How do I convince my wife I need this?

[supraman215]

I own a lot of Speedotron gear, and I watch it on eBay. The set you reference at $600 used is not a really "great deal" at eBay prices... right now, there are some similar, or better outfits for sale on eBay. I found these three tonight.

Speedotron 1205 1200 w/s Pack & (2) 102 Head Package - eBay (item 370386003508 end time Jun-23-10 10:25:53 PDT)

Speedotron DM1604-3 CC Deluxe Light System - eBay (item 220616112663 end time Jun-09-10 17:53:13 PDT)

THIS SET Buy it now at $600 has a 2401A pack and two 102 fan-cooled light heads PLUS a Bonus 102 head without a flash tube.

The first one is 2 heads for $800 and the one I'm looking at is 4 heads with a 70" and 54" umbrella. The second one is only 3 heads also but it's only at ~$300 so far. The set I'm looking at also has 2 extra flash tubes.

 

[smyth]

A good flash cost $400+ and this kit is for $600. So now you have to convince her for the extra $200, you might have to show her how much difference it will make in the photos - somehow

Where do you shop? A good flash costs $220 new.

Personally, I would rather have 2 SB-600's, 2 umbrellas and 2 stands for about $100 less than that kit. I can produce incredible lighting and it would be 100 times more portable.

Yes, an SB-600 costs $220, but a pro level flash, like the SB-900 goes for $400+. There's no doubt the SB-600 is a good flash, but the SB-900 (or SB-800 in its time) is a much better flash.

 

[NateS]

A good flash cost $400+ and this kit is for $600. So now you have to convince her for the extra $200, you might have to show her how much difference it will make in the photos - somehow

Where do you shop? A good flash costs $220 new.

Personally, I would rather have 2 SB-600's, 2 umbrellas and 2 stands for about $100 less than that kit. I can produce incredible lighting and it would be 100 times more portable.

Yes, an SB-600 costs $220, but a pro level flash, like the SB-900 goes for $400+. There's no doubt the SB-600 is a good flash, but the SB-900 (or SB-800 in its time) is a much better flash.

He didn't say "pro level flash". He said a GOOD flash costs $400, and we both agree that the SB-600 is a good flash at $220....so the statement "A good flash costs $400+" is far from true.

 

[AlexL]

Convince her that if you don't spend it on the lighting system, you might just spend it on a car?

Also, say it is for taking the anniversary photos you have planned for so long.

 

[ifi]

Where do you shop? A good flash costs $220 new.

Personally, I would rather have 2 SB-600's, 2 umbrellas and 2 stands for about $100 less than that kit. I can produce incredible lighting and it would be 100 times more portable.

Yes, an SB-600 costs $220, but a pro level flash, like the SB-900 goes for $400+. There's no doubt the SB-600 is a good flash, but the SB-900 (or SB-800 in its time) is a much better flash.

He didn't say "pro level flash". He said a GOOD flash costs $400, and we both agree that the SB-600 is a good flash at $220....so the statement "A good flash costs $400+" is far from true.

Vivitar 285HV is a good flash as well and cost less then $100

I have a 580EX II and an Opteka (for $110), I think both are good flash. The point was to help OP justify his purchase not to start a debate on Good vs Great flash.

Honey I want to spend $600 on a light kit whereas I can have a good flash for let's say $220... May not fly

I'm sorry if I offended anyone with less than a $400 flash.