Need a warm/neutral, floody light for photography

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diablo2424

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Joined
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Location
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I was using a Convoy s2 XML2 T4-7A binned light for night time and indoor (urbex) photography. As much as I loved this light, it had it's issue from a high-pitching whining noise, the light could cut out randomly (though that could be my Nitecore 18650 cell causing this issue), a decently annoying hot spot in the middle and lastly the tint was just a tad too warm/orange for photography causing me to constantly fix my white balance in post-processing.

I was "loved" and "was using" as I lost my light last night while out shooting, it fell out of my hoodie pocket and I didn't noticed, by the time I got back to where I think it fell out, it was gone. Sad day, but time to move on.

Doing some research I'm debating going a bit more neutral in my replacement light. However, I have a few points that need to be met on the new torch:

Must Have

  • Warm-Neutral tint (3600k-4200k seems about right, which makes me think I'm leaning more towards neutral such as Nichia 219 or SST20 warm?)
  • Floody (the Convoy s2 had an OP reflector, but still had an annoying hot spot when lighting things at night)
  • 18650 (so I can use the same battery as my Nitecore P16 and Rayus A10 RGB)
  • Keep the price reasonable (under $100 USD)


With this being said, I've done some research and found the Eagletac D25C comes in Nichia 219, and there's always the Convoy s2+ but in XML2 T6-4C, however that leaves me with the other issues I had with that light.

What other options are there for what I'm looking for? To see some of my photograhy to get an idea of how I utilize the light my IG is www.instagram.com/mattcandy
 
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Two factors: To get a really even level of light across the photo, you will probably need to use a diffuser of some sort. And for accuracy in color rendition, a high CRI source does a better job. The Nichia 219 led, depending on which version you get, will have a CRI of around 80 or higher. When discussing CRI, the larger the better, with 100 being perfect color rendition.
 
Connor said:
Are you looking for something extremely floody?

https://intl-outdoor.com/noctigon-kr4-quad-tail-e-switch-edc-led-flashlight.html
The mule version with 8 LEDs/no optic with SST-20 4000K high CRI LEDs could be something for you.
Click to expand...

Hadn't heard of this light before, thank you for the link. I'll look up some reviews to see the beam pattern, but it could be a great option!


Timothybil said:
Two factors: To get a really even level of light across the photo, you will probably need to use a diffuser of some sort. And for accuracy in color rendition, a high CRI source does a better job. The Nichia 219 led, depending on which version you get, will have a CRI of around 80 or higher. When discussing CRI, the larger the better, with 100 being perfect color rendition.
Click to expand...

Okay, my Convoy s2 was just a bit too hot spot-y for my liking, I had to block the light with my hand often, while painting the scene. When I got it I was hoping the OP reflector would be enough, but it wasn't. I'm also just fearful of a diffuser causing me to lose too many lm and the light not be bright enough when I need it to be. It could be a good option though for a high output light. And yes, I definitely figured I want a high CRI, it seems the 219C is the best for CRI, but it's 5000k, I did see one person on another forum mention they built a quad LED light with 2x 219B's and 2x 219C LED's for good tint and high CRI/output
 
Question for you: On your instagram, I see a ton of outdoor shots. Why are you looking for warm neutral?
 
Connor said:
Are you looking for something extremely floody?

https://intl-outdoor.com/noctigon-kr4-quad-tail-e-switch-edc-led-flashlight.html
The mule version with 8 LEDs/no optic with SST-20 4000K high CRI LEDs could be something for you.
Click to expand...

staticx57 said:
Question for you: On your instagram, I see a ton of outdoor shots. Why are you looking for warm neutral?
Click to expand...

I only use lighting when doing night shots, typically to light up buildings, trees, etc. or while exploring to light up objects/interiors of buildings where there is no light source. I prefer my photography to be as realistic or natural to the eye as possible. I also prefer to capture what I see in real life, I'm not into over-edited, fake looking imagery. My Nitecore P16 is MUCH to cool, I prefer to have that light on me for walking through the woods/scaring away animals (safety: as we have quite a bit of coyote here in NJ). So I am looking for something warm neutral to help portray that warm realistic, what your eye would see photographs. If you think more a of neutral (4500k) would be better for what I'm looking for, I'd be willing to give that tint a shot and pick one up instead of something warmer.
 
If its close range, i would suggest a mule. Personally, i have been using my Zebralllight H604c to light rooms inside while taking room shots. Any mule will do though, i think overready makes a mule if you have a P60 format light. Another option might be a triple or quad which will reach out further, but since the bright area is essentially the hotspot of the multiple emitters, you are limited if you have wide angle shots. I agree with the diffuser comment above or if you are looking for a more permanent solution, some diffuser film would work to spread out the hotspots...
 
MX421 said:
If its close range, i would suggest a mule. Personally, i have been using my Zebralllight H604c to light rooms inside while taking room shots. Any mule will do though, i think overready makes a mule if you have a P60 format light. Another option might be a triple or quad which will reach out further, but since the bright area is essentially the hotspot of the multiple emitters, you are limited if you have wide angle shots. I agree with the diffuser comment above or if you are looking for a more permanent solution, some diffuser film would work to spread out the hotspots...
Click to expand...

