3-Point Interview Setup with Boltzen Lights (Smallest LED Fresnel)

[@George-hl3qj]

It's 2022 and I do not get tired of watching this video review. Great job

[@gerardovitale81]

I have these 55W and love them so much because they’re so portable and able to be battery powered saves me tons of time and risk running cables outside. It’s a beautiful solution kit overall for indie video / film production

[@TomAntos]

I just heard from CAME-TV that they in fact have strengthened the screws, so it can take the weight of the softbox. I will be ordering the new version of these lights so I can test those out.

[@Cocombee]

When will it come out?

[@CommiePinko101]

Cocombee That's what I want to know.

[@PeterMKent]

I just got my 30w Boltzen. The yoke cannot sustain my 120cm octa upright, the weight forces the light to point down and into spot mode. When trying to hold it upright the weight of the softbox began to bend the light in half. At first the sliding front was a bit off track and wouldn't close back to flood mode but I was able to wiggle it back into the tracks and it's all good now. Also noticed that you CANNOT run these lights off an F550 battery, they would not turn on, I had to use my F970s but those lasted about 2 hrs each on full burn. other than that it's a great light.

[@PeterMKent]

I just got my 30w Boltzen. The yoke cannot sustain my 120cm octa upright, the weight forces the light to point down and into spot mode. When trying to hold it upright the weight of the softbox began to bend the light in half. At first the sliding front was a bit off track and wouldn't close back to flood mode but I was able to wiggle it back into the tracks and it's all good now. Also noticed that you CANNOT run these lights off an F550 battery, they would not turn on, I had to use my F970s but those lasted about 2 hrs each on full burn. other than that it's a great light.

[@AGS-8785-D1R]

Yeah I got confirmation from Came-TV mine are newest versions too and they can't hold up a 56" (140cm) softbox. To be fair, it's a really large softbox, but just thought I'd let you all know. And if someone else's can't hold a 47"(120cm) softbox then it seems clear these can only hold a fairly small (sub 30" my guess)at best. Going to try something like this: www.amazon.com/Softbox-Yoke-Recommended-large-softboxes/dp/B01L0VXY1O/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1481256032&sr=8-2&keywords=bowens+mount+yoke

[@GeoffreyDean33]

Hey Tom. Thanks for shedding light on this product. I think a Boltzen 30 or two would be great for lighting wedding receptions. One thing I think you said; and lots and lot of people get this confused... A defuser doesn't soften light. It only spreads it our more to get more coverage. And by spreading it out, it becomes less intense. But it is still a POINT light source. Only by increasing the relative SIZE of the light can you soften it. Like you did with the softbox. Now if you back the softbox up 20 or 30 feet away, it's no longer large relative to your subject. It then becomes closer to a point light source. Just like the sun - the sun is big - but it's far away. Point light source.

Perfect timing! I was just looking for reviews especially since Mr. Cheesycam pointed out that the lights are too faint to be used in conjunction with the Aputure Light Dome. Glad to see it's still possible, even with the 30W variant! I'm just a little disappointed that the lights can't support the weight of the softbox and that your tightening knob broke that easily.

[@TomAntos]

I know, that is the only thing I wish this light could do, take the weight of my favorite softbox. But I am already working on a solution to strengthen the joints. Will post my results once I have it working.

[@ronfya]

About the lights falling when you attach a softbox, what you can try is to place large washers between the yoke and the light. Since friction will be greater, they may stay in place if the weight is not too much. I did that with other lights of mine and it worked perfectly. Worth a try. A more cumbersome workaround would be to attach a (non-flammable) rope between the back of the lamp and the base of the yoke by tying a quick bowline knot.

[@TomAntos]

I just heard from CAME-TV that they in fact have strengthened the screws, so it can take the weight of the softbox. I will be ordering the new version of these lights so I can test those out.

[@xakhuh5104]

From Came-TV: for the 55W： when in one meter, 60 degree angle： it is around 4064 Lux, 20 degree is around 13627 lux two meter , 60 degree angle ： around 1036LUX, 20 degree around 3038 lux. three metter , 60 degree ： around 452 lux , 20 degree is around 1283 lux. for the 30W : one meter, 60 degree angle, it is around 3150 Lux, 15 degree is around 18784 lux two meter , 60 degree angle , around 748 LUX, 15 degree around4591 lux. three metter , 60 degree , around 322 lux , 15 degree is around 1889 lux.

