The type of light source doesn't determine much with a properly setup camera. The form of the light dtermines more it's properties. Most Ott lights are tubular which will produce light on a coin from many angles. That tends to produce a soft light (lower contrast). Most halogen and incandescent lights are more of a point source which will tend to produce light from fewer angles and make a higher contrast lighting. Now if I were to line up 3 reveal bulbs in a row they would mimic the type of light you get out of an Ott light.
I use Ott lights when I want a soft light (such as shooting a 42 proof mercury which are very shiny coins that need a soft light to avoid looking harsh)
You have better luck with Otts and proof/prooflike surfaces? That is where I have had problems. Some DMPL's and proofs the surfaces look harsh. I will have to try an Ott on those.....
I've tried shooting with regular bulbs, reveal, two types of halogens, a combination of lights and have for me found that the Ott lights capture the truest image that I am capable of. I've concluded a lot more depends on the type of camera and the skill of the photographer then the lights. Here is a variety shot with Ott lights.
i used to get all wrapped up in the lighting thinking more is better and then i just gave up and sometimes get my best shots with no lighting at all, just natural sunlight in the window and the camera set on auto. the result is nothing needed but a crop/size/post. when all else fails i just wait for another inspired day from above.
Ott lights are great because the light they emit is at the daylight at noon temperature of 5500 degrees Kelvin Ott is a brand name. When you buy Ott you are paying a premium for the brand name.
Photography doesn’t care about the brand of light, it cares about the temperature of light in degrees Kelvin.
The Automatic Daylight Setting on most digital cameras is set at or near 5500 degrees Kelvin.
You will notice that the color next to the Average noon daylight (5500K) is white. This is the color temperature that digital cameras is balanced to which means that when shooting using daylight setting the photograph will record white objects as white and all the colors in an image will appear natural in the image. If you shoot in conditions that measure a higher temperature the photo will start to become bluer and shoot in conditions below the 5500 temperature and they will increase in orange. The colors here don't just relate to daylight conditions, artificial light also introduces a color cast depending on their color temperature. 5500K is 5500K no matter the brand of the bulb. With standard fluorescent lights this is often green and with tungsten lighting it will be yellow, while flash can be slightly blue.
You don’t need the brand Ott to get a bulb that will produce light at 5500K You can buy 27 watt (100 watt equivalent) spiral fluorescent standard screw-in 5500K bulbs at Home Depot for $7.00 and it will produce the same spectrum light as the brand name Ott lamp. Spend another $7.00 for a shop-light reflector and you’ll be set-up with a brighter full-spectrum/ directionable light for under $15.00 per light.
Not all fluorescent bulbs are created equal. incandescent lamps naturally produce a fairly even wide spectrum that cameras can fairly easily accomadate. Wide spectrum fluorescent bulbs require at least a couple phosphors that help emit a wider spectrum of light. This will cause most fluorescents to have a somewhat "peaky" spectrum. These peaks make it harder to get a really good WB on them. My own experience is that Ott lights have a slight green tinge that a basic WB setting has difficulty removing. Reveals also use an extra phosphor and they seem to have a bit of a peak in the red range. Cheap fluoescents (warm not daylights) don't work well at all for photos.
I have been happy that the compact flourescents I use are rated 6400k and when shooting raw they are being reconized at 6350k so at least they are close to what they say they are.
<< <i>For the science geeks, the kelvin (K) temperature is not capitalized nor does it have degrees. >>
Also for the science geeks and english majors, The plural is kelvins (e.g. "The light source is approximately 3200 kelvins").
For the old timers, The "degrees" part of the name was made obsolete in 1967. However, the "degrees" reference has remained in common use in media industries and me.
For the historians, "The Kelvin scale is named after William Thomson (1824 – 1907), also known as Lord Kelvin",.
You Suck! Awarded 6/2008- 1901-O Micro O Morgan, 8/2008- 1878 VAM-123 Morgan, 9/2022 1888-O VAM-1B3 H8 Morgan | Senior Regional Representative- ANACS Coin Grading. Posted opinions on coins are my own, and are not an official ANACS opinion.
F.Y.I people I'm not saying Ott lights are bad. I'm saying Ott lights aren't worth the extra money. For ten (10) times the money, I'll stick with Reveal bulbs and spend the money I save on coins.
Sorry about so many pictures. 1966 sms just came in today. My camera is a very cheap Kyocera finecam s5r with 5.0 mp with 3x zoom. bought off the bay 2 years ago for 150.
this is an absolutely gorgeous slide show! i really feel bad for the dial-uppers!
"government is not reason, it is not eloquence-it is a force! like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master; never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action." George Washington
I think I've tried just about every light bulb made including OTT-lites and reveal bulbs. What I found is that no one type of bulb is best for all coins there is too much variation. What works for me is using pre-set white balance, shooting raw, and make fine adjustments in color temperature during post processing. I now use 6500K, 23 W, screw in fluorescent bulbs. The main reason I like these is because they do not put out as much heat as a standard bulb, and I don't worry about melting a slab if it's left in the light for long periods. Here are some examples:
Who is General Failure, and why is he reading my hard drive?
