Tabletop lighting rig - any thoughts

Barryboy

Barryboy

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Rob
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Hi... I am interested in watches and would like to do some macro type work so I want to put together a budget tabletop lighting setup. I have a portable (collapsible) little 'light tent' set up that I bought many years ago that will do fine but I am looking for some recommendations on lighting. I don't really want to use flash and was thinking more along the lines of a couple of anglepoise lamps fitted with suitable bulbs. Back in the days when WB was a big issue I would have looked at daylight bulbs but as that's not such a problem these days I was thinking of something more readily available (and cheaper!!) such as halogen bulbs or even LED.

I'm not sure about LED - I don't know if they would be bright enough or if the extra cost of LED over halogen would be justifiable. Any thoughts, please?

Rob
 
Hi Rob.. A bit of deja Vous... Almost as if were sat in a circle.. Back 5 years ago i too was in the same boat, B&R, Romain Jerome collector etc at the same time exploting the photography world with an entry level 450D. I think nowadays if you look at the likes of 'Watch Anish' and other peoples blogs the watches come through with more natural light. Not forgetting they will have reflective crystal faces etc getting the right angles is key.

To be honest, a single metz LED (or two) will be a great help and can be dialed up or down to each situation. It may also be a good idea to get a 45 degree watch stand (like you see in the shops). But ultimately with anything, depends how much you want to spend.

Chris
 
No reason you can't use angle lamps, bulb choice will be key though, halogen will be hot and with prolonged use will effect the colour of the cube turning it yellowish. LED of the shelf not Likly to have the power to be fair. I would look at good quality daylight bulbs to get a good colour match between them, lower quality ones will vary much more.
 
Thanks, all. Some good advice there. I am still as bit unsure how to go on..... I think I'll start off with one anglepoise lamp with a daylight bulb and a couple of reflectors. You never know your luck......

Rob
 
Nothing wrong with that Rob, if the subject isn't moving then thats a great way to learn about moving shadows and getting things just how you want them before pulling the trigger. Try to block out as much ambient light/daylight as you can this will give you a more consistant result.

All good fun

Steve.
 
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