Which strobes should I buy? - DPChallenge Forums

Sony DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Aspherical ED Zoom Lens for Sony Alpha

11/17/2014 09:52:45 PM · #1

I didn't want to hijack this thread: Starter/Budget Lighting, but it got me interested in strobes.

I've been playing with 3-4 flashes and triggers for awhile now, but there are times where it just doesn't seem to be enough light. I do have some money put away for photography gear. Jenn mentioned the cowboy studio 400W (although I think they're cheaper in her link).

That's much cheaper than ones I had looked into awhile ago. Yet cowboy studio strobes don't get the best reviews in some places. Good in others.

Would I regret getting something that cheap? Do I need better?

The flashes were a cheap way of getting into lighting, and I've learned a lot.

So:

1. what about cowboy?
2. What wattage should I get? If I get 400, is that going to end up being the same as my flash and there's no reason to get something unless I get a lot more power?
3. What do I really need to know?

thanks!!

kiwinick

Sony DSLR-A550

11/17/2014 10:18:05 PM · #2

they look ok at the price, 400ws are ok for studio strobes, I guess you would be woring at around f8/11 depending on placement.
They have all the bells and whistles and I think they would be good bang for buck.
You could check out the Bowens range, (English) or Electra ( Thailand)

I have just retired my Electra units after 35 years only had to replace 1 flash tube and a couple of model lights in all that time, mine were 500w/s and packed a punch at full power..

I would be wary of some of the cheap cheap Chinese made units.

Hope that this answer helps you in your choice .

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II

11/17/2014 10:56:28 PM · #3

I have had good luck with mine, but that doesn't mean that everyone will. And the problem with going cheap is that sometimes you get stuck with a dud. That said I've never had any problems with mine. And I've never wished I had more power. 2 400 watt strobes are plenty of power. My friend got more powerful strobes and ended up selling them because she couldn't dial them down enough for her needs. So sometimes more powerful isn't always better. 2 400-500 watt strobes should be enough to take care of anything most people would want to do. I use 2 400w strobes listed below and like I said in the other thread I shoot at ISO 100 shuterspeed 200 f stop 11-14 all the time and have had no issues with having enough light. But my studio isn't huge, however I could easily light a whole group of people with my 2 strobes at 100 ISO and a f stop of 10 or higher. When I am using an f stop of 4 I dial them down to 1/4 power and have plenty of light.

You know what you are doing and are not a beginner so you probably would do just as well getting some more expensive strobes. I just didn't know what I was getting into when I bought mine and didn't want to spend a fortune doing it. Now that I know that I love strobes I wouldn't hesitate to buy the more expensive brands. However I don't foresee the need to in the near future since my cheap ones seem to be holding up just fine.

MattO

Nikon D4

11/17/2014 11:39:36 PM · #4

I read some reviews on those strobes, and looked at the specs on it. While they are cheaper strobes they appear to be OK.

Having said that, AB400's or AB800's can be had on the used Market for not much more money. The reliability of an AB, plus if something happens to one is something to look for.
Also if you buy them and lose interest in using them or find they aren't for you. The resale of an AB is going to be far easier than the cheaper ones. I own 4 AB800's I can't tell
you how many pops with each one over the years, and I have never done a single thing to them. I've even shot in light rain(not recommended)

Matt

Skip

Canon EOS-1D X

Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM

11/18/2014 04:44:12 AM · #5

i'll ditto

matto. i bought into paul c buff years ago and never looked back. the peace of mind that comes with their over-the-top customer service is worth the few extra bucks. (one of their best pieces of gear is their vagabond mini portable power supply.)

and they have a 60-day absolute satisfaction guarantee. buy it, try it, don't like it? just return it.

most of these were lit with my alien b's.

11/18/2014 08:52:05 AM · #6

i'll recommend ABs as well. i have 2 AB 800s, very nice. never failed me. the ab 800 are 320ws and are very powerful, sometimes too powerful as i can't shoot wide open at even the lowest power without moving the light way back.

if you dont have a big space and plan to shoot wide open often i'd suggest the ab400s i you plan to stick around f8-f11 the ab800s are perfect.

the modeling lamps are nice too as you can get a picture of what your light is doing shadow wise.

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II

11/18/2014 09:15:25 AM · #7

I thought about ABs as well since they were not that much more than what I bought. But I didn't like that you were locked into buying everything from them. You can only use their softboxes and such on their lights. I wanted the option of being able to buy cheap soft boxes if I wanted to. Even though the actual strobes were not that much more than the ones I bought, when I priced out everything I wanted to buy (softboxes, stands) it ended up being about $400 more to go with the AB option. If I were a pro that wouldn't be a big deal to fork out the extra cash, but since I am on a tight budget and was not shooting for clients only myself I couldn't justify the extra cost.

MattO

Nikon D4

11/18/2014 01:14:16 PM · #8

Originally posted by sjhuls:

Actually just a speed ring is all you need to adapt most any modifier to an AB

Matt

11/18/2014 01:44:04 PM · #9

This has really been helpful -- I appreciate all the feedback.

People keep mentioning two strobes. Are you using it for main and fill and do you just add in a speedlight for rim lighting or hair lighting then? Can you mix and match effectively?

