PS3 = Studio Lighting - DPChallenge Forums

Sony SAL-50F14 Normal 50mm f/1.4 Autofocus Lens for the Sony

11/12/2006 02:02:36 AM · #1

Yes, the PlayStation3 (if I can get my hands on it) that my husband desperately wants means that I'll also get a similar discretionary budget to have fun with :-) I've been wanting some beginner studio lighting for some time, and after looking through B&H, I thought this might be a good option.

Tried to do some searches on Google to see if this is a reliable brand, but I didn't come up with much--somewhat concerning?

Anyhow, looking at: Impact Portrait Lights

I've only got "home studio" space to work with, so I'm figuring that three lights should be a-plenty. Mostly I want some good lighting for product/stock shots, as well as something that will fit the bill for small portrait sessions.

If anyone has opinions or guidance, I'd really appreciate it! Thanks :-)

ignite

Canon EOS-500D Rebel T1i

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

11/12/2006 03:19:32 AM · #2

Looks good to me. The modelling lamp is a bit weak, and the power only goes down to 1/8th, but you're getting good accessories. They are not fan-cooled though. Find out if the lights have the ability to use wireless triggers etc, because you don't wanna change your lights in the future if you decide to upgrade a few things.

The only other package that comes close is from Alien Bees, 2 400Ws lights, 100W modelling lamps, 1/32 power adjustment, but only two lights.

I've never really heard of Impact before, but it seems ok. For what you're trying to do, I think the Bees will be better. A little more expensive, but worth it. They are very strong and powerful.

Message edited by author 2006-11-12 03:24:43.

Sony SAL-50F14 Normal 50mm f/1.4 Autofocus Lens for the Sony

11/12/2006 12:16:40 PM · #3

As a lighting newbie, I'm not quite sure what wireless triggers do. I know that the Impact lights can be used as slaves, which are triggered by any other flash source (on camera flash, or other). Is that what's meant by wireless trigger?

I have looked at Alien Bees, cause I know they have such a good reputation....but they are a little pricier. Basically, I'll have about $600 to put towards lighting. Possibly a little more depending on what else I can throw in.

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 IF EX DG HSM for Canon

11/12/2006 12:33:06 PM · #4

Wireless Trigger

Basically, a wireless Trigger uses a radio or infrared signal to trigger the strobes. This one should work with that kit.

It's not neccesary if your camera has a PC connector to trigger flashes, you can just plug into one of the strobes and you're ready to go. If it doesn't have a PC connector, you'll need something like The Wein Safe-snyc to plug into the strobes or go with the wireless trigger.

The wireless trigger is a lot more friendly to shoot with for portraits, but for still lifes and such, it's just a matter of which you want.

FWIW, that kits seems like a good deal and very adequate for the needs you have.

Message edited by author 2006-11-12 12:33:53.

coronamv

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

11/12/2006 12:56:45 PM · #5

A buddy of mine had the alien bees and they seem ok. Lighting seems fine but build quality seems on the plastic cheap end. I have novatron monolights myself and like them fairly well. There are far better lights out there but for the price the novatrons were comparible to the alien bees. Good luck and make sure you go check them out. Stay away From JTL. Major quality issues and lighting problems.

Sony SAL-50F14 Normal 50mm f/1.4 Autofocus Lens for the Sony

11/12/2006 01:49:00 PM · #6

fotomann, thanks for the links! Now I think I have a bit better idea of what I'd need to go wireless, which seems like the way I'd want to go.

coronamy, thanks for the warning about JTL...good to know who to stay away from.

Falc

Canon EOS-1D Mark III

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM

11/12/2006 02:38:34 PM · #7

never mind

Message edited by author 2006-11-12 14:38:51.

fstopopen

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

11/12/2006 02:41:30 PM · #8

you know what, marriage is about sacrifice. I say dump the lights idea and get the hubby some more games for that new ps3!

drake

Sony SAL-50F14 Normal 50mm f/1.4 Autofocus Lens for the Sony

11/12/2006 02:45:58 PM · #9

Hahahahahaha!

Yeah, well, the sacrifice will be me sitting outside of the local Best Buy OVERNIGHT IN THE COLD while my husband runs off to shoot Bambi.

Screw those games! I want my lights!! ;-) Besides, the family's already getting a string of games for him. I think I deserve something a little special for being willing to wrap myself in a sleeping bag and curl up on the cold hard pavement outside some store in the middle of November so I can see my sweetie smile when I return home victorious!

