Calumet Travelite color temperature

[davidmichael]

Does anyone know the color temperature of the Calumet Travelite 750? If you know the temp with and without the modeling lamp turned on, that would be helpful. Thanks!

[another view]

I think the color temp is going to vary a little depending on the power it's used at (1/8, 1/2, etc). The modeling lamp is really low in output so even if it's at 100% and the flash is at low power it shouldn't make much difference.

Best practice is always to shoot RAW and/or use a custom white balance. The way I see it, if you're going to the trouble of setting lights up you might as well. Have you had problems?

[davidmichael]

Thank you for your reply, Another View.

Actually, no, I have not had problems, but since I am a control freak when it comes to digital printing ;) I wanted to ask the question. The Nikon's auto WB sensor is pretty accurate (except, of course, when shooting with different areas of highly saturated colored light), and I have had excellent results with it. I was curious about the K temp. to see how close the "flash" WB setting was in the D2.

The reason I asked is that I worked for years in the motion picture industry where color temperature is king, so I am very sensative about it, and I am not sure what type of lamp the flash tube is (the modeling light is pretty much a standard tungsten--which is reflected in their price). I tend to shoot with the modeling light off anyway.

[another view]

The flash tube should be pretty close to the "Speedlite" setting but again I wouldn't trust either this or auto WB. Auto WB can (and probably will) change even if you are shooting table top stuff and use a different colored subject. Look for color changes in the background.

[Asylum Steve]

Well, I live by my travelites, but surprisingly, no color temp info on Calumet's web site.

Still, with my stylized fashion work (with little emphasis on accurate color), just knowing that they're daylight balanced is good enough for me... ;)

But, I undersatnd why you want to be precise. Maybe someone at the company can give you better info...

[racingpinarello]

According to my Elinchrom and Profoto lights, they come off at 5300K. I have a color meter, and it's great for digital work too.

The most important part of any flash has consistent light output. Most good flashes, including the Travelites will come off at 5300K. My Elinchroms will fluctuate +/- 200degrees while the Profoto are +/- 50 degrees.

I would test your lights at 5300.

Loren