Subway Kit and the Tripod Quandary

William Hohauser · November 13th, 2014, 06:04 PM

Generally I will not do more then an interview on my own without a car. The camera goes into the backpack, tripods and lightstands into one bag and the lights in another. That can easily go in a cab or car service, a bit tough on a train or about half a mile walking. For theatrical or outdoor filming, I skip the lights and have even used my bicycle to get to jobs.

Any job that's complicated I will hire somebody to help.

Craig Seeman · November 14th, 2014, 11:27 AM

Cabs and car service can be a life saver... assuming they can get you there on time. They can drop you off in front of the location so you don't have to lug to fare.

The problem with cars and single person crew is that you have to hunt for parking or use a lot (carpark) and not only does looking for parking take time but either street or lot parking can result in a bit of walk to the location. Once I need a car I usually need an assistant, even if their primary purpose is to simply drop me off at location while they then hunt for parking.

Camera and bike, that would probably make something like the Benro Aero 4 a good tripod option.

Curious what lights you're using William.

William Hohauser · November 15th, 2014, 10:29 AM

I have two small kits that I chose between depending on the job presented.

The first is a Lowel ViP three light halogen kit (two spots, one flood) that I supplemented with hardware store bought voltage dimmers. It's compact and great for interviews. Plus the case is soft but sturdy. I have had this kit for a decade.

I recently purchased an Ikan IFB576 LED kit with two variable color temperature lights and V-mount battery plates. It provides a good soft light with low heat and set-up fuss. Unfortunately it's bulkier and the stands are in a separate bag. Depending on the job I can pack the camera tripod with the stands so I am back to three bags. If I need my large Manfrotto tripod I have to struggle with two tripods bags.

Craig Seeman · November 15th, 2014, 04:36 PM

I have a tungsten kit (Lowel Pro, Omni, Tota) but I'm moving to LED. I was thinking of adding iKan ID508v2 which is a little lighter than the IFB576
ID508-v2: ID508-v2 LED Studio Light w/Light Stand Mount | ikan
I'd really like to find even lighter but what I've seen I haven't liked.

November 13th, 2014, 06:04 PM	#61
William Hohauser Inner Circle Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: New York City Posts: 2,650	Re: Subway Kit and the Tripod Quandary Generally I will not do more then an interview on my own without a car. The camera goes into the backpack, tripods and lightstands into one bag and the lights in another. That can easily go in a cab or car service, a bit tough on a train or about half a mile walking. For theatrical or outdoor filming, I skip the lights and have even used my bicycle to get to jobs. Any job that's complicated I will hire somebody to help. __________________ William Hohauser - New York City Producer/Edit/Camera/Animation

November 14th, 2014, 11:27 AM	#62
Craig Seeman Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Brooklyn, NY, USA Posts: 3,841	Re: Subway Kit and the Tripod Quandary Cabs and car service can be a life saver... assuming they can get you there on time. They can drop you off in front of the location so you don't have to lug to fare. The problem with cars and single person crew is that you have to hunt for parking or use a lot (carpark) and not only does looking for parking take time but either street or lot parking can result in a bit of walk to the location. Once I need a car I usually need an assistant, even if their primary purpose is to simply drop me off at location while they then hunt for parking. Camera and bike, that would probably make something like the Benro Aero 4 a good tripod option. Curious what lights you're using William.

November 15th, 2014, 10:29 AM	#63
William Hohauser Inner Circle Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: New York City Posts: 2,650	Re: Subway Kit and the Tripod Quandary I have two small kits that I chose between depending on the job presented. The first is a Lowel ViP three light halogen kit (two spots, one flood) that I supplemented with hardware store bought voltage dimmers. It's compact and great for interviews. Plus the case is soft but sturdy. I have had this kit for a decade. I recently purchased an Ikan IFB576 LED kit with two variable color temperature lights and V-mount battery plates. It provides a good soft light with low heat and set-up fuss. Unfortunately it's bulkier and the stands are in a separate bag. Depending on the job I can pack the camera tripod with the stands so I am back to three bags. If I need my large Manfrotto tripod I have to struggle with two tripods bags. __________________ William Hohauser - New York City Producer/Edit/Camera/Animation

November 15th, 2014, 04:36 PM	#64
Craig Seeman Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Brooklyn, NY, USA Posts: 3,841	Re: Subway Kit and the Tripod Quandary I have a tungsten kit (Lowel Pro, Omni, Tota) but I'm moving to LED. I was thinking of adding iKan ID508v2 which is a little lighter than the IFB576 ID508-v2: ID508-v2 LED Studio Light w/Light Stand Mount \| ikan I'd really like to find even lighter but what I've seen I haven't liked.