Which fluorescent lights are ok for photography

[Triggaaar]

Westcott do some expensive fluorescent bulbs, at about £22.50 each (5500K):
http://www.fotosense.co.uk/westcott-daylight-fluorescent-lamp-5-pack-32w-4221a.html

There are some cheaper Photo Basics ones, at £17.50 each (5500K):
http://www.fotosense.co.uk/photo-basics-4-pack-30-watt-fluorescent-lamps-414a.html

But that's still a lot when you can get other flourescents for < £10, like this (6500K):
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Daylight-En..._17?s=lighting&ie=UTF8&qid=1359242506&sr=1-17

So are the cheap ones missing anything - are they unable to reproduce the colours of the subjects (low CRI - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Color_rendering_index)?
Or are they basically the same?

Thanks

 

[Garry Edwards]

The one thing that's missing from most sales pitches is the CRI, and although this may be due to ignorance, my suspicion is that it's usually because the CRI is far too low.

Basically, you need a CRI of at least 90, otherwise some colours will be way out. Many of the cheap lights have a CRI of less than 70, which is OK for domestic use but definitely not for photography.

Also, the better photographic ones have a coating which stores the light energy, giving a stable output free from flicker. The cheap ones don't.

 

[Triggaaar]

The one thing that's missing from most sales pitches is the CRI, and although this may be due to ignorance, my suspicion is that it's usually because the CRI is far too low.

Basically, you need a CRI of at least 90, otherwise some colours will be way out. Many of the cheap lights have a CRI of less than 70, which is OK for domestic use but definitely not for photography.

Also, the better photographic ones have a coating which stores the light energy, giving a stable output free from flicker. The cheap ones don't.

Thanks Garry.

I actually feel stupid for asking, as I've quickly found some cheap ones that are for photography (just search amazon) - 5500k, and CRI=90.

Sorted

 

[Garry Edwards]

Good, let's hope you actually get what you've paid for, not everyone is truthful in their adverts.

When you get them, photograph some items with reds, oranges and yellows in them, and see how well those colours reproduce.

 

[Triggaaar]

Good, let's hope you actually get what you've paid for, not everyone is truthful in their adverts.

When you get them, photograph some items with reds, oranges and yellows in them, and see how well those colours reproduce.

I'll take picture of an x-rite colour card and profile match it. If it looks wrong, I'll blame the lights.