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REAL REVIEWS Long-term reviews of budget photo & video gear. KIT PLAN RECOMMENDATION: ADVANCED KIT Quantaray AF 70-300 4-5.6 LD This image is 100% REAL, and no A.I. (or Photoshop compositing) were used to make it, and I know because I took it myself. Quality? LIGHT USE OK Yes MEDIUM USE OK ? HEAVY USE OK ? Portable? POCKET No CAMERA BAG Yes BACKPACK Yes Affordable? AVERAGE NEW PRICE NA *Indicates SALE price. Amazon AFFILIATE LINK AVERAGE USED PRICE <$ 40 **Indicates BUY NOW price. Ebay AFFILIATE LINK Common? ON AMAZON Yes ON EBAY Yes Easy To Use? SKILL LEVEL DIFFICULT OVERVIEW: I’ll cut to the chase and say this lens is super useful but it’s one of the least expensive lenses I use. It’s a 1990s vintage Quantaray AF 70-300 (for Nikon F mount) and it’s almost identical to some of the Tamron and Promaster versions (they are optically identical, per testing). The Quantaray brand was sold at Ritz Camera stores, and I was told (by salespeople at their store) they were either designed by Sigma or Tamron (depending on the lens) and I’m pretty sure it was Tamron, based on how similar they are visually. This type of lens is one of my favorite tools, and certainly the most cost-effective type of TELE lens out there. I’ve tested (and created lens-sensor specific settings for) a number of lenses of this focal length, and I can say there are tons of them out there. Again, the interesting (and valuable) thing about this specific lens is that there are IDENTICAL versions sold under the Promaster and Tamron brands. It’s an okay lens based on my testing (and I can verify the optics of this lens are IDENTICAL to the Promaster version) and there are other Tamron versions that are not identical. I really like THIS version because it has a 1:2 macro. MAIN POINTS: PART 1: IS IT PORTABLE? PART 2: IS IT AFFORDABLE? PART 3: IS IT COMMON? PART 4: HOW’S THE QUALITY? PART 5: IS IT EASY TO USE? PART 6: NEEDS ADD-ONS? PART 7: WHERE DO I BUY? PART 1: IS IT PORTABLE? Yes, if you consider that the super-heavy and older 70-210 or 80-200 zooms would be the only affordable alternative. The weight of those older lenses, and the fact that those old tele zooms frequently have fungus issues, makes these 90s 70-300 lenses the most portable telephoto options on the market. PART 2: IS IT AFFORDABLE? Yes, this lens is super affordable. I’ve found them on ShopGoodwill.com for $10-20, and on EBay for about $40. PART 3: IS IT COMMON? It’s easy to find used (on Ebay) but it’s old enough that you’re not going to find a new one out there (on Amazon) so if I put an Amazon link somewhere, it might not go anywhere (because there aren’t any on Amazon) but I will change it if I do find one. PART 4: HOW’S THE QUALITY? I think this lens model is good. It’s not as good as a “professional” 70-200 2.8, but it is so much more convenient to pack and use that I don’t mind the differences. These 70-300 4-5.6 lenses focus much closer too, as the 70-200 2.8 designs don’t do often do that. PART 5: IS IT EASY TO USE? Except for the fact that I don’t use AF with these (adapted to Micro Four Thirds) these are pretty easy to use overall. Most of the reasons I mentioned above, but I’ll just say it has a lot to do with the small size and weight plus the fact they can focus close. PART 6: NEEDS ADD-ONS? The only thing you may need is an ND8 filter, because all VND (Variable Neutral Density) filters I have tried have a problem when you’re using at the long end of the zoom (TELE). Other than that, you will need an adapter if you’re using it on a Micro Four Thirds camera. PART 7: WHERE DO I BUY? ShopGoodwill.com has had some GREAT deals on these, but you can find lots of them on local marketplaces, and also EBay of course. RECOMMENDATION: I really think this TYPE of lens (1990s 70-300 4-5.6 1:2 macro) is one of the top 3 lenses I would never want to be without. It’s such a good tool at such a good price, that I can’t help but recommend it. These reviews are just my opinion and are focused on my Q.P.A.C.E. packing method, so they're not comprehensive. I wrote these mostly to help me remember what items worked for my KIT PLANS (and which didn't). If I said anything negative I apologize, as these products still may work well for you in your situation, but they were not Q.P.A.C.E (Quality, Portable, Affordable, Common, Easy-to-Use) enough for my budget filmmaking KIT PLANS .

