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Continuous Light Portraits with Britek Pro-5000 Daylight Fluorescent Kit
ITS DAVID GRIFFIN, "THE PRINCE OF CHEAP" HERE AGAIN!!!
NOTE: Monster Lighting Tactics II: The Workshop (Presented by David Griffin) for Sunday March 30, 2008 has only 2 seats remaining!!! Read All About it Here!**
Now anyone thats asked me about lighting choices knows I am a big proponent of strobe. But today I am a changed man! After having a try with something totally new, I may be reconsidering my exclusive thinking about my lighting equipment choices. Now, on to the post…
Portraiture truly is a sweet science of light. For years I have stuck exclusively close to my strobes – totally rejecting hot lights (and absolutely any other continuous light source for that matter) as kiddish, under-powered or just plain impractical. Today is a different story as I have become an instant convert to continuous lighting! Hold your horses there… I didn’t say hot lights though! I’m talking about the low cost, high output of Daylight Balanced Fluorescent Continuous Lights! Just think Hot Lights without the "Hot"!!!
Here the small kit and the large kit side by side.
Here the large kit shown with the LARGE fluorescent bulbs installed.
A better look at the large kit with the 40 x 40 inch soft box setup.
A look at the small kit setup with the 10 inch silver reflector. It also has a small 24 x 24 inch softbox that can be mounted in place of the reflector.
The Large Kit with the softbox mounted from the side.
Now, let me walk you through my first time ever out with these hidden jewels of the industry. Since I am known here at Studiolighting.net as “The Prince of Cheap,” my goal was to shoot assuming I had minimal gear so that our newbies could be able to repeat and surpass my results. I was set for a basic DSLR (any brand would due), a kit lens (F5.6 would be the widest aperture I could use), a fastest shutter speed of 1/125th, with the highest ISO I could use being 400 (many DSLR's image quality suffer above ISO 400).
As you can see, the Britek Pro-5000 has 4 power switches that turn each fluorescent light on and off - a real plus.
Having such a strict set of rules could nearly guarantee if I were a beginner I should be able to get good results from the lighting. Also, I limited myself to a maximum of only 2 lights for this test – this way If I were on a strict budget only having 2 lights would probably reflect that. The kit consisted of a large bank (a single housing that holds multiple lights that are individually controlled) 40 x 40 inch soft box, large heavy duty lights stand and a 4 bulbs. The secondary light consisted of a single light head, a single bulb and a parabolic reflector as well as an optional 24 x 24 inch soft box. My only other option would be my trusty ebay 5n1 reflector kit with stand.
A word on Continuous Light: Continuous light is in essence an “always on source”. What you see is what you get. Traditionally continuous light sources are bright, lights from Tungsten or Halogen sources… hot and very uncomfortable for models and fire hazards themselves. Daylight Balanced Fluorescent lights on the other hand remain relatively cool and have even been color corrected to mimic the same color output as electronic flash! Because of this, many beginners don’t believe in light meters because of the digital age of the “shoot n chimp” (take an image and adjust purely based on your cameras LCD), while I get caught in this myself, I however will always start off very close by metering my situation with a light meter first. Also, remember, because of a digital sensors low dynamic range (ability to record both very bright and very dark areas in an image at once) its ever more important now than ever to have a light meter! I’m sure Will Crocket would agree. My suggestion… get a light meter that reads ambient light as both incident (it striking an area) and reflective (it reflecting off of an area)!Try the "Polaris SPD100 light meter". Also, florescent light in particular only requires 25% of the electricity to make the same amount of light as a tungsten light bulb!
Heres a look at the the Daylight Balanced Fluorescent Bulbs shipped with the units!
When I setup my lights I already guessed I would have to use ISO 400, F5.6 @ 1/30th of a second (meaning I expected a very low output of light) as a couple of continuous light users have reported in the past to me with other kits. But since this was a single person, 2/3rd body shot where I wanted ultra soft light and a low key background I placed the main light about 4ft from the subject with the light from the soft box only skimming across the subject. To my overwhelming surprise, my meter read a correct exposure of F5.6, 1/60th at ISO 100! That meant that my initial thought was about 2 + f stops under what the lights could produce! Awesome! But heres a tip… because you're burning the image to the sensor/film you will still want to keep a tripod handy. For example if I wanted a smaller aperture (which would let in less light I would probably use a longer shutter meaning a tripod would further reduce camera shake during the exposure.).
