Porta-Trace 11x18 (1118-2C) light table

There's not really too much to say about a light table... I became interested in this model after reading many positive reviews of it on the internet. I visited Pro Photo Supply in Portland and looked at all of their light tables. I really liked the Cabin, mainly due to its size, but I didn't want to spend $300 on a light table. It actually wasn't even any better than the Porta-Trace, it just looked nicer.

What makes the whole line of Porta-Trace light tables attractive is their relative low price, and high quality. The tables are plenty bright, and of course, color corrected for 5000K. I had planned on buying the 10x12 (1012-2C), but then decided on the 1118 because it's 13% brighter (10x12 = 120. 16/120 (total watts divided by area) = .133. 11x18 = 198. 30/198 = .1515. .1515/.133 = 1.136363 = 13% brighter). The 1118-2C is $79.95 at B&H, and the 1012-2C is $49.95.

I am certainly very happy with the light table. It's not the prettiest looking thing, but so what. It has very even illumination, except on the extreme edge of the box. The color is perfect, and it is plenty bright. The only problem I have with it is that sometimes when I turn it on the bulbs flicker continuously until I turn it off. If this happens though I just turn it off and turn it back on again. Normally this problem can be averted by making sure to hold down the on button for a few seconds. So it certainly isn't a big problem. I would definitely recommend this light table, or any other one in the Porta-Trace line. You can't do better for the price.