REAL REVIEWS Long-term reviews of budget photo & video gear. KIT PLAN RECOMMENDATION: [NOT IN KIT] GoPro HERO4 Black This image is 100% REAL, and no A.I. (or Photoshop compositing) were used to make it, and I know because I took it myself. Quality? LIGHT USE OK Yes MEDIUM USE OK Yes HEAVY USE OK ? Portable? POCKET Yes CAMERA BAG Yes BACKPACK Yes Affordable? AVERAGE NEW PRICE $ 179 *Indicates SALE price. Amazon AFFILIATE LINK AVERAGE USED PRICE $50 **Indicates BUY NOW price. Ebay AFFILIATE LINK Common? ON AMAZON No ON EBAY Yes Easy To Use? SKILL LEVEL MEDIUM OVERVIEW: This is the HERO4 Black which was supposed to be the top-of-the-line model, but it does NOT have a rear screen (but the HERO4 Silver does)...and because of that I don't like it. It was good for using on a drone (when drones used to allow that) or maybe as another blind camera angle (but hard to compose without seeing the shot). There was a way to connect it to your phone (to see the image) but that is too many steps for my workflow. Also, this version only has fisheye modes (no linear modes) and I don't like the unreal fisheye look. MAIN POINTS: PART 1: IS IT PORTABLE? PART 2: IS IT AFFORDABLE? PART 3: IS IT COMMON? PART 4: HOW’S THE QUALITY? PART 5: IS IT EASY TO USE? PART 6: NEEDS ADD-ONS? PART 7: WHERE DO I BUY? PART 1: IS IT PORTABLE? Yes, it's super tiny. This version doesn't charge VIA USB though, so carrying the charger with you makes it a little less portable (an option is just to carry more batteries). PART 2: IS IT AFFORDABLE? Yes, by now it's quite old and doesn't sell for more than $50 US. Also, don't be fooled by the high price on Amazon, it's only expensive because they are low on their stock. Buy it on eBay instead. PART 3: IS IT COMMON? Yes, it's very common (on the used market). PART 4: HOW’S THE QUALITY? The image quality is good for an older, smaller sensor (partially because GoPro has such a good codec). PART 5: IS IT EASY TO USE? No, it's not easy to use, because it doesn't have a screen (you're supposed to be able to connect it to your phone to see the image, but that's not convenient). PART 6: NEEDS ADD-ONS? It does need a waterproof case (and often it's included) but after this version, the GoPro didn't need an extra enclosure to be waterproof (though I think you can get one for diving deeper). PART 7: WHERE DO I BUY? This version of the GoPro is all over the used market (eBay, OfferUp, etc.) but probably because nobody wants an action camera without a screen! RECOMMENDATION: Buy the HERO4 Silver instead (that is one of my favorite action cameras for the money, and that one has a screen, and linear lens/non-fisheye mode). These reviews are just my opinion and are focused on my Q.P.A.C.E. packing method, so they're not comprehensive. I wrote these mostly to help me remember what items worked for my KIT PLANS (and which didn't). If I said anything negative I apologize, as these products still may work well for you in your situation, but they were not Q.P.A.C.E (Quality, Portable, Affordable, Common, Easy-to-Use) enough for my budget filmmaking KIT PLANS .

