Transporting LED lights? at DVinfo.net

Evan Bourcier · August 28th, 2012, 02:53 PM

How do you guys transport your lights? I just bought a 500 LED ePhoto light which I like, but is kinda a pain to move... right now I have it wrapped in foam in a backpack, but I feel like there must be a better solution, especially when I buy another one. Any recommendations? I guess I could just get a pelican case or something, but that's kinda pricey...

Thanks,
Evan

Allan Black · August 28th, 2012, 05:38 PM

Kinda tough if you're a solo shooter. You're probably doing the best now .. if you're going to night locations, park as close as you can get to the scene
and carry the items indoors.

Just remember to lock the car each time, so we don't read another sad thread. Get the client to help.

Cheers.

Oren Arieli · August 28th, 2012, 07:59 PM

Depending on the dimensions, you might be able to repurpose a rolling catalog case. I bought one for $30 at Marshalls/Ross years ago and it served as a great stealth transport for an XH-A1 with enough room for accessories. Bonus...it has locks, a long handle, and doesn't scream 'steal me'.

Dan Herrmann · August 28th, 2012, 08:41 PM

Not sure how your light compare to liepanels. Our litepanels came with a case that fits the panels perfectly and we carry it on when we fly. In fact all lite panel sets come with a carrying case.
Noe some of the other units I see have dimensions that would not be suitabbut easye for these cases.
I would either use a large computer carry on bag or if your units are large purchase a hard cover carryon bag and of course use some foam to cover all sides.
LED's, the real ones, are an expensive easy set up for eng work or three way interview lighting. but if you travel like we do the intial investment has to take that into consideration.
What is the lifetime value of your purchase- if you need to replace your lights because of poor traveling equipment you will always go back and think if I only bought litepanels to start with I would be saving money

Evan Bourcier · August 29th, 2012, 11:31 AM

Hmm ok thanks guys. I mainly am just looking for something to put the light into to keep it safe while it's in my trunk, not getting smashed by other gear. Does anyone know of a place that sells foam pelican case style inserts for regular suitcases? I imagine I could get a big one cheap at marshalls, then put foam in it and have it hold all my lighting gear. Doesn't need to be an expensive hard case...

Don Bloom · August 29th, 2012, 02:25 PM

Costco and other similar stores have very nice hard shell rolling suitcases for a pretty reasonable price. Foam in various sizes can be gotten at pretty much any large fabric store. Over the years I've bought lots of foam at Hancock Fabrics and while it's tempting to buy it online, I prefer to go into the store. This way I can look and feel the foam so I know if it's the right stuff.

Tom Morrow · September 20th, 2012, 04:53 PM

Costco sells a rubbermaid black plastic box, made for sporting goods, which just perfectly fits three of the LED 1200 panels that I bought from ephotoinc.

Tom Morrow · September 20th, 2012, 04:55 PM

Oh, and costco also sells a folding dolly which lets me roll that box of LED lights with a bunch of stands laying on top, from car to location.

August 28th, 2012, 02:53 PM	#1
Evan Bourcier Major Player Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Mashpee, MA Posts: 251	Transporting LED lights? How do you guys transport your lights? I just bought a 500 LED ePhoto light which I like, but is kinda a pain to move... right now I have it wrapped in foam in a backpack, but I feel like there must be a better solution, especially when I buy another one. Any recommendations? I guess I could just get a pelican case or something, but that's kinda pricey... Thanks, Evan __________________ DSLR Photographer/Videographer from Massachusetts Portfolio at http://ebourcier.com

August 28th, 2012, 05:38 PM	#2
Allan Black Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Sydney. Posts: 2,930	Re: Transporting LED lights? Kinda tough if you're a solo shooter. You're probably doing the best now .. if you're going to night locations, park as close as you can get to the scene and carry the items indoors. Just remember to lock the car each time, so we don't read another sad thread. Get the client to help. Cheers. __________________ Drink more tap water. On admission at Sydney hospitals more than 5% of day patients are de-hydrated.

August 28th, 2012, 07:59 PM	#3
Oren Arieli Major Player Join Date: May 2007 Location: San Jose, California Posts: 919	Re: Transporting LED lights? Depending on the dimensions, you might be able to repurpose a rolling catalog case. I bought one for $30 at Marshalls/Ross years ago and it served as a great stealth transport for an XH-A1 with enough room for accessories. Bonus...it has locks, a long handle, and doesn't scream 'steal me'.

August 28th, 2012, 08:41 PM	#4
Dan Herrmann Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: villa park CA Posts: 81	Re: Transporting LED lights? Not sure how your light compare to liepanels. Our litepanels came with a case that fits the panels perfectly and we carry it on when we fly. In fact all lite panel sets come with a carrying case. Noe some of the other units I see have dimensions that would not be suitabbut easye for these cases. I would either use a large computer carry on bag or if your units are large purchase a hard cover carryon bag and of course use some foam to cover all sides. LED's, the real ones, are an expensive easy set up for eng work or three way interview lighting. but if you travel like we do the intial investment has to take that into consideration. What is the lifetime value of your purchase- if you need to replace your lights because of poor traveling equipment you will always go back and think if I only bought litepanels to start with I would be saving money

August 29th, 2012, 11:31 AM	#5
Evan Bourcier Major Player Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Mashpee, MA Posts: 251	Re: Transporting LED lights? Hmm ok thanks guys. I mainly am just looking for something to put the light into to keep it safe while it's in my trunk, not getting smashed by other gear. Does anyone know of a place that sells foam pelican case style inserts for regular suitcases? I imagine I could get a big one cheap at marshalls, then put foam in it and have it hold all my lighting gear. Doesn't need to be an expensive hard case... __________________ DSLR Photographer/Videographer from Massachusetts Portfolio at http://ebourcier.com

August 29th, 2012, 02:25 PM	#6
Don Bloom Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,609	Re: Transporting LED lights? Costco and other similar stores have very nice hard shell rolling suitcases for a pretty reasonable price. Foam in various sizes can be gotten at pretty much any large fabric store. Over the years I've bought lots of foam at Hancock Fabrics and while it's tempting to buy it online, I prefer to go into the store. This way I can look and feel the foam so I know if it's the right stuff. __________________ What do I know? I'm just a video-O-grafer. Don

September 20th, 2012, 04:53 PM	#7
Tom Morrow Major Player Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 416	Re: Transporting LED lights? Costco sells a rubbermaid black plastic box, made for sporting goods, which just perfectly fits three of the LED 1200 panels that I bought from ephotoinc.

September 20th, 2012, 04:55 PM	#8
Tom Morrow Major Player Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 416	Re: Transporting LED lights? Oh, and costco also sells a folding dolly which lets me roll that box of LED lights with a bunch of stands laying on top, from car to location.