Wedding Lighting

Travis Cossel · May 15th, 2008, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Renton Maclachlan

Any thoughts on this apparently new light?

http://www.simaproducts.com/products...product_id=614

My initial thoughts ...

I don't like having a "battery pack" that has to be charged. With the Litepanels Micro, you use AA batteries, which makes it easy to shoot all day (like at a wedding).

There is no mention of dimmability, and no mention of what the current color temperature of the LED's is.

No cost listed yet either, so it's hard to judge by comparison with other lights.

EDIT: Nevermind, found the light on B&H. $70. Not bad, but I don't think I would want a light without dimmability.

Renton Maclachlan · May 15th, 2008, 08:32 PM

Apparently they can be got for around about $us30. Nope, no dimmer - pity. Not sure if the battery is interchangable with AA's. Think I read somewhere the light is 6000k.

If it was $30, that is 1/10th the cost of the micro! Not something to sneeze at.

And you can stack them side by side with their unique connecting system so you can have more than one all connected together if you want. Seems like a smart idea.

Litepanels should cut their price - or let's hope some real competition is available soon. This one is part way there.

Don Bloom · May 15th, 2008, 08:41 PM

Yeah I have to agree with Travis. I've used lights that need the battery belt (I am in pain just thinking about it), lights that use a battery on the back of it, lights that run off the camera battery (AB on fullsize-loved it-except for the weight of the rig, I got older)

My lightpanel goes for at least 4 hours with the rechargeable AAs I got for it. 2 sets and a charger for under $30. They're 2200MaH and only twice so far have I had to change batteries during a reception and then only as a precaution later on in the night.

BTW there is a cable that WILL go from the Litepanel to a cig adapter battery-didn't see it at BH but I think it was listed at Litepanel site (or maybe it was BH.) Anyway it was under $15 and can be a backup alternative!?

That light never comes off the camera-turn it face down and it fits in the bag like butter! Costly yes, not the highest quality of construction as has been noted before BUT here's what I believe.
A piece of gear or anything we buy in life is only too expensive if it DOESN'T work. I love my litepanel Micro. ;-)

Don

Renton Maclachlan · May 15th, 2008, 09:16 PM

I didn't see any comment about a battery belt. I've been thinking the lithium Ion battery goes in the light, or is integrated into it.

Travis Cossel · May 15th, 2008, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Renton Maclachlan

Apparently they can be got for around about $us30. Nope, no dimmer - pity. Not sure if the battery is interchangable with AA's. Think I read somewhere the light is 6000k.

If it was $30, that is 1/10th the cost of the micro! Not something to sneeze at.

And you can stack them side by side with their unique connecting system so you can have more than one all connected together if you want. Seems like a smart idea.

Litepanels should cut their price - or let's hope some real competition is available soon. This one is part way there.

It's definitely a lot less than the Micro, but it also lacks some of the better features that the Micro offers (dimmability, longer battery run-time). A videographer would have to decide if those options are critical to their work or not. For me, with weddings, I definitely need a dimmer and the longer run-time. Add to that the lack of color shift with dimming, the filter options, and the fact that I can get replacement batteries at any convenience store in the event I ever needed to, and I'm sold on paying more for the Micro.

Don Bloom · May 16th, 2008, 04:56 AM

I looked at their website again and it would appear the battery is integrated into the unit and is not replaceable (at least not easily)-hence they include the AC charger. It runs 45 to 60 minutes per the website. OK here's the thing though, it says and I'll quote so I don't mis-speak "- Effective distance - approximately 15 - 25’ "
They lost me there. The Litepanel, even my AB Ultralight with NO diffusion and a 35W bulb is hard pressed to cover 15 to 25 feet with a 50W bulb yeah, with a 75W, you bet.
Personally for me you get what you pay for and pay for what you get.
It's like the $2.00 cresent wrench. Guy goes to the store and buys a wrench for $2.00-goes home tries to use it, scrapes his knuckles and the wrench breaks. Goes and gets another one, a good one, spends $10.00 on it, goes home works like a champ-does the job. Now he's got $12.00 invested in a $10.00 wrench. Again it's only to expensive if it doesn't work.
I don't like buying the same thing over and over again and it appears with the light in question you need more than 1 due to the run time. IF the price is what they say, yes it's less money but is it really worth it to have to plan your shooting around the run time of the battery of the light?
Your money, your choice.

Don

Renton Maclachlan · May 16th, 2008, 05:36 AM

Don't get me wrong, I like the features of the micro, but I don't like the cost, so will hang fire until there are more such items in the market which will inevitably bring the costs down. While it would be nice to have something like this now, I can wait.