REAL REVIEWS Long-term reviews of budget photo & video gear. KIT PLAN RECOMMENDATION: BASIC KIT RALENO 19.5W LED Video Soft Light Panel This image is 100% REAL, and no A.I. (or Photoshop compositing) were used to make it, and I know because I took it myself. Quality? LIGHT USE OK Yes MEDIUM USE OK Yes HEAVY USE OK ? Portable? POCKET No CAMERA BAG No BACKPACK Yes Affordable? AVERAGE NEW PRICE $ 49.99 *Indicates SALE price. Amazon AFFILIATE LINK AVERAGE USED PRICE ? **Indicates BUY NOW price. Ebay AFFILIATE LINK Common? ON AMAZON Yes ON EBAY ? Easy To Use? SKILL LEVEL MEDIUM OVERVIEW: I call this style of light a 10" LED panel, and it's what I use as my second light in my "T-Lighting" method (which is easier to transport, set up and tear down than 3-point lighting...see my BLOG for more details!) Again, this light isn't as powerful or as diffused as you would need your MAIN light to be, but it works perfectly as my #2 light. This one has an internal battery and you can also get an adapter cable to run it from a USB-C PD power bank. MAIN POINTS: PART 1: IS IT PORTABLE? PART 2: IS IT AFFORDABLE? PART 3: IS IT COMMON? PART 4: HOW’S THE QUALITY? PART 5: IS IT EASY TO USE? PART 6: NEEDS ADD-ONS? PART 7: WHERE DO I BUY? PART 1: IS IT PORTABLE? Yes. It's about the size of a small tablet or iPad, so it fits in the smaller sleeve of most laptop backpacks (super convenient). PART 2: IS IT AFFORDABLE? Yes, for a second light it's a really good price. PART 3: IS IT COMMON? It is pretty common on Amazon, and there is another version, which could be identical, sold by Neewer (so hopefully one of them stays in stock). PART 4: HOW’S THE QUALITY? The light "quality" is good (haven't scientifically tested it) and the build quality is too. The color of the light is accurate enough. The mounting method and hardware is good (enough). PART 5: IS IT EASY TO USE? Yes, it's easy to use (and transport). PART 6: NEEDS ADD-ONS? Yes, I use a Ulanzi MT-79 as the light stand. I also bought an adapter cable (12 volt round to USB-C PD) for it. PART 7: WHERE DO I BUY? I bought this on Amazon. RECOMMENDATION: I consider this one of my essential pieces of gear in my portable video production kit and it is part of the T-lighting method I use (so much easier than 3-point lighting). So, as a second (or 3rd) light I do recommend this small, 10-inch LED panel, but it's not big enough to be used as a main light. These reviews are just my opinion and are focused on my Q.P.A.C.E. packing method, so they're not comprehensive. I wrote these mostly to help me remember what items worked for my KIT PLANS (and which didn't). If I said anything negative I apologize, as these products still may work well for you in your situation, but they were not Q.P.A.C.E (Quality, Portable, Affordable, Common, Easy-to-Use) enough for my budget filmmaking KIT PLANS .

REAL REVIEWS Long-term reviews of budget photo & video gear. KIT PLAN RECOMMENDATION: ADVANCED KIT Vidpro DSLR Camera Holster Case This image is 100% REAL, and no A.I. (or Photoshop compositing) were used to make it, and I know because I took it myself. Quality? LIGHT USE OK Yes MEDIUM USE OK Yes HEAVY USE OK ? Portable? POCKET No CAMERA BAG No BACKPACK No Affordable? AVERAGE NEW PRICE N/A *Indicates SALE price. Amazon AFFILIATE LINK AVERAGE USED PRICE N/A **Indicates BUY NOW price. Ebay AFFILIATE LINK Common? ON AMAZON Out ON EBAY No Easy To Use? SKILL LEVEL MEDIUM RECOMMENDATION: INTRODUCTION: I use this case to carry, protect a SmallRig COB light, and it works well for that. It was designed to be a DLSR camera bag (back when every REAL digital camera was a DSLR) so it's bigger than it needs to be for most mirrorless cameras. However, my use for this case is to protect a SmallRig COB light, and for that it works well! It does work as a camera case too, which I sometimes try, but it's kind of outdated as a camera case. MAIN POINTS: PART 1: IS IT PORTABLE? PART 2: IS IT AFFORDABLE? PART 3: IS IT COMMON? PART 4: HOW’S THE QUALITY? PART 5: IS IT EASY TO USE? PART 6: NEEDS ADD-ONS? PART 7: WHERE DO I BUY? PART 1: IS IT PORTABLE? It's kind of portable. It has a neck or shoulder strap so you can sling it...but as far as putting the case inside of something else, it's pretty big so it only fits in my tripod bag (not inside or on my backpack). PART 2: IS IT AFFORDABLE? It was affordable, when it was in stock. PART 3: IS IT COMMON? Not any more. It's not available on Amazon. PART 4: HOW’S THE QUALITY? The quality is really good. The bottom has a thick, reinforced part and the rest of it has good fabric, and pretty good zippers. PART 5: IS IT EASY TO USE? Yes, as a shoulder or sling bag it's easy to use (but it's kind of cumbersome for how little it stores). PART 6: NEEDS ADD-ONS? No, it doesn't need any add-ons. PART 7: WHERE DO I BUY? I bought it on Amazon, but now they're out of stock. RECOMMENDATION: Even though this specific model is out of stock on Amazon, I really like using this to either store my mini COB light or as a camera bag to carry my most frequently used camera around my neck. It's too bad these are going out of style (because they were designed for DSLRs) so pick one up if you can find one. These reviews are just my opinion and are focused on my Q.P.A.C.E. packing method, so they're not comprehensive. I wrote these mostly to help me remember what items worked for my KIT PLANS (and which didn't). If I said anything negative I apologize, as these products still may work well for you in your situation, but they were not Q.P.A.C.E (Quality, Portable, Affordable, Common, Easy-to-Use) enough for my budget filmmaking KIT PLANS .

