LED Lights

[brijeshb]

Hi,

I would like to explore the use of LEDs in lighting for both, indoor and outdoor photography.
Please let me know if any one has had any experience in using LED lights. Also, I am looking for DIY tutorials on creating LED lights for photography.

Thanks in Advance.

Regards
Brijesh.

[OsmosisStudios]

FOr the vast majority the LED lights dont give off enough light for use in photography. I could see them for video, but not for photos.

[candleman]

Osmosis is right...

the only use i see them for is "light painting" at night with long exposures.. i know Automotive photographers love doing this.. with LED's in a handheld softbox.

but their colour temperature usualy ( dare i say always?) has a cast.. so they dont achieve true white.. most of the time are slightly cold.

[OsmosisStudios]

Theyre either way cold (in the 2000k range) or super warm (up in the 8000k range). EIther way, not much use for photography.

[brijeshb]

Okay, the reason I started thinking about LED was the high wattage LED bulbs. They seem to throw some really powerful bright light and wondered if it could be used in photography as well. An LED kit with a 8-10w output might give that brightness. But then am not sure, its all that I have read around and that has made me think about LED.

Thanks for the replies. I just hope someone if this community has had some experience using LED and can help me also.

And how about CFL lights?

I am planning to create some light kit on my own that I can carry around easily and do not have to invest much.

[OsmosisStudios]

You have a D80: the ultimate in portability and ease of use is a couple SB-600s. Granted, they won't be as cheap as a constant system, but they're FAR more powerful, totally wireless and super easy to use.

[brijeshb]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

You have a D80: the ultimate in portability and ease of use is a couple SB-600s. Granted, they won't be as cheap as a constant system, but they're FAR more powerful, totally wireless and super easy to use.

Thanks. Guess I will have to invest in a flashgun!...

[GreggObst]

If you really want/need to go with a continuous light setup, you may want to checkout this setup:

Amazon.com: Photo Basics 413 4-Socket Adapter: Camera & Photo

Amazon.com: Adorama AC Socket with Light Stand Adapter & Umbrella Holder: Camera & Photo

Amazon.com: ALZO Digital Full Spectrum Light Bulb - ALZO 45W Photo CFL 5500K 91 CRI, Daylight balanced, pure white light, 2800 Lumens, Case of 4: Home Improvement

That will give you a four bulb, continuous light, daylight balanced setup with an umbrella holder that you affix to a light stand and position a shoot through umbrella in front of. All for $58.19. It's like a poor-mans Westcott Spiderlite TD5 setup without paying the $400+ for a TD5.

[inkista]

If you plan on doing videography as well as flash, then looking into a video LED light might be useful. Neil van Niekerk uses video LED lights for still photography all the time.

http://neilvn.com/tangents/flash-pho...s/video-light/

But this LED gear costs as much or more than speedlights will.

[corvus2606]

Daylight white LEDs can be bought, but theyre usually more expensive than 'normal' white. you're best bet for a Constant light setup is CFLs, theyre cheaper, easier to get, and tried and true.