LED light recommendations?

HopefulM

HopefulM

Suspended / Banned
Messages
3,323
Name
Maria
Edit My Images
Yes
I do a reasonable amount of 'table top' photography and have seen a few people use LED panel lights, and they seem to get some quite good results (like this : https://www.amazon.co.uk/Neewer-Bes...1_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=XBQQ3W6S1WQ3JJ5A1Y2C )

Does anyone have any recommendations about what ones are ok or maybe should be avoided?

Do you find them bright enough?

And have you had any problems with managing the colour temperature?

thanks
 
HopefulM said:
Does anyone have any recommendations about what ones are ok or maybe should be avoided?
Click to expand...
I use one of these:

With an E27 socket mount on a light stand I can use it with a softbox or bounce it off a reflector for table-top shots. I'm less keen on the panels as it can take a lot of diffusion to soften the light source and disguise the distinctive pattern of individual LEDs.
 
As above, depending what your needs are, LEDs can do a job, but they're rarely the 'best' option for photography.
 
Thanks for the replies :)

Yes, I can see they'd take a bit of effort to diffuse correctly, but tbh, the faffing around with strobes and taking test shots leaves me more and more disillusioned every day! The appeal of having something on a panel that's continuous that I can see how it looks without having to set the modelling light etc etc, and that I can change with a simple switch or filter really appeals... Alastair, your suggestion looks very interesting and I'll be having a good look before chosing! :)

The last successful still life I did was done with a light cube and one of those builders lights on a stick ;) Nikon SB900 = £250ish if I remember correctly (and it also needed a diffuser), whereas light cube from ebay and builders light from B&Q = about £25, and the results were very pleasing.

I was thinking of the Youngnuo YN300-III - the one that has barn doors, so I'd be really happy to hear anyones thoughts who's used one of these

thanks :)
 
Last edited:
HopefulM said:
Thanks for the replies :)

Yes, I can see they'd take a bit of effort to diffuse correctly, but tbh, the faffing around with strobes and taking test shots leaves me more and more disillusioned every day! The appeal of having something on a panel that's continuous that I can see how it looks without having to set the modelling light etc etc, and that I can change with a simple switch or filter really appeals... Alastair, your suggestion looks very interesting and I'll be having a good look before chosing! :)

The last successful still life I did was done with a light cube and one of those builders lights on a stick ;) Nikon SB900 = £250ish if I remember correctly (and it also needed a diffuser), whereas light cube from ebay and builders light from B&Q = about £25, and the results were very pleasing.

I was thinking of the Youngnuo YN300-III - the one that has barn doors, so I'd be really happy to hear anyones thoughts who's used one of these

thanks :)
Click to expand...
You might have missed the main complaint, colour rendition.

A halogen builders light has a good CRI, the disadvantage being heat, but those cheap nice cool easy to use LED's have appalling CRI.

LEDs with better CRI tend to be expensive, but the bulb Alistair linked is an exception.
 
I think for still-life/table-top shots LEDs now have a definite edge over flash - CRI has been steadily improving although with a lower light output they're more vulnerable to secondary light sources contaminating the colour temperature, and with always-on it's much easier to see the light and how it sculpts the subject as you work.
 
Thanks Phil, I'm going to check out that bulb, looks like the better option
x
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top