REAL REVIEWS Long-term reviews of budget photo & video gear. KIT PLAN RECOMMENDATION: BASIC KIT ULANZI MT-79 This image is 100% REAL, and no A.I. (or Photoshop compositing) were used to make it, and I know because I took it myself. Quality? LIGHT USE OK Yes MEDIUM USE OK Yes HEAVY USE OK ? Portable? POCKET No CAMERA BAG No BACKPACK Yes Affordable? AVERAGE NEW PRICE $ 29.95 *Indicates SALE price. Amazon AFFILIATE LINK AVERAGE USED PRICE ? **Indicates BUY NOW price. Ebay AFFILIATE LINK Common? ON AMAZON Yes ON EBAY ? Easy To Use? SKILL LEVEL EASY OVERVIEW: This is a small, collapsible stand that I think works well for a small light, but not for heavy things, like interchangeable lens cameras. This is super easy to set up and take down, and folds small (so it's easy to carry more than 1, if needed). MAIN POINTS: PART 1: IS IT PORTABLE? PART 2: IS IT AFFORDABLE? PART 3: IS IT COMMON? PART 4: HOW’S THE QUALITY? PART 5: IS IT EASY TO USE? PART 6: NEEDS ADD-ONS? PART 7: WHERE DO I BUY? PART 1: IS IT PORTABLE? Yes, it's super portable, and can fit in the side pouch of most backpacks (or can easily fit in a tripod bag). PART 2: IS IT AFFORDABLE? Yes, compared to buying a normal light stand, it's a little less expensive than that (but I only use it for small and light lights). PART 3: IS IT COMMON? Yes, and there are a few other versions (some are not all metal, but this one is and I recommend it and the MT-80). PART 4: HOW’S THE QUALITY? The quality is good, as it's strong enough to hold a small 10 inch LED panel (which is the main thing I use it for, and don't recommend using it for a camera). PART 5: IS IT EASY TO USE? Yes, it very easy to transport, set up and tear down, because it's a selfie stick that collapsed down to about the size of a track & field baton (but it weighs more, of course, but that's a good thing, LOL). PART 6: NEEDS ADD-ONS? No. PART 7: WHERE DO I BUY? I bought this on Amazon. RECOMMENDATION: This stand is an essential part of my kit (and it and the MT-80 are the two stands I recommend for supporting small LED video lights). I do recommend this, but only for using with smaller items like the 10" LED light panel I use for the T-Lighting method, and I wouldn't put a heavy camera on it. These reviews are just my opinion and are focused on my Q.P.A.C.E. packing method, so they're not comprehensive. I wrote these mostly to help me remember what items worked for my KIT PLANS (and which didn't). If I said anything negative I apologize, as these products still may work well for you in your situation, but they were not Q.P.A.C.E (Quality, Portable, Affordable, Common, Easy-to-Use) enough for my budget filmmaking KIT PLANS .