Andrew McWeeny · May 16th, 2008, 12:31 PM

I've been using 12v / 7.2AH sealed battery packs with a Varilux light for the past several years. Love the light but I'm fed up with the weight and the wire.

Just got my Litepanels Micro! I'll be using 2650Mha 'AA' batteries and looking forward to trying it at a wedding next weekend.

For those who own a Micro, any tips on how you use the color filters?

Travis Cossel · May 16th, 2008, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew McWeeny

I've been using 12v / 7.2AH sealed battery packs with a Varilux light for the past several years. Love the light but I'm fed up with the weight and the wire.

Just got my Litepanels Micro! I'll be using 2650Mha 'AA' batteries and looking forward to trying it at a wedding next weekend.

For those who own a Micro, any tips on how you use the color filters?

I'll be using mine on the job for the first time tomorrow. I can't wait.

As for filter tips, what do you mean? Keeping the filters in or when to use them?

Don Bloom · May 16th, 2008, 03:05 PM

I ALWAYS have the diffusion and 1/4 warm filter in place when shooting indoors. Without the warm filter IMO it's a bit to cold looking. The diffusion does just what the name implies. Otherwise (again IMO) the light is a bit harsh. I have used it outside for some detail stuff and I pull the filter holder out of the way since the bare light is about 5600K and it fills nicely but only to with in about 4 maybe 5 feet. Of course past that I can't think of any on camera type light that will fill anyway. Well maybe an AB with a 75W bulb or a 100W Frezzi.

Those 2 filters are always in place and I use a little strip of gaff tape to hold them there. Works just fine.

Oh yeah remember to WB with the filters in place otherwise the footage might get ugly ;-)

Don

Nick Avdienko · May 27th, 2008, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Travis Cossel

I'll be using mine on the job for the first time tomorrow. I can't wait.

As for filter tips, what do you mean? Keeping the filters in or when to use them?

Hi Travis - how did the Litepanels work for you? Thinking about getting one.

Travis Cossel · May 27th, 2008, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick Avdienko

Hi Travis - how did the Litepanels work for you? Thinking about getting one.

Can't really say just yet. The wedding reception ended up being mostly outdoors on a bright sunny evening, so the light was necessary. This weekend's wedding will probably be a better test.

I will say that it seems like a decent enough light. One of the battery holders isn't set quite right in my unit, but when I put the battery door on it forces the battery into place and it works just fine. I think for the price they should have provided better construction, but considering the newness of the technology and the size, weight, and dimmability, it's not a bad deal really.

Travis Cossel · June 2nd, 2008, 01:42 AM

I shot my 2nd wedding this weekend with the Micro. I love not having a battery pack and love that the light doesn't get hot.

However, I nearly lost my diffusion filer during the preps. It just fell out at some point. I know you can rig the filter holder with tape, but for a $300 light it should have a better design. One of my batteries also won't stay in its slot, but closing the battery door locks it in place. Again, for a $300 light the construction is not that impressive. I also found that adjust the angle on the light was a bit of a pain, and I felt like I had to be very careful so as to not break the light off. Once again ... $300 light.

As for the light's performance. It seemed to work pretty well. I found it to work best when the subject was within 5 feet. Beyond 5 feet the difference that the light made didn't seem to be all that much.

I did also notice that turning the dimming/on/off knob does nothing for the first 25% or so of the turn, then I get low to full light in the middle 50%, and the final 25% of the knob turn again does nothing. Is this normal???

Overall, I'm fairly happy with the light. I'm conflicted only by the fact that it costs $300 but feels like a light that should cost $150 or maybe less. I'm quite concerned that something is going to break before I get my $300 of use out of it.

Deniz Ahmet · June 2nd, 2008, 04:59 AM

LED bulds are not all the same. Quality bulbs that have the correct temp for daylight matching are expensive.

I obtained the Litepanel Micro months ago and there really is no substitute. No heat, long run time, lifespan, weight, ability to dim, filters etc.

Construction does feel cheap yes , but producing a light weight unit was one of the key sales points for this item, hence the plastic.

My only complaints are:

Light pattern is circular (you expect it to be square) So for widescreen filming it does not fill the frame zoomed out.

Battery life is hard to guess, It goes for hours but there's a specific point where the light output drops in intensity, and can catch you unaware if filming. Always use newly charged batteries, or better still non-rechargeable ones.