[@VincentJaugan]

Is this on their website?

[@kipling1957]

These light are daylight balanced. I had tp skim through all this video looking for this info and then visit the CAME-TV website to find this out. I think it's one of those 101 pieces of information that needs to be given up-front. Hope this is helpful for others. Will probably get a 30 W for a hair light.

[@ThomasGrillo]

Tom, Thanks for the video. regarding the mechanical balancing problem you encountered while attaching a large soft box, or other light modifier, you should find a machinist, and have them make an adaptor that would click into your battery compartment, to hold a counter balance arm, that would hold a weight, to balance the load of the soft box. Alternatively, you could use a miniature jib like apparatus, that would have a short arm in front of a fulcrum point, for the fixture, and a longer arm behind the fulcrum for counter balance. This second method would free up the battery compartment. Give it a try. Oh, if you can find a way to add an umbrella mount to the rig, that would be all the better, and lighter.

[@mopkrayz]

or maybe they can fix it in future versions, by making the screw attachments stronger

[@etiennelacroix-videoproduc4382]

Great! Very interesting product! Wondering what the CRI is? Thanks a lot for the reviews

[@michaheinrich9919]

winszuję małżonki, piękna kobieta. Do rzeczy jednak, świetna recenzja, jak zwykle zresztą. Twoje porady są bardzo pomocne! zdecydowanie lepszy zestaw na początek bardziej pro zestawu.

[@TomAntos]

Dziekuje Michal!

[@xakhuh5104]

How well do the barn doors cut the light? Can you get hard shadows and cut the light into a sharp sliver?

[@RobbScholarTube]

I love your Reviews Tom, great job.

[@dannypgrizzle]

The Boltzen looks good, but nobody has addressed outdoor sunlit interviews beneath a butterfly? Just wondering if the 55 watt can balance a talking head against a full sunlit background?

[@ChrisMaiMusic]

How do you think this would perform for wedding receptions (toasts, dances, etc.) Thanks!

[@farleywhitfield5148]

I know they're calling this a Fresnel, but it doesn't look like a Fresnel lens at all. Where are the rings that Mr. Fresnel came up with?

[@Carl_Aznable]

Yeah, that's not a fresnel lens

[@jeffbrass2351]

Great info Tom. Thanks for another great video. Any chance of getting a lux reading for flood and again for wide? Cheers

[@aCiD0L2]

MORE INFORMATION FOR THESE LIGHTS: www.came-tv.com/collections/came-tv-boltzen-series-lights

[@stephentimpe]

The bowens adaptor looked like it had a male mount that could be used with a female mount, eliminating the stress on the yoke. Correct?

[@johnleighdesigns]

Hi Tom I enjoyed your product review and scene lighting tests in this video - I see that Came-TV just released a bi colour version with umbrella holder built into the yoke - wonder if you are still using the Boltzen 30W & 50W lights - I fancy the idea of fresnel more than Panel LED - im still using speedlights for photography but want to break into video also

[@trevorpinnocky]

really nice looking lights. i want a set. you can probably replace the washers with a locking washer for heavier modifiers?

[@TomAntos]

I just heard from CAME-TV that they in fact have strengthened the screws, so it can take the weight of the softbox. I will be ordering the new version of these lights so I can test those out.

[@trevorpinnocky]

if that's true it's worth it. a 3 light setup for $1k is a bargain.

[@TotalParadigmShift]

Any luck? I have the 30w set and they can't seem to support a large softbox. Do you know of any softboxes that would work better?

[@delgadonyc]

Hello! I’m in the market for some new lights. What do you think of these lights over a year later?! I’m tempted to press “Add to cart”!!

[@adamstorm1984]

Thanks for the review. If you have a moment could you tell me the diameter of the coloured gels that come with the set?

[@15lastone]

Big Tom Antos, i like all your videos, thanks a lot

[@TVproductionGUY]

what's the came tv mount you used? B and H sold me a came-tv model BW Medium. What mount did you use and buy?