REAL REVIEWS Long-term reviews of budget photo & video gear. KIT PLAN RECOMMENDATION: BASIC KIT PHOTOOLEX Tofu RGB Video Light This image is 100% REAL, and no A.I. (or Photoshop compositing) were used to make it, and I know because I took it myself. Quality? LIGHT USE OK Yes MEDIUM USE OK Yes HEAVY USE OK ? Portable? POCKET Yes CAMERA BAG Yes BACKPACK Yes Affordable? AVERAGE NEW PRICE N/A *Indicates SALE price. Amazon AFFILIATE LINK AVERAGE USED PRICE N/A **Indicates BUY NOW price. Ebay AFFILIATE LINK Common? ON AMAZON No ON EBAY No Easy To Use? SKILL LEVEL MEDIUM OVERVIEW: This style of light started out being called a tofu light for some reason, but this specific one actually came in sort of food-like packaging (in a tray like Lunchables come in) which takes the name even further. Unfortunately, this exact one is now unavailable on Amazon (something that happens way too often). To bring a bit of hope, I now see a few similar products (from name brands) becoming popular on Amazon, and hope to try one of them as well. So, why is this tiny light so valuable? Well, it kind of completes my portable lighting kit, which previously only required 2 lights (for my "T-lighting" method). MAIN POINTS: PART 1: IS IT PORTABLE? PART 2: IS IT AFFORDABLE? PART 3: IS IT COMMON? PART 4: HOW’S THE QUALITY? PART 5: IS IT EASY TO USE? PART 6: NEEDS ADD-ONS? PART 7: WHERE DO I BUY? PART 1: IS IT PORTABLE? Yes! This light is super tiny, and so it's portable for sure! I used to think I would prefer one of the cell phone sized (rectangular) mini LED lights for the RGB accent light, but now that I keep it mounted to a small light stand that stays tucked into the side of my backpack, I don't need the light to be as thin as I was thinking (the reason for the other style). PART 2: IS IT AFFORDABLE? Yes, even though this specific model is out of stock, there are similar products (from other brands) that are about the same price on Amazon (I hope to test those in the future). PART 3: IS IT COMMON? Not this exact model (because it's out of stock). There are, as mentioned, similar items from other brands that look pretty common (on Amazon). PART 4: HOW’S THE QUALITY? I think the quality is good (it's part metal and part plastic, but good plastic). The body of the unit seems like it could survive a drop or two...except maybe if it hit one of the control knobs (which are metal, but not as securely attached as you may want them to be) but I haven't dropped it yet to find out. PART 5: IS IT EASY TO USE? Yes. I did not expect it to be (because of the multiple modes) but after using it I think it's easy to use. PART 6: NEEDS ADD-ONS? Not really, but I always use it mounted to an Ulanzi MT-44 collapsible light stand (the lighter weight plastic version). PART 7: WHERE DO I BUY? It used to be available on Amazon, but it's out of stock. RECOMMENDATION: I do recommend having one (or more) of these small, square LED panels but as mentioned, this one is currently unavailable on Amazon, so you'll have to hunt for another option. As mentioned, I really like using it with the Ulanzi MT-44 light stand, and will do a review on that as well. These reviews are just my opinion and are focused on my Q.P.A.C.E. packing method, so they're not comprehensive. I wrote these mostly to help me remember what items worked for my KIT PLANS (and which didn't). If I said anything negative I apologize, as these products still may work well for you in your situation, but they were not Q.P.A.C.E (Quality, Portable, Affordable, Common, Easy-to-Use) enough for my budget filmmaking KIT PLANS .

REAL REVIEWS Long-term reviews of budget photo & video gear. KIT PLAN RECOMMENDATION: [NOT IN KIT] Meike MK-Y600BR This image is 100% REAL, and no A.I. (or Photoshop compositing) were used to make it, and I know because I took it myself. Quality? LIGHT USE OK Yes MEDIUM USE OK Yes HEAVY USE OK ? Portable? POCKET No CAMERA BAG No BACKPACK Yes Affordable? AVERAGE NEW PRICE N/A *Indicates SALE price. Amazon AFFILIATE LINK AVERAGE USED PRICE N/A **Indicates BUY NOW price. Ebay AFFILIATE LINK Common? ON AMAZON No ON EBAY No Easy To Use? SKILL LEVEL MEDIUM OVERVIEW: I bought these on Amazon, but I don't think they are available any more. They were my first LED light of this size I purchased, and the price was really good. They are good enough to use as my #2 light (which I call my "T-light") but they are not big enough or powerful enough to act as your MAIN light (that's why I use it as my #2 light). Be aware that these are kind of semi-functional lights, for some of the features. The remote controls sort of work, but they are confusing...and I'm not sure they are labeled correctly, and there are some quirks about both the color "temperature" (which is not at all accurate) and other button functions as well. I did use one of them as my #2 light (during my first year or so of YouTube) and it worked well for that. I do like that they have a power input, but