Filter holder is poor design. Lfit the flap and the filter always falls out. I never use it anyway mind.

Ultimately, it's main purpose is to lift shadows on faces, don't expect it to light a room. Keep within 3m of your subject.

Don Bloom · June 2nd, 2008, 05:16 AM

for the filter problem, take a small strip of gaff tape andplace it on the top of the filter when it's in place-I then place the 1/4 warm over that -problem solved. Those 2 filters never leave the lite. If I don't need them I lift the filter gate up. The only time I need that is outside.

As for the batteries, I use 2200MaH rechargables and seem to get about 4 hours per set-alkalines give about 1 1/2 hours. Your choice but rechargables make more sense to me.

As for the circular pattern I have only noticed it at a distance of about 10 feet or more and frankly I don't worry about it, anymore than I worry that the light is only good for a distance of 10 to 12 feet past that and there ain't a light out there that's going to cover without totally blinding the people, and finally for the batteries that don't stay in. LP listed a simple fix that THEY were doing on the first production batch which I did and haven't had a battery fall out since. Move the contact use a drop of crazy glue, move the contact back to where it belongs and PRESTO! Problem fixed.

Remember you have to know the limitations of any piece of gear and use it within those limitations.

I love my LP-Micro.

Don

May 16th, 2008, 03:05 PM	#40
Don Bloom Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,609	I ALWAYS have the diffusion and 1/4 warm filter in place when shooting indoors. Without the warm filter IMO it's a bit to cold looking. The diffusion does just what the name implies. Otherwise (again IMO) the light is a bit harsh. I have used it outside for some detail stuff and I pull the filter holder out of the way since the bare light is about 5600K and it fills nicely but only to with in about 4 maybe 5 feet. Of course past that I can't think of any on camera type light that will fill anyway. Well maybe an AB with a 75W bulb or a 100W Frezzi. Those 2 filters are always in place and I use a little strip of gaff tape to hold them there. Works just fine. Oh yeah remember to WB with the filters in place otherwise the footage might get ugly ;-) Don Last edited by Don Bloom; May 16th, 2008 at 03:06 PM. Reason: forgot to add

June 2nd, 2008, 01:42 AM	#43
Travis Cossel Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 2,933	I shot my 2nd wedding this weekend with the Micro. I love not having a battery pack and love that the light doesn't get hot. However, I nearly lost my diffusion filer during the preps. It just fell out at some point. I know you can rig the filter holder with tape, but for a $300 light it should have a better design. One of my batteries also won't stay in its slot, but closing the battery door locks it in place. Again, for a $300 light the construction is not that impressive. I also found that adjust the angle on the light was a bit of a pain, and I felt like I had to be very careful so as to not break the light off. Once again ... $300 light. As for the light's performance. It seemed to work pretty well. I found it to work best when the subject was within 5 feet. Beyond 5 feet the difference that the light made didn't seem to be all that much. I did also notice that turning the dimming/on/off knob does nothing for the first 25% or so of the turn, then I get low to full light in the middle 50%, and the final 25% of the knob turn again does nothing. Is this normal??? Overall, I'm fairly happy with the light. I'm conflicted only by the fact that it costs $300 but feels like a light that should cost $150 or maybe less. I'm quite concerned that something is going to break before I get my $300 of use out of it. __________________ Black Label Films www.blacklabelweddingfilms.com

June 2nd, 2008, 04:59 AM	#44
Deniz Ahmet Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: LONDON Posts: 178	LED bulds are not all the same. Quality bulbs that have the correct temp for daylight matching are expensive. I obtained the Litepanel Micro months ago and there really is no substitute. No heat, long run time, lifespan, weight, ability to dim, filters etc. Construction does feel cheap yes , but producing a light weight unit was one of the key sales points for this item, hence the plastic. My only complaints are: Light pattern is circular (you expect it to be square) So for widescreen filming it does not fill the frame zoomed out. Battery life is hard to guess, It goes for hours but there's a specific point where the light output drops in intensity, and can catch you unaware if filming. Always use newly charged batteries, or better still non-rechargeable ones. Filter holder is poor design. Lfit the flap and the filter always falls out. I never use it anyway mind. Ultimately, it's main purpose is to lift shadows on faces, don't expect it to light a room. Keep within 3m of your subject. __________________ Kent wedding photographer wedding videos

May 15th, 2008, 08:32 PM	#32
Renton Maclachlan Trustee Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: New Zealand Posts: 1,180	Apparently they can be got for around about $us30. Nope, no dimmer - pity. Not sure if the battery is interchangable with AA's. Think I read somewhere the light is 6000k. If it was $30, that is 1/10th the cost of the micro! Not something to sneeze at. And you can stack them side by side with their unique connecting system so you can have more than one all connected together if you want. Seems like a smart idea. Litepanels should cut their price - or let's hope some real competition is available soon. This one is part way there.

