Lights for Astro Light Painting
Apr 10, 2019 09:00:27 #
I am just getting into astro. What lights do you recommend for light painting the foreground? I hear that some lights let you adjust the color without an extra filter. That might be nice.
Apr 10, 2019 10:12:27 #
DRG777 wrote:
I am just getting into astro. What lights do you recommend for light painting the foreground? I hear that some lights let you adjust the color without an extra filter. That might be nice.
I bought the following based on my research for light painting.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Neewer-CN-160-LED-Digital-Camera-Video-Lighting-Kit-with-Foldable-Diffuser/192475796894?hash=item2cd073959e:g:EVkAAOSwp0pan57r
Apr 10, 2019 11:17:15 #
larryepage
Loc: North Texas area
B&H sells a number of LED panels that will work fine. I have one with 96 LEDs. The ones with 'tunable' color output are great, but the problem is knowing what color temperature you actually have. Filters offer fewer choices, but those choices are much more knowable.
Apr 11, 2019 11:33:06 #
worldcycle
Loc: Stateline, Nevada
I just use my headlamp. 200 lumens. Camera on tripod with remote shutter release. Get close to the foreground, open the shutter than turn on the light and paint. I then cover the light with my hand because most headlamps go through a cycle of strobe and red lights before turning off. Red light on the headlamp is also useful for not screwing up your night vision.
Apr 11, 2019 11:50:56 #
It really doesn't mater which flashlight you use, just remember it takes more or less time to properly shine it.
A weaker light takes longer, a stronger light is quicker. Just like using the output settings on most strobes and flashes.
A weaker light takes longer, a stronger light is quicker. Just like using the output settings on most strobes and flashes.
Apr 11, 2019 13:21:34 #
larryepage
Loc: North Texas area
GENorkus wrote:
It really doesn't mater which flashlight you use, just remember it takes more or less time to properly shine it.
A weaker light takes longer, a stronger light is quicker. Just like using the output settings on most strobes and flashes.
A weaker light takes longer, a stronger light is quicker. Just like using the output settings on most strobes and flashes.
That is true to an extent. But if you are photographing stars, exposure times need to be kept to 40 seconds or less, depending on what focal length lens you are using. Unless you have lots of help, you need a source that can supply the needed light in just a couple of seconds in order to have time for everything else that has to be done in that short window.
And you need light at a similar color temperature to what you are using for the celestial part of the frame, which is generally between 4000K and 5600K most of the time.
Apr 11, 2019 14:36:10 #
I have been light painting for a number of years. I use an adjustable flashlight, using a light like this you can change the power of the beam. You do not have to pay much for a good flashlight. Go to this link to help you select what type of light you want.
https://www.amazon.com/Flashlight-UltraFire-Aluminum-Adjustable-Activities/dp/B07G45YJHX/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=adjustable+flashlight&qid=1555007295&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1
There are a lot of YouTube links to watch on night photography. It is a lot of fun, good luck.
https://www.amazon.com/Flashlight-UltraFire-Aluminum-Adjustable-Activities/dp/B07G45YJHX/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=adjustable+flashlight&qid=1555007295&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1
There are a lot of YouTube links to watch on night photography. It is a lot of fun, good luck.
Apr 11, 2019 14:41:46 #
Coast flashlights cast a very even light without bright spots... they can zoom or go wide for very even lighting. Also have a dim mode. The HP7 gives plenty of light for most situations! Has a rechargeable battery version if that floats your boat. There are rubber snoots you can get as well to help holding gels to warm up the color. Use the clear disk to hold the gel in place. Read up on light painting on National Parks at Night website. Tons of info from some serious light/night photographers there!
Apr 11, 2019 15:00:55 #
Apr 11, 2019 16:24:52 #
larryepage wrote:
That is true to an extent. But if you are photogr... (show quote)
Personally I'd rather stay 20 sec. or less for stars and ground painting unless you go for stars only.
Modern Pentax cameras, have Star Tracker that allows around five minutes of star photography without rotation blur.
I'm guessing but since Nikon went in-body stabilization for their mirrorless cameras, it'll just be a matter of time before they offer something similar. As for Canon... they still need to use the expensive astronomy stuff.
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