{"id":70753,"date":"2016-02-08T09:55:00","date_gmt":"2016-02-08T15:55:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/?p=70753"},"modified":"2016-02-08T10:06:47","modified_gmt":"2016-02-08T16:06:47","slug":"budget-buys-light-wands-for-video-production","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/budget-buys-light-wands-for-video-production\/","title":{"rendered":"Budget Buys: Light Wands for Video Production"},"content":{"rendered":"

Light wands are an excellent, easy-to-use light source on set. Here are some cheap alternatives to the expensive brands.<\/h2>\n

Top image via\u00a0Jamie Solorio<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

We’ve covered some DIY lighting alternatives<\/a>\u00a0in the past, and with this post we’re going to take a look at light wands, <\/strong>which are a great multi-purpose light for those constantly traveling.<\/p>\n

You’d be hard-pressed to find a tool as versatile as a light wand<\/strong>. You can use them on a stand or go handheld. They are fantastic for lighting hard to reach places. You can easily throw one behind a chair for backlighting, lay them on the floor for some cool up-lights, or light an actor from countless angles.<\/p>\n

High-end light wands<\/strong> pack a lot of punch in a small tube, but a new Ice Light will\u00a0cost you $500<\/a>. Let’s look at a few light wands<\/strong> that will help you light a scene without hurting your budget.<\/p>\n

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Yongnuo Light Wand YN360 ($62)<\/h3>\n

\"Budget<\/p>\n

Yongnuo claims that this upcoming light wand<\/strong>\u00a0will be the industry’s first LED video light to use RGB SMD lamps and LED lamp beads. The 40 RGB lamps with obviously offer red, green, and blue hues. The LED beads will allow you to adjust the light’s temperature from 3200K to 5500K.<\/p>\n

The wand can be controlled via an app, which will offer color presets and manual controls. You will also be able to dim the light accurately. The wand’s handle will include a tripod mount, allowing you to quickly throw the light on a stand.<\/p>\n

Yongnuo told PetaPixel<\/a> that the “YN360 light wand is set to launch in or around March 2016<\/strong>, and the price tag will be around $62.”<\/p>\n

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DIY Light Wand from Dean Pearson ($25, roughly)<\/h3>\n

\"BudgetImages via Dean Pearson<\/em><\/p>\n

Over on\u00a0Shane’s Inner Circle<\/a>, cinematographer Dean Pearson<\/a> shared these steps to building a\u00a0DIY LED batten\u00a0<\/span>light<\/span><\/em>\/lightsaber<\/em>. He\u00a0purchased a Tingkam RGB LED strip light kit<\/a> for $18. He then wrapped the strip light around a PVC pipe and connected the controller box. The light wand<\/strong> can be plugged into a socket or powered by battery.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Budget
\nImages via Dean Pearson<\/em><\/p>\n

Here are his directions:<\/p>\n

This was really simple to make. All you need are\u00a0the LED\u00a0lights, a drill, and 40mm diameter PVC\u00a0pipe.<\/p>\n

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  1. Wrap the LEDs around the PVC\u00a0pipe<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Drill a hole large enough to put the two cables from the controller thru.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Cram the controller box into the PVC\u00a0pipe.<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Done<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
    \n

    Neewer Bestlight 516 ($167)<\/h3>\n

    \"Budget<\/p>\n

    The Neewer Bestlight 516<\/a>\u00a0features an LED array that offers true daylight color and is rated for over 50,000 hours of use. The color temperature is adjustable from 3200K to 5500K. The light wand<\/strong> is virtually heat free and includes a built-in dimmer. It can be plugged in or used with a battery, and the handle features a tripod mount.<\/p>\n

    Specifications:<\/p>\n