverdome NXT/Lowel Tota combinations using that speed ring but with 500w bulbs. For safety, you want the metal screen on the Tota. Those softboxes are not as well made in the corners like a Chimera so they may not hold up to a lot of setup/strike cycles. But if you are handy, you can repair them with a better corner. I had to do that just assembling them the first time.

Lighting with egg crates (nylon grid) is wonderful for controlling spill. Especially in black void setups. I wish I had bit the bullet and forked out the money years ago.

As for size, the 24x32 covers a 6 foot person to their knees standing up at a distance of about 5 feet. FOr sit down interviews, I use a 16x24 Chimera and a RIfa 44EX (with 30 degree egg crate) that give me the waist shots I want. YMMV

Kajito Nagib · May 13th, 2012, 01:26 PM

I ended up getting the 16X22 with all the other components on my list it will be shipped this week. I think the tota I purchase comes with the protective metal screen but i'll check. Can you place the Tota frame with gels inside the softbox will it fit or is it to be used without the softbox? thanks:-)

Les Wilson · May 13th, 2012, 07:16 PM

I've never used a gel holder on a Tota. Those things have a lot of spill. In a softbox it's all fine as the spill is managed by the softbox.

May 13th, 2012, 08:10 AM	#1
Kajito Nagib Major Player Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: NYC Posts: 432	My first lighting kit any suggestion? I'm going to pick up a few things over at B&H today just wanted to get everyone's input. This setup will be used mostly for one person interview and some portrait stuff I'm doing as a key light. I also just want to be able to light things when needed. Here's my list: 1. Avenger A630 light stand 2.Photoflex silverdome NXT softbox (not sure if I should get 24"X32" or 16"X22") 3.Photoflex speed ring for lowel tota light. (Not sure about which one to get maybe this? http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/310260-REG/Photoflex_VC_BL4002_Speed_Ring_for_Lowel.html ) 4.Photoflex nylon grid 5.Photoflex heavy duty swivel mount with reversible stud 6.Lowel tota light 750W (should I get the one that comes with the front screen and adjustable reflecting door?) 7. Flexfill adjustable holder for collapsible reflectors (I already have a 42" reflector) 8.Impact D1000 (1000W) dimmer 9.Tota frame for 10X12 gels My budget is under $900 Any suggestions would be appreciated thanks. __________________ -kAj http://www.sweetproductionmedia.com/

May 13th, 2012, 12:57 PM	#2
Les Wilson Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Boca Raton, FL Posts: 3,014	Re: My first lighting kit any suggestion? I use two of those 24x32 Photoflex Silverdome NXT/Lowel Tota combinations using that speed ring but with 500w bulbs. For safety, you want the metal screen on the Tota. Those softboxes are not as well made in the corners like a Chimera so they may not hold up to a lot of setup/strike cycles. But if you are handy, you can repair them with a better corner. I had to do that just assembling them the first time. Lighting with egg crates (nylon grid) is wonderful for controlling spill. Especially in black void setups. I wish I had bit the bullet and forked out the money years ago. As for size, the 24x32 covers a 6 foot person to their knees standing up at a distance of about 5 feet. FOr sit down interviews, I use a 16x24 Chimera and a RIfa 44EX (with 30 degree egg crate) that give me the waist shots I want. YMMV

May 13th, 2012, 01:26 PM	#3
Kajito Nagib Major Player Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: NYC Posts: 432	Re: My first lighting kit any suggestion? I ended up getting the 16X22 with all the other components on my list it will be shipped this week. I think the tota I purchase comes with the protective metal screen but i'll check. Can you place the Tota frame with gels inside the softbox will it fit or is it to be used without the softbox? thanks:-) __________________ -kAj http://www.sweetproductionmedia.com/

May 13th, 2012, 07:16 PM	#4
Les Wilson Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Boca Raton, FL Posts: 3,014	Re: My first lighting kit any suggestion? I've never used a gel holder on a Tota. Those things have a lot of spill. In a softbox it's all fine as the spill is managed by the softbox.