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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> 300W or 600w lights?
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09/30/2008 07:33:05 PM · #1
I'm about to purchase a light kit and can't decide on whether to go with 300W or 600w. I'm looking at lighting 1-2 people for glamour shots, kids shots, pre-wedding portraits and of course DPC challenges! Can anyone advise me?
09/30/2008 07:53:54 PM · #2
Depends on what you want to do and the space but..... It's always easier to turn a 600w down then a 300w up :-)
09/30/2008 08:16:39 PM · #3
the 600's will recycle faster as they will need less power to get the same output as the 300's flat out.

I had this decision when I got the Elinchroms, 200 or 400, I went with the 400's and I am so glad I did, my friend has the 200's and they are sooooo weak and sooooo slow to recycle, about 4 seconds compared to my 1 sec
09/30/2008 08:36:56 PM · #4
Thanks guys, that makes the choice pretty easy. 600W it is then!
09/30/2008 08:47:49 PM · #5
trish i need some lighting too i,m looking as well just for home stuff learning
09/30/2008 09:12:33 PM · #6
Hi Toddster. I've been looking around forever now, completely limited by budget and ability to make a decision. I've also been concerned about buying from overseas due to the warranties etc, and with the dollar down its awful, isn't it!
I think I've found some good lights, they are an importer based in Adelaide and they seem to be good quality from all the research I've been doing. They're not plastic, they're aluminium casing, have all the bells and whistles including dimmable modelling lights, they're Bowen S type mounts, and all carry Aust. warranties. They also seem to communicate well, which is refreshing. I'm going to go with the 600W at $859, but if you're just learning, the 300W might be ok, its half the price. Have a look at the site - its through EBay, but much better than getting from Hong Kong etc!
If you're not in a hurry you can see what happens when I DO get them, and I can tell you if I've thrown away my money or not.......hopefully not!
The link is here
09/30/2008 09:20:05 PM · #7
Thanks so much trish i,ll check it out:)
10/01/2008 10:09:36 AM · #8
trish i went with the 300w i think they will be fine for what i want too do and i can always add on bits ..thanks heaps again gordie
10/01/2008 02:04:19 PM · #9
I've got paterson interfit stellar lights and love them. I've got 4 300ws units and one 600ws and the 600 takes longer to recycle than the 300s, even at the same output (as measured by a meter).

300ws is plenty for studio work and portraiture, even full length and groups to 6 or perhaps more. It won't over power the sun (depending on the modifier/distance, etc of course). The 300s recycle about as fast you can shoot (not in drive mode of course) and I rarely run them over 50% (in the studio) even with a 3x4 foot softbox.

I got the 600 for the stronger modeling light for some things I want to do with that and for some location work where I just need more ooomph. It is larger (slightly). heavier, more coslty and recycles slower. The specs don't list the recycle time as slower, but my unit is slower. Handy at times- you can shoot twice -first shot all the lights flash, second shot, done quickly, means all but the 600 unit will fire. Two effects in one!
10/01/2008 08:44:16 PM · #10
Thanks for your input Chris, its interesting (if not confusing now!) to hear this and you've clearly come up with some great work with them. I still haven't ordered them (hey, Gordie, you got there before me! lol) so can anyone else with a studio tell me if they're happily using 300W?
10/01/2008 08:47:52 PM · #11
I have some 500w/s units and rarly use them over 1/2 pwer
10/02/2008 06:25:23 AM · #12
bump
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