The Power of Fresnel Lens in Video Production (AND WHY YOU NEED ONE!)

Mikus Austers
24 Jul 202406:00

TLDRDiscover the transformative impact of a Fresnel lens in video production. This script explores how the Nanlite FL-20G Fresnel lens, when paired with a 100-watt light like the Cinepeer CX100, dramatically enhances brightness and focus, creating a spotlight effect. The lens is adjustable for beam angle and can be complemented with barn doors for precise light shaping. While it has limitations such as short battery life and the need for proximity to the subject, it offers a cost-effective alternative to larger, more expensive lighting setups, ideal for portraits and close-ups.

Takeaways

  • 💡 A Fresnel lens can significantly enhance the brightness and focus of a light, making it a powerful tool in video production.
  • 🌞 The video demonstrates the difference a Fresnel lens makes when used with a 100-watt light, specifically the Cinepeer CX100.
  • 🔧 The Fresnel lens helps concentrate light into a smaller, more focused area, increasing its brightness and effectiveness.
  • 📏 The beam angle of the Fresnel lens can be adjusted, allowing for more control over the light's spread and intensity.
  • 📸 Fresnel lenses are particularly useful for portrait and close-up shots, offering more lighting control and flexibility.
  • 💰 Using a Fresnel lens with a less powerful light can be a cost-effective alternative to more expensive and bulkier lighting setups.
  • ⚠️ There are some downsides to using this setup, including limited battery life, the need to position the light close to the subject, and the harshness of the light due to lack of diffusion.
  • 🔥 The Fresnel lens can become hot during use, so caution is needed to avoid burns and to allow it to cool down after use.
  • 🔄 Reflectors can be challenging to use in windy conditions or cloudy weather, but a Fresnel lens setup provides consistent light control regardless of the weather.
  • 📹 The Cinepeer CX100, paired with a Nanlite FL-20G Fresnel lens, is versatile for filming in various lighting conditions, though it may not be suitable for professional settings due to difficulties in repeating exact color temperatures and brightness.

Q & A

  • What is the main purpose of a Fresnel lens in video production?

    -The main purpose of a Fresnel lens in video production is to act as a light modifier, focusing the light into a small circular area and making it much brighter, which is useful for creating a spotlight effect.

  • What is the brand and model of the light mentioned in the script?

    -The brand and model of the light mentioned in the script is Cinepeer CX100, which is a bicolor light with an inbuilt battery.

  • What is the brand and model of the Fresnel lens used in the demonstration?

    -The brand and model of the Fresnel lens used in the demonstration is Nanlite FL-20G.

  • How does the Fresnel lens affect the beam angle of the light?

    -The Fresnel lens allows for the adjustment of the beam angle by rotating its barrel, making the light more narrow and brighter at lower angles, such as 10 degrees, compared to wider angles like 45 degrees.

  • What are the advantages of using a Fresnel lens with a 100 watt light?

    -Using a Fresnel lens with a 100 watt light allows for the creation of a powerful spotlight effect without the need for larger, more expensive lights, and it can be powered by a relatively inexpensive setup.

  • What are some downsides mentioned in the script regarding the use of a Fresnel lens?

    -Some downsides mentioned include the light running on full power for only about 30 minutes, the need to have the light and Fresnel close to the subject for effectiveness, and the spotlight's inability to cover wider areas without diffusion.

  • How can the run time of the light be extended when using a Fresnel lens?

    -The run time of the light can be extended by charging it with a power bank.

  • What is the recommended distance for effective illumination when using the Fresnel lens?

    -The recommended distance for effective illumination is a couple of meters from the subject, as mentioned in the script for portraits and closeups.

  • How does the Fresnel lens compare to using a reflector in terms of control and effectiveness?

    -The Fresnel lens provides more control over the light and is more effective than a reflector, especially in windy conditions or when clouds cover the sun, as it allows for adjustments in brightness and direction.

  • What is the comparison made in the script between the Nanlite Forza 60b and the Cinepeer CX100?

    -The Nanlite Forza 60b with a smaller FL-11 Fresnel lens is compact and easy to carry but has less light output, limiting its usability. In contrast, the Cinepeer CX100 with the Nanlite FL-20G can be used in brighter conditions but requires an adapter for Bowens mount accessories.

  • What are some practical uses of the Fresnel lens in video production mentioned in the script?

    -Some practical uses mentioned include reducing shadows on subjects, using it as a back light, mimicking sun reflections, and lighting subjects in shadow areas or when the sky is cloudy.

Outlines

00:00

💡 The Impact of Fresnel Lenses on Lighting in Video Production

This paragraph discusses the significant effect a Fresnel lens can have on the quality of light when used as a light modifier. The video demonstrates the difference in brightness between a 100-watt Cinepeer CX100 light with and without a Fresnel lens. The Nanlite FL-20G Fresnel lens is highlighted for its ability to focus light into a concentrated spot, thereby increasing brightness. The paragraph also mentions the lens's adjustable beam angle and the use of barn doors for shaping light. The benefits of using a Fresnel lens include cost-effectiveness and portability compared to larger, more expensive lights. However, limitations such as short run time on full power, the need for proximity to the subject for effectiveness, and the harshness of the spotlight without diffusion are also addressed. Safety tips for handling the heated lens are provided, and the viewer is encouraged to like the video and share their thoughts.

