cfl light kit Archives

Yesterday Iker shared a link to another set of 2, 4, and 6 bank CFL - Fluorescent light panels. [Thanks Iker] Some will say these are 'Kino Flo-like' light panels. I've been using the original 6 bank type, that works great for throwing a nice broad diffusion of light, but are a bit on the heavy side when I travel. You can find some samples of the light panels I use in this article (click here). In the studio, CFL lighting is the primary type of lights we are using, and have been effective for us for quite some time now. For location shoots, i'm trying to rely on LEDs for their lightweight.

CFL Light Kit Slim CFL Light Kit CFL lighting Kit Sock Diffuser

These 2, 4, and 6 bank video light panels that were shared to me yesterday list that they use the same Osram bulbs as my 6 bank set, but have a much slimmer profile and come with an outer diffusion panel (sock). Peeking around in the seller store, there's a number of other CFL type lighting kits including a folding barndoor octagon shaped head. Of course much of the quality with CFL lighting is based on the bulb type and ballast being used, so has anyone used these or have any more information on how well they work?

You can find these lights being sold on both Amazon (click here)

2-bank 4 bank 6 bank
2 Bank, 4 Bank, 6 Bank CFL Light Panels - via Amazon

and there's a number of different CFL lighting kits on eBay (click here).

Octagon Barndoor CFL light Octagon softbox CFL light
Other CFL Fluorescent Light Panel Kits - via eBay

Just a day ago, I posted about the 800w RedHead kits that were back in stock. The search results also showed a few CFL (Fluorescent) lighting kits too. New questions came about these 5 bulb CFL light heads compared to the 800w halogen RedHeads, but I really couldn't speak on it. I've never had the chance to test these things out ....... - until now.

5 CFL Bulb Lighting Kit

Turns out, these are fairly popular for talking head type interviews for their broad diffusion, low heat, and low power. I was pretty worried that they wouldn't hold up to the same light output, but in comparison, they are fairly close. They specs call for 1000w equivalent, i'm not sure about that, but they do hold up pretty well against the 800w bulb. I have to say, I'm pretty surprised. I was also doing my tests at F/4.5 cutting out a good amount of light. For talking head interviews, you can get your aperture wider.

Keep in mind that CFLs are very very diffused lights, and won't provide the same harsh shadows I sometimes desire on a set like Halogens would. If that's not your style, then these a good choice for basic studio lights. The only Cons you need to be aware of is that they are pretty hard to travel with using 5 large CFL bulbs each, and that they can present flickering if your shutter speed is set at certain speeds. They are dimmable by turning off individual bulbs at a time, so they are also not the most accurate in light control. One thing that is nice, is that they are actually cheaper than both LED lighting and Halogen kits.

5 CFL Bulb Dimmable DImmer Switches

The Heads aren't of the highest build quality, mostly plastic except for the Ceramic area on the bulb mounts. The softbox is a pain in the a## to assemble, so I don't suggest these if you require speed on your shoots. The softboxes don't have a speed ring, they are attached directly to the light heads. You'd have to just travel with the complete head and box. The light stands that come with this kit are of good quality, which I can use on some of my heavier setups. The kit also comes with a travel bag, useful only if you want to break down the softboxes.

5 CFL Bulb Light

I can't speak on the many other CFL heads on the market, but beware of that dreadful flickering. My tests on these particular ones showed you can probably squeeze in about 1/160th shutter which is not great, but more than enough for in studio video. If you're trying to use these for photography, know your limits. In the end, I was surprised, and these are some pretty nice source of lights. Even with the small interior diffuser and external diffuser panel on the softbox, the light output was fairly decent in comparison to the 800w head. I might do a test with a few of these for our next 'Infinite White background' video. These are available in both 2pc and 3pc kits found below.

Screen shot 2011-04-28 at 10.24.42 AM
2pc. 5 CFL Bulb Lighting Kit Softboxes Lightstands Travel Bag