Led lighting v flash unit

Longimanus

Longimanus

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I popped into a well known photography shop today to find out some info about an sb600 flash unit they had on their website.

I was shown the manfrotto led units and just wondered what people views were on them?

Are they any good for lighting a subject instead of a flash?
What about lighting for video work?
 
I'm not talking about specific makes here...

A little while ago I looked at a lot of different LED lights, most of it is made in Southern China and some from Taiwan. The growth in both technology and the range of products is staggering, and there is no doubt in my mind that at some point in the not too distant future, LED will be the lighting of choice for beginners.

But from what I've seen, we aren't there yet. The current LED lighting products are using technology designed for different uses, the technology needs to mature and to be adapted before it's suitable for still photography - it's already fine for video and is in general use, both pro and amateur.

Still photography requires a much higher Color Rendition Index.
 
Garry

Many thanks for the feedback, it seems this is the case for many applications that LEDs are delving into.
 
Those Manfrotto LED lights are better than the usual cheap eBay ones as they are nicely finished & not too expensive. However compared to a flash the light output is pitifully insignificant. They are nice as low powered continuous video lights but are no substitute for flash nor ever will be.
 
sam_cat said:
Never say never.. Technology is moving at a huge pace and who knows what the future holds.

Sam
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I chose my words carefully as don't believe that we will ever be using LED lights that match flash in power for the very good reason that all our clients would be blinded by them. Consider the sort of mains powered continuous lighting that would match flash output it's many thousands of watts & while LEDs might eventually replace 2K blondes etc & be miniaturised battery powered & affordable they would still be too damn bright to use except in very brief bursts i.e. as flash.
 
sam_cat said:
Never say never.. Technology is moving at a huge pace and who knows what the future holds.

Sam
Click to expand...
I agree.
The way that technology has roared ahead recently, in particular the ability of some cameras to shoot at ISO settings that, just a few years ago, would have been impossible, means that low powered continuous lighting will have its place, once the CRI problem has been overcome.

I'm NOT saying that it will ever be as good as flash, but for people who are just looking for easy solutions, it will be viable.
 
Buy the flash. Those LEDs are neat tiny amounts of fill for video, but that's about it really.
 
I have used the Manfrotto led lights quite extensively. For use as a main light source they are not going to replace a flash because they just don't have enough power. However for use as a small fill light or for use in really dark situations they are really nice. The advantage is that they are super light and all the models up to the MIDI-36 will easily fit in your pocket. I have a review of the MIDI on my site and I should have a review of the MAXI in the coming weeks
 
I was thinking about getting a ringflash O-type adaptor on the cheap as I don't have the need for a proper macro or ring flash unit for my canon (not at that price :))
but for macro are the LED ring flashes any good at all? or is it just a waste of time?
primarily thinking about non-picky use, a little bit of macro
or would off camera flash be much better, as I have a couple of those.
 
DizMatt said:
I was thinking about getting a ringflash O-type adaptor on the cheap as I don't have the need for a proper macro or ring flash unit for my canon (not at that price :))
but for macro are the LED ring flashes any good at all? or is it just a waste of time?
primarily thinking about non-picky use, a little bit of macro
or would off camera flash be much better, as I have a couple of those.
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You would be better off with one of the cheap Chinese knock-offs of the Ray Flash & a proper flash gun e.g. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/150689899...X:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649#ht_1776wt_1255
 
Longimanus said:
I popped into a well known photography shop today to find out some info about an sb600 flash unit they had on their website.

I was shown the manfrotto led light and just wondered what people views were on them?

Are they any good for lighting a subject instead of a flash?
What about lighting for video work?
Click to expand...

Sorry for posting in old thread but for which lights have you opted for? I am caught in similar problem so help in making best decision... Thanks in advance:wave::wave:
 
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I didn't go for a led light so can't comment, I have been tempted by some cheaper units on eBay though, I may give one of them a go one day
 
nigelbb said:
They are nice as low powered continuous video lights but are no substitute for flash nor ever will be.
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They will get there.

LED will be the standard lighting for domestic and business buildings too. My company is working with a company in Scotland on the products shown on their website: http://designledproducts.com/

And as Garry said, some of the stuff coming from China is remarkably good.


Steve.
 
I recently watched a video of a small LED light being used as a nice fill, in quite a dark image, with very nice results, i ordered a Yongnuo Led just the other day, just to see what sort of results i can get, when i get it i will have a play and post something up.

@ Garry, how do these Lencarta ones compare to others, as they look quite powerful and more expensive, than what I've previously seen, so i'm guessing they must be quite good.
 
TG. said:
I recently watched a video of a small LED light being used as a nice fill, in quite a dark image, with very nice results, i ordered a Yongnuo Led just the other day, just to see what sort of results i can get, when i get it i will have a play and post something up.

@ Garry, how do these Lencarta ones compare to others, as they look quite powerful and more expensive, than what I've previously seen, so i'm guessing they must be quite good.
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Yes, the great advantage of them is the power, and the fact that they are built into what is, in effect, a studio flash head, and take the full range of S-fit light modifiers. They are also extremely cool running, much cooler than a flash head fitted with a modelling lamp.
 
Sorry to jump into this but as your here already Garry and people are looking at it with regard to LED lights.

What do you think of the Lupolux LED spots that Damien Lovegrove is using/selling.

They look ideal for someone who's looking to replicate the old Hollywood single light style.

Video here
 
metz do good video led lights.

i got a cheapish led ring light, and itll about double the shutter speed at macro distances. its a travor / polaroid rf550

ive used it way more as a general light, than as a macro light.
 
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