Tungsten to Compact Fluorescent

limbik

I'm working out the details on the lighting setup I plan to spring for.
Flash units are out since I do video work as well, so I have been mulling over my options in the "hot light" department and came up with an interesting possibility but would like some input on it before I pull out the credit card.

I'm looking at approx one 1000w in an octobox, one 500w hairlight in a softbox, and one 500w background light with gels and barndoors. I found a couple nice quartz halogens in my price range, but the downside being heat, power draw, and some had fans so they are out of my video consideration.

Then I found these:
http://www.1000bulbs.com/product.php?product=31295
http://www.servicelighting.com/catalog_product.cfm?prod=MX35871

I already saw several setups using multi CF bulbs in an array, but in theory these would allow me to use a standard tungsten fixture and its associated accessories. Any thoughts, reccomendations? Anything I should watch out for?

ziggy53

Note that the CRI is 84 for either of these, so that color accuracy is a potential problem, especially for flesh tones and pure colors. I suggest purchasing in moderation until you verify suitability to your task(s).

That said, I do have a couple of lesser CF "Daylight" bulbs (from the local W-Mart) that I use with aluminum reflector "clamps" on a copy-stand application. For cheap and dirty lighting, they are hard to beat.

For video work, I found the ones I purchased to be a bit "harsh" for lighting general work, but much better than nothing.

I did not have a serious problem with "flicker" on either still or video, but I didn't try to push the shutter speed either.

The most color accurate (95 CRI) fluorescent bulbs I could find, for a reasonable price, are the Philips Colortone 75, which fit a standard 4 ft. fixture. If you use a high-speed electronic ballast, you should be able to accomodate reasonable shutter speeds.

http://www.bulbs.com/products/product_detail.asp?page=products&inventory=9136

ziggy53

limbik

Thanks for the info, I figured I was overlooking something.
I'll keep looking around for now, unless I come across a 90+ CRI version.
Since my setup will need to be at least semi-mobile I'm trying to avoid the 4' tube scenario for now.