Adding a third studio strobe ....

[F308 MAN]

I have two Bowens Gemini 500w strobes which i use (generally) with an umbrella and a soft-box.
I am looking to add a third unit for backlight or background light .... should i invest in a strobe with the same power output, or could i save some cash and buy a less powerful unit, maybe even a different manufacturer ?
I am also close to purchasing a wireless firing system, but i know very little about these units .... can anyone help with any advice, spec and cost please ?
many thanks in anticipation,
cheers,
david

[MaxZoom]

I use a two strobe system and would love to move to a three set-up too.
I guess I would go for equal power at max but with a power adjustment.
My question would be is there an economical boom available to support the third strobe? I want to do hair-lighting from directly above and behind the subject, all my stands at the moment are straight up so the #3 light has to be off to one side, out of shot.
I've just rescued a Pringles tube and will experiment with a home-made snoot with an battery powered old flash, seen some good samples of it in use, the big prob ls how to hold the flash in position.

[chtgrubbs]

A third strobe can usually be of lower output. A hairlight usually is of lower power, and if you needed the 500W for a background light then you could use the smaller strobe for a fill light. But I would recommend sticking with the same brand of strobe so that the color temp of the light is consistent.

[TeeJay]

A third strobe can usually be of lower output. A hairlight usually is of lower power, and if you needed the 500W for a background light then you could use the smaller strobe for a fill light. But I would recommend sticking with the same brand of strobe so that the color temp of the light is consistent.


For a heavy duty boom arm, try here: ttp://www.photodeals.co.uk/home.php?cat=10 (http://www.photodeals.co.uk/home.php?cat=10)

They also do a low-priced 47" octagonal box as well.

My bet is you could get the same thing on ebay, but I suppose it depends on where you live, and what the delivery costs are. I have allways found this company to be good.

As for another strobe, I would certainly recommend going for the same manufacturer, although if you only ever want to use as background/hairlight, one of lesser power should be OK - but, it's like anything else connected with this photography lark, can you never say never? :rolleyes:

[TeeJay]

...I've just rescued a Pringles tube and will experiment with a home-made snoot with an battery powered old flash, seen some good samples of it in use, the big prob ls how to hold the flash in position.

:D :confused:

... or, you could have a look at the low-cost hairlight cones (aka snoots) from www.studioflash.co.uk (http://www.studioflash.co.uk) - again, I highly recommend them - and they support this forum with their advertising.

TJ

[F308 MAN]

top replies .... thank you all very much ... cheers, d