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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Light Kits (Studio)
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Showing posts 1 - 7 of 7, (reverse)
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 07/04/2007 03:04:43 AM · #1
So I have this uh, friend, and he wants to get some some studio lights but doesn't want to spend a lot of money.

He says he wants to be able to shoot portraits in a room, also shoot portraits on location with better lighting, and even shoot some action stuff, like the bursting balloons, or things of tht nature.

The key here is he doesn't want to spend a lot of money.

So he has been searching on eBay, but doesn't really know what he is looking for and so I figured I could ask the creative geniuses here for some answers.

So what do you think of these choices? Or do you have any better suggestions?

Thanks.

Kit 1
Kit 2
Kit 3
Kit 4
Kit 5
 07/04/2007 07:15:23 AM · #2
The first set is for hot lights (not strobes), which means lots of heat, not enough light.

Kits 2 through 4 are for very very under-powered strobes (40ws?!?). They might work as background lights or maybe hair lights, but I wouldn't try to use them as the main lights.

Kit 5 is the best of the bunch at 150ws, but I'd consider even that to be under powered for anything more than taking individual portraits (a group of any size will require more light). So you mentioned shooting "in a room". This one will do it. But it's probably not the one you'll want for on location shoots.

I'd suggest 300ws as your minimum. I'd also suggest looking at AlienBees if you're wanting to shoot bursting balloons as these others have a much slower burn rate (the length of time the flash is on for a single exposure). ABs have a very fast burn rate.


07/04/2007 07:19:03 AM · #3
Dave, thanks for the reply.

I also came across this kit which I like more than any of the kits I originally listed. I have heard the Alien Bees are very expensive compare to this.

my favorite choice
 07/04/2007 07:24:04 AM · #4
Originally posted by BHuseman:
Dave, thanks for the reply.

I also came across this kit which I like more than any of the kits I originally listed. I have heard the Alien Bees are very expensive compare to this.

my favorite choice


This looks a lot like what I started out with (the entire kit, it might even be from the same company!). It's probably a very good starter kit ... but easy to out grow.
 07/04/2007 07:26:58 AM · #5
I don't think I would be outgrowing it anytime soon. This is just a hobby and I don't see myself ever going into business.

How important is it to be able to adjust the power with a variable setting? I have seen some that only allow you to halve the power and I don't like that as much. Is this something to be concered over?

Is it better to have softboxes, or umbrellas? I am guessing the softboxes face the subject where umbrellas you flash away form the subject.

So much to learn....

Thanks again.
 07/04/2007 09:26:42 AM · #6
You definetly want variable power flash units. You'll drive yourself insane trying to reposition them otherwise.

I like umbrellas, as they fold down to nothing and are really easy to travel with or store. Softboxes are big and bulky, and if they do fold down, they tend to be a pain. Both do about the same thing, it really comes down to personal preference.
 07/04/2007 10:55:26 AM · #7
AlienBee units are very popular and good. the AB400 is a 150WS unit, the AB800 is 300WS.

A less expensive option, with the same features, is Paterson INterfit Stellar strobes - see B&H. A 2 light 300ws kit with stands, cords, etc is (last i checked) just under $500.

Remember, with any studio strobes you need a light meter to adjust the light settings, and need to shoot in manual mode.

2 of these is enough power for 90% of what you might shoot. Groups over 15 or so people need more power. If you need true portability, the Alien Bee Vagabond unit works great.

This was shot in a park with the vagabond as power and 1 Paterson light with the a 2x2 softbox

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