DPChallenge: A Digital Photography Contest You are not logged in. (log in or register
 

DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> International studio lighting
Pages:  
Showing posts 1 - 22 of 22, (reverse)
AuthorThread
05/05/2005 07:29:32 PM · #1
I need help spending some money ;)

I'm going to be moving to Australia before the end of the year, and I've found that the prices for studio lighting equipment in Australia are pretty high. That being the case, I'd like to buy my setup here in the US.

I've taken just one 6 week studio lighting course, and without studio lights of my own I haven't had a lot of opportunity to really practice what I learned and zero opportunity to get comfortable with handling studio lighting equipment. So I've got some questions.

The AlienBees DigiBee package looks like a good way to go for a beginner's setup- but are the B400's powerful enough? I would also want to buy some additional accessories, maybe a third-party softbox, or a shoot thru umbrella, etc. Would I be better off assembling my own kit and going with heavier duty stands to hold the accessories I might want?

Does anyone have experience with taking their US lights to another country, or has anyone outside the US bought the international versions of US lights?

If I get the Bees, should I get normal 120v lights and the Vagabond portable power system, which will allow me to power them even in Australia- and it also means I'd be able to use them again if I ever come back to the US, or should I buy the 220v lights and worry about what to do if I come back later? Here's the page about their international options, if someone with more experience wants to give me some tips: //alienbees.com/international.html

Thanks in advance for any insight you might be able to offer!




05/05/2005 07:37:12 PM · #2
Iv'e never gone to a differant land with equipment, but have you considered just purchasing on the internet?

as far as voltage, unfortunetly the USA is one of a handful of countries that uses 120v/220v. I don't know what Austrailia uses, but I would try to versital as much as I can.
05/05/2005 07:41:14 PM · #3
Originally posted by swinging_johnson_v1:

Iv'e never gone to a differant land with equipment, but have you considered just purchasing on the internet?


I probably will buy online in any case- but buying them and having them shipped while I'm here keeps shipping costs down and I can send my lighting equipment over in the with all the rest of my stuff when we officially move. I'll likely have to pay duty on them since they'll be new, but it would probably be less than having them shipped direct from the seller to Aus would be.

And Australia is 240v.

Message edited by author 2005-05-05 19:41:36.
05/05/2005 08:06:15 PM · #4
I'm thinking getting the 110v and the portable power system makes the most sense. I'd love to hear any other suggestions.
05/05/2005 08:09:05 PM · #5
ya know, Austrailia has a very active Motion Pix industry. I wonder if there are any sites there that offer any used equipment for sale like they do here.
05/05/2005 09:05:22 PM · #6
Originally posted by swinging_johnson_v1:

ya know, Austrailia has a very active Motion Pix industry. I wonder if there are any sites there that offer any used equipment for sale like they do here.


Well, unless someone can convince me otherwise, I think I want strobes as opposed to continuous lighting. Would used motion picture equipment sites even offer strobes?
05/05/2005 09:10:52 PM · #7
Originally posted by ahaze:

Originally posted by swinging_johnson_v1:

ya know, Austrailia has a very active Motion Pix industry. I wonder if there are any sites there that offer any used equipment for sale like they do here.


Well, unless someone can convince me otherwise, I think I want strobes as opposed to continuous lighting. Would used motion picture equipment sites even offer strobes?


yes, the rental houses would offer the equipment at least, not the production houses. But I am thinkin 3rd party for sale stuff.

remember, if you get strobes you should probly get an incidental light meter as well. it will make life happier.
05/05/2005 09:49:45 PM · #8
Originally posted by swinging_johnson_v1:

remember, if you get strobes you should probly get an incidental light meter as well. it will make life happier.


Yep, that's definitely on the list.

Anyone else have any suggestions?
05/05/2005 11:06:02 PM · #9
No one else wants to jump in here? ;)
05/05/2005 11:29:53 PM · #10
If you buy equipment in the US, you will need an adaptor and a reverse (step up)converter/transformer to be able to use it in Oz. The voltage there is 220-240V. Otherwise you will blow out your equipment. The higher the wattage rating, the more expensive they can get.

Last time I checked, to use an Australian appliance here, with the wattage of about 1500, I would have had to pay $200 for a converter and that was about 5 years ago.

//www.voltagevalet.com/converters.html
05/05/2005 11:34:40 PM · #11
Originally posted by heatherd:

If you buy equipment in the US, you will need an adaptor and a reverse (step up)converter/transformer to be able to use it in Oz. The voltage there is 220-240V. Otherwise you will blow out your equipment. The higher the wattage rating, the more expensive they can get.

Last time I checked, to use an Australian appliance here, with the wattage of about 1500, I would have had to pay $200 for a converter and that was about 5 years ago.

//www.voltagevalet.com/converters.html


This is why I'm thinking the Vagabond portable power system is a good idea- because it's 90-270v and I won't need a converter at all. Between the options of buying 110's and the Vagabond or buying Bees that are already 220, I think the first option makes more sense. Easier to use 110's there than 220's here.
05/06/2005 09:28:51 AM · #12
bump for the morning folks. I could really use some input. Thanks!
05/06/2005 09:46:24 AM · #13
I bought two sets of Hensel lighting , they are imported from Germany and have dual voltage switches - I wanted three lights but this was a better price . I like them a lot ; they come in a sturdy bag which holds lights , tripods etc.
05/06/2005 10:20:07 AM · #14
Checking them out now... thanks for that Claudia!!
05/06/2005 10:30:08 AM · #15
Claudia, what set did you buy? I really like this kit:
//www.samys.com/product.php?ItemNo=HENS7048812&tab=specs

But it shows the voltage as 90-127v.
05/06/2005 12:45:19 PM · #16
Does anyone else have experience with Hensel monolights?
05/07/2005 04:52:33 PM · #17
that's the kit , umbrellas , softbox , stands and all ; and the price is similar ( I used an internet quote and bought locally , saving shipping and time ). That's why I got two sets instead of paying almost as much for the separate components for one additional light . I traveled with the cases in my car and set all up in no time .Whatever you buy , make sure it looks used before you travel to avoid paying taxes .
05/07/2005 05:02:53 PM · #18
just to add :
"Hensel Integra 1000" , check bhphotovideo.com , they specify : Operating Voltage 90-127V AC, 60hz and 230V AC, 60hz
05/10/2005 09:59:48 PM · #19
Wheeeee!

//cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7513449733
05/10/2005 10:01:59 PM · #20
Alienbees are sold with 240V units too. You just have to ask them and they'll send you the appropriate power supply.
05/10/2005 10:06:11 PM · #21
Originally posted by doctornick:

Alienbees are sold with 240V units too. You just have to ask them and they'll send you the appropriate power supply.


Thanks- but now I'm set! Just bought a Hensel dual voltage kit ;)
10/14/2008 12:06:51 PM · #22
.

Message edited by author 2008-10-14 12:11:13.
Pages:  
Current Server Time: 03/29/2024 12:51:16 AM

Please log in or register to post to the forums.


Home - Challenges - Community - League - Photos - Cameras - Lenses - Learn - Prints! - Help - Terms of Use - Privacy - Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2024 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 03/29/2024 12:51:16 AM EDT.