Lighting Equipment suggestions

Scott WRG Editor · Apr 25, 2006

I'm looking to invest in a lighting kit that could be used for portraits and such. Looking to go the least expensive route and would like suggestions on equipment to take a look at.

DocFrankenstein · Apr 25, 2006

Assuming you just want to learn:
vivitars 283/285 are the least expensive
A silver/white reflector is good for learning

If you want monolights, the sunpaks are nice:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...545&is=USA&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

Whatever way you go, you'll need to spend some money on stands, umbrellas and brackets.

303villain · Apr 25, 2006

freestyle photo also has some super cheap kits, one with 2 lights/umbrellas/stands for like 300 and then one with 3 softboxes for like 500. Im not sure how the quality is yet(i havent ordered mine!) but they are another option.

btw-these are both monolights.

KevinR · Apr 26, 2006

I just purchased Alien Bees. Very nice. They have their Digikit. Well worth the extra $50 over the JTLs from Freestyle. I upgraded the the lights, added a third light, softbox, stand, and another umbrella and was still under $1200. Plus you can't beat there customer service.

Rob · Apr 26, 2006

Scott WRG Editor said:
I'm looking to invest in a lighting kit that could be used for portraits and such. Looking to go the least expensive route and would like suggestions on equipment to take a look at.

I know that this might sound a bit silly.... but I'm gonna say it anyway. The sun + a reversible multi-colour reflector is probably the most powerful and decent modelling lighting available. Ok, so if it rains... :lol: