Pls Help with Very Basic Continuous Lighting Kit

[MartiMar]

Hello,

My name is Martin. I am trying to improve my Ebay pictures, which are pretty bad. I have been trying to get by on natural light and my camera's flash which has naturally resulted in quite a few poor pictures. All I will be doing is taking still pictures of clothing on a mannequin. I am looking to upgrade my lighting so I can achieve better results. I'm looking at a very basic 2 or 3 light continuous lighting solution.

I'm struggling to pick a lighting kit. Essentially, I can't afford to buy really nice, or even decent equipment. The lighting kit will get setup once and probably remain in one place indefinitely. I don't think it has to be too robust, it just needs to improve my pictures in the short term. I am hoping to upgrade in the future, but need to get by for now. I am looking at the lower end kits, like Julius Studio, Cowboy Studio, Adorama Adorlite, and Britek - probably an umbrella setup. Is there any real difference between any of these brands at all?

I understand that I am looking at poor quality, imported goods. It's all I can budget for right now unfortunately. Is there any differentiation between setups like these?

Adorama Adorlite 3 Light Fluorescent Lighting Kit #ULS333 | eBay
JS Studio 33" White Photo Umbrella Light Studio Photography Lighting Kit JU166 (847263089829) | eBay
eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices
eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices
eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices


Again, I know I'm looking at junk. Is there any junk there that might be just a little less "junky"?

I would appreciate any help. If there's no real difference, I may just go with the cheapest and cross my fingers.

Thanks!

Martin

 

[Don Kondra]

Hi Martin,

Your best bang for the buck would be the 2400W JULIUS STUDIO SOFTBOX LIGHTING LIGHT KIT W/ CARRY BAG JSK111.

Four bulbs per head compared to single bulbs in the other kits...

Cheers, Don

 

[MartiMar]

Thanks for the input!

I'll take a shot on that kit and hopefully the stuff gets me over the hump in the short term.

 

[MartiMar]

Actually, if I could ask another question. For my purposes of photographing clothes on a mannequin, would I be better off going for a 2 softbox kit or a 3 stand umbrella kit? Something like this:
2400 Watt Continuous Lighting Kit Photography Photo Video Studio Umbrella Kit | eBay

For now, the mannequin will be staged in front of a bare, neutral colored wall.

Thanks.

Martin

 

[Don Kondra]

Bouncing the light off an umbrella helps control blown highlights but you are going to have a lot of light spill with bare bulbs.

I would go with the softboxes for more control.

Cheers, Don

 

[MartiMar]

Thanks for the help Don. It was much appreciated!

Martin

 

[Don Kondra]

Glad to help out Martin,

Post some pic's when you get set up

Cheers, Don