What type of light can take a gobo?

What type of light can take a gobo?

Gobos, or "go between" opaque templates, were first introduced in theaters in the 1930s. They are still useful in theater productions today, but are also used in a wide range of other industries, including event planning, advertising, and architectural design. A gobo projector can be used to project a pattern, logo, or image onto a surface such as a wall or floor, creating a unique and eye-catching effect. However, not all lights are designed to take a gobo. In this article, we will discuss the types of lights that are most commonly used with gobos.

1. Ellipsoidal lights: Also known as Leko lights, this type of light is a popular choice for gobos due to its precise focusing capability. Ellipsoidal lights project a sharp-edged beam, making it easy to produce a clear and defined gobo projection. They are commonly used in theater productions, but are also widely used in events and architectural lighting.

2. Profile spots: Profile spotlights are similar to ellipsoidal lights, but with a wider beam angle. This type of light is usually used in theater productions and can project more complex and detailed gobos.

3. Moving head lights: Moving head lights are popular in the events industry, and are capable of producing a range of effects. They can take a variety of gobos, including custom images, patterns and logos. Due to their flexibility and versatility, moving head lights are becoming a more popular choice for gobo projections.

4. LED lights: LED lights are now commonly used for gobo projections due to their low heat emission and low power consumption. They are versatile, lightweight and don’t require a dimmer pack. LED moving heads can produce high-quality images with perfect registration.

5. Follow spots: Follow spots are large, bright lights used for projecting patterns and tracking performers on stage. They are not the most practical option for normal gobo use due to the size of their filters, however, specialized follow spots that use custom sized gobos are available.

In conclusion, each type of light has its strength and weakness, and the choice of light depends on the type of application. It is essential to select the right type of light for your gobo projection to ensure its success. If you are unsure of which lighting fixture to use with your gobo, please consult us so that we can provide suggestions on the most suitable lighting fixture for your pattern application and assist in installation and setup.