Continuous Lighting

[kcombublate]

Hi, I am new to studio photography and have recently purchased a Lowel Omni to do some still life shots. However, I am not very pleased with the Omni as the 230V bulbs are really expensive, fragile and and in general, the omni seems to have problem with arcing and should not be moved when lit. Anyone else faces the same problem?

I am looking to purchase something that can be moved when lit so that I can work on my still life better. Do you have any recommendations of continuous lighting for me? I understand that strobe might work better, but I like the versatility of continuous lighting as it allow me to work in both video and photography.

I am open to fluorescent light too, but from what I understand it is harder to cast hard light as the multiple bulbs are used and are in general of lower wattage. I've heard that the DP is much more rugged and could be moved when lit, unlike the omni and pro-light. So far, I have been pretty disappointed with Lowel products... Help!!

[Christopher Barrett]

That's interesting. I used Omnis for years, moved them around when lit and didn't lose bulbs that fast. I did notice, however, when we were shooting in the UK and had to switch to 220 or 230v bulbs, that they would blow much faster. It probably has more to do with the bulbs you're getting than the Omni itself. If you really want a hard light, I'd suggest trying different bulb manufacturers before giving up on it. The DP isn't really any more rugged, just bigger.

HTH,
CB

[kcombublate]

That's interesting. I used Omnis for years, moved them around when lit and didn't lose bulbs that fast. I did notice, however, when we were shooting in the UK and had to switch to 220 or 230v bulbs, that they would blow much faster. It probably has more to do with the bulbs you're getting than the Omni itself. If you really want a hard light, I'd suggest trying different bulb manufacturers before giving up on it. The DP isn't really any more rugged, just bigger.

HTH,
CB

Hey, I am indeed using a 230V, specifically the Ushio JCD Lamp (300W/230V). Sad, it lasted last then an hour during my first use, wasting close roc 30usd.

Do you have any recommendations on where to purchase bulbs?

[AFSmithphoto]

Hey, I am indeed using a 230V, specifically the Ushio JCD Lamp (300W/230V). Sad, it lasted last then an hour during my first use, wasting close roc 30usd.

Do you have any recommendations on where to purchase bulbs?

That is a terrible lamp life! You should be seeing quite a bit more than that. Did you touch the envelope (glass) while installing the lamp with your bare hands? If so, the oils on your skin can cause the envelope to heat unevenly and fail much sooner than it otherwise would.

I have an omni and there just isn't room to not touch the glass when installing, so I would either wear clean gloves when installing the lamp, or wipe it down with an alcohol wipe after installing it. That should help out.

If you did all that or DIDN'T touch the glass I would as for a return as that sounds like a defective lamp.

[neil poulsen]

I have a set of Lowel DP lights that I occasionally use for EBay, etc. I recall that bulbs could be purchased in a couple of different color temperatures. It was something like 2800/3000, or possibly 3000/3200? Regardless, those in the higher color temperature had dramatically improved expected lifetimes, so I purchased those. Over the years, I've rarely had blown bulbs. They just keep going.

I have a friend who uses Omnies for architecture, and I think that his bulbs blow more frequently, maybe in part, because of those little tiny bulbs. They're not very big. Pursuing this thought, I would recommend the DP's for studio work versus the Omnies. The bulbs are bigger and brighter, up to 1000w being available. The focusing mechanism is also much improved over the Omnies.

Because of their size, Omnies are good for location. In the studio, I think that one's better off with DP's. As a caution, I wouldn't use either without their protective screens. Bulbs can burst, and that can be dangerous. All the more reason for DP's given that their brighter.

[kcombublate]

I have a set of Lowel DP lights that I occasionally use for EBay, etc. I recall that bulbs could be purchased in a couple of different color temperatures. It was something like 2800/3000, or possibly 3000/3200? Regardless, those in the higher color temperature had dramatically improved expected lifetimes, so I purchased those. Over the years, I've rarely had blown bulbs. They just keep going.

I have a friend who uses Omnies for architecture, and I think that his bulbs blow more frequently, maybe in part, because of those little tiny bulbs. They're not very big. Pursuing this thought, I would recommend the DP's for studio work versus the Omnies. The bulbs are bigger and brighter, up to 1000w being available. The focusing mechanism is also much improved over the Omnies.

Because of their size, Omnies are good for location. In the studio, I think that one's better off with DP's. As a caution, I wouldn't use either without their protective screens. Bulbs can burst, and that can be dangerous. All the more reason for DP's given that their brighter.

Hey, thanks for the reply. Do you use the 120V or 230V bulbs? Where do you purchase your bulbs, any brand recommendations?

[neil poulsen]

Hey, thanks for the reply. Do you use the 120V or 230V bulbs? Where do you purchase your bulbs, any brand recommendations?

We're on 120v system.

[Peter De Smidt]

If I were buying new continuous lights, I'd give some of the better LEDs a serious look.

[Leszek Vogt]

If I were buying new continuous lights, I'd give some of the better LEDs a serious look.

+1. There are units that are reasonable in cost and v. expensive + plenty in between....most would dim and you can also tweak, as you wish, the Kelvin degrees .

Les

[kcombublate]

+1. There are units that are reasonable in cost and v. expensive + plenty in between....most would dim and you can also tweak, as you wish, the Kelvin degrees .

Les

I would definitely consider LED. Any recommendations in terms of affordability, and lights to use for still life photography (hard lights, Long shadows, etc.)?