4ft Tube

Overview

A 4ft Tube (English for "4-foot tube", approx. 1.2 m) on a film set refers to a hose-like or tube-shaped LED fixture in the standard length of four feet. The term denotes a size and device class, not a single product: it derives from the classic 4-foot fluorescent tube (T12) and the cinema flo lights equipped with them, whose mounting dimensions have been adopted by today's LED tubes.

Four feet is the most common length for this form factor because it fits into existing fluorescent holders and many cinema flo fixtures, while remaining compact enough to be hidden within the set (behind furniture, in ceilings, on edges). Common examples of 4ft tubes include the Quasar Science Q-LED/Crossfade series and the Aputure INFINIBAR PB12. The Astera Titan Tube, also frequently mentioned, measures around 1 m (approx. 3.3 ft) and is therefore, strictly speaking, not a true 4-foot model.

Typical Design and Specifications

4ft tubes are typically ballast-free, dimmable, often color temperature variable (bi-color) or full color capable (RGB/RGBWW), and can be operated via battery or mains power. As specific values vary greatly depending on the model, two verified examples are listed here:

On-Set Usage

Due to their slim form factor and low power consumption, 4ft tubes are primarily used as hidden practical sources, for soft fill light, for light accents, and as set dressing lights. Typical applications:

• Concealed within the frame (behind curtains, furniture, in shelves, on door frames) for motivated lighting without a visible lamp.
• Soft and eye light due to their linear, elongated light shape.
• Battery operation for wireless mounting in hard-to-reach locations.
• Full-color models for colored effects, pixel effects, and quick mood changes without gels.

They are mounted using included clips, magnets, conventional fluorescent sockets, or grip accessories. For light shaping, matching grid accessories (e.g., SNAPGRID) are available for tubes up to 4 feet in length.