Whats the difference between strobes?

11/10/2008 12:39:46 PM · #1

I am currently looking for some used lighting equipment and have consulted such threads as Lighting for Beginners but am still a bit confused. i want to buy from B&H, but their selection is incredible. This is their used page Used Lighting

if you can help me with this decision i'd really appreciate it:)

thanks

11/10/2008 12:51:54 PM · #2

what is HMI? whats the difference between tungsten and florescent? Do i want a strobe or not?

help me please

Moose408

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

11/10/2008 02:14:39 PM · #3

Originally posted by JDubsgirl:

what is HMI? whats the difference between tungsten and florescent? Do i want a strobe or not?

help me please

I'll try to answer what I can but I'm no expert.

Tungsten is your basic incandescent bulb. They are going to be a little more yellow/orange than the florescent which isn't really a problem, you will just need to set the correct white balance. The main difference is output power and heat. With tungsten you can typically get very bright lights but the downside is that they generate a lot of heat. Florescent run very cool but aren't as bright.

Strobes are will give you greater power but for only a brief period of time. Beginners find them harder to work with typically because you can't see the light while you are setting up unless they also have "modeling lights".

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

11/10/2008 03:28:16 PM · #4

so what do you use personally?

soup

Canon EOS-30D

11/10/2008 04:09:29 PM · #5

you didn't really explain what you plan on using whatever lights you get for.

for portability, i use a couple canon speed lights ( hot shoe flashes )( a 550ex & a 430ex ), and an IR transmittor so i can use them off the camera -w umbrellas ( impact brand umbrellas and stands ), or with reflectors.

much of what you can do with studio tpye lights ( 120v plug in power supply ) can be done with the small hot shoe flashes. check out the strobist website.

Message edited by author 2008-11-10 16:10:15.

11/10/2008 07:46:44 PM · #6

i was actually on the strobist website earlier, and it had so much info i was completely overwhelmed. i wanted to have a few flashes (i currently have the 220ex and regret not just forking out the extra money for the 430ex) for indoor use. i want to set up a small studio in my basement, so i guess two or three flashes with umbrellas and stands. i guess ill be paying a visit to my local(and much too expensive) photo supply store

Moose408

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

11/10/2008 09:48:28 PM · #7

Originally posted by JDubsgirl:

I went with the Strobist route and did it on the cheap to start. Instead of going to the photo store check out eBay. I found 4 umbrellas for $0.99 (not each total). I bought 4 light stands for $0.99 each. I bought 2 Nikon SB-24 strobes for $65 each. Mounting brackets for $8 each. So for under $150 I had a complete 2 light setup.

I initially used wires to trigger the strobes then bought eBay Cactus wireless triggers. That worked great for the past 6 months. I just this week graduated to PocketWizards which are definitely better but not necessary for a small studio setup.

11/10/2008 09:54:10 PM · #8

Originally posted by Moose408:

Originally posted by JDubsgirl:
i was actually on the strobist website earlier, and it had so much info i was completely overwhelmed. i wanted to have a few flashes (i currently have the 220ex and regret not just forking out the extra money for the 430ex) for indoor use. i want to set up a small studio in my basement, so i guess two or three flashes with umbrellas and stands. i guess ill be paying a visit to my local(and much too expensive) photo supply store

I went with the Strobist route and did it on the cheap to start. Instead of going to the photo store check out eBay. I found 4 umbrellas for $0.99 (not each total). I bought 4 light stands for $0.99 each. I bought 2 Nikon SB-24 strobes for $65 each. Mounting brackets for $8 each. So for under $150 I had a complete 2 light setup.

I initially used wires to trigger the strobes then bought eBay Cactus wireless triggers. That worked great for the past 6 months. I just this week graduated to PocketWizards which are definitely better but not necessary for a small studio setup.

who did you buy from? i dont want to go spend my money and get crap in return. id like to buy from your seller if you dont mind:)

Moose408

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

11/11/2008 12:58:22 AM · #9

I bought the light stands from romaphoto. It was an auction for with a min bid of $.99. Looks like right now he has no auctions going on. May have learned his lesson. :)

The umbrellas were from auction4less$ who no longer appears to be on eBay

The flashes were from private sellers. One on eBay, one on Craigslist.

Sorry I couldn't be more help.