2 battery powered studio lights that are portable under $1500

4 years 10 months ago #648875 by Crazyguy
I have $1500 to spend on a couple lights.  I want something I can use in studio and out of studio.  So I need something that runs on batteries.  I've been a little out of it for last couple years and just jumping back in.  What's happening these days?  

Thank you

An Irishman is not drunk as long as he can hold on to one blade of grass to keep from falling off the world.
Photo Comments
,
4 years 10 months ago #649637 by Joslyn
Aputure 120D II


Photo Comments
,
4 years 10 months ago #649802 by CharleyL
Last month I purchased three GVM 480AC lights for doing some studio video work. On Amazon, these lights are selling for $69.95 each right now, or they can be purchased in multi light packs.. They are bi-color,  with the ability to use them on batteries or with a brick that is supplied with them. Two battery sockets on the back of the lights accept the Sony NP-960/F970 standard type batteries. Mine were made by Powerextra and also purchased through Amazon. They are connected in series on the lights, so it requires both batteries for the light to operate, but on battery power I can use them continuously at full output for about 4 hours before the batteries are depleted. They will run all day at full power and without overheating on 120 vac from the brick power supply or from an external 12-15 vdc power source (think car battery). A digital display on the back of each light displays the color temperature, as well as intensity. Both levels are adjusted with separate knobs on the back side of the light, or by a WIFI APP.

A nice feature of these lights is that they can be turned on and off, and the color and intensity adjusted via a WIFI APP from a cell phone or tablet. Unfortunately, switching control from one light to another requires going back to the WIFI list and selecting the next light that you want to adjust (just not as easy as it could be). During installation of the APP you rename the lights, adding an identification number, etc. which helps later when selecting the one to adjust from the WIFI list.

Each light comes with barn doors and a U bracket mount to allow it to tilt up and down, and attach it to a light stand. A plastic diffuser is also included that slides into a slot between the LED lights and the barn doors. I have cut some thicker colored plastic gels to fit into this slot and this works well when color is needed. It's surprising how soft the light from these is, even without using any mods with them. I'm now using them in the studio for both photo and video work.

Charley


,

817.3K

241K

  • Facebook

    817,251 / Likes

  • Twitter

    241,000 / Followers

  • Google+

    1,620,816 / Followers

Latest Reviews

The Olympus Pen E-P7 is an affordable micro four thirds mirrorless camera with 4K video capabilities, a 20.3MP sensor, and 121 focus points, making it a solid entry-level camera for beginners.

May 13, 2024

The Panasonic G9 II is a 25.2-megapixel micro four thirds camera with numerous features that make it punch out of its weight class, like 779 AF points, 5.8K video, and weather sealing.

May 10, 2024

The Fujifilm XT5 is a 40MP mirrorless camera capable of 6.2K video at 30p. With those specs, it’s an ideal choice for photographers needing a camera to pull double duty for imaging and video.

Apr 25, 2024

The Canon EOS R100 is an entry-level mirrorless camera introduced in 2023. But just because it’s an entry-level camera doesn’t mean it’s a bare-bones camera. Find out why in this review!

Apr 22, 2024
Get 600+ Pro photo lessons for $1

Latest Articles

Upgrade your kit in 2024 with the best intermediate camera on the market! The question is, what camera fits the bill? We’ve got three top options for you to choose from in this buyer’s guide.

May 15, 2024

The best photography jobs right now are a mix of tried-and-true gigs like wedding photography and new jobs highlighting AI’s capabilities, travel, and videography.

May 15, 2024

The Olympus Pen E-P7 is an affordable micro four thirds mirrorless camera with 4K video capabilities, a 20.3MP sensor, and 121 focus points, making it a solid entry-level camera for beginners.

May 13, 2024

Starting a photography business is one thing; sustaining your business over a long period of time is another. Use the tips in this professional photography guide to build something with longevity!

May 13, 2024

The Panasonic G9 II is a 25.2-megapixel micro four thirds camera with numerous features that make it punch out of its weight class, like 779 AF points, 5.8K video, and weather sealing.

May 10, 2024

Cinematic photography is an interesting genre that combines photographic and videographic skills along with effective storytelling techniques. The result? Highly impactful images!

May 09, 2024

Newborn photography requires skill, the right gear, and a lot of patience. This beginner’s guide discusses critical topics that will help you be more prepared for before, during, and after the shoot.

May 08, 2024

To fill the frame means to expand the footprint of the subject in your shot. Get in close, zoom in, crop the image, or use other techniques to bring the subject to the forefront.

May 06, 2024