LitePanels
- This topic has 9 replies, 6 voices, and was last updated May 26, 2012 at 1:41 am by
.
-
Posts
-
Guys,
Baja is right around the corner and I’m prepping for new gear. I’m on the fence with these lite panels http://www.litepanels.com/
The ideal situation for me would be in the dusk/dawn scenarios where a standard flash would create that “he used a fill flash” look. I’m assuming with a gel, these light panels would be great for adding a bit more light while preserving the natural look?
Has anyone used these? Any example photos?
Thanks!
Matt
www.mattjonesphotography.com
I am assuming you mean the one that mounts on the hot shoe.
The egg crate style has been around for a long time and will give you a even, softened diffused look.You can take it (the diffused look) even further if you clip some diffusion over the fixture or, if you are balancing your “flash” to match the color (kelvin temp.) of your source the gel you use will offer a slight diffusion, but will also limit the lumen output of the flash. Most color correction gels will absorb anywhere from 2/3rd’s to 1.5 stops depending on degree of correction and manufacturer.
Thanks, Eric. I think I’m going to rent the thing first (they are pretty pricey) and see if it turns out to be useful. I’ve got a handful of ideas for it, but won’t know until I get down there and use it. I’ll have to do a comparison and do a review in my next newsletter.
www.mattjonesphotography.com
Matt,
I use the miniature LitePanels to do video shorts in the studio for macro medical videography.
Notice there are two of them above the fly tying vise in this shot of a video setup I did. They are made for run-and-gun videographers, not for everyday shooting.You can use the larger LitePanels for photography as well, but here is the “true” deal.
1. They are seriously expensive and your margin costs take forever to recoup in profit. However, if you are famous and promoting the product then they make you look far out of reach and untouchable.
2. They are not very strong for the cost-to-wattage ratio.
3. They are for the rich photographers doing glamour work who doesn’t want the model to sweat.
4. They really are best for video work, and again they stay relatively cool for the subjects, that’s why they use them exclusively in Washington D.C. now so the senators don’t get hot under the lights.
5. For outdoor use they are, in my opinion, way to expensive.From what I know of your lifestyle and shooting needs I would recommend the Elinchrom Quadra Rangers with speed head http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=632659&Q=&is=REG&A=details or something similar. These have changed my life! I can pack them anywhere with almost no weight or hassle and they are good for remote lifestyle shooting like yours. However, they do have a bit of a challenge overpowering the sun and you might need to consider the standard rangers for what you are shooting.
BUT! The one place they would work well is that low light beach shot you are looking for. The Kelvin is in the 5000 range and they have a warming gel that comes with them! If you got the cash (you would need at least two of them) have a blast!
Neal – that is EXACTLY the response I was looking for. And yes, I’ve been drooling over that Ranger system for some time now. I will likely make the purchase of 2 of them in the next 6 months or so.
Well, I can say that I won’t be purchasing the litepanels. I intend to rent one just to give it a test run. Depending on my cash flow, I still might not pull the trigger.
Looks like you have a SICK lighting setup. I’m jealous!
www.mattjonesphotography.com
Great post Neal. Lots of good info there … Thanks!
I am not a big flash guy. So, I have not invested in any real “pro” gear. I also use a alienbee’s setup … some off-camera flash and modifier will go a long way towards getting away from that fill flash look.
I have plenty of pocket wizards and speedlites. Mainyly I just wanted to see if there was a significant difference in how the light worked on the subjects.
The only place I see myself using the litepanels would be in a scene like the following:
For this image I see myself throwing a warm gel on the litepanel and cranking it up just to give the slightest accent on the back of the folks in front of me.
http://theflyphoto.photoshelter.com/gallery-image/Baja/G0000_U8hXRHlnIo/I0000iKaIQo86Tio/C0000tH1SB0JV3YsAgain, maybe these things aren’t the answer, but I think I’ll give em’ a shot. Only $70 to rent for 2 weeks.
www.mattjonesphotography.com
I’ve used these a lot for video shoots. They’re great light sources, especially in low light scenes. Even the small bricks would be more than enough for the situation in the photo above. I don’t know how they would work for fill lights for daytime photo though, they don’t cast extremely far. I’d say go with a 1x size at least.
For daylight shoots, you may be better off with a flex fill or a flash with gel and diffusion.http://society6.com/grainfarmer Fly Fishing and Landscape open edition Photography prints.
http://grainfarmer.vsco.co/ iPhone photos
http://instagram.com/chad_simcox Instagram
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.