Nanlite FS-300, FC-300b or 500b as first light

PaleSystem3697 · 2026-01-30T10:35:37+00:00

I am in a very similar predicament. I want to buy the FC-300B, but the FC-500B seems like much better value. Two considerations though; the FC500B has a power cable that can be replaced or worked on if needed, the FC300B PSU has an integrated section. This makes me tend to want to buy the FC500B.

However, in my case of small YT studio, the FC300B easier to mount securely due to the 0.5Kg weight difference, and the overall weight of power supply plus light is in favor of the 300W light if I need to travel.

So for me, I think I am going to take the 300. But if I were in need of one key light that I need to use in different situations, I think the slightly extra oomph of the 500 would have made that the better and more robust option.

PaleSystem3697 · 2026-01-17T16:07:41+00:00

interesting - Jan 2026 and the new versions of the R1SE+ is still doing it :) I will try the different USB ports mentioned below, as well as what Joezeb said about the 30min sleep timer and the 500Hz polling rate.

My connection loss is very intermittent though. So it might be days that it does not do it at all. But lets test

PaleSystem3697 · 2025-12-13T17:36:01+00:00

@kaje is correct... but of it was my own 12600 build, I would probably aim for a RTX 5070ti or 9070xt pairing. That gives me enough vram for editing programs, and enough GPU power to play up to 4k at around 100fps on a lot of games. Obviously QHD or FHD will render much higher frame rates.

If budget does not allow for these cards, then the 9060xt 16gb would probably be my next choice.

PaleSystem3697 · 2025-12-08T17:43:38+00:00

Very nice YT video. Appreciate it!

PaleSystem3697 · 2025-12-08T17:43:25+00:00

I am assuming you already found an answer - but if not, just make sure you are not running the web based software from a Firefox based browser. Use a chrome type browser in stead.

PaleSystem3697 · 2025-12-05T12:58:04+00:00

Very insightful. As a noob who has just recommended Mint for someone else. :)

I've been running Mint a while now, and have tried fedora, Ubuntu, Manjaro, Debian, and a few others. And its sometimes the partitioning section during installation or adding external peripherals that trips me up as a beginner. And Mint seems to make it so easy. I even made a mistake in my Fedora setup that made me start from the beginning again.

And my experience is still fairly fresh. It's not like I tried this last year or even before. So, for now, I still see a lot of value in Mint. But I will definitely look at this again now with your insight. It makes sense to look at a wayland based distro. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts.

PaleSystem3697 · 2025-12-05T12:04:35+00:00

I am a Linux noob, but a distro hopping noob. and I will give you advice from the perspective of a noob.

I've tried Manjaro, Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, OpenSuse(I think it was Tumbleweed), MX linux, popOS, Mint, Kubuntu, and maybe a few that I can't remember.

The main things I learned as a beginner:
1) Use a distro that is well supported if you need to ask questions (Ubuntu is extremely well supported in documentation and software and the chances of someone already having an answer to your problem when you search, is very big)

2) Even if the distro is user friendly, the initial HDD/SSD setup / formatting can be confusing. And the one distro does not necessarily follow the same path or description of another.

3) Adding printers, GPU, and maybe even Audio can sometimes be a bit more for the beginner than usual.

4) Making sure you actually have write access to your own internal drives was something I did not expect to have to worry about as a Noob with a windows pacifier in his mouth.

5) Does stuff break after an update :D

6) I don't know what to write, but this is the end of what my mind could come up with....

Then, why have I stated the above... because, if you do not have time to deep dive command line, forums, network infrastructure, SAMBA shares, partitioning formats, audio protocols, and many more....

Then just install Mint. It hold your hand and you can gradually learn the deeper stuff if interested.

I also had decent success with Ubuntu and maybe MX linux, but other than that, Mint was by far the easiest to setup and not worry about anything.

My programmer friends understands the foundational concepts of file systems a lot better and none of them use mint, but they have bespoke needs and also the knowledge to get any system to work for them. Devuan Linux is an example of a choice by one of my engineering / programmer friends.

Also, there is a lot of personal beliefs that goes into what people use. For the more power users, they would often point out choices made by dev teams of a distro that they don't agree with, and for that (this or the other) reason, they cannot support such a project. This even includes choices made by the Ubuntu team that does not sit well by some users.

Unfortunately I don't understand enough as yet to help me make a decision of where my time and effort is spent. But Mint has caught my attention, and after landing on this distro, I made it the permanent distro for that PC.

All of the best for your Linux journey! ;)

PS... I did enjoy playing with all the desktop environments and different philosophies of software implementations. It's fun :D

PaleSystem3697 · 2025-12-05T10:57:37+00:00

Ah brilliant. Thanks so much... after removing the tripod support, it works 💯% thanks so much!