Cheap Studio huh! :)
This means that this single light bank WILL grant even a newbie enough power to light like a pro! After I figured my exposure it was time to shoot away. I set my white balance to auto for some and manually set it to 5600k (to make sure the light wouldn’t have a greenish-tinge) but found that the auto white balance of my DSLR did a much better job than I had! Shot after shot I have perfect exposures of ULTRA SOFT FINE LIGHT!!! Once I realized that I had never created light so soft I realized that I had just been converted to a fluorescent light lover of the highest order! 275 images later I realized that this was FAR easier than working with my strobes! You don’t have to wait for them to recycle, no wondering if they went off from the remote trigger, if the optical slave saw the flash if the subject blinked… NOTHING! What you see is just what you get!
As you can see the Light quality of the Britek Fluorescent Continuous light System Pro 5000 produces exquisite and absolutely beautiful light for portraits. The amazing thing is that with the amount of power generated would’ve allowed me to go up to F8 without killing myself (image quality wise) at ISO 800! An amazing feat for continuous lights! Okay, here's the way I see it. With Fluorescent lights inherent ability to remain relatively cool (even within inches of my subject) makes it an attractive alternative (yes I said ALTERNATIVE) to flash if you are starting out. The soft light of this kit is perfect for engagements sessions, portraits, senior sessions and any other in-studio session where everyone can just walk up and let there cameras program mode steal a great shot from the paid photographer (that’s where strobe has it’s advantage… the photographer is the only one with control over the lights on location –with a wireless triggering system that is).
Here you can see the screw in mounts at the corners of the back where the soft box is mounted onto the light housing… very sturdy!
Trust me… these lightstands are built like tanks!
Here you can see the locking mechanism where the vertical angle of the unit can be locked into place.
The last thing I wanted to highlight about the Britek Fluorescent Kit is the the quality of the hardware, from the light bank, light stands as well as the innovative soft box is just far-far more than what I expected! I mean this in a good way! I was actually surprised at how sturdy the large light stands were for the larger Pro 5000 kit that can obviously take a real beating lots of weight and lots of metal attest to this. Putting together the 40 x 40 inch soft box was absolutely a joke (as far as how difficult it was). First you pop to rods into opposing sides of the mount… then take the Velcro square shaped fitting with brackets and place the rods into the pockets then attach the other two rods into opposing sides of the mount and then into the rod pockets. Viola… a frame is built! Now just slide the silver/black cover over it from the back and Velcro it to the frame, attach your outer diffuser and your done! Two minutes well spent! Coolest part… the rods flex relatively easy and don’t put tons of stress on the box! Overall, there should be no complaints as far as hardware is concerned. This setup is has been thought out and made to be setup quickly and easily! Hint, hint to all the beginners out there!
Preliminary results, this high output fluorescent kit means that I can setup a quickie shoot for 30 minutes in-studio with one background, change move on to outdoor romantic portraits, collect the check and have an even larger variety of images to show! Make sure we understand this though… there are definitely other companies on the market such as Westcott and Photoflex just to name a few that offer Daylight Balanced Fluorescent Light Solutions. These companies have some VERY versatile systems themselves (some are even able to change the bulb for strobe heads!)! Its just that the Britek unit offers the best price per wattage you can get right now… and with me being the Prince of Cheap - how could I resist! I suspect that if Britek continues to provide low cost lighting to the masses of this quality, they’re going to be really successful!
AND YES… MY LOVELY WIFE HAD A GO ROUND!
Here I used the Classic Clamshell Lighting pattern. Find out how! Click Here!!!
March 17th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
Question - Where can I purchase a similar setup?
I've been looking at the Westcott Spiderlite TD5 but it is too expensive.
Thank you.
- RD
March 17th, 2008 at 10:58 pm
http://www.lincoinc168.com/
heres where you can get started. March 18th they will have some low cost specials. the prime kit to go after is the Pro 5000 kit.