[@FlashOneFilms]

Nicee..can you lit a green screen with two of the 55W ?

[@FlashOneFilms]

i'll definitely get two of them they come with stand?

[@TomAntos]

Nope... no stand included

[@CosplayLosAngeles]

dam. thanks for the warning about the heavy softbox XD best video review i've seen so far i'm thinking of purchasing these soon

[@xakhuh5104]

Fantastic review. Seriously considering these. Thanks!

[@TomAntos]

They're great so far. I will be taking them on my next film shoot so I should have more examples soon.

[@GarethCroft]

Looks like Aperture have missed out, They promised their version in September, still no sign of it.

[@Photomeike]

This was a great review!

[@dancechaser]

really wish i could test them first, how does the output compare to a typical 1k tungsten ?

[@PERGEAR]

Great, Tom. I personally like the light with Fresnel if without halo and with an acceptable temperature especially afer long time working. How about lightmate pro, did you receive it?

[@iDesignMemoriesWP]

Would live to try but constantly on back order.

[@davidp158]

Great review, Tom. I'm surprised that the 30 watt version is so powerful. I'm interested in getting one of these, and wonder if the 50 watt version can be dimmed down further to match the low setting on the 30 watt. Does the light spread out for a "flood" effect with the barn doors removed? I'm thinking either the 30 watt or 50 watt will be a nice complement to my Aputure LS 1/2 and Dracast Bicolor 500 LED. Any thoughts on which light (30 or 50 watt) would be my best bet?

[@IlyaLeontyev]

Thank you! You helped a lot.

[@CarlBertossi]

Hey @Tom Antos Thanks for those review ! Do you think those light are production ready ? will you recommended for live music, music video, corporate, future/ short film ? Pozdrawiam z Londynu !

[@PawelTableTennis]

Good video Tom

[@casianosd]

Great color grading! Loved the final look! Sub'd!

[@nalarepooc1]

Thank you so much Tom for explaining everything - I have never used lighting as I mainly film spontaneous live action, however, I am thinking about purchasing a portable lighting system, very soon, and I have been watching your videos - you are an amaZing person - one of a kind! One question - with the main light - does this not affect the subject - blinding the person..?

[@risen-media]

Hi Tom, awesome review, would love to hear your thoughts on these lights after 3 months of use? How would they compare to the Aputure COB (even though the COB is much more expensive) thanks!

[@BarefootMediaTV]

so how bright are they compared to tungsten lights? 500w? They look brighter than my aputure amaran 672 which seem to be the same as my 300w tungsten lights. and do you know if they match the aputure led lights? I'm looking for a hard led light to go with my panels.

Since both Aputure and Came-TV LEDs have very high CRI ratings, I'm pretty sure their colors match well.

[@TomAntos]

Final shot was ISO400 f3.5 shutter 1/50th of a second. The key light using the 35watt version was shot through the CTO filter and the softbox and about 6 feet away from the subject. So that should tell you what to expect. Definitely very strong when considering it's size and power usage.

[@chrisw443]

looks very similar to 300w fresnel old tungsten lights

[@PunkDuckVideo]

I'd say closer to Arri 150w fresnel from those numbers

[@chrisw443]

i think the more powerful one is closer to a 300w and the smaller ones are 150w either way with current cameras, there all you need for ALOT of setups!

[@KwasnikPictures]

How would you compare the output of these lights to the 120D from Aputure... especially the 55w version, since 3 of theres is around same price as one 120D light?

[@nylafilms5004]

Hello, what iso and F-stop were you using, or how much do they output at a given distance at a set iso/f'stop/speed? And how is the color any green or magenta shift?

[@TomAntos]

Final shot was ISO400 f3.5 shutter 1/50th of a second

[@solfilms6592]

Do you recommend this for weddings?

[@djataras]

whats the cri rating. how does this light compare to apature 120

[@monkeyattackedmyass5435]

I believe they're 96 CRI

[@louisfce2]

Hi Tom, I will buy my first LED kit for doing interviews ? I hesitate between LED panels or these kind of lights ? What do you recommend ? Thanks a lot !

