2ft Tube

Overview

A 2ft Tube (2-foot tube) on a film set refers to a linear LED tube light with a length of approximately 2 feet (officially around 584 mm or about 58 cm / 23 in; 2 feet mathematically equals 60.96 cm). The term is not a protected product designation but rather a length-based size specification within common tube families, which are usually offered in 1-, 2-, and 4-foot lengths. In practice, the 2ft Tube is most strongly associated with linear lights from Quasar Science (e.g., the Crossfade series or the Rainbow 2 series as Q25R2), as Quasar Science consistently offers its tubes in foot-based lengths.

Characteristic of this form factor are a slim tube profile, low weight, and a wide-spreading, soft light. This allows the fixture to be placed discreetly within the frame, mounted on walls, ceilings, or set constructions, and used as a practical light source. Many models offer adjustable color temperature and full RGB color space, as well as pixel control, allowing individual segments of the tube to be controlled separately.

Technical Data

The following values refer to typical 2ft Tubes from Quasar Science (Crossfade / Rainbow 2) and serve as a guideline; specifications may vary depending on the manufacturer and model.

For context: The 4ft variant of the Rainbow 2 (Q50R2) has 24 pixels, more than double the number of individually controllable segments compared to the 2ft Tube.

Set Usage

2ft Tubes are preferably used where a 4ft Tube would be too long or too conspicuous: in tight sets, vehicle interiors, door frames, behind furniture, or as a concealed accent and effect source directly in the frame. Thanks to their compact length, they can be easily bundled and synchronized as a group via control protocols.

• Practical Lights: concealed source within the scene, e.g., as an implied fluorescent tube or light bar.
• Accent and Effect Light: RGB and pixel modes for colored edges, running lights, or lighting moods.
• Fill Light in Tight Spaces: soft diffused light at short distances.
• Mounting: can be secured to the set using clamps, magnets, or Velcro; many models are mains or battery-powered.

It is important to distinguish them from longer variants: While the 4ft Tube is considered an all-rounder for larger areas, the 2ft Tube is the more manageable, less conspicuous option for detail and close-up lighting.