Studio Flash advice needed!

[Andie]

I know the first advice I would get would be to spend more money... but at this point I don't have it to spend. I was looking on eBay and found these 2 sets.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290013647475&ssPageName=MERCOSI_VI_ROSI_PR4_PCN_BIX_Stores&refitem=120057496628&itemcount=4&refwidgetloc=closed_view_item&refwidgettype=osi_widget

or

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120060778428&ssPageName=MERCOSI_VI_ROSI_PR4_PCN_BIX_Stores&refitem=120057496628&itemcount=4&refwidgetloc=closed_view_item&refwidgettype=osi_widget\

Any thoughts on either of these? Just was hoping one of them would be good for a beginner just trying to learn some lighting techniques.


edited to add.... OR do I just bite the bullet and get this for starters? http://www.alienbees.com/beginner.html

 

[Michael Humle]

I think this equipment is perfect for beginning studio lighting and not just for beginners. I bought a small kit from the following link:

http://stores.ebay.com/studio4less_W0QQsspagenameZFAVQ3aFQ3aSLLRQQtZkm

All works well and they give excellent service along with excellent communication! Check them out!

 

[fmw]

I think this equipment is perfect for beginning studio lighting and not just for beginners. I bought a small kit from the following link:

http://stores.ebay.com/studio4less_W0QQsspagenameZFAVQ3aFQ3aSLLRQQtZkm

All works well and they give excellent service along with excellent communication! Check them out!

Perfect or not would depend on the kind of studio shooting you want to do. They are powerful enough to light a small table top set. Probably too weak to do a portrait with the umbrellas.

 

[Andie]

Perfect or not would depend on the kind of studio shooting you want to do. They are powerful enough to light a small table top set. Probably too weak to do a portrait with the umbrellas.

Yeah, I am looking for something bigger.

 

[Michael Humle]

Just to give you an idea of what you can get and not pay out the nose...I bought a small kit consisting of a 150 WS strobe with variable output and a modeling light, Very sturdy 8' light stand, White translucent umbrella, 16X16 soft box all for $120! Tested and proved great. Buy a couple of kits like these and you have a good beginning. This site offers a lot more than just kits. I've been accustom to using Norman lighting equipment, but I was pleasantly surprised at what I got for the buck! If you don't have the dollars to put in to equipment like Norman, this site offers some terrific values!
http://stores.ebay.com/studio4less_W0QQsspagenameZFAVQ3aFQ3aSLLRQQtZkm

 

[Digital Matt]

When I saw that guide number of 55, I almost choked. My promaster speedlight has a guide number of 138, almost 3 times the power. It's a very weak setup, and probably not made very well. Nowhere in the description does it say if the flash tubes are replaceable, which leads me to believe they are not. Once they die, your lights are just paperweights.

I recommend getting this package from Alien Bees: http://alienbees.com/beginner.html

It's 1 light, a stand, and umbrella. Then get yourself a decent sized reflector and a very cheapo light stand to hold it up. You are in business. When you get money, add a background light (400ws) and a small stand.

You can replace the tubes in all Alien Bees strobes. They are made very well, and the 800ws strobe provides plenty of punch for portraiture.

You haven't factored into this decision, the need for a flash meter as well.

 

[Andie]

When I saw that guide number of 55, I almost choked. My promaster speedlight has a guide number of 138, almost 3 times the power. It's a very weak setup, and probably not made very well. Nowhere in the description does it say if the flash tubes are replaceable, which leads me to believe they are not. Once they die, your lights are just paperweights.

I recommend getting this package from Alien Bees: http://alienbees.com/beginner.html

It's 1 light, a stand, and umbrella. Then get yourself a decent sized reflector and a very cheapo light stand to hold it up. You are in business. When you get money, add a background light (400ws) and a small stand.

You can replace the tubes in all Alien Bees strobes. They are made very well, and the 800ws strobe provides plenty of punch for portraiture.

You haven't factored into this decision, the need for a flash meter as well.

Thanks for your input!

 

[ladyphotog]

Just go ahead and look for a Norman power pack and a couple heads. They have some on ebay at good prices. Will be worth the money in the long run, you can get a portable pack that you can carry and add to your kit with more power.

 

[Michael Humle]

do I just bite the bullet and get this for starters? http://www.alienbees.com/beginner.html

If you can shell out the money, this is a better way to start. Just remember Mr. Flash Meter! This is a very important piece of equipment! You can find inexpensive, non-digital flash meters on ebay.

 

[Andie]

If you can shell out the money, this is a better way to start. Just remember Mr. Flash Meter! This is a very important piece of equipment! You can find inexpensive, non-digital flash meters on ebay.

I see lots of brands out there on eBay. Can someone reccomend a good brand? Or at least which brands to stay away from?

 

[Michael Humle]

I see lots of brands out there on eBay. Can someone reccomend a good brand? Or at least which brands to stay away from?

Check this one out...If you can afford it...this would be great!

http://cgi.ebay.com/Sekonic-L-308S-FLASH-FLASHMATE-LIGHT-METER_W0QQitemZ120058583440QQihZ002QQcategoryZ708QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[Digital Matt]

Sekonic is indeed a great brand. I have one myself.

 

[Michael Humle]

Check this one out...If you can afford it...this would be great!

http://cgi.ebay.com/Sekonic-L-308S-FLASH-FLASHMATE-LIGHT-METER_W0QQitemZ120058583440QQihZ002QQcategoryZ708QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Actually, if I had $173.00 I would buy this one now! Not only does this appear to be like new, but you will NOT have to upgrade from this meter.

 

[Andie]

Ok, still looking around. Anyone know anything about a brand called JTL? specifically TL-365?

http://porters.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=PCS&Product_Code=450641&Product_Count=&Category_Code=

 

[Digital Matt]

JTL is at least a brand I've heard of, but those lights again are awfully weak.