Arri D4 light kit

Arri SOFTBANK D4 Tungsten light kit/ CASE KIT - ARSBD4K


So I needed a new light kit and I started to look at what was available for the price range. I have had many kits over the last 15 years, consisting of mostly Lowel lights. So naturally I’m a fan of lowel lights. The DP is an awesome light I have 3 of them, I also have an army of Omni light, a Riffi 55, the cool and small Pro light. But I wanted to look at options, one other thing I have is a work bench of old/broken lights and parts, and was looking for a kit that would last and was built a wee bit better than the lights I currently own so I looked at Arri. The tough thing on choosing Arri lights is that there are so many different kit configurations that it’s hard to choose. Open face, Fresne, etc..

So I did some research and found I could get Fresnel light and get more power with less wattage, even though it’s a 19th century technology. Fresnel’s lenses have greater ability to focus the light beam brighter than typical lenses and also have a more consistent intensity across the beam of light being transmitted. I also knew I wanted a variety to complement the lights I currently own. The Arri D4 4 light kit had this and more. The kit includes 2-150w Fresnel’s, 300w Fresnel and a 650 Fresnel. The 650 with the supplied Chimera Video pro XS 16”x22”Softbank and speed ring gave me my key light, 150w rim light 300w background or rim light and a 150w for accent light.



I found this kit quickly became my kit of choice for interviews and every day shooting. Another thing I enjoy on my Arri kit are the stands, these stands are sturdy, and taller than most other stands. The lit comes with basic scrims, barndoors and a set of lamps. The total wattage for the kit is 1250 watts. I also suggest purchasing additional scrims for this kit. I had never spent this much money on a light kit before and had a hard time parting with the money, but once I got the kit I was pleasantly suppressed at the quality, craftsmanship of this kit.


The two main lights the 650 and 300w light have very long cables which were really nice on shoots. Less stingers to carry knowing my light will work in most situations. Also having 2-150W lights is real nice, these are superb accent lights and can be used just about every shoot.  The biggest down side to this kit is the 150W lights have shorter cables which can hinder their placement, also the kit is heavy! 50 Pounds not including the extras we like to carry. Overall this is a nice kit, simple and basic. 

Summary: Someone needed a basic kit for interviews, good started kit.

Target Apps: Videographers, wedding, corporate, commercial

Price tested $2,274.00

What’s Cool: longer cables on key lights, craftsmanship, has the basics for any shoot

Missing; Better case whit wheels, larger case for caring extras

Tech specs: 4 Fresnel’s 2x150w,1-300w, 1650w, softbox, 4 stands, case barndoors

Raiting: Solid

Posted by Scott Gribble at 2/26/2009 1:35 PM
Categories: reviews
Tags: arri reviews scott gribble light kit arri 650
 

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