Excellent results stev. Yo Dizz can you refrain from reposting images from another response, every time I reopen this thread it takes forever to load even with cable. Thanks in advance.
<< <i>Kroger puts Reveal bulbs on sale for four (4) for a $1. Thats 25 cents a piece. Go ahead and spend your $40 a bulb for an Ott. >>
Aww, knock it off, wouldja?
There is entirely too much exaggeration going on in this thread, both on the cost of the Ott Lites, and now on replacement bulbs.
I paid $32 shipped for my last Ott Lite brand new on eBay. If you watch the listings, you can get them for $30-40 shipped on a regular basis, not $65 as was mentioned earlier in the thread.
I bought 3 replacement bulbs on eBay from this seller for a TOTAL of $38 shipped, less than $13 per bulb.
If you're going to exaggerate, why not just say the bulbs cost $1,000 each and be done with it... sheesh.
<< <i>Excellent results stev. Yo Dizz can you refrain from reposting images from another response, every time I reopen this thread it takes forever to load even with cable. Thanks in advance. >>
Great information and eye candy thread. Thanks to some of the suggestions some pictures are getting better. On a side note a few customers at Wal-Mart yesterday probably thought I was crazy. About 15 minutes was spent just reading and looking for kelvin output on light bulbs....
Wow, with all these different views on which type of light makes better pics, maybe we should start having "Guess the light source" threads! Sounds to me like it is pretty subjective, like grading.
it really takes a color monitor to appreciate these pics
"government is not reason, it is not eloquence-it is a force! like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master; never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action." George Washington
I am interested in trying the OTTs because of the rectangular shape of the light source. And yes, I would agree that the output should be as even as possible across the light spectrum.
But after viewing all these images, how about this view: It doesn't make a damn bit of difference whether you're using OTTs or household bulbs. White balance is so easily customized with a grey card that it is a non-issue; all that matters is the way the lights are set up -- how is it shaped with reflectors? How many are used? At what angles?
<< <i>I am interested in trying the OTTs because of the rectangular shape of the light source. And yes, I would agree that the output should be as even as possible across the light spectrum.
But after viewing all these images, how about this view: It doesn't make a damn bit of difference whether you're using OTTs or household bulbs. White balance is so easily customized with a grey card that it is a non-issue; all that matters is the way the lights are set up -- how is it shaped with reflectors? How many are used? At what angles? >>
Comments
I use Ott lights when I want a soft light (such as shooting a 42 proof mercury which are very shiny coins that need a soft light to avoid looking harsh)
You have better luck with Otts and proof/prooflike surfaces? That is where I have had problems. Some DMPL's and proofs the surfaces look harsh. I will have to try an Ott on those.....
<< <i>OTT lites bring out the true color of copper.
that is 1 he11uva coin!
& the digi-pic is fantastic also, great job!!!
K S
Nice die crack there Ken!
i used to get all wrapped up in the lighting thinking more is better and then i just gave up and sometimes get my best shots with no lighting at all, just natural sunlight in the window and the camera set on auto. the result is nothing needed but a crop/size/post. when all else fails i just wait for another inspired day from above.
Ott is a brand name.
When you buy Ott you are paying a premium for the brand name.
Photography doesn’t care about the brand of light, it cares about the temperature of light in degrees Kelvin.
The Automatic Daylight Setting on most digital cameras is set at or near 5500 degrees Kelvin.
Ott lights produce light at 5500 degrees Kelvin once they have warmed up for 10 minutes.Very good Link about Lights By Mark Goodman
Kelvin Temperature/Color Chart
You will notice that the color next to the Average noon daylight (5500K) is white. This is the color temperature that digital cameras is balanced to which means that when shooting using daylight setting the photograph will record white objects as white and all the colors in an image will appear natural in the image. If you shoot in conditions that measure a higher temperature the photo will start to become bluer and shoot in conditions below the 5500 temperature and they will increase in orange.
The colors here don't just relate to daylight conditions, artificial light also introduces a color cast depending on their color temperature. 5500K is 5500K no matter the brand of the bulb. With standard fluorescent lights this is often green and with tungsten lighting it will be yellow, while flash can be slightly blue.
You don’t need the brand Ott to get a bulb that will produce light at 5500K
You can buy 27 watt (100 watt equivalent) spiral fluorescent standard screw-in 5500K bulbs at Home Depot for $7.00 and it will produce the same spectrum light as the brand name Ott lamp.
Spend another $7.00 for a shop-light reflector and you’ll be set-up with a brighter full-spectrum/ directionable light for under $15.00 per light.
I always have respected you Russ, you're one of my favorite posters as I have often posted here
A difference of opinion is what makes this forum thrive.
Lets end it with a volley of images. And keep in mind, I take all my images with a Nikon Coolpix 995,
circa 2001 MP 3.5, a real antique digi cam.
OTTs over silver.
