Where to get T8 fixtures holding 4+ tubes?

spr1nt3r · 01-07-2013 11:21AM #1

I am looking for as light as possible and without chrome reflectors. Something along the lines of:

As for bulb type I prefer T8 since I will be using the lights only moderately and cost is a factor. No need energy saving sleek looking device - function is what I am after.
Needs to be light as I want to position it on the stand either vertically or horizontally. Must hold at least 4 T8 tubes length of 900mm or longer producing not less than 4000k temperatures and with obviously electronic ballast.
Must come with 220V in so I could attach a cable with socket to go into mains.
Looked over online and shops around, some have overpriced and flimsy fixtures, some have decent ones but with a need of heavy modification. Any suggestions welcome.

policarp · 02-07-2013 03:02AM

That's pretty specific.
Would you not go DIY?

Curiosity.
What is it for?

spr1nt3r · 02-07-2013 06:24AM

policarp wrote: »

That's pretty specific.
Would you not go DIY?

Curiosity.
What is it for?

Well.. I am going DIY. I just need a fixture even without bulbs. Then I will attach the lead with plug into mains and install the required bulbs. Btw it can be T5 as long as I can get fitting with bulbs around 1m long, 2 or 4 in parallel.
Need 2-3 of these fixtures. Mainly for my work bench but also want to use same setup for photo or video indoors.

spr1nt3r · 02-07-2013 08:26AM

mikehammer67 wrote: »

T5 fluorescents function better than T8-they're better

get electronic ballast anyhow if you want a 'light' fitting-you can get t8 with electonic ballast

they weigh a lot less than magnetic ballast fittings

That's a good tip. But where to get them for reasonable price? Any recommendations? Can be ugly as hell as long as its new and reliable from electronics side of view I am happy. I believe Osram and Philips bulbs and ballasts are the way to go.

mikehammer67 · 02-07-2013 08:27AM

spr1nt3r wrote: »

No need energy saving sleek looking device - function is what I am after.

Needs to be light as I want to position it on the stand either vertically or horizontally.

T5 fluorescents function better than T8-they're better

get electronic ballast anyhow if you want a lightweight fitting-you can get t8 with electonic ballast

they weigh a lot less than magnetic ballast fittings

mikehammer67 · 02-07-2013 08:29AM

spr1nt3r wrote: »

That's a good tip. But where to get them for reasonable price? Any recommendations? Can be ugly as hell as long as its new and reliable from electronics side of view I am happy. I believe Osram and Philips bulbs and ballasts are the way to go.

sorry there i was editing that

if you want function and lightweight prob just 'buy' T5 fittings imo

spr1nt3r · 02-07-2013 08:31AM

mikehammer67 wrote: »

sorry there i was editing that

if you want function and lightweight prob just 'buy' T5 fittings imo

No probs. I am slowly homing in on T5 fixture. I just can't find places to buy from where I can purchase 3 or 4 of them. Most are wholesalers and for singles the charge is quite high.

spr1nt3r · 02-07-2013 08:49AM

This would be perfect

mikehammer67 · 02-07-2013 08:55AM

spr1nt3r wrote: »

No probs. I am slowly homing in on T5 fixture. I just can't find places to buy from where I can purchase 3 or 4 of them. Most are wholesalers and for singles the charge is quite high.

the reflector increses the light output(prob 20/30% i think)

so there's prob no saving

spr1nt3r · 02-07-2013 08:58AM

mikehammer67 wrote: »

the reflector increses the light output(prob 20/30% i think)

so there's prob no saving

It also casts stronger shadows that is a big issue in photography or video. Must be with as less of the chrome reflector as possible. Ideally I could spray white paint over the reflectors so that is not much of an issue. The issue is getting the thing.

spr1nt3r · 02-07-2013 09:01AM

Also after doing good bit of reading it seems like T8 is the way to go. They also come with electronic ballast, fixtures usually cheaper and bulbs cost much less. Also key thing is the are of the bulb - the bigger the light source the softer the shadow.

Seems like I'm back to T8 after careful consideration after all.

Where to get T8 fixtures holding 4+ tubes?

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