"Grow bulbs" as photo lights.

GibbyTheMole · 06-22-2012, 06:19 AM

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Would something like this be good for DIY photofloods? (One per flood):

85W Full Spectrum CFL Grow Light Bulb 5500K | eBay

300 watt output... bright enough for a two-flood portrait light setup?

Cheers,
Bobbo :-)

eddie1960 · 06-22-2012, 07:11 AM

It looks like they are pretty much the same bulbs the Westcott Spider light systems use. the Spiderlights grough 5 of them thoug (but with output control) and go in a softbox

certainly given westcott pricing you could jury rig a knockoff of their system for less than half the price by being creative

Westcott - Lighting - Spiderlite TD

GibbyTheMole · 06-22-2012, 07:28 AM

I've got a couple of these: Walmart.com: Bayco 10.5'' Brooder Clamp Light: Storage & Organization

I was thinking of equipping them with these: 4 in 1 Studio E27 Light Lamp Socket Splitter Adapter | eBay

And I've got stands & white umbrella reflectors. (you can also shoot the light through them for a softbox effect.) Silver umbrellas on the way soon.

So... waddya think?

eddie1960 · 06-22-2012, 07:44 AM

sounds like it would work to me. Softboxes are pretty cheap to add on too $20-$50 depending on size.

definitely looks like the splitter is being marketed as a cheap Westcott idea (the Westcott with 6 bulbs actually has 3 power switches for controlling output - I would imagine if you are halfway handy with electrical it would be an easy thing to ultimately build yourself - without the finesse of the machined product of course

I have a couple of those clamp lights as well. they aren't really rated for the draw of 4 of those bulbs (or for a big spot) but it would be easy to rewire one with heavier gauge wire as well.

06-22-2012, 06:19 AM	#1
GibbyTheMole Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Iowa Photos: Albums Posts: 2,275	"Grow bulbs" as photo lights. Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. Would something like this be good for DIY photofloods? (One per flood): 85W Full Spectrum CFL Grow Light Bulb 5500K \| eBay 300 watt output... bright enough for a two-flood portrait light setup? Cheers, Bobbo :-)

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06-22-2012, 07:11 AM	#2
eddie1960 Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 13,666	It looks like they are pretty much the same bulbs the Westcott Spider light systems use. the Spiderlights grough 5 of them thoug (but with output control) and go in a softbox certainly given westcott pricing you could jury rig a knockoff of their system for less than half the price by being creative Westcott - Lighting - Spiderlite TD

06-22-2012, 07:28 AM	#3
GibbyTheMole Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Iowa Photos: Albums Posts: 2,275 Original Poster	I've got a couple of these: Walmart.com: Bayco 10.5'' Brooder Clamp Light: Storage & Organization I was thinking of equipping them with these: 4 in 1 Studio E27 Light Lamp Socket Splitter Adapter \| eBay And I've got stands & white umbrella reflectors. (you can also shoot the light through them for a softbox effect.) Silver umbrellas on the way soon. So... waddya think?

06-22-2012, 07:44 AM	#4
eddie1960 Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 13,666	sounds like it would work to me. Softboxes are pretty cheap to add on too $20-$50 depending on size. definitely looks like the splitter is being marketed as a cheap Westcott idea (the Westcott with 6 bulbs actually has 3 power switches for controlling output - I would imagine if you are halfway handy with electrical it would be an easy thing to ultimately build yourself - without the finesse of the machined product of course I have a couple of those clamp lights as well. they aren't really rated for the draw of 4 of those bulbs (or for a big spot) but it would be easy to rewire one with heavier gauge wire as well.