Cool thank you, my only issue with the Zebralight H604c is the side emitter, I definitely want something that emits light out the end of the torch.


Yeah, I think I have come to the conclusion I'll be going with a mule, I even think I narrowed it down to one of these two options:

Noctigon KR4 QUAD TAIL E-SWITCH 18650 EDC LED FLASHLIGHT
BODY COLOR: Cyan
LED Tint: (mule)Neutral White - XP-L HI V2 5D, 4000K

Emisar D4V2 High Power LED Flashlight
color: Dark grey
Switch retaining ring: Flat version
LED & Tint: (mule)Neutral White - XP-L HI V2 5D, 4000K

First of, what's the advantages/disadvantages of each light here? I can't seem to figure out the difference aside from the switch being either on the tail or the head?

Secondly, I also see "LED Tint: (mule)Neutral White - SST20 4000K 95CRI" as an option, but from what I was able to see online, it seems this SST20 LED is a bit more aimed at throw than flood compared to the XP-L HI V2? Is that correct?
 
Just curious, but do you find that a flashlight will give as good of results as a dedicated camera strobe?
 
The Noctigon KR4 has a more sophisticated driver than the D4V2 and a tail switch. As a photographic fill light a mule with no optics is a very good solution - just note that a mule has very limited useful range (<20m) because it's all flood, there is NO "beam".
For photography I would suggest a high CRI LED because you will get better colours. SST-20 is more throwy but only in a reflector/with an optic, this doesn't apply to a mule.
 
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fishesman said:
Just curious, but do you find that a flashlight will give as good of results as a dedicated camera strobe?
Click to expand...

Yes, a flashlight is much better for my application, as it allows me to paint objects and control the light, compared to a camera strobe which is not as controllable. Not too mention camera strobe is much more expensive and only useful with the camera (flashlight can also be used as a flashlight while walking through the woods, or checking for animals, etc.), plus a camera strobe is not the right color temperature for my use.

lion504 said:
BLF LT1. Tripod mountable, hi cri, adjustable CCT (3000-5000k iirc).
Click to expand...

Wow, I hadn't seen or heard of this, from what I read and saw on YouTube, this thing looks awesome! Thank you for the information, it's not what I'm looking for at this very moment, but it most definitely is being added to my wish list to pick one up soon, as it will come in handy! Especially as I have been getting more into traveling for my photography (once this COVID stuff is over!)

Connor said:
The Noctigon KR4 has a more sophisticated driver than the D4V2 and a tail switch. As a photographic fill light a mule with no optics is a very good solution - just note that a mule has very limited useful range (<20m) because it's all flood, there is NO "beam".
For photography I would suggest a high CRI LED because you will get better colours. SST-20 is more throwy but only in a reflector/with an optic, this doesn't apply to a mule.
Click to expand...

Great! Thank you for the reply. Knowing this information now, that a mule light has a very short range, I will be sticking to it, as I don't need that much range for the majority of my photography. If I need range, I can always pick up another Convoy s2+ as they're inexpensive.

I'm pretty sure I'm going to pull the trigger on this guy:
Noctigon KR4 QUAD TAIL E-SWITCH 18650 EDC LED FLASHLIGHT
BODY COLOR: Dark Grey
LED Tint: (mule)Neutral White - SST20 4000K 95CRI
Tailcap options: Green trit
 
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diablo2424 said:
Great, thank you. I ended up ordering that light with a custom floody optic with two hi-drain LG flat top cells! Can't wait for it to come! Thanks everyone! I'll post some pics once I get it!
Click to expand...


I'm afraid you cannot put any optic into the light, these are only for the non-mule versions.

BTW: this is a very high-powered light - it can literally start a fire if it turns on accidentally on max (e.g. in a bag) so make sure to use the electronic lockout when you transport it.
 
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Mechforce Supressor Lite, 5000k Natural White Nichia 219CT High CRI. $100 I plan on using them for my photography when this virus business is over.
 
Fireclaw18 said:
I was about to recommend this very light. Excellent choice!
Click to expand...

Thank you, I can't wait for it to arrive, should be here in the next day or so.


Connor said:
I'm afraid you cannot put any optic into the light, these are only for the non-mule versions.

BTW: this is a very high-powered light - it can literally start a fire if it turns on accidentally on max (e.g. in a bag) so make sure to use the electronic lockout when you transport it.
Click to expand...

Thank you for the information, I will definitely be utilizing the lockout feature. I will have to study the manual on how to use the different button press features lol

BattleBrat said:
Mechforce Supressor Lite, 5000k Natural White Nichia 219CT High CRI. $100 I plan on using them for my photography when this virus business is over.
Click to expand...

Very nice, that light looks pretty good as well. I see it comes in a 4000k Nichia version (probably 219B's) as well, which is awesome. Just wish it was 18650, not 21700 host.

BigusLightus said:
I've been using the Emisar D4 quad 219 with good results.
Click to expand...

Awesome! Thank you, I'm excited to get my new light and test it out!
 
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