buying studio stuff - DPChallenge Forums

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

09/06/2006 07:42:47 PM · #1

hello everybody, i just made some cash and im looking to buy a strobe or monolight kit, i already have a bowens 1000w ( ROCKs!) and im looking for 2 or 3 more lights, im doing advertising fashion, bands shooting etc etc. anyone can recomend a good kit or something?

thanks in advance

rene

idnic

Canon EOS-60D

09/06/2006 07:43:15 PM · #2

I'll start the bandwagon: AlienBees :)

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

09/06/2006 07:52:39 PM · #3

Originally posted by idnic:

I'll start the bandwagon: AlienBees :)

they look cool! thanks!

any other suggestions to keep in mind?

kiwinick

Sony DSLR-A550

09/06/2006 07:54:38 PM · #4

If you already have a Bowens unit and are happy with it why not stay wih them ? I have the" Electra"Brand monolights which have servrd me well over the last 15 or so years

09/06/2006 07:57:32 PM · #5

Originally posted by idnic:

I'll start the bandwagon: AlienBees :)

They even have those in Peru? ;)

Instead of a monolight, you might find it more convenient working with a power pack setup especially for location shooting.

From what I can find, it's 220V in Peru. Hensel, Profoto, and Broncolor make worldwide units. Elinchrom makes 220V and 110V (I think they're separate). The best thing to do would be to call around to your local shops and see what they carry/rent so you know what's supported.

Spork99

OM System OM-1

09/06/2006 07:57:50 PM · #6

Speedotron Brown Line. That's what I have and I love it. Built like a tank, works like it should and is made in Chicago. They make 220V and 110V units.

However, for you, unless you are unhappy w your Bowens, I'd suggest more Bowens lights.

Message edited by author 2006-09-06 19:59:09.

09/06/2006 08:00:58 PM · #7

Originally posted by kiwinick:

If you already have a Bowens unit and are happy with it why not stay wih them ? I have the" Electra"Brand monolights which have servrd me well over the last 15 or so years

yeah im happy with the bowens it cost me my left eye my lung and my kidney. but one bowens is not enough for the thinghs i want to do.
so im looking for some less expensive for fill lights and stuff

09/06/2006 08:06:20 PM · #8

Originally posted by virtuamike:

Originally posted by idnic:
I'll start the bandwagon: AlienBees :)

They even have those in Peru? ;)

Instead of a monolight, you might find it more convenient working with a power pack setup especially for location shooting.

From what I can find, it's 220V in Peru. Hensel, Profoto, and Broncolor make worldwide units. Elinchrom makes 220V and 110V (I think they're separate). The best thing to do would be to call around to your local shops and see what they carry/rent so you know what's supported.

yeah i think that alien bees cant be find here. and here there is one shop where you can find this kind of equipment but is expensive.. really expensive almost 80% more .. can you guys belive that?? well the thing is that someone i kno is going to newyrok and there is that B&H store. so im looking for the right choice and mi budget is about 1500.
for spazmo: yeah the bowens is my fisrt choice i mean they have a kit (2 500w bowens) that look very atractive
but i will be very open for other brands

TechnoShroom

Canon EOS-30D

09/06/2006 08:17:45 PM · #9

If you decide to get Alien Bee, just get the strobes and get everything else you may want elsewhere.

09/06/2006 08:17:59 PM · #10

Originally posted by renefunk:

Originally posted by virtuamike:

Originally posted by idnic:
I'll start the bandwagon: AlienBees :)

They even have those in Peru? ;)

Instead of a monolight, you might find it more convenient working with a power pack setup especially for location shooting.

From what I can find, it's 220V in Peru. Hensel, Profoto, and Broncolor make worldwide units. Elinchrom makes 220V and 110V (I think they're separate). The best thing to do would be to call around to your local shops and see what they carry/rent so you know what's supported.

yeah i think that alien bees cant be find here. and here there is one shop where you can find this kind of equipment but is expensive.. really expensive almost 80% more .. can you guys belive that?? well the thing is that someone i kno is going to newyrok and there is that B&H store. so im looking for the right choice and mi budget is about 1500.
for spazmo: yeah the bowens is my fisrt choice i mean they have a kit (2 500w bowens) that look very atractive
but i will be very open for other brands

//www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=368128&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

Hensel monolights would be in your price range. They also make 1000W units if you need the power.

//www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=352701&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

Elinchrom 400BX is in your budget too, but make sure you get the right voltage.

Or if you can use the portability, consider a battery unit. The Hensel Porty goes for $2000 so it's above your budget, but it's a great unit.