It'll have a 4 light head. 4 large bulbs. 1 Large Lightstand. 1 40×40 softbox. Somewhere round $400. I'm tellin you man… this stuff is absolutely fantastic! I'm very hard to convince that something like this is worth the price. I'm just thinking of how much time it'll save me in studio situations… if all it cost is $400 for an ultra versatile light source thats soft as baby powder (an awesome quality for portraiture) that doesnt require lots of work and is this forgiving… man… I gotta go for it!
March 18th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
This is the studio lighting of my dreams. I like to shoot fast with my model acting natural, so I have feared the flash refresh/recycle rate slowing me down. I did a single portrait shoot with a double 500w tungsten umbrella setup. The light "looked" great, but was not powerful enough (and hot too) and could not realistically shoot any smaller aperture than 2.0 without blurring issues. So then my DOF was so small most of the images were ruined… Photography is all about the learning process. I was just about to finally give in to strobes, and found this review! Thank you Mr Griffin, you are the man.
March 18th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
just remember… the site is www.lincoinc168.com
they are setting up a very special price the kit but I dont know when it will be available. Also, remember… I did this with the Pro 5000 and a single smaller flourescent light. For what it sounds like your doing you may need one Pro 5000 and one medium light as well. also remember… you can mix this light with flash!!!! I've done it and the results are great! I'm thinking about a companion post for this article!
March 19th, 2008 at 6:37 pm
A companion post would be great! Though, still no Pro 5000 on their webpage. I see the PE9110 lightbank (no bulbs) going for $269.99. I also see, with bulbs, and a 40×40 softbox only = $689.99. And 4500watt kit with (2x) PE9110, (2x) 40×40 softboxes, (1x) PE9030 Light Bank, (1x) 32×32 sofbox, all bulbs, stands, and case = $1,399.00 which seems like a good deal but I would love some middle ground and am really hoping for this Pro-5000 kit you reviewed for around $400 as mentioned. Any clues when this great deal becomes available?
March 20th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
hey there…
i believe that would be PE-9110 Light Bank.
if someone is looking for a kits on sale
here it is
http://store.lincoinc168.com/flliki.html
March 20th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
TO JOHN:
Not sure yet… but heres something you gotta see! http://www.lincoinc168.com/br38dicoflli.html
3 High Output Continuous Light Heads
3 32×32 Inch softboxes
3 Light Stands
1 Light Stand Case
1 Light Case
All 12 Flourescent BULBS!
$610.00 !!!!!
Its your solution!
March 20th, 2008 at 11:35 pm
PE9030 4X80W(960W) Fluorescent Light Head Set
Still too expensive? Try this!
1 High Output Continuous Light Head (960 watt equivalent)
4 Bulbs
1 32×32 inch softbox!!!
$176
All you need now is a good lightstand and reflector for fill! :)
March 21st, 2008 at 2:48 pm
Wow thanks for all the suggestions. I have been cross comparing all the Britek's light banks available on the Linco page to find the correct product for my needs. I noticed that the specifications for all the bulbs, from the 40w all the way up to the 240w, have the same lumens of 2800. Except the one 80w which states a lumens of 5600. Is this correct? If so, why the extra watts for the same light output. I have a feeling its a possible typo…. what do you guys think? I'm eager, can you tell? :)
March 21st, 2008 at 5:49 pm
TO JOHN:
Typo. :) I just multiply the wattage for each bulb x's 4.
March 26th, 2008 at 1:43 am
David,
I am into photography as a hobby for now but as each day goes by, I'm loving it more and more. I dont have any "Studio" equipment (YET!) but all I have is a nice camera with a good lens (50 1.8) and just purchased a reflector and a light meter. All I want to do "so far" is shoot outdoors and get great shots! I guess what I'm realy trying to say is that you should make some videos and put them on YOUTUBE. I'm sure I speak for everyone else. Thanks for all the tips brother….keep doing your thing.
Jay Garcia
March 27th, 2008 at 7:38 pm
TO JAY:
Thank you for your encouragement! I really appreciate it Jay. Guess what? Monster Lighiting Tactics II will be videoed (on the cheap I'm afraid :). I'll be getting it professionally edited and setup for sale. :) It will be hot! And if its not… I will create new footage from G-Studio 01 (my el cheapo garage studio) and add it to the disc before I set it up for the wordl to own!
Thanks Jay!
-David Griffin, A.K.A. The Prince of Cheap
March 30th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
Hi David - have just found this site and the practical and straightforward advice is wonderful, backed up by the pictures too - many thanks!