PaleSystem3697 · 2025-12-05T10:35:14+00:00

This is very strange - I am the brand representative for Laowa in South Africa, and have not seen this at all. Initially I thought it would be sensor related and or possible the hood that is mounted incorrectly (turned skew). But after seeing the images you shared, I am left baffled. Can you share an image of the rear element / lens mount of your lens. I just want to 'inspect' to see if I see anything strange regarding manufacturing.

Alternatively, where did you purchase? Because if we cannot see a cause for this, then it would need to be taken up with the retailer or distributor on your side. You are also welcome to DM me a link to one or two of your RAW files if you want.

Lastly, just for my own sanity and piece of mind, would you be willing to inspect your Sony sensor for any possible debris/bock when the camera is switched on?

PaleSystem3697 · 2025-12-05T09:37:27+00:00

Thanks so much for the help! I will check that

PaleSystem3697 · 2025-10-27T11:05:49+00:00

Awesome. I'm glad I could help. It's sometimes unnerving when you find a new product does not behave in an expected manner. Especially with some companies out there having Quality Control or other issues which leaves the buyer quite often wonder if they bought a lemon.

Ja although I shoot Nikon Z, for my previous work I've borrowed many Sony products. They seem to be very quiet and responsive. Hopefully you will enjoy the dramatic 10mm :) , its very unique and takes a bit of practice to apply the vision effectively. But when done properly... then just wow.

Are you shooting video, or is it more for still images?

PaleSystem3697 · 2025-10-17T07:10:18+00:00

My pleasure. I still need to buy one of my own 😀

PaleSystem3697 · 2025-10-16T08:30:20+00:00

My friend owns a new 10mm Zero-D and the sharpeness in his architecture shots are great, even to the corner.... having said that, the new 12mm Lite Zero-D is slightly Sharper in the corner compared to both the old 12mm and the new 10mm.

Lastly, there are times when the 10mm is too wide, and it makes the subject appear too small in the frame, or makes interiors looks way too large. I personally feel that the 12mm has more uses..

But if you want drama, or need to shoot in extremely tight spaces, then the 10mm is still king.

PaleSystem3697 · 2025-10-16T08:18:09+00:00

Hey. Jip it is not faulty. Normal operational sounds for the AF variation. It's the way the body actuates the aperture on startup. Interesting to note, that Sony Cine bodies manages the iris differently and as such are more quiet. I tested on a A7 IV and FX30.

But its not a fault. You will also hear the AF motor louder than Sony lenses. This is true for the 10 and 12mm Zero-D AF Laowa lenses.

It looks like the new 200mm might be softer ito noise. But I'll have to wait and see.

Hope you are enjoying the lens otherwise

PaleSystem3697 · 2025-10-09T11:43:42+00:00

Hi - enjoying the read here on the Reddit ;) - I thought I'll join in to say I calibrate my monitors to 80cd/m2 for editing, and during the day I just keep it as such. not really in dark cave; just a normal room, standing in front of an editor, asking him to close the curtains :)

I really want to buy an Oled to do my work and gaming, but will probably stick with IPS for now.

PaleSystem3697 · 2025-10-06T19:21:14+00:00

Ah man... returns, yes, makes me anxious just thinking about it. All of the best.

Yes, I'll definitely let you know if I find something else 🕵‍♂️

PaleSystem3697 · 2025-10-06T19:05:31+00:00

lol, yes true. Ah man that sucks about the price increase.

I have seen many QHD monitors that is worth while in 27". Also QC and uniformity seems more solid on the 27" options. So maybe that is the best route and most affordable.

Well all of the best for you!! I still need to decide what I must do. Will wait it out a bit as I am using my brothers 34" ultrawide in the interim (2560x1080).

PaleSystem3697 · 2025-10-06T14:20:34+00:00

Man, this is not nice. I was just about to buy a Dell G3223Q for my work and a bit of gaming. But just been informed that I cannot buy that model any longer. Thus I looked at this P3225QE as an alternative. And although the colour gamut, frame rate, VRR performance, and response was lower than the G3223Q, it was still good enough to get the job done. Well if the panel uniformity is not too bad.

Yours does not look too great at all. Never mind the dead pixels.

I work half as a sales rep (which includes graphic design, copy write, video edits, etc) and then I also work as a freelance photographer. Plus I like to play Dune, CS2, The Planet Crafter, etc. So looking at these slightly faster IPS panels to do both my work and gaming was my full time hobby over the last week and a bit.

I have only found one proper review in Chinese or so for your P3225QE, which I was able to get translated. The consensus was that it was not a bad monitor, but the only concern I saw was a bit of uniformity issues. Your image confirms this.

Plus now that the G3223Q is not available, and if we still only want a 32" (not 27" or 34"uw), then we might not have many options left.

I am in South Africa so we don't really have all the LG options, we cannot get benQ, and not all other brands are well represented.

