Indoor Macro Lighting Advice Needed

[Ambrosia]

I know someone recently posted instructions for a DIY lightbox here:


http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=162967&highlight=macro+light+box


But I was also searching on Ebay and found a bunch of listings for different types of Light Boxes, here:

http://************/qo4w (http://************/qo4w)


I wanted to know if anyone had experience with any of these and wanted to get some opinions on which would work the best.

I should add that I already have some clamp lights and just need to buy daylight bulbs for them.

Thanks in advance! :)

[racketman]

I got one of these but hardly ever use it - seems to turn the room upside down when I do a shoot.
http://www.pbase.com/racketman/image/56609563
I think I bought too big a size, I would get the smaller one if I were you. Obviously not really suited to insects but good for objects.

[Lester Wareham]

I like the light tent - what make is it?

[Athena]

I have one by Lastolite and don't particularly recommend it. It has blue trim (who's stupid idea what THAT?) and it didn't come with any sweeps. This (http://store.tabletopstudio-store.com/ezlite.html) is the one I am going to replace it with.

[Lester Wareham]

I have one by Lastolite and don't particularly recommend it. It has blue trim (who's stupid idea what THAT?) and it didn't come with any sweeps. This (http://store.tabletopstudio-store.com/ezlite.html) is the one I am going to replace it with.

Thanks for the Lastolite tip - I have had one of their little reflectors for about 20 years which is very nicely made so this trim issue is a surprise.

I like your link, they do a micro 12" cube that would be good for macro subjects perhaps.

Hmmm, what are sweeps? (In the UK they clean fireplaces but I have a feeling that's not what you mean :) ).

[chemicalbro]

I have an Amvona light box........... it';s very cool and comes with 4 background colour inserts..(I assume thats what athena means by sweeps :))

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/amvona-com

they have various sizes (in the lighting section on the left)

you could grab yourself a real bargain from them.....

I got my XXL one for £12 + postage.. :)

the quality of their stuff for the price is simply outstanding... (I also have one of their tripods)

[blu82]

I notice most of these setups are cool. I am battling to find a large cold light source. For my smaller work with the MP-E65 I have a Schott KL1500 fibre optic light source with built-in colour temperature display. For larger work, however, I can only find lamps that get very hot.