used HMI Par buying decision

[Martin Konrad]

Looking for first hand experience with the following two units as I found two good deals and
have a few questions:

First one up is a DeSisti HMI 1200W with electronic ballast in very nice condition
The other one a Strand 2500WSE with magnetic ballast + a used Powergem electronic ballast.

Its the photometrics of the K5600 Jokers that got me thinking...
They claim twice the output per Watt than Arrisun so possibly the bulb placement and reflector and electronics
are more important than the power difference.

As both purchases would be at distance I cannot test side by side (unless I buy both and keep the one that suits me better)

Once everything is shipped and I have a spare globe each, the prices are nearly the same.
I am in France so even the 2.5k plugs in any household socket.

The real question is the real world difference between 1200W and 2500W (once through a silk or similar lens)?
Can anybody tell me if the focussing on the Stand is usable?

 

[Mark K.]

Both 1.2kw and 2.5kw HMI are very useful lights (especially these days with the sensitivity of the cameras).

Are both lights PARs with a set of lenses? If so, I'd certainly suggest going with the larger 2.5kw if you can. It's a lot easier to reduce light output than to increase it when you don't have the punch.

Plus I find a 2.5kw (or 1800w in an M18) is about the minimum you need to properly balance a daytime interior shot to a hot exterior.

 

[Martin Konrad]

thanks Mark,

you are right about the approach of rather to much than to little light.
But I also wonder if the rated input power is the only thing to watch or if differences between
different brands in the shape or bulb placement are as important than the input power...

Yes both units are Pars with a set of lenses.

 

[Nick Gardner]

I fell in love with Desisti when shooting in Europe. I now own a bunch of their HMis (2 4ks, 2.5, 1200, 575s). As much as I like desisti, I would go for the 2500. Or if you can wait, look for a desisiti 1.2/2.5 which I have one of and love.

Nick

 

[Matthew J]

Just remember that with a 2.5k you have to have a 6500w genny or two 3000's in parallel as the single 3000w Honda won't run them. It will strike for a second and then kick out. You can possibly run a 2.5k off a dryer or oven outlet, but that's kinda a pain in the butt. So a 1200w to me is a better buy because it can be plugged it into most circuits.

 

[Mark K.]

Just remember that with a 2.5k you have to have a 6500w genny or two 3000's in parallel as the single 3000w Honda won't run them. It will strike for a second and then kick out. You can possibly run a 2.5k off a dryer or oven outlet, but that's kinda a pain in the butt. So a 1200w to me is a better buy because it can be plugged it into most circuits.

Not as big of an issue out in the wider world, where most of us have 240v power.