Interfit Super Cool lite-9 Fluorescent Octobox Kit (110-120VAC)

Comments about Interfit Super Cool lite-9 Fluorescent Octobox Kit (110-120VAC):

I use these lights mostly for interview set ups, but occasionally for short videos and even some photography. All in all, I'm very pleased with the system. The lights run cool and are quiet. The head unit is sturdy and looks very polished (not junky). My only complaint is that it takes quite a while to set it up because of the need to safely store 9 light bulbs (per light), un-package the bulbs, screw them into the head units, and then proceed on to the soft-box. It does take a while, but that's a small sacrifice for the great value of this light kit.

Comments about Interfit Super Cool lite-9 Fluorescent Octobox Kit (110-120VAC):

I use it all the time, the only problem I had was with the stand which i find a light too light for such a large softbox...

Comments about Interfit Super Cool lite-9 Fluorescent Octobox Kit (110-120VAC):

I had read in some other reviews that the plastic tilt handle is a problem. I can see where it might not hold up if you crank too hard on it, but it seems to handle a reasonable amount of pressure fine and I haven't had any trouble with the angle slipping so I have no complaints. Yes, it would be better if it was a more durable material but then you'd be paying a lot more for the kit.I also read in some other reviews that it is top heavy and the stands need to be sand-bagged. Very true. I definitely wouldn't use this outside, and if I have to raise it up too high and depending on the angle I double bag. As long as you are prepared for this it shouldn't pose a problem. Get the heavy stands.I found the color of the light to be excellent. Auto WB was pretty accurate and a small tweak in RAW brought it right where it needed to be. I doubt I will even bother with custom WB unless it is for a product where exact color is extremely important.For close portraits and small still-lifes it puts out plenty of light. Would need two and some fill to do a full length or a large set up.Found it easy to set up using the instructions on line. First time took me maybe 20 minutes, but after the initial learning process it became quick and easy.One of the bulbs arrived damaged. [...]All in all exactly what I would expect for a kit in this price range.

Comments about Interfit Super Cool lite-9 Fluorescent Octobox Kit (110-120VAC):

I am a still photographer who has added HD video for fusion shows. I wanted more light in the room for the video clips, and this product definitely does that, albeit it rather directional and harsh, even with the diffuser.

But it does take a fair amount of room, is heavy, and adds almost zero light when shooting stills with strobes. So only use this when you need the equivalent of a strong overhead lamp.

Comments about Interfit Super Cool lite-9 Fluorescent Octobox Kit (110-120VAC):

We bought 2 of these kits with the heavy duty Impact stands (for some reason the heavy duty stands are cheaper than the light duty stands). They are awesome! Totally worth more than the price!

Using this with Canon 7D for stills and video. Great color and brightness for fluorescents (don't use the Kelvin settings, use the white balance feature where you take a pic of a white surface). The softboxes are great, we rarely use the metal reflectors. The cables are nice and long, and made of a soft flexible rubber.

Cons: The plastic connector that hooks up to the stand is... well.. plastic. Could be metal, but as long as you're not letting your kid hang on it, should hold up. Storing and assembly are a huge pain, so we keep them assembled, even when transporting (keep them protected with the reflector or softboxes still attached). Pain in the behind, but whatever. I'd rather do that and get better-than-decent images than pay thousands of dollars for a better brand name.

We're probably buying one or two more of these. Make sure you get heavy duty stands and not the regular duty ones - these things are pretty big with the reflector/softbox attached.

Comments about Interfit Super Cool lite-9 Fluorescent Octobox Kit (110-120VAC):

Video image acquisition is crazy right now and there are trade-offs in every direction, and lighting is no exception. This light is exceptionally powerful and very cool and blends beautifully with my more expensive Florescent tools I use for interviews, greenscreen, portraits and tabletop shoots. But the completely awkward setup with the soft-box and fragile bulbs is beyond annoying - you WILL break bulbs. Set it up and leave it up.

The price point and adjustable output makes it a perfect lighting tool for starting-out, or even rounding-out for the budget conscious.

This light is definitely NOT for ENG or other situations needing quick set-ups or portability! Keep it in studio and you'll be very happy indeed.

Comments about Interfit Super Cool lite-9 Fluorescent Octobox Kit (110-120VAC):

The good:

- bright, quiet, and doesn't run hot
- daylight color temp seemed pretty accurate

The bad:

- the light FLICKERS. almost completely ruined our video shoot.
- lengthy and awkward setup, what with 8 wires to bend and 9 lightbulbs to screw in and repackage upon every set up / breakdown
- attachment to light stand was improperly fitted, and the plastic made it seem like it would buckle after time, given the weight of the softbox

Conclusion: this might work well if you have a still photography studio setup. Otherwise, it's a hassle. We bought this as a cheap alternative to a KinoFlo, and returned it after one use.

Comments about Interfit Super Cool lite-9 Fluorescent Octobox Kit (110-120VAC):

Comes in at a great price, incredibly bright output, flexible, and runs cool. Most of my photos are intended as reference for fine art. Meaning I don't want to worry about the dangers behind strobes, nor am I willing to invest a ton of of money into my photo studio. This Kit went beyond my expectations even with those limits.

Comments about Interfit Super Cool lite-9 Fluorescent Octobox Kit (110-120VAC):

4 stars because the lightstand socket seems to be soft, made out of plastic. For This heavy weight big light, I wish it be aluminum that makes me more confident on it-unbreakeable.