Shall I order the Comer 1800 V2 ? at DVinfo.net

Chris Duczynski · July 30th, 2012, 06:31 PM

Seems to be one of the best all round on camera lights from what I've read. Easy to mount, dimmable, Sony batts, powerful and able to be shifted from 3200K to 4700K with the flip down orange filter.
Price seems Ok.

Brett Sherman · July 31st, 2012, 09:17 AM

I like the Comer for certain things. Backlight, podium light (in a pinch). But for on camera it's a little too powerful and too focused for me. Now if your subject is far away it would work well. If I have to use an on camera light (I don't usually), I would use my LED 312 ASZ. It's a softer source and color temperature is adjustable. And it's lighter with two of the small batteries. I also use it as an interview light with a 16" foldable softbox that I just hold on it with tension. I haven't figured out a way to get a softbox on the Comer. Since I got the 312 ASZ my Comer has rarely made it into my pack.

Chris Duczynski · July 31st, 2012, 05:24 PM

Damn...just ordered the Comer. I also use Sony 970 Batts so at least I'll get some value there.
The 312 looks like it may have been more suitable as a camera light at half the price.
Oh well, see how it goes. Thanks Brett

Bob Grant · August 5th, 2012, 12:26 AM

I'm very happy with the original 1800 on my EX1.
Weight for me is less of a problem as I power the light from the camera battery. If that's not an option I'd suggest the 950 rather than the 970 battery. The flipdown lens system to get a longer throw from the light is something I've used quite a lot, the extra flexibility that provides is a boon.
I do agree if it is the only light source then this light is perhaps too intense, I'm mainly using it for fill as there's always some light around or if not I use 2x Z96 LED lights with an eclectic collection of stands and grips "things". I have tried a small piece of opal gel held onto the barn doors to soften the 1800 and that seems to work OK. For a more professional look, 4x Velcro dots could be used to hold the gel on.

July 30th, 2012, 06:31 PM	#1
Chris Duczynski Major Player Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: sydney Posts: 304	Shall I order the Comer 1800 V2 ? Seems to be one of the best all round on camera lights from what I've read. Easy to mount, dimmable, Sony batts, powerful and able to be shifted from 3200K to 4700K with the flip down orange filter. Price seems Ok.

July 31st, 2012, 09:17 AM	#2
Brett Sherman Major Player Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Mount Rainier, MD Posts: 428	Re: Shall I order the Comer 1800 V2 ? I like the Comer for certain things. Backlight, podium light (in a pinch). But for on camera it's a little too powerful and too focused for me. Now if your subject is far away it would work well. If I have to use an on camera light (I don't usually), I would use my LED 312 ASZ. It's a softer source and color temperature is adjustable. And it's lighter with two of the small batteries. I also use it as an interview light with a 16" foldable softbox that I just hold on it with tension. I haven't figured out a way to get a softbox on the Comer. Since I got the 312 ASZ my Comer has rarely made it into my pack.

July 31st, 2012, 05:24 PM	#3
Chris Duczynski Major Player Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: sydney Posts: 304	Re: Shall I order the Comer 1800 V2 ? Damn...just ordered the Comer. I also use Sony 970 Batts so at least I'll get some value there. The 312 looks like it may have been more suitable as a camera light at half the price. Oh well, see how it goes. Thanks Brett

August 5th, 2012, 12:26 AM	#4
Bob Grant Trustee Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Sydney Australia Posts: 1,570	Re: Shall I order the Comer 1800 V2 ? I'm very happy with the original 1800 on my EX1. Weight for me is less of a problem as I power the light from the camera battery. If that's not an option I'd suggest the 950 rather than the 970 battery. The flipdown lens system to get a longer throw from the light is something I've used quite a lot, the extra flexibility that provides is a boon. I do agree if it is the only light source then this light is perhaps too intense, I'm mainly using it for fill as there's always some light around or if not I use 2x Z96 LED lights with an eclectic collection of stands and grips "things". I have tried a small piece of opal gel held onto the barn doors to soften the 1800 and that seems to work OK. For a more professional look, 4x Velcro dots could be used to hold the gel on.