For the price you pay and for the amount of diffused quality light you get from CFL Softbox kits, they are a great option in the studio. CFL Bulbs transmit more light from the sides than from the top of the bulb. Alzo has recently added a video demonstrating this and how their new Alzo 200 Economy Softbox was designed around this principle.
In our studio, CFL lighting is our primary source, but it's not something we enjoy traveling with for a few reasons. While CFLs will generally provide a better diffused light source than LED panels, you can't power them over typical DC batteries when on location. Still it's not totally impossible to find AC to DC battery packs, if you want to carry the extra gear.
One other complaint about our CFL Softbox kits is that it uses 4-5 light bulbs which on a three light kit adds up to 15 fragile light bulbs we need to pack. The Alzo 200 Kit addresses this by using (2) large CFL bulbs and allowing you to remove the entire head unit that stores away in an optional padded Alzo carry bag.
Alzo Padding Carrying Case CFL Light
Our CFL Kits also have fairly complicated softboxes that are difficult to setup and breakdown. We don't really mind since we had no plans to transport our kit, but for this issue the Alzo 200 Economy CFL Softbox Kit addresses this by using a special 'umbrella' type pop up soft box.
Alzo 200 Pop Up Umbrella CFL Softbox
The diffusion of CFL Softbox lighting makes it great for infinite white studio setups, or even green screen (chroma) backdrops. They draw very little power and generate almost no heat on your subjects. You can place them very close and still have excellent soft diffusion, but they don't have the control of dimming like LED panels.
Overall Alzo has put together an interesting kit for people that prefer CFL lighting. The Alzo 200 Economy CFL Softboxes have an efficient design for maximum light output and at the same time remaining travel friendly. A good kit for the money, so long as you aren't heavily relying on a DC battery source at your locations. More about these lighting kits can be found at https://AlzoDigital.com.
Alzo 200 Economy Softbox Kits - via Amazon
ChrisD
hey when u search for it on amazon, there is an Umbrella model and a cheaper economy model. anyone have an idea on he difference because i couldn't tell any difference from the description. also does it come with light stands cause it seemed the economy doesn't list that as coming i the box
Emm
Post author@Rob S. - I agree, for a large area I need to light and have diffused light, i'm still working with up to 6 CFL soft box lights.
Rob S.
@fred I've had 500 and 600 LED light panels and the throw on those isn't great. Plus, the light quality is a bit harsh. Lights like these put out a lot more light that's quite a bit softer. They're no Kino Diva but work fine for lighting a larger area like backgrounds. Tungsten fresnels are still in wide use as are fluorescent in filmmaking, news, documentary. Both have their different uses. LED still needs some improvement.
AndyH
I think the monoblock style continuous LED lights are the future. I'm still waiting to see someone review the Jinbei EF-200. The company 'CAME' also have a nice looking LED fresnel with remote control adjustment, now if only someone would combine a powerful dimmable bi colour LED fresnel with an optional bowens s mount for softboxes and we'd surely have a winner of a light? I suggested this to CAME via ali express but I think it got lost in translation.
fred
i totally agree with Joe.
At this price point, consider buying Leds ! Aputure AL-528 range is far better and costs not really much. It's the size of an ipad, etc...
CFL is to me now what tungsten was 3 years ago : outdated.
Rob S.
@Joe Rodriguez Are you complaining that these are stupefyingly expensive? As far as cine lights are concerned, these are totally cheap. And they're being marketed as economy level lights which is what they are. I have a similar set that I use for background lighting. They work fine. Best to buy them without the cheapy stands.
Joe Rodriguez
I think the price is ridiculous. It's the deal breaker because these can't be dimmed whatsoever.
It's a shame that this guy builds something soooo cheap and tries to market as the next big thing.
I WOULD HAVE BOUGHT ONE if it was so stupefying expensive.