The Impact Compact Fluorescent Kit 2 was put together by B&H to provide a basic lighting setup with extra power that is ideal for anything from portraiture to larger products to groups and video applications. The kit includes a wooden-handled, stay-cool umbrella socket that is compatible with lamps up to 500W, a single socket to four socket adapter, four 42W daylight compact fluorescent lamps, a 9.5' air-cushioned, heavy-duty light stand and a high-output 43" beaded-silver umbrella. Each socket on the adapter can handle up to 150W but the total wattage should not exceed the 500W rating of the Porcelain Socket Umbrella Mount.
The Impact Porcelain Socket with Umbrella Mount (500W) is a cost-effective way to utilize a wide variety of E26 (Edison) based lamps for photo or video work. Options include simple household lamps as well as photoflood, quartz halogen bulbs, and LED bulbs. This highly versatile product has an adjustable metal mount with a 5/8" receiver for light stands and an 8mm umbrella receptacle. The Floodlight Socket tilts and locks in place at the desired angle by grasping the stay-cool wooden handle and releasing the locking knob. Lamps up to 500W won't melt the ceramic base which is impervious to heat. The socket also accepts screw-on reflectors of various sizes.
This Impact Heavy-Duty Air-Cushioned Light Stand is a black anodized aluminum support that rises to a height of 9.5' and folds down to 42" for storage and transport. The stand will handle up to 22 lb and is topped with a removable 5/8" spigot with 1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16 threads. It has a wide footprint of 52" for greater stability. Air cushioning gently lowers the light when making height adjustments to protect equipment and fingers.
The 4 Socket Fluorescent Adapter from Impact was designed to turn the single socket FF-S1 Fluorescent Fixture into a 4-lamp fixture that accepts Edison-base compact fluorescent lamps. Screw in four 105W CFL bulbs and you now have a single unit with a total light output of 420W.
This is the Eiko Spiral Fluorescent 40W/120V 5500K E26 Base Lamp. It fits Photoflex StarliteQL, Westcott Spiderlite, or any other floodlight fixture that can accept a floodlight bulb. It provides 5000° Kelvin (daylight), equivalent in brightness to a 150 watt tungsten bulb.
This is a 43" Umbrella with a beaded silver reflective surface from Impact. It will intensify and slightly soften the light output of a strobe light fixture.
Umbrellas soften, broaden, and diminish the light output of flash light source. Umbrellas with a white interior will soften and weaken light more than an umbrella with a silver lining. A white umbrella without a black backing may also be used as a makeshift softbox, although the use of the light will not be as efficient as with a lightbox.
Choosing umbrella size is determined by the size of the subject, and the strength of the light supply being used. Choosing an umbrella surface is as subjective as choosing a paint and brush.