the power cable is not included (and you have to make sure you get the right one...or else the light can get hot...don't ask how I know). MAIN POINTS: PART 1: IS IT PORTABLE? PART 2: IS IT AFFORDABLE? PART 3: IS IT COMMON? PART 4: HOW’S THE QUALITY? PART 5: IS IT EASY TO USE? PART 6: NEEDS ADD-ONS? PART 7: WHERE DO I BUY? PART 1: IS IT PORTABLE? Yes, but it is not as small as other lights with the same face size and power output. PART 2: IS IT AFFORDABLE? Yes, they were super affordable when they were available, but I don't see them on Amazon any more. PART 3: IS IT COMMON? No, not any more. PART 4: HOW’S THE QUALITY? The build quality is good, but in use there are some quirks with both the color temperature settings and certain button functions (and the remote doesn't work too well). PART 5: IS IT EASY TO USE? No, not if you try to use the remote. Yes, if you don't try to use the remote. PART 6: NEEDS ADD-ONS? Yes, it needs a couple of NP-style camcorder batteries (to be portable) or a DC power adapter. PART 7: WHERE DO I BUY? They used to be available on Amazon, but I don't see them there any more. RECOMMENDATION: I don't recommend this light in general, but they are usable as a #2 light (I use it for a T-light) but it certainly is not powerful enough to be a main light. These reviews are just my opinion and are focused on my Q.P.A.C.E. packing method, so they're not comprehensive. I wrote these mostly to help me remember what items worked for my KIT PLANS (and which didn't). If I said anything negative I apologize, as these products still may work well for you in your situation, but they were not Q.P.A.C.E (Quality, Portable, Affordable, Common, Easy-to-Use) enough for my budget filmmaking KIT PLANS .

REAL REVIEWS Long-term reviews of budget photo & video gear. KIT PLAN RECOMMENDATION: ADVANCED KIT SmallRig RC 60B COB Video Light This image is 100% REAL, and no A.I. (or Photoshop compositing) were used to make it, and I know because I took it myself. Quality? LIGHT USE OK Yes MEDIUM USE OK Yes HEAVY USE OK ? Portable? POCKET No CAMERA BAG No BACKPACK Yes Affordable? AVERAGE NEW PRICE $ 149.00 *Indicates SALE price. Amazon AFFILIATE LINK AVERAGE USED PRICE N/A **Indicates BUY NOW price. Ebay AFFILIATE LINK Common? ON AMAZON Yes ON EBAY No Easy To Use? SKILL LEVEL MEDIUM OVERVIEW: This was one of the first COB lights that could be powered with USB-C PD cables (and a power bank). It does have an internal battery too, but in my experience it doesn't last long enough to rely on, in the field. However, when you attach a power bank, it not only charges the internal battery but can run off a power bank if the internal battery is out of battery. This sounds obvious, but it's really nice, because when you do it this way, you never feel like you're going to run out of power (and you can always have a second power bank ready if you do get low). MAIN POINTS: PART 1: IS IT PORTABLE? PART 2: IS IT AFFORDABLE? PART 3: IS IT COMMON? PART 4: HOW’S THE QUALITY? PART 5: IS IT EASY TO USE? PART 6: NEEDS ADD-ONS? PART 7: WHERE DO I BUY? PART 1: IS IT PORTABLE? Yes, kind of...if you have enough space in your photo video backpack (if you don't, I use a DSLR holster camera bag to hold them, and place that into my tripod bag to keep it protected). PART 2: IS IT AFFORDABLE? Yes, but there are other options for less, but they don't always have an internal battery (the main thing I look for is the USB-C PD power option though). PART 3: IS IT COMMON? Right now it's available on Amazon, but that could change (of course). PART 4: HOW’S THE QUALITY? Quality is good! The 60w light output is clean (the color isn't weird) and this is usually enough power to light a single person (talking head) at about 6 feet (with a large softbox diffuser). PART 5: IS IT EASY TO USE? It's sort of easy to use. I don't like the extra twist you have to do to make the might turn on (after turning the switch) but it's not too bad. PART 6: NEEDS ADD-ONS? Yes, it needs some kind of diffusion. My favorite is a lantern style softbox, but a standard rectangular softbox, or even an inexpensive shoot-through umbrella will work. PART 7: WHERE DO I BUY? I bought this on Amazon. RECOMMENDATION: I would like to test more of the other small COD lights available before writing this conclusion, but because it's (currently) the only small, battery-powered COB light I have, I'll have to say I do think it's a good tool to have...but I want to try a few others before I declare this one is the best. These reviews are just my opinion and are focused on my Q.P.A.C.E. packing method, so they're not comprehensive. I wrote these mostly to help me remember what items worked for my KIT PLANS (and which didn't). If I said anything negative I apologize, as these products still may work well for you in your situation, but they were not Q.P.A.C.E (Quality, Portable, Affordable, Common, Easy-to-Use) enough for my budget filmmaking KIT PLANS .

