Are these lights simply for general illumination, as opposed to wall washing or some other special purpose? Have you talked with your electrcian or electrical supply house about these particular fixtures?

From the photos, it appears the first ceiling adapter allows the actual light fixture to be visible, while the second adapter does not (until or unless when stands directly below the adapter and looks up).

The other major issue is whether or not these fixtures will be installed in an insulated space.

All other things being equal, I'd choose the second ceiling adapter so that the light source in not normally visible.

Good luck on your project.

Thank you. Yes- new construction, insulated housing. Downlighting - not wall washing- though that would be a nice option in some areas if we are able to aim these fixtures later. Yes- I've spoken to some experts but it seems like a matter of personal preference. It's hard for me to visualize the second fixture in the housing and what the gaps would look like. Dark shadows?

"...Dark shadows?..."

Not at all. See Hallett's photo above. The advice to stick with a single ceiling adapter is good advice.

It is all personal preference. I prefer to not see the lighting source and have my eye attracted by visual "hot spots" of exposed fixtures in the ceiling. I want to see the interiors, not the lighting sources.

Type of fixture, placement of and sloping ceiling adapters for wall washing is an entirely different subject than general illumination.

Okay- thank you both!! I'm going to stick with the non-gimball type fixture. I think the rep from the light store also mentioned that it reduces glare so that's another benefit.

@lesliekatzman what did you end up putting in? I'm looking at Nora Iolite 4" for basement and 2" on the main floor and looking for something that doesn't have the glare - I LOVE the deeper recessed effect (but I can't necessarily afford the $400 lights/housings my mom LOVES).

Are you happy with the Iolites? Did you consider other Nora lines or WAC?

I DO NOT like my recessed lighting on the sloped ceilings. I hate the dark shadow gap in the model of the Iolite that I have - it is very noticeable on my white ceilings. I don't know why they designed these lights this way. My advice- buy a fixture which has no gap when it is tilted- even if it is a gimball. I believe the newer models of Nora no longer have these gaps. Also- one feature I love with my receseed lighting is the dimmable option which allows you to go from a very low K to 2700K. When I turn down the lights- they are much warmer and create lots of ambiance. And I just keep them at highest setting when I want brighter light. I should have done this with every recessed light in my house except the bathrooms and the kitchen - with are fine with just normal 2700 dimmable. And- don't add too much recessed lighting. It's better to have fewer fixtures, fewer switches (NO MORE THAN 3 per plate if possible), and more traditional lighting using both table/floor lamps, sconces, and ceiling fixtures. But I prefer more traditional homes so.....

I ended up using these Nora fixtures as wall washers... not quite done with construction. It will be interesting to see the only light in the rooms being reflected off the walls this time around. I have lots of art so I'm excited to finally be able to light it properly.

@lesliekatzman did you put in the round deep recessed style? this is good to know as that is what i would think i want

@Paul F. did you put the round cone ones in? i am very curious to hear your thoughts!!!! i would do a mix of just plain downlights on the flat ceilings but i have a bunch of walls to wash and some 45 degree or less sloped ceilings under the eaves!

@Paul F. did you do plain flat/standard recessed? what did you choose?

I used the round gimble but with a square cover plate on them. In the few areas in small rooms where I wanted multiple lights pointed in seperate directions I used the flush 2 and 3 gang boxes and these square lights will snap into the box and be totally flush with the drywall.