UltraLight2

cadencefilm

cadencefilm

Member
hey guys,

any of you out there use the anton bauer ultra light 2 with the dimmer module?

we just got them in with a daylight head and soft box. we've been using dimmable frezzi's up until now.

just wanted to know what the thought is out there. who preffers frezzi's to ultra lights, or vice versa?
 
I'm running the UL2 with UL Dimmer and softbox. One problem with using the dimmer is that it won't work from the power tap on the camera body (Sony F350). I have to plug it into the AB adapter on the back of the camera and there's not really any elegant way of routing that cable to the back. Using the UL2 alone, it works fine from the camera body power tap (rated for 50 watts). Swinging the softbox out of the way for more punch is less than optimal also.

I do like that the UL Dimmer pushes the AB light out front and will definitely eliminate any chance of lens or mic shadows.

I may be wrong, but I don't think you can use the dimmer with the daylight HMI head. I suspect it always needs the full supply voltage to work properly.

I have no experience with the Frezzi unit.

cm
 
My first toplight was an Ultralight 2. Being able to remove the head and leave the power module on the camera was nice, but they aren't super tough. After my Ultralight got broken at a football game, I switched to Frezzi's. They're built like tanks and I've been using them ever since. The softbox attachment is nice and I just bought the newer version that allows you to change gells/grades of diffusion. I don't have any experience with the Daylight module. Too much money for what it is and you have to wait for it to "come up to speed" just like a big HMI(just a little quicker, though).
 
I keep hoping that the pile of broken POS ultralights will convince my shop to get frezzi's but so far no go.
 
I've used both and if you want a dimmable fill light, the Frezzi is the only way to go. The dimmer unit on the UltraLight is too bulky and the plastic knob on the top won't handle the torque of needing to secure the light for ENG purposes.

I've had to do a lot of maintenance on the frezzi's but they are more easily maintained than the ultras. If it weren't for the dimmable function, I'd go with the UL's but ...

Personally, I hate both brands when they're used as a key light, but sometimes it's your only choice. I love it when the competitor shows up with their Frezzi on. I just turn mine off and make sure my reporter is between me and his/her light.
 
one more question. . .

. . . how does the ultra light handle rain? right now with my frezzi, i can leave it sticking out of my rain gear and it works perfectly in a downpour. i'm curious as to how the ultralight alone or mounted on the dimmer handles water. . .
 
SandRat said:
I've had to do a lot of maintenance on the frezzi's but they are more easily maintained than the ultras. If it weren't for the dimmable function, I'd go with the UL's but ...
Click to expand...

Just out of curiosity, what have you had to do besides replace lamps? Are you referring to the dimmable version, because all I've ever used is the standard version and I've never had a minutes trouble out of any of them.

MINI RANT:I hate it when you're in the middle of an off the shoulder interview and some j@ck@$$ comes up and turns on their top-light and hits 'em with a 50+ watter on the opposite side and turns that side of their face nuclear. Or they come in and shoot the opposite color temp you're already shooting(dichroic, no dichroic).

...now back to your regularly scheduled Frezzi vs. Ultralight discussion...
 
Run&Gun said:
Are you referring to the dimmable version, because all I've ever used is the standard version and I've never had a minutes trouble out of any of them.
Click to expand...

No, I'm referring only to the dimmable unit.

If you don't need the dimming function, the Ultralight is built like a tank. NEVER had a problem with the ones I was assigned in previous jobs. Would be my only choice if i didn't need the dimmers.

The Frezzi Mini-Fill dimmable is just as fragile as the regular on/off Frezzi Mini-Fill ... slightly fragile. I don't leave mine on my camera all the time and it looks almost as good as new. (I didn't leave the dimmable UL on my camera either, but the base unit just isn't very sturdy)

Also, the Frez is a bit lower profile.
 
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