These are real, long-term reviews of gear I actually use. Keep in mind these reviews are just my opinion, and are not supposed to be comprehensive or the final say about these products. These are mostly to help me remember what items worked for me, and what didn't. So, the product may work for you and your needs, but it didn't fit within my Q-P-A-C-E system. REAL REVIEWS Long-term reviews of budget photo & video gear. BUDGET Lights READ REVIEWS REAL REVIEWS LIGHTS Are there any good budget filmmaking lights out there? If so, how do you know? GO REAL REVIEWS AUDIO Looking for good budget filmmaking audio recorders & microphones? GO REAL REVIEWS CAMERAS A good camera and lens can make a huge difference, but do they have to be expensive? GO REAL REVIEWS & MORE More things that may help (especially if you're a frugal photographer or filmmaker). GO These reviews are just my opinion and are focused on my Q.P.A.C.E. packing method, so they're not comprehensive. I wrote these mostly to help me remember what items worked for my KIT PLANS (and which didn't). If I said anything negative I apologize, as these products still may work well for you in your situation, but they were not Q.P.A.C.E (Quality, Portable, Affordable, Common, Easy-to-Use) enough for my budget KIT PLANS .

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Tall trees at angle lake park by restrooms and park sign ©2025 SilverLight Photo Co. The above content is 100% REAL (and no A.I. or Photoshop tricks were used to make it). Angle Lake Park 1 < All Scenes Behind-the-Scenes SUPPORT US TO GET FULL BEHIND-THE-SCENES ACCESS (& PRODUCTION DETAILS) GET ACCESS GENERAL NOTES (Parking, etc.) The location is Angle Lake Park, and it's easy to find (and get to) if you're traveling North on 99/International Boulevard, about two to 3 blocks past the light rail transit station, on 200th. Parking for the lake is immediately off the street, and while there isn't much, there were lots of spots available (in the middle of the day). *As A.I. (artificial intelligence) started sneaking into the photo & video production industries, I decided to go for 100% realism in my work. What this means for me, is to shoot for realistic-looking photos and video content. My approach includes using custom, lens-sensor specific CAMERA SETTINGS (and sometimes lens-sensor LUTs when needed). I never use A.I. to generate images, and I don't do tricks using Photoshop. There are adjustments I make to produce more accurate PRINTS but my goal is to limit editing as much as possible.

Is the beach around the corner from browns point lighthouse good for fishing ©2025 SilverLight Photo Co. The above content is 100% REAL (and no A.I. or Photoshop tricks were used to make it). Fishing by Browns Point Lighthouse < All Scenes Behind-the-Scenes SUPPORT US TO GET FULL BEHIND-THE-SCENES ACCESS (& PRODUCTION DETAILS) GET ACCESS GENERAL NOTES (Parking, etc.) I'm not trying to give away any secrets here, but this might be a really great fishing spot, because there was both a fisherman in waders AND a Great Blue Heron fishing today (amazingly close to each other, too!) Oh, and there isn't any parking at this entrance to the beach, so I had to park a few blocks up the street, at the Browns Point Playfield Tennis & Pickleball Courts. And good news is there's a portable restroom there. *As A.I. (artificial intelligence) started sneaking into the photo & video production industries, I decided to go for 100% realism in my work. What this means for me, is to shoot for realistic-looking photos and video content. My approach includes using custom, lens-sensor specific CAMERA SETTINGS (and sometimes lens-sensor LUTs when needed). I never use A.I. to generate images, and I don't do tricks using Photoshop. There are adjustments I make to produce more accurate PRINTS but my goal is to limit editing as much as possible.