is this a good strobe to check out?

05/04/2010 01:03:29 PM · #1

//www.jtlcorp.com/01sl/versalightj160.html

Im looking to get a strobe set and I dont have money for an alien bee's set, but I want good quality. which, I know sounds bad because you get what you pay for.

anyway, what do you think?

david_c

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

05/04/2010 01:42:31 PM · #2

Originally posted by mgarsteck:

"You get what you pay for". $50-70 for a strobe? You will probably be displeased with the results. Also, I did a quick Google...seems like there might be some engineering issues. Shocking! Still, they're available via Adorama, so they might not be complete crap.

05/04/2010 01:51:08 PM · #3

Any solutions then? I have used older JTL before and I was somewhat happy with the results.

What would someone suggest for a kit then? Two lights is suffictient and I want to get softboxes eventually.

david_c

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

05/04/2010 02:00:39 PM · #4

Originally posted by mgarsteck:

I remember seeing another kit, a little more expensive, but with light stands and modifiers: EX 150 mkII by Interfit (B&H link).

ladyhawk22

Sony DSLR-A700

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

05/04/2010 02:25:06 PM · #5

I ordered some Impact lights from B&H that I've been pleased with. Shutter speed maxes out at about 1/125, but that's been my only gripe with them.

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

05/06/2010 12:51:41 PM · #6

ok, I figured that if I am going to go with a strobe set, Im not going to go cheap. Its just a waste of money and I might as well fork out a little extra dough.

Now, Im looking at AlienBees right now, I know they are awesome strobes. Im looking at the difference between the b400 and the b800.

Eventually I just want two strobes and I would like them to be good for in studio and for when I need to go out on location and use an alternative power source.

I like the b400 because the recycle time is excellent but am I going really sacrifice between the two in lighting power? I havent been able to find a really good visual comparison.

//www.alienbees.com/flash.html

ladyhawk22

Sony DSLR-A700

05/06/2010 02:45:56 PM · #7

the company that's currently shooting our school photos is using the 400s if that helps. Setup is two strobes and some kind of softbox mounted on top of the background.

pamelasue

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

05/06/2010 03:12:18 PM · #8

what is your budget?

dmadden

Canon EOS-40D

Sigma 24-35mm f/2.0 DG HSM A

05/06/2010 03:42:40 PM · #9

I use a pair of320A models which are the previous version to these flashpoints $99 each. I've been using them since year before last year, I love and use them a lot. I just bought the 620m for more power at 300ws and got it sunday. I'm going to get the bees but I'm waiting on the Einsteins to be out and tested for a while before I rush into it.

Some shots I've taken with them here

kiwinick

Sony DSLR-A550

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

05/06/2010 03:57:21 PM · #10

I you want quality go either for the British made "BOWENS" or the Swiss Made "ELECHROME" I Have some ELETRA' brand and have been very happy with them

I would say most Pros would have Bowens, they have been in this business for years and have anawesome reputation

tHESE ARE AVALABLE IN THE usa FROM ADORAMA

Message edited by author 2010-05-06 19:23:07.

yanko

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Carl Zeiss 50mm ZE f/1.4 Planar T for Canon

05/06/2010 04:21:10 PM · #11

Originally posted by mgarsteck:

I believe the difference is one full stop. If it were me I would get the b800 just to have the extra power especially when the cost difference isn't that much. Also, if you have any plans to use it outdoors to overpower the sun then you will need a b800 or b1600 (what I have) to accomplish that but indoors the b400 will do just fine.

cdrice

Nikon D7000

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

05/06/2010 04:30:44 PM · #12

A larger-than-usual number of ABs are finding their way to ebay/craigslist/etc. right now as folks upgrade to the new PCB Einsteins.

I haven't seen many real "super-deals" from the auctions I've seen (seem to hold their value reasonbly well on the used market, it would seem), but that's another way to save a few bucks -- it just happens to be a good time to watch, since the Einsteins are just making their way out to the public now.

05/06/2010 04:31:01 PM · #13

for the whole set, i want to stay well under a thousand for two lights with the stands and umbrellas. I plan on buying the alien bees wireless trigger set, it will be less than 200 bucks for one receiver and transmitter.

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

05/06/2010 04:32:19 PM · #14

I would like to be able to outpower the sun as well, just in case, but i dont feel like I need anything extremely powerful. What Bowens kit would you recommend?

cdrice

Nikon D7000

05/06/2010 04:36:52 PM · #15

Originally posted by mgarsteck:

Well, shoot, for those specs you might as well just order direct from PCB and use their multi-light discount for access. For 2 lights, you'll get 10% off accessories. The "DigiBee" pre-package set meets your requirements right off the bat, and it's only $600.

You can mix-and-match any lights and accessories you want for the discounts, though... Each light, up to 4, gets you an additional 5% off all accessories (1 light = 5%, 2 = 10%, 3 = 15%, 4 = 20%). You can use the discount for up to 60 days after your initial purchase, too (a little-known/advertised fact).

I made up a spreadsheet to automagically calculate discount prices and totals based on lights and accessories ordered -- I used it to place my orders a while back. I can email it to you if you want.

ETA - That would especially help with the CyberSonics purchase, if you've already decided to go that route -- you'd get 10% off the CS "stuff" as well.

Message edited by author 2010-05-06 16:37:54.

Nusbaum

Fujifilm X-T1

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

05/06/2010 04:46:27 PM · #16

I have 3 AB400's and I haven't had an issue with power. I tend to shoot more open than many, about f/4 is working with an individual or f/5.6 for a couple, so maybe I can a couple of stops over those that like f/8 - f/16 in the studio. I'm usually just over half power on my main light even with with a large soft box, inner baffle and 40 degree grid. I went with 3 matched strobes so I could leave the brightest allowed modeling light in them and still have them balance right. I don't use these lights outside though, so I have no experience trying to overpower the sun with them.