Since I don't do much video, I did not want to spend a bunch of money on lights. I looked for a cheaper solution and here is what I came up with. I have only tested two lights so far. I will test all four here soon and report. so far, it's encouraging. I am still experimenting with diffusers as well, that's the reason for the tape to hold them in place. I found some glass MR11 style diffusers online that are the right size and want to try them. any suggestions in this department are welcome.
1) 4 Chinese made 4000 lumen (ha! maybe 2000 at best) led lights- from
EBay- $164
2) 8 Orbitronic (Panasonic cells) 18650 batteries. I tried the cheap
Trustfire batts but got only 20 to 25 mins burn time. the Orbitronics
get about 1 hr 15 mins.- $140
3) 2 base adaptors from Reef Photo- $44
4) 4 conduit clamps from Home Depot- $2.56
5) 1 2 X 2 acrylic light diffuser panel from Home Depot- $6.50
6) Trustfire battery charger- $16
Total Investment- under $400
couple of pics
a link to some video shot with two of the lights in place. camera is a Sony NEX 5N
Hydro 12-24-13 - YouTube