gear talk: ellipsoidal reflector spotlights are super cool

Ellipsoidal reflectors, also known as Lekos, Source Fours, or spotlights were built to give a uniform output while offering precise control over the light beam’s shape and direction.

One of the handiest features of a spotlight is their knack for creating sharp cuts in places where there’s no space for a flag. You’ve been in a scenario where rigging a light fixture isn’t feasible in the space you’d like it to be, so you need to bounce light from across the room. A spotlight allows you to make those hard cuts so that the light only hits the intended surface, like a beadboard.

The easiest modifier to manipulate the shape of light with is a spotlight. You can adjust it using shutters, an iris, or even a gobo pattern. Then, bring it into focus by sliding the lens barrel in or out. Use the four cutters to finalize the shape to your heart’s content.

Let’s not forget about the gobo holder, positioned in front of the shutters. Gobos, small metal discs with patterns cut out of them, add texture to your scene. Think window patterns, blinds, foliage, or even a brand logo™️.

And here’s another gem: spotlights come with interchangeable lenses, giving you the ability to adjust the beam angle on the fly. Need a narrow beam for intense illumination? Opt for a lens with a 5-19 degree spread. Or maybe you’re looking to cover a wider area with softer light? In that case, a 36-90 degree lens is your go-to. Just remember, wider beams may cover more space but sacrifice a bit of brightness compared to their narrower counterparts. For instance, to achieve an 8ft diameter beam with a 19 degree lens, you’d need the light to be 25ft away. But switch to a 36 degree lens, and you only need to position it 13 feet away to cover the same area, albeit with slightly less intensity.