Lighting Kit Advice

[D. scott Dobbie]

Really like the ARRI Softbank Series D kits – specifically for digital shooting. B&H or Samy’s will get you really good pricing. 5 different configurations with 3 or 4 lights for well in your price range. My suggestion would be to pay a little more to swap out the 650 Par, used mostly with the included Chimera, for a 650 Fresnel. More versatile. If the dealer doesn’t know how to do it, call Ron Sill with ARRI sales in Burbank (818-841-7070) and he’ll call your dealer to tell him how to handle it.

[Rick Pearl]

Is this what you are referring toL

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/225032-REG/Arri_571864_Softbank_D5_Tungsten_4.html

Why do you recommend swapping the 650 Par?

Thanks for your help!

[D. scott Dobbie]

The reason I’d swap out the lights is that If you’re not using the Chimera, you get better focusing versatility with a Fresnel. The Par just ends up looking like a work light without it.

Another feature I forgot to mention, and why I’m starting with the D5 Kit, is you can put 300w bulbs in the 650w lights. So now, for an awesome price you’ve got 2 150’s and 2 300’s, or a 300 and a 650, or 2 650’s. And, except for the 150’s, you can toss the Chimera in front of any of them – giving you a regular light or a fill. My second kit would be the D1.

5-day shipping all the way out to L.A. is only about $55.

-Scott

[Rick Pearl]

Are there any other accessories that you could recommend that this kit is lacking?
Different stands?

Thanks for your help!

[D. scott Dobbie]

It’s really complete. Stands are good. You don’t need to change them, but they’re not as heavy duty as a regular C-Stand, though a C-Stand wouldn’t fit in the case. Just be sure you sandbag them.

If you don’t already have gels, you might want to buy some sheets or rolls by Rosco (the color is throughout the gel, not just “painted” on, so it lasts longer). They don’t sell direct, but most expendables houses should stock them. Include diffusion. It’s not expensive.

ARRI also sells an accessory kit that’s got a 25′ stinger with a cube tap, clothespins, lamp pack and even grip gloves. Item #571700. ARRI list is $125, so you can do better at B&H. Guessing 3 lamps in the pack, but I’m not positive.

But none of that is mandatory – I’m sure you’ve got an extension cord and gloves at home. Though 2-3 extra bulbs of each kind would be handy.