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The LH-213

A number of manufacturers have entered the market with fluorescent lighting fixtures for video and photography.  Some work well; some are just weak attempts to incorporate compact fluorescents into existing fixtures. Really functional fluorescent light banks have been available, but the cost has kept many folks from putting fluorescents to work for them.  Amvona.com has introduced a line of fluorescent light banks under the Dynaphos brand at value prices; from just under $200 to just over $300 on their web site.  I have gotten a hold of one of them to review and I think you will like what I found.

The stud receiver mount is a too short for mounting on the Dyantran 9110 light stand also sold by Amvona.com, but it mounts just fine on stands by Impact, Lowel and others.  Just remember that this is a 17 lbs. fixture and like to be on a heavy stand for stability and safety.

What do I like about the unit? Did I mention the price? The unit sells for around $300. I appreciate the Osram lamps instead of some unknown lamps. The unit is very thin; two inches when closed. The light output is good. Finally, while the mirrored barn doors are useless for masking, they do work well as a douser giving the unit an impressive range of mechanical dimming when combined with the individual bank switches. I have been able to get exactly the perfect amount of light out of the fixture for every situation I have put it in. 

What don’t I like? The unit does not have any good provisions for light masking. The mirrored barn doors are useless for control and can not be reversed to be black. There is also no provision for mounting an egg crate up front. Thankfully the control issues are easily solved with a couple of pieces of 3/16 inch black foam core and a couple of binder clips.  

With Foam Core

The fixture comes with a fabric diffuser that hangs on the barn doors to give the light a very smooth and soft output. The diffusion fabric is a major PITA. Under real world conditions, it is impossible to keep on without clothes pin. The stiffening rods in the fabric fall out. If you turn it one way, one rod falls out. If you turn the fabric to keep the first rod in, the second rod falls out, urrggh. Standard gel and clothes pen will replace this.

What is missing from this unit that the $2,000 units have? Well this unit does not come with a case and it is not dual voltage. As best as I can tell side by side, that is it. I guess if you are a globe hopper and carry your lights on the plane, these items might make this fixture less attractive.

So, after several days of real world use of the fixture, how do I feel about it?  I would recommend this fixture.  The price is right for a well built, good performing fluorescent light bank. If you are looking to start your more to the more efficient fluorescent light banks, this is a good entry point.