Need suggestions on studio lighting

[rgregory1965]

I am a beginner and have about 150 for a set of studio lights....have been looking at Amazon, and B&H and reading some reviews, but see alot of people say that there set produce yellow light..

can anyone suggest a starter set that throws nice white light.

Thanks alot.

 

[MLeeK]

for $150 wanting to buy a full kit... there really isn't anything out there of any quality with more than one light. I can come up with one light, but no stand, modifier, etc for it in a decent light.
How about another speedlight and and off camera setup? One of the Yongnuo's that Hobby recommends and then use the two off camera as strobes?

 

[etnad0]

If you use eBay search for "64 Light LED" or "64 LED" Yongnuo is the brand I have and it casts off bright white light if you are looking for continuous. It costs about $30 per light and the huge draw back is that they only run on AA batteries.

There are a few positives as well. You can fit 4-5 lights in your camera bag and have a complete lighting system. You can also buy light diffusers as well, making it a lightweight option. The other positive is that I bought mine about 5 or 6 months ago and I still have the same set of batteries in them.

You can also pick up some decent sets of non LED lights as well on eBay for your budget.

Let me also point out that I'm by no means an expert.

 

[MLeeK]

??? The LED's aren't going to be enough to light a portrait. You'd need about 100 of them. Continuous lighting is cheaper, but you need a LOT more of it to equal one strobe. Strobes are so much brighter!!! To figure out how much brighter it takes a little math. If you use a 500-watt continuous light at a 1/60 shutter speed, divide 500 by 60. Your 500-watt light gives only 8.33 watt-seconds.

So, the 300WS strobes would need to have a total of 36-500watt lights to equal ONE 300WPS strobe at 1/60 per second.

 

[etnad0]

??? The LED's aren't going to be enough to light a portrait. You'd need about 100 of them. Continuous lighting is cheaper, but you need a LOT more of it to equal one strobe. Strobes are so much brighter!!! To figure out how much brighter it takes a little math. If you use a 500-watt continuous light at a 1/60 shutter speed, divide 500 by 60. Your 500-watt light gives only 8.33 watt-seconds.

So, the 300WS strobes would need to have a total of 36-500watt lights to equal ONE 300WPS strobe at 1/60 per second.

I agree with you to a degree. We actually used 3 of the LED's to light a shot for an independent film and the actors were almost blinded by them. They put out a load of light. Also, my suggestion was only based on his budget. As you stated, he doesn't have many options but 5 LEDs should work just fine. He also said a starter set. Now if he had a bigger budget he should definitely take your advice.

 

[rgregory1965]

I have a SB700 and a set of remote triggers.....so I guess maybe one good lite for now would work along side the strobe.....lights are easier on the eye setting up....you dont have to keep flashig to get the light you want.

 

[MLeeK]

I have a SB700 and a set of remote triggers.....so I guess maybe one good lite for now would work along side the strobe.....lights are easier on the eye setting up....you dont have to keep flashig to get the light you want.

It's $9 over budget with free shipping: FP320SB2 Flashpoint II 320M Monolight Kit, 150 Watt Second, One Monolight Kit with 9.5' Black Light Stand and 24" x 36" Softbox

 

[rgregory1965]

Thanks.....I think I can scrape up anothe 10 bucks.....going to go look in the couch cushions....be right back,,,,lol

 

[MLeeK]

Check the washer... there's always change in there.

 

[etnad0]

I have my eye on a similar set, but not this particular one. Still trying to figure out if I want a new tripod, Tascam DR-100, or the lights. I do independent film as well, so sometimes they work together and sometimes as in the case of the DR-100 they don't.

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[MLeeK]

I have my eye on a similar set, but not this particular one. Still trying to figure out if I want a new tripod, Tascam DR-100, or the lights. I do independent film as well, so sometimes they work together and sometimes as in the case of the DR-100 they don't.

eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices

Just be aware of what you are purchasing with those-they're disposable. The flash tubes are not user changeable and when they are done-they're done. They are very low budget/quality lights. They are great in a pinch if you have no other option, but the durability, control, color and output consistency are not exactly good. The softboxes are incredibly small to work with too and won't boot up to another good strobe when you do dispose of the flashes.
If you need something to get you through a couple of months it would work great. Just be aware that you will be throwing them away in the end.

 

[etnad0]

Thanks. I'll look into something else then. I had no idea and would be pissed lol.

 

[MLeeK]

Thanks. I'll look into something else then. I had no idea and would be pissed lol.

You and many many people who have bought them...
The flashpoint sets like the one I linked to in the previous entry here are excellent options for budget. They aren't as cheap as those cheap a$$ kits you'll find on ebay. But then again, those kits are that cheap for a reason.
The Flashpoints are rated well in several tests. I believe you may be able to find one or two of the ShutterBug articles on their website.
Flashpoint also has a "budget" monolight similar to the ones you posted the link to. Steer clear unless it is for a background or hair light. The Monolight II series are excellent and they also have an awesome power pack setup for a budget.
Any way around it it's going to cost you more than $339 for 3 lights, but they will be with you for a VERY long time and they will perform so much better.
They aren't alien bees, they aren't white lighting or elinchrom or einstein or any of the top of the line lights, but they are a GOOD, basic, solid, fairly well performing strobe that are durable and great work horses.
I have one that I use with my white lightning setup and I have been very impressed by it.
Buy Flashpoint Monolight Outfits | Adorama, the Photography People

 

[KmH]

....but see alot of people say that there set produce yellow light......can anyone suggest a starter set that throws nice white light.

Not a problem. Just set a custom white balance in the camera for the color of the light. You don't need white light. You just need light that has a single color temperature. If the color temperature changes with the power setting, just set a new custom white balance.

People wouldn't have half as many issues/problens if they would take the time to understand the technology.

It's way more basic than rocket science.

 

[fsquare]

That Adorama kit is quite good for the price but there is a lot you can do with that single speedlight and a reflector.