Lightbox: Need Better Lights

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I've been using a homemade lightbox for awhile now, with 2 of those 500W floodlights. For xmas my girlfriend got my a really nice collapsible lightbox with 4 different built in backgrounds (not those cheap ones from dealextreme or anything like that.)

I've already done a few paid product shots in the past, but I think its time to upgrade the lights I'm using. Mainly because they are WAY to damn hot! I have to turn them on, and turn them off instantly after taking the photo or else inside the box gets very warm and quickly. Plus it doesn't look very professional lugging these huge things around.

Aside from buying another 430 or 580ex, does anyone have any ideas where I can get cool lights that would be ok to leave on during the shoot? maybe some that are so darn bulky?

thanks for any tips

[Wilt]

I presume you mean 'softbox', as 'light boxes' are used to view slides/transparencies.

There are some constant source lights that use fluorescent bulbs, I think from Wescott. The other alternative is the purchase of studio lights, either monolights or power pack with head(s)

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no no not a softbox. Lightboxes, or otherwise called a light tent, are those "tents" or boxes people use to shoot product shots of small items.

heres a mega-thread about lightboxes....
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=281524&highlight=lightbox

[Wilt]

no no not a softbox. Lightboxes, or otherwise called a light tent, are those "tents" or boxes people use to shoot product shots of small items.

heres a mega-thread about lightboxes....
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=281524&highlight=lightbox


Ah, a 'light tent'...OK. Just wanted to be sure readers understood correctly what you are asking about!

[Hoptography]

Why are you not interested in another speedlight? They're small, plenty powerful, and you'd only need to buy one more.

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cause their exxxxxpensive! I already have a 430ex so there wouldn't be any point in buying one of those, so I would have to go to the 530ex, and used their going for like $300-$350CAD. Don't get me wrong I would love an addition speedlight for other things as well, but thats a little more then i was hoping to spend on this project right now.

The other thing was with continuous light, your able to see exactly where the shadows are falling on the items, same with the reflections.

I've done some googling and looks like the best thing would be to get like 2 10" reflector's and use CFL bulbs (compact florescent). Only thing is getting a stand or something for them. Smith Victor makes perfect ones, but it looks like you have to buy it in a kit with the light tent as well :(

http://www.smithvictor.com/images/products/large/402049.jpg

[Curtis N]

Use smaller lights and longer shutter speeds.

[Hoptography]

I think continuous light is overrated, imo. You can know exactly where your light will be by looking down the flash head, and taking 5 seconds to take a shot, chimp, adjust.

But if budget is the main issue, I hear ya! I just got my first 430EXII (finally...) and already want a second.

You could have some fun messing around with some florescent lights on either side, and maybe use your 430 with a gel on it to match the white balance and light from the top/back/front/etc.

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lol but still haven't solved the problem about some primary lights.

http://www.smithvictor.com/images/products/large/402049.jpg

need to find something like those (had sell to canada)

[Hoptography]

Try some 100-200w work lights from Home Depot type stores. 500w will be way too hot, but 100 or even 250 backed away might be a decent and very cheap source of continuous light that won't burn the house down!

I'm talking about these things...

http://images.lowes.com/product/converted/805673/805673010574md.jpg
or
http://images.lowes.com/product/converted/017398/017398346009md.jpg

$25-50 bam.

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the first one u posted is exactly what im trying to get away from, haha

but the second one looks much better! more of what i am looking for. where did u find that

[Jim M]

How about Vivitar 285's. You could buy two and have money left over for what you would pay for a single 430EX or 580EX. Or how about used lower end studio flash such as Speedotron Brown Line or Novatron. You can find older units at bargain prices on eBay if you shop carefully.

Sorry if something similar showed up before, but I think I sent an earlier message off into the ether.

[Hoptography]

the first one u posted is exactly what im trying to get away from, haha

but the second one looks much better! more of what i am looking for. where did u find that

Home Depot and Lowes will have those things in 100-250w versions, most with a clamp so you can keep them setup. I think they are like $15 each.

[Rellik]

I think you will be better off with some off camera lights. The vivitar or the sunpak which runs under $100 each. Add some triggers and stands and you are done. Make a note of the settings and you can be using those settings in all those shoots in that environment. Be done with the shoot in 30 mins.

With ettl, you will have to compensate for the product in question. And with continuous lighting, it may be affected by other available light (eg. room lights).

There are some continuous lights such as those powered by florescent tubes. They generally run quite cool. Though, the same issues will arise with mixed lighting, especially with regards to white balance.

[robbrouse]

They can be bought at Wally World or any home store. They take standard light bulbs, so you could mess around with how much wattage you wanted to use. I have a couple of them. I've messed with in the past.

the first one u posted is exactly what im trying to get away from, haha

but the second one looks much better! more of what i am looking for. where did u find that

[Gatorboy]

How about Vivitar 285's. You could buy two and have money left over for what you would pay for a single 430EX or 580EX.

+1

At $90/each, it's a cheap, simple solution.