OTTs from various angles over copper.
An OTT lite copper collage. The distinct exact copper color is what I appreciate most about OTT lites.
Babe Ruth under OTTs
- Bob -
MPL's - Lincolns of Color
Central Valley Roosevelts
<< <i>For the science geeks, the kelvin (K) temperature is not capitalized nor does it have degrees. >>
Also for the science geeks and english majors, The plural is kelvins (e.g. "The light source is approximately 3200 kelvins").
For the old timers, The "degrees" part of the name was made obsolete in 1967. However, the "degrees" reference has remained in common use in media industries and me.
For the historians, "The Kelvin scale is named after William Thomson (1824 – 1907), also known as Lord Kelvin",.
<< <i>This has been a fun throw down reveal/OTT thread.
I always have respected you Russ, you're one of my favorite posters as I have often posted here
A difference of opinion is what makes this forum thrive.
Lets end it with a volley of images. And keep in mind, I take all my images with a Nikon Coolpix 995,
circa 2001 MP 3.5, a real antique digi cam.
OTTs over silver.
Oh, my! Shylock, that's quite the 1807 quarter. Have you an image of the reverse to share????
<< <i>This has been a fun throw down reveal/OTT thread.
I always have respected you Russ, you're one of my favorite posters as I have often posted here
A difference of opinion is what makes this forum thrive.
Lets end it with a volley of images. And keep in mind, I take all my images with a Nikon Coolpix 995,
circa 2001 MP 3.5, a real antique digi cam.
OTTs over silver.
OTTs from various angles over copper.
An OTT lite copper collage. The distinct exact copper color is what I appreciate most about OTT lites.
Babe Ruth under OTTs
I've said it once and I'll say it again... OTT-LITE, the ONLY way to go.
GE reveals are $4.98 for an eight pack at Lowes.
<< <i>
>>
Forget the lighting, what camera and lens are you using to get this great close up of the breast details?
- Bob -
MPL's - Lincolns of Color
Central Valley Roosevelts
Kroger puts Reveal bulbs on sale for four (4) for a $1.
Thats 25 cents a piece. Go ahead and spend your $40 a bulb for an Ott.
Sorry about so many pictures. 1966 sms just came in today. My camera is a very cheap Kyocera finecam s5r with 5.0 mp with 3x zoom. bought off the bay 2 years ago for 150.
This is the ex Eliasberg PCGS MS67 Stewart Blay rarity, imaged at a Baltimore show dealer's table with my portable OTTs.
this is an absolutely gorgeous slide show! i really feel bad for the dial-uppers!
I suspect that not too many could (financially) fit that one in a box of 20!
<< <i>Kroger puts Reveal bulbs on sale for four (4) for a $1.
Thats 25 cents a piece. Go ahead and spend your $40 a bulb for an Ott. >>
Aww, knock it off, wouldja?
There is entirely too much exaggeration going on in this thread, both on the cost of the Ott Lites, and now on replacement bulbs.
I paid $32 shipped for my last Ott Lite brand new on eBay. If you watch the listings, you can get them for $30-40 shipped on a regular basis, not $65 as was mentioned earlier in the thread.
I bought 3 replacement bulbs on eBay from this seller for a TOTAL of $38 shipped, less than $13 per bulb.
If you're going to exaggerate, why not just say the bulbs cost $1,000 each and be done with it... sheesh.
1/2 Cents
U.S. Revenue Stamps
<< <i>Excellent results stev. Yo Dizz can you refrain from reposting images from another response, every time I reopen this thread it takes forever to load even with cable. Thanks in advance.
Makes sense, sorry.
<< <i>
<< <i>I'd love to see your lighting set-up assuming it is not a trade secret >>
The secret is the $5.99 Office Depot desk lamps.
Russ, NCNE >>
I particularly like the dust build-up on the far side of the table.
<< <i>
That's a BEAUTIFUL coin and a superb photo.
What brand portable OTT lamp do you own, as that's some great roadshow photography!!!
Thanks Much.
Ken
Which camera did you get?
Ken
<< <i>Very nice image Ken
Thank you, It's one of my all time favorites - I never get tired of looking at it.
it really takes a color monitor to appreciate these pics
But after viewing all these images, how about this view: It doesn't make a damn bit of difference whether you're using OTTs or household bulbs. White balance is so easily customized with a grey card that it is a non-issue; all that matters is the way the lights are set up -- how is it shaped with reflectors? How many are used? At what angles?
<< <i>I am interested in trying the OTTs because of the rectangular shape of the light source. And yes, I would agree that the output should be as even as possible across the light spectrum.
But after viewing all these images, how about this view: It doesn't make a damn bit of difference whether you're using OTTs or household bulbs. White balance is so easily customized with a grey card that it is a non-issue; all that matters is the way the lights are set up -- how is it shaped with reflectors? How many are used? At what angles? >>
Finally somebody that sees it the way I do.
<< <i>
<< <i>
That's a BEAUTIFUL coin and a superb photo.
Very