11/12/2006 02:48:54 PM · #10

Originally posted by fstopopen:

you know what, marriage is about sacrifice. I say dump the lights idea and get the hubby some more games for that new ps3!

drake

I agree... but I say dump the PS3 and get more camera gear :-)

Sony SAL-50F14 Normal 50mm f/1.4 Autofocus Lens for the Sony

11/12/2006 02:52:08 PM · #11

Originally posted by fotomann_forever:

Originally posted by fstopopen:
you know what, marriage is about sacrifice. I say dump the lights idea and get the hubby some more games for that new ps3!

drake

I agree... but I say dump the PS3 and get more camera gear :-)

Well said! Unless they make another Baldur's Gate, the PS doesn't really hold my interest like new camera gear would :-) The hubby's already talking about how we can move the PS2 into the bedroom.........hmmm, considering that, maybe I should make sure he wants to STAY married ;-)

Message edited by author 2006-11-12 14:52:19.

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II

11/12/2006 03:09:18 PM · #12

Originally posted by ladyhawk22:

The hubby's already talking about how we can move the PS2 into the bedroom.........hmmm, considering that, maybe I should make sure he wants to STAY married ;-)

I dunno.. perhaps if he gets one of those dance pads with Dance Dance Revolution... I could see where watching your partner play that game in the bedroom might spice things up... hehe

mamba

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

11/12/2006 03:11:00 PM · #13

or the eyetoy :P like having a camcorder just nowhere near as good :P

Sony SAL-50F14 Normal 50mm f/1.4 Autofocus Lens for the Sony

11/12/2006 03:52:17 PM · #14

Originally posted by fotomann_forever:

Originally posted by ladyhawk22:
The hubby's already talking about how we can move the PS2 into the bedroom.........hmmm, considering that, maybe I should make sure he wants to STAY married ;-)

I dunno.. perhaps if he gets one of those dance pads with Dance Dance Revolution... I could see where watching your partner play that game in the bedroom might spice things up... hehe

Hehehe :-) We already have two of those ;-) I won't mention about this party I went to once were there was lots of drinking and lots of DDR and slightly less clothes than.....well. I won't mention it.

11/12/2006 04:12:13 PM · #15

Originally posted by ladyhawk22:

I won't mention about this party I went to once were there was lots of drinking and lots of DDR and slightly less clothes than.....well. I won't mention it.

You do know this is a photography site... sooo... where's the pics? LOL

Sony SAL-50F14 Normal 50mm f/1.4 Autofocus Lens for the Sony

11/12/2006 04:13:57 PM · #16

Originally posted by fotomann_forever:

Originally posted by ladyhawk22:
I won't mention about this party I went to once were there was lots of drinking and lots of DDR and slightly less clothes than.....well. I won't mention it.

You do know this is a photography site... sooo... where's the pics? LOL

I was too drunk to take pictures ;-)

Though you've maybe just given me an idea for the November Free Study.....hehehe

Sony SAL-50F14 Normal 50mm f/1.4 Autofocus Lens for the Sony

11/12/2006 04:17:41 PM · #17

Impact Wireless Trigger

It's the same brand as the lighting kit, and slightly less expensive than some other options...but does it look like this trigger would work as well? Sorry to keep troubling everyone...I really need to go buy a lighting book!

11/12/2006 04:22:50 PM · #18

Originally posted by ladyhawk22:

That's for the transmitter only. You'd also need a reciever with that.

Sony SAL-50F14 Normal 50mm f/1.4 Autofocus Lens for the Sony

11/12/2006 04:26:55 PM · #19

Bah! Ok, but the one you suggested has everything I'd need?

I'm so hopeless...

11/12/2006 05:36:16 PM · #20

Originally posted by ladyhawk22:

Bah! Ok, but the one you suggested has everything I'd need?

I'm so hopeless...

Nah, not hopeless :-) And yeah, that should get ya going.

Sony SAL-50F14 Normal 50mm f/1.4 Autofocus Lens for the Sony

01/08/2007 07:50:16 PM · #21

I have just learned, and I'm hoping perhaps another Maxxum 5D user can pipe up on this, that my camera does not have the standard hot-shoe mount. Meaning, I think, that I will have to order an additional adapter, plus the Sync-Safe, and wireless trigger in order to get my studio set up.

Does that sound right to anyone??

Sony SAL-50F14 Normal 50mm f/1.4 Autofocus Lens for the Sony

01/08/2007 08:52:06 PM · #22

bump

01/08/2007 09:55:20 PM · #23

Originally posted by ladyhawk22:

Actually the Impact lights have a 5v sync voltage, so you shouldn't need the safe-sync.. especially if you use the wireless triggers... but yes, you will need an adapter that will work on the KM line... I've been looking for something for ya, but so far no luck...

01/08/2007 10:00:28 PM · #24

KM FS-1100 Flash Shoe adapter

Found it!

OK, this will allow you to either put a Radio trigger or Hot shoe to PC adapter on top of it (or a safe sync if it makes ya feel better )

Here's one on E-bay

Here's a cheap Hot shoe to PC adapter

Message edited by author 2007-01-08 22:09:38.