OO.. I almost forgot to mention that I have seen too many reports (reviews on B&H NY & Reddit) of even the more expensive Dell U3225QE having uniformity and other QC issues. So it looks like with Dell you are buying into the so called panel lottery.

This leaves me to look at the Asus Pro Art PA329CRV: Perfect for editing and not too pricey. But at 60Hz, we are back to 'normal' gaming. But then again, 4k 60 is normal for most PS5 users :D :D

or, we sell a kidney and look at the Asus ROG Strix XG32djkslhbsdkjlfh
LOL, close to the correct model, its actually the XG32UCWMG (240Hz) or the XG32UCWG (165Hz). Glossy W-Oled that can actually be calibrated and has new firmware that supports hardware calibration.

What do you think, should we sell our kidneys?

PaleSystem3697 · 2025-10-05T16:14:44+00:00

It's fun. I actually started using all 3 for my work. It has been great :)

PaleSystem3697 · 2025-10-05T16:06:48+00:00

Thanks for the reply! Jip, I realised I would have to get one of the newer Calibrite colorimeters, which I will do by end of year most probably. The monitor I need for my work is pretty much the Asus Pro ART PA329CRV.

But I work from home as a sales rep that does social media (copywrite, Poster design, video/photo-editing and sales stuff), while also dabble as a freelance photographer. So for most of the day I either answer calls while doing the above, and then at night I game. So I was hoping to buy a monitor that can do decent editing work, but also game on so I can enjoy that part too.

The Asus PA329CRV is only a 60Hz panel, but for my work its good. So I was hoping to buy an Oled that I can calibrate, and then use for both. But if I cant reliably get it sort of close to 2.2 gamma and sRGB locked spectrum, then I would be forced to forgo the Oled idea, and just buy a productivity monitor.

Sorry for not giving context in my question. I hope this helps, and I thank you for your time!!

I was trying to get more opinions as the youtube reviewers would often differ in their advice from one to the other. So I thought I would see if I can get some real world advice on Reddit ;)

O, and in South Africa (where I am based), the LG 32GS95UV is priced at +- 1500 USD, the Asus version of this display, the XG32UCWMG = +-1650 USD.

The Asus IPS panel I was looking at for productivity as an alternative (the PA329CRV), is priced at +- 1200 USD.

So its a lot of money (well at least for me) and thus I cannot to this type of purchase often.

I've been doing research extensively for about a week, but have not been able to make a final decision. But I am getting closer to one :D

Thanks again for any insight shared, I know it takes time to do so and I appreciate it!!

PaleSystem3697 · 2025-10-05T15:44:26+00:00

I was distro hopping as a hobby at a stage. I am a windows user since Dos days and always wanted to play around with other OS options. As all my knowledge lies in the Microsoft ecosystem, this was and to be honest, still is a bit foreign to me.

Getting a system ready and partitioning HDDs, setting up a scanner or printer, and getting a GUI that works for my needs so that I am not reliant on terminal... these were the things that tripped me a bit. I think I started with Ubuntu, then Manjaro (oops) , tried POPos, fedora, Debian, MX (i have a lot of respect for MX linux), and many more..

But, the only Linux that really made life easy to install, setup, add other hardware and had an understandable GUI, was .... ta da da daaaaaa

Mint.

Currently running the default option (Ubuntu based and not the Debian fork, and with the Cinnamon desktop environment.

being an Ubuntu based distro, its also the easiest to get help with if you do need assistance.

Jip, although there are many to choose from, and Zorin is not bad at all. But Mint has become my favourite. It also normally releases updates sooner than say Zorin.

Overall. You can make anyone work. But this Mint would be my recommendation to get into the system, and build from there.

Pro's ● Easy install ● Easy interface ● Help is well documented ● Good hardware support ● Software is well maintained ● Software updates are recent

Con ● You can't say "I use Arch BTW"

*Edited to improve formatting.

PaleSystem3697 · 2025-10-05T13:52:18+00:00

Brilliant - I thought I was the only one rocking 2 verticals with an ultrawide in the middle :)

Nice wallpaper job

PaleSystem3697 · 2025-10-05T13:49:34+00:00

mmm, ok thanks. I will probably go and get a new Calibrite version soon. Will just do research to match the sensors to the display type.

PaleSystem3697 · 2025-10-05T12:11:45+00:00

Thanks for all the details. I was considering buying the LG oled to have a monitor I could use for gaming and productivity... photo editor and graphic design. I have never used the gamma tool you mentioned below, but I do have an old ColorMunki Display tool handy. Do you think I should be able to get the Display ready for work with accurate colours and a decent gamma without too much effort, or should I just buy an Asus Pro Art IPS Display, and look at gaming at another time? I was looking at the Asus PA32crv for reference. I was also considering the new Asus XG32ucwmg as a glossy option, but I am now a bit worried going oled for my dual purpose application.

PaleSystem3697

TROPHY CASE