Advice on new light.

[Tom Sykes]

Hey folks.

 

I'm starting a film very soon and have been planning to buy a new light and am struggling to make my mind up.

 

I would hire but I have the money to expand my kit, and would therefore use this new light on other projects, so before I get an answer stating "it depends ont he look" or something along these lines, while I agree and appreciate that, I am looking at this from a generic angle and being able to approach any project in the best possible light... Excuse the pun ;)

 

I own currently a set of arrilite 800's (x3) and an Arri Blonde (2k), whilst I am also getting some lights from other sources for free,(300w dimmables and a Kino Diva 400), the lights I am looking to expand my kit with are from between;

 

A rifa light ex55 or ex88?

Or

A chimera pancake medium or normal lantern?

 

Whilst a rifa light is more direct in a sense of it being floor standing and "aimed" as opposed to easily being applied as a practical from above like the chimera, I am finding it difficult to decide between the two.

 

I also love the Dedo Octodome?

 

What are people's thoughts?

 

Would it be better to invest in more grip equipment for the lights and make a chinaball instead of the chimeras, or should I utilise the open sources I have and diff them to diffuse instead of getting a rifa?

 

I know this is very vague, people's opinions are always so helpful though and I appreciate your time.

 

On top of the chosen light I'm going to get a crossbar, three c stands, and some flags and an arri boom stand.

 

I have a budget of about £1250 ($1974).

 

Thanks for any help,

 

Tom.