Posted by nobody special on 11/03/06 22:41

>V-lights stink, practically useless, their only value is their small size. I'd rather use a Tota than a v-light, it's the only Lowel product I cannot stand.

I would make up a kit with one Rifa, two omnis or omni-pros and one
tota, then some reflectors, stands, and accessories like umbrellas and
gel holders and black foil and clamps, etc... The nice thing about
Lowel kits is you can build them up a part at a time over a long time,
and everything still works together. I still use one daily that's over
20 years old. Open-faced lights like these can do almost everything
fresnels can, (if you know what you are doing) but are way lighter and
cheaper.

Granted, the lights I listed would cost more. I'd save the Rifa for
later, and only if you were shooting a lot of sit-down nterview static
type deals. It is gorgeous for that, fast, and idiot-proof to use. But
you can cobble together a softbox like I mentioned before to do the
same job cheaper as a one-off thing.

You could also adapt certain flourescent tubes to use as close-up
inexpensive softlights for static shots and do very well. Google "Graff
Lights" and "Walter Graff".

Also, spend a little of your cash on the books by Ross Lowel and John
Jackman, and you'll do much better no matter what you buy, build, or
rent.

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