Smith- Victor? Is this a "Good"/ or decent brand?

[ACDCROCKS]

Hi all, im quite confused here. I have a few options. I shoot everything just about, such as sports, potraits, bands, concerts, plays etc. Some people including my boss says I should save up for the Canon 70-200MM 2.8 IS. More and more People are asking me to do photo shoots for them such as portrats. Im currently thinking about getting the Smith and Victor studio set With a soft box, it is the KT 900,Is their a better system for the same value or any bad reviews or thoughts about it? If I would get the studio set, I would get the Canon 70-200MM 2.8 NON IS. What do you guys think? My spending range is $1500$1600, no matter what, I have to get the canon 70-200mm 2.8 lens series.So heres the choices:

1)Canon 70-200MM IS 2.8

OR--

2) Canon 70-200MM 2.8
Smith victor set

[liza]

If the IS version of the 70-200 is in reach, get it. You might check out Amvona's offerings on Ebay for a beginner set of studio lights. They aren't top of the line, but they don't look too bad for someone starting out, either.

[SkipD]

That lighting kit is a set of "hot" lights - a total of 1250 watts worth of hot. The high-power photoflood bulbs generally don't last very long, and are very hot to work under. My suggestion would be to save your money for some lower-priced studio flash units such as the AlienBees down the road. You would very likely be much happier with the flash-based lighting system.

[Atomic79]

Based on the poll question it looks like your budget will let you get the IS since your considering dropping that for the lights. I'd think it would really depend on what and how you shoot. If you're a slow and steady and takes along a tripod on most shoots then the IS may not be as important. If your a mover that shoots mostly hand held in quick situations in crowds (where you might get bumped like events, sports) or in lower light slower shutter situations again hand held. So if your the second type go for the IS, if not get the non-IS and save the extra cash.

Because...

As for the lights I'd have to agree with Skip. If you just want to play with lights you can go to the local hardware store for any kind of cheap lights to learn with.

[PhotosGuy]

Smith/Victor has made great lighting equipment for decades. Only you can decide if you need them though. Some "light" reading:

FAQ - Studio Lighting (http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=66140)