Jump to content
Alex_Mustard

Portable Video Lights For DSLR

Recommended Posts

I am interested in getting some small video lights, mainly to allow me to shoot a bit of macro video and also night video with my SLR/GoPro.

 

Portability is a major requirement because my suitcases are already close to bursting. And this will always be an add on, rather than a main objective of the trip.

 

I was thinking of either a pair of SOLA 800 or 1200. Any advice/experience?

 

Alex

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm very satisfied with my two 1200 and it's narrow beam mode is the main reason that I keep using it (for macro video).

Only complaint is run time.

Edited by escape

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have a sola 800 and laluz800.

I would recommend the laluz for its price,size and battery life.

My sola needs to be recharged every 2 dives.

Whereas the laluz can go 3 days of diving.

...or maybe my sola is defected in some way..

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I've had really great luck with the iTorch Video Pro 4, especially like that it has a user replaceable battery and it comes with a spare, so you can always have 1 on charge. Slightly bigger than the Sola though if size is an issue.

 

S.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The LaLuz L800 should work fine for macrovideo. It has 3 effect levels - 10%, 50% and 100%, with an output of 800 lumens att full effect and a coverage angle of 80 degrees. The burn time with the lithium battery supplied is 180 min at 50% effect and 90 min at full effect. The beam is even, without a hotspot. The lamp is tiny, light and robust and the price is sensationaly low - 199 US dollars. Despite what they say on their website, the seller includes a red filter and extra battery free. A smart charger is included in the price. I use mine as a night-diving search and focus light and am more than satisfied with it. Just one point: To turn the light on, you just need to tap it lightly. If you press the button too long or too hard, it won't turn on at all, oddly enough. One tap for 10%, tap again for 50%, again for full effect and again to turn the light off. Details here http://www.laluzoptics.com/products.html

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I've had really great luck with the iTorch Video Pro 4, especially like that it has a user replaceable battery and it comes with a spare, so you can always have 1 on charge. Slightly bigger than the Sola though if size is an issue.

 

S.

 

The iTorch Video Pro 3s which I have would also do well as macro or close focus video lights and are powered by 4 AAs

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Why not try the Sola 2000s they gives you a lot more lumens and the size is no difference from the 800/1200. I have just ordered Sola 4000s after trying 800 and 2000 but they are big, a lot heavier and mainly for a couple of wider jobs.

  • Like 1

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

523999_386533768068487_1768582257_n.jpg

 

The fisheye fix 3500 might be a good choice. I have not had the opportunity to test any yet...but i will it looks good

  • Like 1

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have bought the Snake River Prototyping tray and arm assembly. But they didn't attach any instruction.

 

 

Can anyone help with ideas how to assemble this arm??

 

Thanks in advance.

 

width=600 height=448http://img846.imageshack.us/img846/4829/loclinearm.jpg[/img]

 

 

and then connect to this tray...

 

width=600 height=448http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/9470/traym.jpg[/img]

 

 

I wish SRP would have instruction manual for this...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I agree on the 2000's. I bought my wife a set for her GoPro setup. Since she never runs them at full power she can get a couple days dives off one charge. Plus, the power is there if you need it..

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have bought the Snake River Prototyping tray and arm assembly. But they didn't attach any instruction.

 

 

Can anyone help with ideas how to assemble this arm??

 

Thanks in advance.

 

width=600 height=448http://img846.imageshack.us/img846/4829/loclinearm.jpg[/img]

 

 

and then connect to this tray...

 

width=600 height=448http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/9470/traym.jpg[/img]

 

 

I wish SRP would have instruction manual for this...

 

You basically have the loc-line arms there. You attach the base segment to the base/hand grips using the correct machine bolt. You will need to use the loc-line adapter from Light & Motion (or whatever light you choose to go with.I have a similar setup using the 3/4" loc-line arms (see attached). My wife is using the 1/2" loc-line arms with here Sola 2000's on a GoPro base.

561124_4567623981561_1648230904_n.jpg

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have the Sola 1200s (June 2011 vintage) and they have worked great...just wondering - any reason to upgrade to the 2000s? would there be a noticeable practical difference from that 50% increase in lumens?

 

thx

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have bought the Snake River Prototyping tray and arm assembly. But they didn't attach any instruction.

 

 

Can anyone help with ideas how to assemble this arm??

 

Thanks in advance.

 

width=600 height=448http://img846.imageshack.us/img846/4829/loclinearm.jpg[/img]

 

 

and then connect to this tray...

 

width=600 height=448http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/9470/traym.jpg[/img]

 

 

I wish SRP would have instruction manual for this...

The locline base goes on the top of the handle the oring might go under those then the locline segments snap onto it

 

They should have terminations to which you can connect a sola, not sure if those are 3/4 or 1/2 but sola needs 1/2 so might need a reducer

 

For the lights I have found that on a night dive 2x1200 is more than enough to scare off the fish and in day time they bear with it a little

Not sure about 2x2000 I would also check the lights can commute between spot and flood I think there are two models and having the spot save using a torch

Edited by Interceptor121

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I highly recommend the Keldan 4's. You can switch out the batteries rather than having to remove them from your setup to charge. They hold a full day of diving when charged and their build quality is excellent. While the Keldan 8s are even more powerful, the 4's are a more convenient size to lug around.

Steve

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am currently using a Keldan Luna 4 V in addtion to my Subtronic Fusions (flash and video-LED). The Keldan is in the middle position on top of the housing and renders a total of 4'000 Lumen in addition to 2 x 2'800 Lumens by the Fusions. I am very happy with the setup.

 

 

post-1726-0-10749400-1358354117_thumb.jpg

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I like my I-torch video pro 4 as they cheaper, more powerful, have user changable batteries and a spare and a basic switch which is bullet proof when you compare them against something like the Sola1200.

 

Regards mark

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have the Sola 1200s (June 2011 vintage) and they have worked great...just wondering - any reason to upgrade to the 2000s? would there be a noticeable practical difference from that 50% increase in lumens?

 

thx

 

Just keep them or eventually upgrade to the 4000s.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Sponsors

Advertisements



×
×
  • Create New...