05:02

🌞 Utilizing the CX100 for Versatile Lighting Scenarios

The second paragraph focuses on the practical applications of the CX100 light in various lighting scenarios. It outlines how the light can be used to reduce shadows, act as a backlight, or mimic sun reflections, especially in shadowy or overcast conditions. The paragraph also touches on the convenience of using the light handheld or mounted, and acknowledges the CX100's limitations, such as difficulty in replicating exact color temperatures and brightness levels. While not considered a professional light due to these drawbacks, it is recommended for those seeking a compact, battery-powered, 100-watt bicolor light. The paragraph concludes with a teaser for a follow-up video that will provide more information about the Cinepeer CX100, inviting the viewer to watch it for further insights.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Fresnel lens

A Fresnel lens is a type of lens that is thinner and lighter than a comparable conventional lens. It is made up of a series of concentric rings, which allows it to focus light more efficiently. In the context of the video, the Fresnel lens is used as a light modifier to make the light from the Cinepeer CX100 more focused and brighter, enhancing the quality of lighting in video production.

💡Light modifier

A light modifier is any tool or device used to alter the characteristics of light in a scene, such as its intensity, quality, or direction. In the video, the Fresnel lens acts as a light modifier by focusing the light from a 100-watt source into a concentrated beam, which is crucial for achieving desired lighting effects in video production.

💡Cinepeer CX100

The Cinepeer CX100 is a bicolor light with an inbuilt battery, as mentioned in the script. It is an example of a compact and portable lighting solution that can be used in video production. The script highlights its use in conjunction with a Fresnel lens to increase the light's effectiveness.

💡Barn doors

Barn doors are a set of four adjustable flaps that can be attached to a light source to control the direction and shape of the light beam. In the video, they are used in conjunction with the Fresnel lens to further refine the light's focus, allowing for greater control over the lighting in a scene.

💡Beam angle

The beam angle refers to the width of the light beam that a source emits. The script mentions that the Nanlite FL-20G Fresnel lens allows for the adjustment of the beam angle by rotating its barrel, which can make the light more narrow and brighter or wider as needed for different lighting scenarios in video production.

💡Spotlight

A spotlight is a focused, directional light source used to highlight a specific area or subject. The Fresnel lens, as described in the script, turns the light from the Cinepeer CX100 into a spotlight, concentrating the light in a small area for more dramatic lighting effects.

💡Diffusion

Diffusion in lighting refers to the process of scattering light to soften its intensity and reduce harsh shadows. The script notes that the Fresnel lens alone produces a harsh light without diffusion, which is something to be mindful of when using this type of lighting setup.

💡Power bank

A power bank is a portable battery pack that can be used to charge or power electronic devices. In the context of the video, it is mentioned as a way to extend the runtime of the Cinepeer CX100 light when it is used at full power, which is limited to about 30 minutes.

💡Nanlite Forza 60b

The Nanlite Forza 60b is a 60-watt bicolor light mentioned in the script as an alternative lighting solution. It is paired with a smaller Fresnel lens, the FL-11, for situations where a more compact and portable setup is needed, despite its lower light output compared to the CX100 and FL-20G combination.

💡Bowens mount

A Bowens mount is a standardized lighting accessory mount used in photography and videography. The script mentions that an adapter is needed for the Cinepeer CX100 to be compatible with Bowens mount accessories, indicating the importance of compatibility in building a lighting kit for video production.

💡Commercials

Commercials refer to short films or videos made for the purpose of promoting a product, service, or brand. The script discusses the use of the CX100 and Fresnel lens in filming commercials, highlighting their utility in creating professional-looking lighting for advertising content.

Highlights

A Fresnel lens can significantly improve the performance of lights as a light modifier.

The Cinepeer CX100 is a bicolor light with an inbuilt battery that can be used with a Fresnel lens.

Adding a Fresnel lens to a 100 watt light makes it much brighter and more focused.

The Nanlite FL-20G Fresnel lens is used in the demonstration and can adjust the beam angle.

Fresnel lenses are often overlooked as light modifiers despite their effectiveness.

The Fresnel lens focuses light into a small circular area, increasing brightness.

Barn doors can be used with the Fresnel lens to shape the light.

Using a Fresnel lens with a 100 watt light can replace the need for bigger, more expensive lights.

The light setup with a Fresnel lens costs around 350 dollars in total.

The light with a Fresnel lens has a limited run time of about 30 minutes on full power.

The light and Fresnel lens need to be relatively close to the subject for effectiveness.

The Fresnel lens can only cover spotlight areas and the light is harsh without diffusion.

The Fresnel lens gets hot during use and should not be touched until it cools down.

The Fresnel lens is useful for lighting portraits and closeups with creative angles.

The Fresnel lens setup provides more control over light compared to reflectors.

The Nanlite Forza 60b with an FL-11 Fresnel lens is compact and portable but has less light output.

The CX100 and Nanlite FL-20G combo is effective in brighter conditions and for commercial filming.

The CX100 is not a professional light due to difficulties in replicating exact color temperature and brightness.

The CX100 is a good option for those seeking a compact, battery-powered, 100 watt bicolor light.