I am just moving into the world of lighting - I shoot with analog SLRs and have a small-ish space with good window light, most of my portraits range between 50-135mm fixed lenses with apertures 1.8 and 4. However, I'm becoming limited by having to keep the model within 1ft of the window, and generally finishing about 2pm! In addition, I can't get "off tripod" for creative angles because of low shutter speed issues … anyway … having read up all your fabulous articles I'm totally sold on a continuous lighting kit because of the "what you see is what you shoot" element.
I also love the way your advice is aimed "on the cheap" - there are so many pros and semi-pros around who look down their noses at beginners/up-and-comers, or those on any kind of budget, so it's refreshing to find your great attitude, thanks!!
Soooo - really, what I'm wondering is this; with my existing window light giving me something, can I get any joy with this 'budget' set from Linco -
http://www.lincoinc168.com/ebaystarterkit.html - or a 'starter' set from ebay - item #320223322582 from http://myworld.ebay.co.uk/studioplus2007/ …
It's right at the bottom of the price pile, but as I'm going to spend a further 6 months + really learning the ropes in all aspects, I am thinking - even if it is only 'just' enough (and in combo with my big sunny window), I could spend the (slightly) bigger bucks later when I'm more ready to get the benefit …
Please let me know what you think of this (or similar) continuous kit, or where the lowest option I should/could jump in is (note I also have to add shipping to the UK often around $100 …
Thanks for all the great tips so far, and in advance for any help you can give!
Chris
March 30th, 2008 at 11:30 pm
Heres you kit! Just buy a heavy duty lightstand and your set.
http://www.lincoinc168.com/brpe4xfllihe.html
You'll be VERY close to window light!
I suggest a Vivitar 285HV with a stand and umbrella adapter with a wireless trigger and a 43inch shoot thru umbrella and you ready to start in a big way.
March 31st, 2008 at 5:14 am
Hey D…. this Linco site is great! I have been searching and searching for some decent 'extras'…bags, stands etc. Prices at linco kick a**.
I'm quickly learning that experimenting is getting costly, too costly. And I have been slightly hampered with the 'flash' learning curve.
As of now, and I think I may have gone overkill… I have the ABR800, WL x1600, the vagabond, the 580ex and the 430ex, a cheap photobasics 5-1 reflector kit. Started with the canon's wanting portability, but after doing a shoot at El Mirage, wanted more power, and the misfires were killing me.. so I got the Skyports. Now I have too much… LOL. Ultimately I wanted continuous light, and looked everywhere for something comparable to the spiderlites. The prices on those are ridiculous, even the bulbs are over the top, but the competition seems either flimsy, underpowered, or lacking any real photographer or testing support.
With these briteks… if you shoot at faster speeds, say 200… is there enough power, or would you have to mix it with flash, and if so, how much loss would occur from the briteks? Would you even see their effect?
Also, because the bulbs are so long… can you barndoor them… for moody looks, spotlighting and such?
I have also been on the lookout for a decent light kit bag (whelled duffle type) have you used any of the bags or accessories from Linco? Any good?
Feel free to send me an email… abeaulieuphoto@gmail.com
Thanks Dave… as always, excellent advice.
April 17th, 2008 at 8:43 pm
This is a really great article. I've got an indoor portrait shoot at a client site coming up, but I usually shoot in my own studio with natural light and reflectors. I was looking at $100s for gear rental plus a few days figuring out how to use it all. Now I can BUY the flouro gear for about what I was going to rent flash gear for, and the metering and light arrangement will be more like natual light, so I'll know what I'm doing.
THANK YOU for sharing this information.
And those are great portraits, by the way. If I can get anywhere near that good on my shoot I'll be a happy man.
April 30th, 2008 at 10:21 am
I still haven't seen the Pro-5000 on their website. I also didn't get a response to my emails. I'm considering buying the kit that's on sale for $999 (2 PE9110's and 1 PE3480SO). Does anybody know how those heads compare to the pro-500?
Thanks for the great article Dave!
May 13th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
Does anyone know if the pro 5000 kit actually exists, or was this a promotional item? I have been checking the Britek site every few weeks but I have yet to see it. I would love to get one of these kits, but Britek has been unresponsive to my emails.
Terry