09/06/2006 08:18:42 PM · #11

Originally posted by TechnoShroom:

If you decide to get Alien Bee, just get the strobes and get everything else you may want elsewhere.

Alien Bees can't be used internationally. They only work on 110V.

TechnoShroom

Canon EOS-30D

09/06/2006 08:22:29 PM · #12

Originally posted by virtuamike:

Originally posted by TechnoShroom:
If you decide to get Alien Bee, just get the strobes and get everything else you may want elsewhere.

Alien Bees can't be used internationally. They only work on 110V.

Which doesn't prevent you from using them with a converter.

09/06/2006 08:23:22 PM · #13

thanks mike
i will look at these you recommend

09/06/2006 08:24:49 PM · #14

Originally posted by TechnoShroom:

Originally posted by virtuamike:

Originally posted by TechnoShroom:
If you decide to get Alien Bee, just get the strobes and get everything else you may want elsewhere.

Alien Bees can't be used internationally. They only work on 110V.

Which doesn't prevent you from using them with a converter.

But it does prevent you from getting tech support :)

Also if you're going to spend the money, you may as well get something that works without a voltage converter.

09/06/2006 08:28:25 PM · #15

Originally posted by virtuamike:

Originally posted by TechnoShroom:

Originally posted by virtuamike:

Originally posted by TechnoShroom:
If you decide to get Alien Bee, just get the strobes and get everything else you may want elsewhere.

Alien Bees can't be used internationally. They only work on 110V.

Which doesn't prevent you from using them with a converter.

But it does prevent you from getting tech support :)

Also if you're going to spend the money, you may as well get something that works without a voltage converter.

yeah im very aware about the voltage situation
the hensel look very atractive :I nd they have 230

TechnoShroom

Canon EOS-30D

09/06/2006 08:33:44 PM · #16

Originally posted by virtuamike:

But it does prevent you from getting tech support :)
Also if you're going to spend the money, you may as well get something that works without a voltage converter.

Wouldn't prevent you from getting tech support but buying a device that doesn't require extras is always a good thing. Even if that extra is their portable Vagabond unit which would take 220 or 110 as well as many others.

Prof_Fate

09/06/2006 08:44:05 PM · #17

Paterson Interfit Stellar - the bowens accessories fit, they have the same features as the ABs and cost less for more power. The 300WS are as powerful as AB800 but cost less and AB400 units.

Regardless of Ab or Stellar, you'll want better light stands. C-Stands (century, a type not a brand) are an excellent choice as they're stronger and more stabel than the tripod types, and lots easier to sandbag.

terje

Apple iPhone

09/06/2006 08:45:46 PM · #18

Bowens have great studio lights, I know

steinar use a lot of bowens. Can't go wrong there I think.

09/06/2006 09:53:59 PM · #19

Originally posted by TechnoShroom:

Originally posted by virtuamike:
But it does prevent you from getting tech support :)
Also if you're going to spend the money, you may as well get something that works without a voltage converter.

Wouldn't prevent you from getting tech support but buying a device that doesn't require extras is always a good thing. Even if that extra is their portable Vagabond unit which would take 220 or 110 as well as many others.

It'd prevent getting extra flash tubes in a timely manner. Ditto with repairs as I'm pretty sure there's no one local in Peru that'll service it. At least there's a distributor for Hensel in Peru.

//www.hensel-studiotechnik.de/english/vertretungenamerika.htm

And as far as the Vagabond unit, it's just an inverter and battery. You can build your own for cheaper (150W inverter is $100 or get the 300W for $130, 12V 18ah battery is $30, pick up a charger for $10 and whatever bag/toolbox you want and you're set). My setup cost less than $200.

Besides it's not practical buying the Vagabond just to use Alien Bees internationally. Buy a battery unit if you're planning on using it on location - don't do it just for the universal charger. If you don't need battery power then go with a voltage converter, or just buy something that'll work.

09/06/2006 10:04:19 PM · #20

Originally posted by Prof_Fate:

Again, 110V. And I don't think Paterson provides worldwide support.

And even with C-stands, if you have enough load on it (ie - boom + softbox) then sandbags wouldn't be a bad idea. Safety first.

09/06/2006 10:11:03 PM · #21

thank you guys!
that was really helpfull

Prof_Fate

09/06/2006 10:18:39 PM · #22

Originally posted by virtuamike:

Again, 110V. And I don't think Paterson provides worldwide support.

It's a british outfit so they may offer another power option and ship more worldwide.

their site says 'EUR 230V/50Hz USA 110V/ 60Hz'
//www.interfitphotographic.com/Lighitng/Lighting%20index.htm