Will a budget continuous softbox kit provide enough light for bench photos and video in a 3×3 m room?
Asked 4/23/2012
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2 answers
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I work in a small hobby room (about 3×3 m) and usually photograph or record projects on a workbench around 1.8×1.1 m. I already have one softbox for product shots, but most of my images and videos are taken during construction, so I want broader, softer lighting that reduces shadows across the whole bench.
I found a budget continuous-light softbox kit using multiple CFL bulbs. The listing claims very high “equivalent wattage,” but I’m skeptical of the real output. For this kind of setup, would a kit like this provide enough light to evenly illuminate a workbench for both stills and video, or are these kits mainly suitable for portraits and close subjects?
Also, in general, how far from the subject can this type of continuous softbox light be expected to work effectively?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
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Reading the details of the eBay auction, you're right, it's not quite what they claim.
- 7650 watts / 15 bulbs = 510 watts/bulb.
- Each softbox takes five bulbs, and two softboxes are included (or three, depending upon what part of the description you read). That will therefore supposedly output 5100 watts, and give you five extra bulbs.
They are supplying 85 watt fluorescents, which are supposedly equal to 510 watt traditional bulbs. Based on a little searching, I'd say an 85 watt fluorescent bulb is probably more like 375 watts from a traditional bulb. The best way to judge light output would be to know lumens or a guide number, but they don't supply those. Also, note the size of those bulbs. They are not your standard compact fluorescent -- they're much bigger at about 4.5 in diameter and 9 in long. So, five of those means this is a big package.
For photo-only work, I would avoid getting a continuous lighting system because of price, size, and heat. But since you mention video, continuous lighting is necessary. Is it worth it? I think this all looks like low quality gear, and a cheap light stand would drive me nuts because it's likely to move too easily... but it may well be worth it, yes.
Originally by user8473. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user8473
14y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Be skeptical of the advertised wattage. Listings like this often quote incandescent “equivalent” power, not actual output. In the answers provided, the bulbs are 85 W fluorescents, and their real-world output is likely much lower than the headline claim suggests.
For judging usefulness, lumens would matter more than “equivalent watts,” but that information isn’t given. In practice, these kinds of CFL softbox kits are usually best for close-range use. They can work for a small bench in a 3×3 m room, especially if the lights are placed fairly near the work area, but they are not especially powerful and should not be expected to light subjects well from long distances.
They’re not only for portraits, but they are most effective on relatively small areas and nearby subjects. If your goal is to reduce shadows over a 1.8×1.1 m bench, they may help if positioned close and carefully, though the softness and coverage will drop as you move them farther away.
So: likely usable for close tabletop/workbench shooting, but don’t rely on the marketing wattage, and don’t expect strong performance at distance.
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