video lights

I am trying to research video lights and have looked at Nite Rider , and all the others from the major manuf. 2 hid lites are Expensive. Most manuf have 10-40 watts Hid. What in your opinion are the best lites available? Halcyon Helios seem comparable and maybee less exspensive..... 2x50w hid pkg, need arms and stuff, but 3500?? Is 2/50 hid too much> ?? Figured out the housing, now lights.....all help appreciated

Jim

Jim

HID 50W are very powerful. Great to illuminate stuff up to maybe 4 ft away in daylight. The thing is that for macro, they are really too powerful (esp on night dives). Really depends on what you are doing mostly. You can cook your subject (literally and optically) with too bright lights.

For many divers, 21-24W are good enough.

You also have to look at the package you want. The more powerful the lights, the bigger the battery pack. Also battery life vs light output. Furthermore, how the light is diffused and is it wide enough for your lens. You may also wish to consider halogens, which have the ability to switch power settings.