May 15th, 2008, 08:41 PM	#33
Don Bloom Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,609	Yeah I have to agree with Travis. I've used lights that need the battery belt (I am in pain just thinking about it), lights that use a battery on the back of it, lights that run off the camera battery (AB on fullsize-loved it-except for the weight of the rig, I got older) My lightpanel goes for at least 4 hours with the rechargeable AAs I got for it. 2 sets and a charger for under $30. They're 2200MaH and only twice so far have I had to change batteries during a reception and then only as a precaution later on in the night. BTW there is a cable that WILL go from the Litepanel to a cig adapter battery-didn't see it at BH but I think it was listed at Litepanel site (or maybe it was BH.) Anyway it was under $15 and can be a backup alternative!? That light never comes off the camera-turn it face down and it fits in the bag like butter! Costly yes, not the highest quality of construction as has been noted before BUT here's what I believe. A piece of gear or anything we buy in life is only too expensive if it DOESN'T work. I love my litepanel Micro. ;-) Don

May 15th, 2008, 09:16 PM	#34
Renton Maclachlan Trustee Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: New Zealand Posts: 1,180	I didn't see any comment about a battery belt. I've been thinking the lithium Ion battery goes in the light, or is integrated into it.

May 16th, 2008, 04:56 AM	#36
Don Bloom Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,609	I looked at their website again and it would appear the battery is integrated into the unit and is not replaceable (at least not easily)-hence they include the AC charger. It runs 45 to 60 minutes per the website. OK here's the thing though, it says and I'll quote so I don't mis-speak "- Effective distance - approximately 15 - 25’ " They lost me there. The Litepanel, even my AB Ultralight with NO diffusion and a 35W bulb is hard pressed to cover 15 to 25 feet with a 50W bulb yeah, with a 75W, you bet. Personally for me you get what you pay for and pay for what you get. It's like the $2.00 cresent wrench. Guy goes to the store and buys a wrench for $2.00-goes home tries to use it, scrapes his knuckles and the wrench breaks. Goes and gets another one, a good one, spends $10.00 on it, goes home works like a champ-does the job. Now he's got $12.00 invested in a $10.00 wrench. Again it's only to expensive if it doesn't work. I don't like buying the same thing over and over again and it appears with the light in question you need more than 1 due to the run time. IF the price is what they say, yes it's less money but is it really worth it to have to plan your shooting around the run time of the battery of the light? Your money, your choice. Don

May 16th, 2008, 05:36 AM	#37
Renton Maclachlan Trustee Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: New Zealand Posts: 1,180	Don't get me wrong, I like the features of the micro, but I don't like the cost, so will hang fire until there are more such items in the market which will inevitably bring the costs down. While it would be nice to have something like this now, I can wait.

May 16th, 2008, 12:31 PM	#38
Andrew McWeeny New Boot Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Nepean, Ontario Posts: 18	I've been using 12v / 7.2AH sealed battery packs with a Varilux light for the past several years. Love the light but I'm fed up with the weight and the wire. Just got my Litepanels Micro! I'll be using 2650Mha 'AA' batteries and looking forward to trying it at a wedding next weekend. For those who own a Micro, any tips on how you use the color filters?

June 2nd, 2008, 05:16 AM	#45
Don Bloom Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,609	for the filter problem, take a small strip of gaff tape andplace it on the top of the filter when it's in place-I then place the 1/4 warm over that -problem solved. Those 2 filters never leave the lite. If I don't need them I lift the filter gate up. The only time I need that is outside. As for the batteries, I use 2200MaH rechargables and seem to get about 4 hours per set-alkalines give about 1 1/2 hours. Your choice but rechargables make more sense to me. As for the circular pattern I have only noticed it at a distance of about 10 feet or more and frankly I don't worry about it, anymore than I worry that the light is only good for a distance of 10 to 12 feet past that and there ain't a light out there that's going to cover without totally blinding the people, and finally for the batteries that don't stay in. LP listed a simple fix that THEY were doing on the first production batch which I did and haven't had a battery fall out since. Move the contact use a drop of crazy glue, move the contact back to where it belongs and PRESTO! Problem fixed. Remember you have to know the limitations of any piece of gear and use it within those limitations. I love my LP-Micro. Don