I'm trying to convince myself that this would be a good investment. I think it would see good use and fit well with my style of shooting.
I'd love to see a few sample images where a Lowell light was used. For those who have/use them, where do you most commonly use them? e-sessions? Receptions? Tell me more.
I think it'd be a sound investment, actually. I've been making do with the small, self-powered battery operated ones that last for about 15 minutes after a 5 hour charge.
While they're nice and small and easy to pop into a bag, you're VERY limited on time and you cannot focus or dim the light. What you get is what you get. And sometimes, it looks like poop.
That being said, I'm currently saving up for one. You buy it once, have the battery pack and get oodles more time and way more creative control. Not to be the devil's advocate here, but I'd say if you really think you'll use it, ORDER IT. You will most likely not look back in regret. And if you do, hit me up, I'll buy it from you.
If you're not sure, pick up some of the small battery powered ones and see how often you find yourself using them. If it's frequent, then you can justify the purchase cost of the Lowell.
Sarah, there is a thread about this topic somewhere and I posted a few samples. That being said, I'm selling mine as I just picked up a new Litepanels LED. Let me know if you're interested.
Michelle, thanks for the info! Scott, just found it. First I searched "Lowell" and didn't come up with anything, but a second search just now for "video light" yielded some results.
PM me about your Lowell and any accessories, I'd love to hear about it...
scott shoemake wrote:
Sarah, there is a thread about this topic somewhere and I posted a few samples. That being said, I'm selling mine as I just picked up a new Litepanels LED. Let me know if you're interested.
What attracts me most is the tungsten WB. I don't think I would like LEDs.
Sarah Dickerso wrote:
Michelle, thanks for the info! Scott, just found it. First I searched "Lowell" and didn't come up with anything, but a second search just now for "video light" yielded some results.
PM me about your Lowell and any accessories, I'd love to hear about it...
Perhaps your first search wasn't successful because it is spelled "Lowel"... I had a set for my architecture/real estate photography, didn't like the light they cast on human subjects.
I'm planning to purchase one as well (this week - or today, if possible), but I'm so confused about the different battery packs and lights they offer. Can someone clarify exactly what model/battery you have and why you like it?
DB wrote:
I'm planning to purchase one as well (this week - or today, if possible), but I'm so confused about the different battery packs and lights they offer. Can someone clarify exactly what model/battery you have and why you like it?
This is a great question. I'd be interested in that answer.
32067dlm wrote:
What attracts me most is the tungsten WB. I don't think I would like LEDs.
Exactly. One of the biggest things going for the ID light is the ability to white balance under tungsten lighting. I *hate* the color of light from LEDs.
p.1 #10 · Lowell ID users, lemme see some samples!
I have the Lowel ID with Bescor battery and charger, the plug looks like it would fit in a cigarette lighter. Please note that the lowel gets very hot, I use the accessory handle on mine. For some reason my battery is not charging now, have not used it for a few months
There is a smaller Sunpak Readylite 20 at B&H for $34, very light, easy to fit in a pocket, have a kid hold it behind a veil etc, lasts about 17 mins per charge. This is nowehere as powerful as the ID light, might need 2 or 3 to get there but it comes with a charger and works well too.
p.1 #11 · Lowell ID users, lemme see some samples!
Deb, we use it for indoor couples and individuals. Also for the portrait and cake stages, when I don't like the ambience-killing effect of popping flash. Video light also mixes well with dark hotel tungsten-lit interiors. Big downside is the weight of the battery, and why I'm now considering LED litepanel. But 20 minutes of full-power light has never been a limiter.
I use this pkg, b&h put together a combo for the Sallee's.
p.1 #16 · Lowell ID users, lemme see some samples!
Three benefits that haven't been mentioned (they may be obvious but what the heck... gimme a Captain Obviousman cape I guess) of using one of these lights:
1. Focus assist - Light is continuous so since there's light there's autofocus. Yeah I know... big Duh... but for some of us with those crappy poorly focusing canons this is an issue
2. What you see is somewhat related to what you get... you know kinda like having your own hot light studio lights along... you can actually see the shadow patterns etc and guide your VALS appropriately
3. Ridiculously easier to set manual exposure because... uh... you actually... uh... SEE the light level you've established... so you can mood up or mood down the rest of the scene by varying the intensity of the light and then compensating with your exposure (this IS making sense, right?)
Oh... I should mention I don't own them but I got to play with them once and fell in lust.
P.S. I've seriously considered making a totally custom battery pack for this: a tube FILLED with high capacity C sized NIMH batteries... would double as both battery pack and lightstick. If I get them I might give it a shot... what the heck
p.1 #17 · Lowell ID users, lemme see some samples!
Wouldn't another benefit be that you're not limited to a sync speed for the shutter? This would allow you to use large apertures such as f/1.4 without much issues or needing ND filters- no?
p.1 #18 · Lowell ID users, lemme see some samples!
1. Focus assist - Light is continuous so since there's light there's autofocus. Yeah I know... big Duh... but for some of us with those crappy poorly focusing canons this is an issue
p.1 #20 · Lowell ID users, lemme see some samples!
Shot with Inku last night and had trouble with my flash (problems solved now) but the video light route may be something I will check out in the future.
Doug
this is an issue