traycer
Newly Enlightened
Hi, all... been lurking in these forums for ages, but haven't had to post anything until now. 
I'm overwhelmed by the number of options out there, so I'm going to take advantage of the recommendation questionnaire and ask for some help here!
Short Essay Question: What do you intend to use this light for?
I am looking for a hand-held, battery-operated continuous light source for photography and videography applications. Before I spend $500 to $1000 on purpose-built on-camera lighting, I figure I should do my due diligence first and see what else is available. Video lights are generally nothing more than a glorified flashlight with a cold-shoe or threaded mount, and perhaps some built-in light modifier attachments. Oh, and a 3x markup on the price.
0) What Region/Country/State will the light be purchased in?
I live in Toronto, Ontario and although I don't mind purchasing online, I would definitely prefer checking out different lights in person first. That way I can judge the beam characteristics myself, plus have my camera gear on-hand for some practical testing. Any recommendations for a good flashlight specialty retailer in Toronto? I know about outdoor equipment shops like MEC and Europe Bound already. Anyone else?
1) Price Range: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest!
I have a budget of $300.
2) Format: Hand-held flashlight
3) Length: Under 6 inches (with battery pack) would be nice.
4) Width: Doesn't matter.
5) What batteries do you want to use? I have a ton of NiMH AA's already, so that would be ideal. I definitely want something that is rechargeable, with swappable batteries.
6) How much light do you want? Something that will give me an exposure of 1/100s, f/2.8, ISO 400 from 2 meters away. I'm not sure how that translates into watts/lumens/lux.
From what I've researched so far, I would like to have at least 1500 lux of illumination from 2 meters in a flood pattern (70-degree beam), with the ability to focus the beam down to a narrow spot (10 degrees or less) with the appropriate increase in illumination. I'm guessing that'll be around 15000 lux.
7) Throw vs Flood: Which do you prefer, lights that flood an area with a wide beam, or lights that "throw" with a tightly focused beam?
Yes, please. An adjustable beam spread (as mentioned above) would be highly desirable.
8) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims (like some LED lights). but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries.
I don't need long runtimes. I'd probably only need to use for 30 minutes between recharging, but without significant dimming. I guess I would say about 2 hours of runtime to 50% brightness then.
9) Durability: Generally the old phrase "you get what you pay for" is very accurate for flashlights.
It should be able to withstand accidental drops onto hard surfaces from a height of 10 feet (e.g., mounted atop a light stand).
8) Switch Type:
Click toggle switch (click to turn on, click again to turn off).
9) Switch Location:
Doesn't matter. A remote control that could control beam power and spread would be amazing, though.
10) Operational Modes:
Don't need a strobe or signalling mode. Stepless intensity control from 0% to 100% would be very nice to have, however. Failing that, three or four brightness settings will do.
11) Is it important whether the body is metal or plastic/composite?
I would prefer a rubberized exterior with a durable composite interior. It must be able to withstand the above-mentioned 10-foot drop test.
12) Special Needs: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned?
It does not need to be waterproof, but weather resistance will be nice, since I will be using it outside in light rain. The beam must be perfectly even, no hot spots or rings, with a smooth corona and nice feathered drop off. A light with a focusing lens that can adjust the hardness of the beam edge would be great!
A gel holder would be great for inserting tungsten and fluorescent filters to modify the colour temperature. Oh, speaking of colour temperature, it should ideally be in the 5000K range natively, with a full-spectrum white light. The closer it is to the characteristics of high-noon sunlight on a clear, cloudless day, the better. Some sort of tripod socket or 3/8" or 3/4" screw mount would be fantastic.
I would really like an LED light, primarily because of heat concerns and secondarily because of battery life.
As I mentioned at the beginning, this light will be used for photography and videography applications, so the requirements are different from what you probably normally see in this forum.
So-o-o-o-o... any hope here, or am I doomed to forking over $500+ for a pro video light?
I'm overwhelmed by the number of options out there, so I'm going to take advantage of the recommendation questionnaire and ask for some help here!Short Essay Question: What do you intend to use this light for?
I am looking for a hand-held, battery-operated continuous light source for photography and videography applications. Before I spend $500 to $1000 on purpose-built on-camera lighting, I figure I should do my due diligence first and see what else is available. Video lights are generally nothing more than a glorified flashlight with a cold-shoe or threaded mount, and perhaps some built-in light modifier attachments. Oh, and a 3x markup on the price.
0) What Region/Country/State will the light be purchased in?
I live in Toronto, Ontario and although I don't mind purchasing online, I would definitely prefer checking out different lights in person first. That way I can judge the beam characteristics myself, plus have my camera gear on-hand for some practical testing. Any recommendations for a good flashlight specialty retailer in Toronto? I know about outdoor equipment shops like MEC and Europe Bound already. Anyone else?
1) Price Range: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest!
I have a budget of $300.
2) Format: Hand-held flashlight
3) Length: Under 6 inches (with battery pack) would be nice.
4) Width: Doesn't matter.
5) What batteries do you want to use? I have a ton of NiMH AA's already, so that would be ideal. I definitely want something that is rechargeable, with swappable batteries.
6) How much light do you want? Something that will give me an exposure of 1/100s, f/2.8, ISO 400 from 2 meters away. I'm not sure how that translates into watts/lumens/lux.
From what I've researched so far, I would like to have at least 1500 lux of illumination from 2 meters in a flood pattern (70-degree beam), with the ability to focus the beam down to a narrow spot (10 degrees or less) with the appropriate increase in illumination. I'm guessing that'll be around 15000 lux.7) Throw vs Flood: Which do you prefer, lights that flood an area with a wide beam, or lights that "throw" with a tightly focused beam?
Yes, please.
An adjustable beam spread (as mentioned above) would be highly desirable.8) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims (like some LED lights). but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries.
I don't need long runtimes. I'd probably only need to use for 30 minutes between recharging, but without significant dimming. I guess I would say about 2 hours of runtime to 50% brightness then.
9) Durability: Generally the old phrase "you get what you pay for" is very accurate for flashlights.
It should be able to withstand accidental drops onto hard surfaces from a height of 10 feet (e.g., mounted atop a light stand).
8) Switch Type:
Click toggle switch (click to turn on, click again to turn off).
9) Switch Location:
Doesn't matter. A remote control that could control beam power and spread would be amazing, though.
10) Operational Modes:
Don't need a strobe or signalling mode. Stepless intensity control from 0% to 100% would be very nice to have, however. Failing that, three or four brightness settings will do.
11) Is it important whether the body is metal or plastic/composite?
I would prefer a rubberized exterior with a durable composite interior. It must be able to withstand the above-mentioned 10-foot drop test.
12) Special Needs: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned?
It does not need to be waterproof, but weather resistance will be nice, since I will be using it outside in light rain. The beam must be perfectly even, no hot spots or rings, with a smooth corona and nice feathered drop off. A light with a focusing lens that can adjust the hardness of the beam edge would be great!
A gel holder would be great for inserting tungsten and fluorescent filters to modify the colour temperature. Oh, speaking of colour temperature, it should ideally be in the 5000K range natively, with a full-spectrum white light. The closer it is to the characteristics of high-noon sunlight on a clear, cloudless day, the better. Some sort of tripod socket or 3/8" or 3/4" screw mount would be fantastic.
I would really like an LED light, primarily because of heat concerns and secondarily because of battery life.
As I mentioned at the beginning, this light will be used for photography and videography applications, so the requirements are different from what you probably normally see in this forum.
So-o-o-o-o... any hope here, or am I doomed to forking over $500+ for a pro video light?
