Continuous Lighting

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!!

My experience with Lowel Omni and TotaLights has been excellent, and bulbs have always lasted quite well, so I'm not sure why you're having a problem. Perhaps you are getting poor quality bulbs?

Any incandescent bulb lamp, especially those with long tubular lamps like the Lowell should not be moved while they are on. The filament is more susceptible to damage when it is hot. And don't touch the quartz envelope, it will etch the surface, causing early failure.

If you want hard light and no breaking light bulbs LEDs might be the way to go? they don't emit much Cyan light and have their non linear spectrum but why do color at all? - I guess Hedler aremaking LED studio lights? If moving your lightstands ruins your bulbs maybe switch to a rail system on your ceiling to generate less impact? - No clue if that will work out but the ones I used move rather smoothly.