[@TomAntos]

These are also LEDs I recommend these since u can use them as hard lights or soft with diffusion

[@PeteWoronowski]

Great review, Thanks Tom!

[@NeilAngeloLightman]

How powerful are these lights compared to a 300 and 650 watt tungsten? Have you tried the 100watt boltzen? Im quite curious of that one too

[@TomAntos]

I haven't done a comparison or tried the 100 watt version. Sorry.

[@mopkrayz]

pity you can't attach a dome, because of the front weight problem. maybe they can fix it in future versions, by making the screw attachments stronger

[@TomAntos]

I just heard from CAME-TV that they in fact have strengthened the screws now so it can take the weight of the softbox. I will be ordering the new version of these lights so I can test those out.

[@josefweisleitner2559]

Hi Tom, you said you did the interview at an ISO of 400. Which aperture did you use? Thank you for another very helpful review!

[@TomAntos]

Final shot was ISO400 f3.5 shutter 1/50th of a second

[@patnoone1650]

Was that with the 30w or 55w ? what aperture were you getting with the softbox on with the 30w I'm looking to get these lights but don't want to go into overkill with the 55w, plus I heard the 55w doesn't get 100% on a sony 970 battery.

[@AllThingsKen]

its said in the video

[@victordipersia]

hey Tom, I did not see you mentioning if these lights (55Watters) can run at full power on batteries, is that so...? Thanks a lot

[@RobbScholarTube]

You have to watch the video in its entirety, it's long but necessary. 8:37

[@CosplayLosAngeles]

Hey what do you think of using these to add modifiers to prevent light from tilting? please google "L Bracket for Bowens"

[@shawnwright240]

the links to came-tv do not work. In fact their whole site has been down for at least the past two days. Are they out of business?

[@jeremyfoster8726]

do you only need soft box for key light right?

[@WilliamAponno]

the 55 watt has a fan inside...isn´t it?

[@buzzedlunne6668]

Thanks for the video Tom. Quick question, what camera did you use to shoot this review?

[@TomAntos]

Panasonic G85

[@buzzedlunne6668]

Thanks for the quick response Tom. Glad i subb'd to your channel. I learn a lot from you

[@ericdestiny2035]

Good work

[@ChessBoxin]

What light stands are being used?

[@AlexDerrick_DP]

Great review!

[@TomAntos]

Thanks!

[@jamiedimon1493]

How wide is the beam at 10 ft?

[@ryanstamm2363]

Can the 55 be used as an outdoor key light or fill

[@TomAntos]

Yes, they are both indoor and outdoor but not weather proof

[@ryanstamm2363]

Tom Antos hmm makes it tough to want a aputure 120cob d or t when you can get three 55w of these for $100 more I think I may pick these up instead

[@younghils]

im really impressed..nice..

[@cane1234567]

any idea on whats the cri?

[@BoomingVisuals]

96

[@cane1234567]

thanks !!!

[@philemotion8876]

Great !

[@cmpphilms7124]

awesome

[@islandboystv]

These lights have been discontinued.

[@MikkelGrumBovin]

Nice video - and and a lovely looking wife, my friend ! - Ive been thinking alot about getting my own light´s - as a one-man band shooter (BMPCC) - and this light seem´s like a good solution, maybe with a couple of aperture floodlights !? - have a good one ,- and im looking forward to more gospel from The Anto´s ;)

[@TomAntos]

;-) Thank you and thank you again!!! Aputure also has great lights. Theirs and the Boltzen can be used as flood lights

[@lamosos]

I have seen a number of reviews for these lights, but so far not one of them has explored their most important element and what really sets them apart - the ability to focus the beam and throw it to a greater distance. This is getting irritating.

[@jeffbrass2351]

the ability to focus and "throw" the light is the big feature on all fresnel lights, I guess the few reviews that are around on the Boltzen assume we know what a fresnel is - understandable since Fresnels are a very common type of light. I am hanging out for a more in depth review though, Lux readings etc etc.

[@lamosos]

Jeff Brass Fresnel lenses vary about as much as the lights that they are attached to. Battery powered LEDs with fresnel lenses in this price range - no, not quite that common.