I have the opalec as well and I will say one thing that I dont like about it, there is no beam focus. Like a pinch light you get a lot of light from a small package, but it goes eveywhere. It is just about as bright as a regular bulb and it lasts a million times longer. Dont try and filter the light with a red lense or you will dim it to almost nothing, use the blue lense instead. Other than that, its a great piece of gear! I would recommend it!
Garrett
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On occasion of every accident that befalls you, remember to turn to yourself and inquire what power you have for turning it to use. - Epictetus