11/18/2014 01:55:09 PM · #10

you can mix and match strobes and speedlights provided then can be optically triggered or you can even use radio triggers.

the number of lights depends on your style. you could get one and try to bounce it or supplement with a speedlight. i started with one and then got another when i needed it.

Message edited by author 2014-11-18 13:58:26.

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II

11/18/2014 02:01:55 PM · #11

if you go with the bees, the PLMs are really great modifiers, since they can be used as a bounce umbrella or you can get a cover and make it a large softbox..

MattO

Nikon D4

11/18/2014 02:02:40 PM · #12

Many times I use only one light(using the sun as my second) Other times I use three or 4 depending on what I am doing. I prefer not to mix speedlights and strobes, simply because I then have to figure work two types of lights and modifiers. Keep it as simple as you can. Lighting is complicated enough on it's own.

MadMan2k

Sony Alpha a6400

Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VXD

11/18/2014 02:28:53 PM · #13

It'd been a while since I looked at the new products from PCB, inc. - a lot of them look tempting and personally I would be very inclined to support a company that still makes their product in the USA.

I might end up getting one more of their lights and a battery pack after the tax return comes in.

Anyone use the Einstein E640 light?

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8

11/18/2014 02:56:05 PM · #14

Originally posted by MadMan2k:

the Einstein E640 was one that was highly recommended on strobist.com. A little pricey for my abilities right now, since my speed light soft box doesn't look like it will work with the alien bees -- so I need to get one of those, as well. I'm wondering if I should do a soft box or an octobox.

I really like that within two years, I can trade the alien bees 400w in for the 800w for $25 + the difference in cost. That's awesome if I find out I need more power.

going off to look up PLMs now. :)

I love this place -- everyone is sooooo helpful! I started out doing my own research, but when you don't particularly know the reviewers, it doesn't give you that much info. It's much better getting the info from knowledgeable people you trust!

Gordon_1

Nikon D800

11/18/2014 03:24:53 PM · #15

Originally posted by vawendy:

Originally posted by MadMan2k:
It'd been a while since I looked at the new products from PCB, inc. - a lot of them look tempting and personally I would be very inclined to support a company that still makes their product in the USA.

I might end up getting one more of their lights and a battery pack after the tax return comes in.

Anyone use the Einstein E640 light?

the Einstein E640 was one that was highly recommended on strobist.com. A little pricey for my abilities right now, since my speed light soft box doesn't look like it will work with the alien bees -- so I need to get one of those, as well. I'm wondering if I should do a soft box or an octobox.

I really like that within two years, I can trade the alien bees 400w in for the 800w for $25 + the difference in cost. That's awesome if I find out I need more power.

going off to look up PLMs now. :)

You can now RELAX!!!..which you'll never do!

I love this place -- everyone is sooooo helpful! I started out doing my own research, but when you don't particularly know the reviewers, it doesn't give you that much info. It's much better getting the info from knowledgeable people you trust!

Gordon_1

Nikon D800

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8

11/18/2014 03:32:31 PM · #16

this might help you

11/18/2014 05:04:08 PM · #17

I just ordered two alien bees 400w, soft box, and carrying cases. :)

thanks all!!

11/20/2014 09:54:12 AM · #18

They get here on Friday!!! For as many years as I've been on DPC, I've been kicking around the idea of getting them. It may have been a dumb waste of money. But I'm still really excited!!

11/20/2014 09:55:08 AM · #19

AND IT"S ALL YOUR FAULT!!

11/20/2014 10:30:23 AM · #20

You are going to love them. Let us know how they work out for you.

11/20/2014 10:33:30 AM · #21

I will. Though I'm going crazy already because they get here on Friday, but I have no models! (can I borrow yours, Jenn??) My hubby and son are camping all weekend. I have a marathon play practice all day saturday so I can't play, and my daughter's break from college doesn't start until Wednesday.

Maybe I need to adopt some kids. Moriarty is not exactly what I had in mind for strobes. :)

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

11/20/2014 10:59:51 AM · #22

Originally posted by vawendy:

Why do you think I don't enter challenges very often anymore. It's not necessarily because I am so busy....it is because my models have become so busy. I have a hard time finding a time to get them to pose for me. But they probably would be better for you, I'll send them your way.

Just pretend they are not going to be here until Wednesday ;)

Covert_Oddity

Nikon D700

11/20/2014 03:19:46 PM · #23

I got the Bowens Gemini kit as a present a couple of years back, came with three strobes, two umbrellas and a softbox.

Never had much chance to use them properly until recently when I was asked to do the Summer Party at my work. Got some great results with two of them and two umbrellas, don't think I'll see a need for all three any time soon but who knows!

In case you're interested:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B_Zk0pqyIvSGNVJoOW14MW9Ha0k&authuser=0

smardaz

11/20/2014 07:38:17 PM · #24

Originally posted by vawendy:

They get here on Friday!!! For as many years as I've been on DPC, I've been kicking around the idea of getting them. It may have been a dumb waste of money. But I'm still really excited!!

A few years ago I spent $1600 on 2 500w Hensel strobes. Waste of money? Maybe, but I've never regretted it for a minute.