Zoom fixture recommendation

[MRlettherebelight]

I am looking to get some Zoom ellipsoidals for our new building.
What are some recommendations for lights. I am looking at source 4
jr zooms and the NSI/Leviton zoom fixtures. I have experience with
regular source 4s but none with NSI. any thoughts?
Thanks

[Grog12]

My first question is as always...why zooms?

That being said if you're going to go zoom go full size.

[MRlettherebelight]

I need the flexibility of a zoom, but its a small room with close throws so I don't need a full size light and jr sizes are much cheaper.

[soundlight]

The ETC S4 Jr Zoom is a great little fixture, and quite sturdy. It just doesn't have the amazing zoom mechanism of the S4 full size zoom (but it's considerably lighter and smaller).

[MRlettherebelight]

has anyone used the NSI zooms?

[derekleffew]

The only zooms I would recommend are ETC SourceFour, Strand SL, or Selecon Pacific. The Leviton/NSI/Colortran model is outdated technology (unless a Leo, and I don't think it's available in a Zoom). Much would depend on what your inventory consists of already. As Grog intimated, a Source4 with an extra lens tube may be more economical than a zoom fixture.

The S4 Jr. Zoom is probably the most economical, and is a quality fixture, but I prefer the full size, unless your space is very small.

[gafftapegreenia]

Personal preference would be for ETC Source 4 Zooms or Selecon Pacific Zooms.

Altman Shakespeare Zooms and Strand SL Zooms would be passable, but try for ETC or Selecon.

[ship]

Originally Posted by Grog12

My first question is as always...why zooms?
That being said if you're going to go zoom go full size.

I agree with Grog. What are you potentially moving fixtures within the room within a range of 5 to 50' so as to require a zoom? Or is the zoom the coverall for the room in not deciding what size fixtures you need to stock for the room? Sure might take extra fixtures so as to have a few extra for every change in design and location but for the cost of a zoom over that of a standard fixture, one might afford one or two more anyway for each position plus a few extra lens trains.

Don't know about some advantage of a zoom over fixed focus fixture especially for a smaller room where one or two lens types most likely would be sufficient. Still, never really heard of anyone needing a zoom fixture for small rooms/budgets. Let us know how well it works for ya in better advantages of the zoom for their added cost. Curious debate, zooms verses fixed and JR's verses normal fixtures. Could be right, or perhaps just buy a few of them and do the rest with fixed focus.

[derekleffew]

Originally Posted by MRlettherebelight

has anyone used the NSI zooms?

If you're referring to the Zoom Ellipse, I used it's predecessor in the 1980s and was unimpressed. 1) It was not as bright as similar fixed focus models. 2) There were only two focal lengths that would produce a sharp gobo. 3) It was significantly heavier than other models.

Now if you're referring to the Mini Ellipse, although much maligned, I liked that fixture very much for small spaces. 30, 40, 50 degrees, just by moving lenses around. But nowhere nearly as efficient as a SourceFour Jr.

[Les]

Note that the Strand SL Zoom is probably the smallest full-sized zoom you will find anywhere. It is between the size of a Source Four and a Shakespeare and looks more conventional than most zooms. I wouldn't downplay it's performance too much - it may not carry "Source Four Performance", but it can hold its own. I might be crazy here, but strictly judging by outer appearances only, the Source Four Zoom/Shakespeare Zoom looks like an improved version of the 1KL. There I said it. And I did say outer appearances only!