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DPChallenge Forums >> Tips, Tricks, and Q&A >> Would you recommend this lighting setup?
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Showing posts 1 - 11 of 11, (reverse)
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09/16/2005 04:10:59 PM · #1
Well, I feel like I'm beginning to outgrow my Home Depot halogen worklights, and I'm thinking about buying a simple studio lighting setup. I've heard great things about the Alien Bees, and they offer this setup for beginners. It comes with a 48" umbrella. I was thinking about getting it with a softbox instead of the umbrella, though. What is the difference in the light produced by umbrellas vs. softboxes? Do softboxes just diffuse the light better? If I did get a softbox, would you recommend a medium (24"X36") or large (32"X40")?

I would be using this setup to photograph everything from small objects to full length portraits (or maybe not quite full length if the light isn't powerful enough).

Thanks for your help.
09/16/2005 08:34:29 PM · #2
bump.
09/16/2005 09:05:06 PM · #3
would like to hear opinions on this too....
09/16/2005 09:08:56 PM · #4
I would recommend the Alien Bees, they are excellent lights. I would recommend the following store on ebay for umbrellas, softboxes, etc.

Amvona

I have purchased a few things from them and it is of excellent quality. I recently purchased 2 umbrellas, both 43" and the total came to $25.00 shipped. I also purchased 2 softboxes. I have a 32"x24" and a 36"x48" both came to $85.00 shipped.

I would just say to buy the lights alone from Alien Bees and you can purchase the stands, umbrellas and softboxes from ebay. You will definitely get better deals.
09/16/2005 09:15:46 PM · #5
you probably dont wnat to get light stands, umbrellas, or softboxes from AB because i've heard bad things about htem. i have their brolly box and it was a bit flimsy and i bent one of the metal pieces on accident. their honeycomb filters seem to be good and i've never heard problems from their other stuff like the beauty dish and things.

softboxes diffuse the light much more than an umbrella. i would pick up the speedring from AB and then get a differnt box like a photoflex or something
09/16/2005 09:23:27 PM · #6
with studio lights you're getting what you're paying for (like most things) they're cheap but they'll do the job. just be careful with them.
09/16/2005 09:49:55 PM · #7
Wow...I asked the same question the other night and got no responses...oh well...I'm in the same boat looking to get away from the Homedepot Halos...

This looks like a nice eBay shop, any thoughts on this setup as a starter Lighting Kit? Steve Kaeser - 4 LIGHT 640 W/S HIGH OUTPUT STROBE/FLASH+SOFTBOX NEW
09/17/2005 12:14:15 AM · #8
Thanks everybody for your help!
09/17/2005 05:15:47 AM · #9

I just scored myself from ebay a basic lighting setup for $120 (Aus). It includes a modelling light/flash unit, a slave flash, 2 x lighting stands, a reflector umbrella and a diffuser umbrella, a softbox, a set of barn doors with 4 coloured gels and honeycomb and a remote trigger (which doesn't work with the 300D but also comes with a cable which works a treat). It's not the most expensive and brilliant set around but for the price I'm happy with what I got and what it can do!

09/17/2005 07:48:35 AM · #10
For lights soft boxes and all you need check out www.goldenshell.com.cn
09/17/2005 01:49:41 PM · #11
I'm very happy with my alien bees setup (including the soft-box). I think lights are something you should not go cheap on...
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