6 replies to this topic

[Longimanaus]

I had the small fisheye focus light that had a handy feature of switching off during shots to prevent hotspots. Great feature, just not enough overall power, so I am looking to upgrade.

Specs:
1) Not sure of the right intensity for my D700 w/ Z240s set up, but think 800 lumens is the go;
2) I would like a red light feature for macro night diving (rather than use my Z240 pilots with red filters);
3) I don't think that I need too big of a light (no video), but I would like something to provide some light during the day if I am shooting with my 16-35 or 10-17mm in my 230mm zen dome and no flashes (seals, white pointers, whales at the surface etc). My thinking here is that a relatively powerful light will put some color in subjects when they swim through the focal sweet spot (when shooting without strobes); and
4) Don't want an elaborate charging/battery/seal system to pack (I would prefer AA or the Sola system).

I noticed that a lot of you are selling your larger fisheye focus lights and buying Solas...

Where is popular opinion on size of light and model for my rig (Hugy, D700, Inon Z240s)?

[pmooney]

Sounds like the SOLA 1200 photo is the perfect choice.

Physically the same size as the SOLA 800.

50% more white light power to suit those bright days you mention while still having 3 levels of RED for the macro / night.

my 2 cents.

[tdpriest]

Sounds like the SOLA 1200 photo is the perfect choice...

... 50% more white light power to suit those bright days

Why would you need it on a bright day?

Too much power is a drawback as the Sola series don't have a flash inhibition circuit.

The lower power Sola 600 has been very popular for macro photography and night-diving, but even that will leave a trace in wide-angle images.

This was shot using a Sola 600 as the key light (I had no strobe):






Tim

[pmooney]

Why would you need it on a bright day?

Too much power is a drawback as the Sola series don't have a flash inhibition circuit.

The lower power Sola 600 has been very popular for macro photography and night-diving, but even that will leave a trace in wide-angle images.

This was shot using a Sola 600 as the key light (I had no strobe):



Tim

2) I would like a red light feature for macro night diving (rather than use my Z240 pilots with red filters);
3) I don't think that I need too big of a light (no video), but I would like something to provide some light during the day if I am shooting with my 16-35 or 10-17mm in my 230mm zen dome and no flashes (seals, white pointers, whales at the surface etc). My thinking here is that a relatively powerful light will put some color in subjects when they swim through the focal sweet spot (when shooting without strobes); and

Recommendation was based on using the lights as fill in a wide angle available light situation.

The extra power of the 1200 will give extra penetration in a bright ambient situation - if it's still to bright it can always be turned down where a 800 can't be turned up if its not bright enough.

Poor use of english - forgive me i'm a colonial.

Edited by pmooney, 12 August 2012 - 04:33 AM.

[gina]

I noticed that a lot of you are selling your larger fisheye focus lights and buying Solas...

I traded in my Fisheye for a Sola. While the Fisheye is very bright (I think I may have seared some retinas with it on full power!) I think the small size of the Sola, plus the fact it has the sealed housing, makes it a superior light. It has been quite bright enough for me. Plus, since it only requires the small plug-in unit to charge as opposed to a battery charging station, it takes up much less space when travelling.

-Gina

[jcclink]

http://www.laluzoptics.com/

Another choice. Well built, Plenty of light. Changable battery.

[tdpriest]

Recommendation was based on using the lights as fill in a wide angle available light situation.

The extra power of the 1200 will give extra penetration in a bright ambient situation - if it's still to bright it can always be turned down where a 800 can't be turned up if its not bright enough.

I suspect that even that will not be bright enough, and why do you need fill light from a continuous light source, anyway, if you are shooting stills and have a strobe? A strobe will be more flexible, doesn't disturb the fish, freezes motion, generates less backscatter...

Tim