Buying my first lighting set up

andrewdouv · Jul 21, 2009

I want to buy some nice lights so I can do some studio shots, but I have no clue wear to start! I don't have a very big budget and I want to know how cheap I can get a decent set up. Any suggestions?!

Big Mike · Jul 21, 2009

What is 'cheap' to you? Just give us a budget number to know what ballpark we are playing in here.

Here is a link to a 'starving student' lighting set up that could get you started.
Strobist Starving Student SC3 Lighting Kit

CygnusStudios · Jul 21, 2009

Really need to post more info. What type of photography do you wish to accomplish with the lights? How large of an area are you working with? What is cheap to you?

Alien Bees has some great basic kits.

DSPhotography · Jul 21, 2009

Don't know what your budget is, but these are around $300 through Wolf camera. Depending on your location, if you have a Wolf or Ritz, they should have them in stock. I've checked them out in person and they seem decent for the price. You can always check B&H, Adorama or even eBay

Photogenic 2-Light Economy Lighting Kit - 926792 - WolfCamera.com

Smith Victor Thrifty 2-Light Portable Quartz Kit - 401488 - WolfCamera.com

Photogenic 3-Light Economy Lighting Kit - 926801 - WolfCamera.com

musicaleCA · Jul 21, 2009

Cheap is cheap, decent is moderate. Eh, honestly, whatever works will do, even if it's lamps you have around the house. Personally, I'd recommend nabbing a Speedlite or two (speedlite on Canon, speedlight on Nikon...I know...weirdo camera manufacturers), and a couple cheap stands. You should take a look at Strobist: Lighting 101 for ideas.

If anyone tells you you should get Alien Bees, I say, you don't need no stinkin' modelling light!

Edit: Holy moley. I got ninja'd by three posts! Man I'm slow. I stand by what I said about Alien Bees. Flashes are portable too.

Oh, and for radio triggers, get the Cactus V4's if you can afford the lil' extra bit of cash. They're better built, take AAA batteries (instead of weird Japanease-only batteries that cost way too much to import), and don't put the flash too high on a stand with umbrella.

CygnusStudios · Jul 21, 2009

musicaleCA said:
If anyone tells you you should get Alien Bees, I say, you don't need no stinkin' modelling light!

Please share what the problem with Alien Bees could be? I have a set that I use on location, as they are easy to transport, not nearly as expensive as my Pro Foto setup (in case of accidents), and provide good power.

SpeedTrap · Jul 21, 2009

CygnusStudios said:
musicaleCA said:

If anyone tells you you should get Alien Bees, I say, you don't need no stinkin' modelling light!

Click to expand...

Please share what the problem with Alien Bees could be? I have a set that I use on location, as they are easy to transport, not nearly as expensive as my Pro Foto setup (in case of accidents), and provide good power.

My only problem with them is the modeling lamps are not strong enough, even in a dark studo.

KmH · Jul 21, 2009

andrewdouv said:
I want to buy some nice lights so I can do some studio shots, but I have no clue wear to start! I don't have a very big budget and I want to know how cheap I can get a decent set up. Any suggestions?!

Any decent hardware store has pretty much everything you need, and you can get out of the store for under $50.

SpeedTrap · Jul 21, 2009

KmH said:
Any decent hardware store has pretty much everything you need, and you can get out of the store for under $50.

Ummm, no...........

Any decent hardware store has some stuff you can MacGyver together to make some hot lights that are not temperature balanced and will be painfully uncomfortable to sit in front of for any length of time.

I agree DYI projects can be fun and can yield some wonderful results, but there are just some things in photography that should not be purchased at home depot.

There are many lighting systems out there and in all price ranges. I guess we would need to know your budget to give you a good recommendation.

andrewdouv · Jul 21, 2009

I can maybe cough up 300 bucks, maximum at the moment. thanks for all the quick replies!

KmH · Jul 22, 2009

SpeedTrap said:
KmH said:

Any decent hardware store has pretty much everything you need, and you can get out of the store for under $50.

Click to expand...

Ummm, no...........

Any decent hardware store has some stuff you can MacGyver together to make some hot lights that are not temperature balanced and will be painfully uncomfortable to sit in front of for any length of time.

I agree DYI projects can be fun and can yield some wonderful results, but there are just some things in photography that should not be purchased at home depot.

There are many lighting systems out there and in all price ranges. I guess we would need to know your budget to give you a good recommendation.

Yes, the key......How much money do we have to spend??????

KmH · Jul 22, 2009

Here is a kit. I know several people who have purchased the kit and love it. It's a bit more than your $300 but is the least I would recommend for a 2 light setup. Frankly the 400 ws 2 light kit would be better.

If you explore the Calumet site further you could get a 1 light setup in your price range.

Personally, I prefer shoe mount speedlights used off camera on a light stand with an appropriate modifier. That way I can do the same kinds of set ups on location.