Mixing wattage of CFL bulbs in softbox. at DVinfo.net

Harry Pallenberg · August 18th, 2012, 02:17 PM

Is there any reason to NOT mix 2 different wattage CFL bulbs in a multi socketed head - you know the cheap softbox kind that takes 6 bulbs and has 2 power switches so you can turn on 1 bank at a time? My thinking is that rather than have 2 options (half & full), I can have 3 options (3x30 watt, 3x85 watt and both).

The ballast is in the bulb so should not be an issue - right? Especially if bulbs are from same manufacture and have same temp & CRI?

Am I missing something?

Sample of multi socket head.. but there are dozens of them out there
Linco#PE9030 | Linco Flora Fluorescent Light Bank | Fluorescent Light Kits | lincostore.com

Ken Plotin · August 18th, 2012, 10:11 PM

As long as you don't exceed the voltage/amperage of the fixture, you should be OK.
Ken

Harry Pallenberg · August 20th, 2012, 09:27 AM

Seems like a missed advertising opportunity for just about EVERY single multi-bank seller out there. "Not 1, not 2, but 3 possible settings"....

Ken Plotin · August 20th, 2012, 10:40 AM

"But wait...there's more!"
You can have 2, count them 2 different color temperatures in the same fixture. 3 3200k bulbs and 3 5500k bulbs, each bank operated with it's own switch.

Ken

Tom Morrow · September 20th, 2012, 01:20 PM

I often run 2x85 plus 2x45 in the same fixture. The only disadvantage is you end up with a softbox that's physically larger to handle the heat of lights that you're not using.

August 18th, 2012, 02:17 PM	#1
Harry Pallenberg Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 122	Mixing wattage of CFL bulbs in softbox. Is there any reason to NOT mix 2 different wattage CFL bulbs in a multi socketed head - you know the cheap softbox kind that takes 6 bulbs and has 2 power switches so you can turn on 1 bank at a time? My thinking is that rather than have 2 options (half & full), I can have 3 options (3x30 watt, 3x85 watt and both). The ballast is in the bulb so should not be an issue - right? Especially if bulbs are from same manufacture and have same temp & CRI? Am I missing something? Sample of multi socket head.. but there are dozens of them out there Linco#PE9030 \| Linco Flora Fluorescent Light Bank \| Fluorescent Light Kits \| lincostore.com

August 18th, 2012, 10:11 PM	#2
Ken Plotin Major Player Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 254	Re: Mixing wattage of CFL bulbs in softbox. As long as you don't exceed the voltage/amperage of the fixture, you should be OK. Ken

August 20th, 2012, 09:27 AM	#3
Harry Pallenberg Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 122	Re: Mixing wattage of CFL bulbs in softbox. Seems like a missed advertising opportunity for just about EVERY single multi-bank seller out there. "Not 1, not 2, but 3 possible settings"....

August 20th, 2012, 10:40 AM	#4
Ken Plotin Major Player Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 254	Re: Mixing wattage of CFL bulbs in softbox. "But wait...there's more!" You can have 2, count them 2 different color temperatures in the same fixture. 3 3200k bulbs and 3 5500k bulbs, each bank operated with it's own switch. Ken

September 20th, 2012, 01:20 PM	#5
Tom Morrow Major Player Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 416	Re: Mixing wattage of CFL bulbs in softbox. I often run 2x85 plus 2x45 in the same fixture. The only disadvantage is you end up with a softbox that's physically larger to handle the heat of lights that you're not using.