White-Lightning Vs Hensel Vs Photogenic - I am confused

[shafiq]

Dear Fellow Canonians,

Need your opinion on weither to purchase Paul C buffs White Lightning X1600 Vs Hensel Vs Hensel Integra 500? I would like to hear from people that have used either one of them and what they think of them for a first light.

I am an amateur and since I am starting off into the 'light-side of things' would you recommend 1 Main light and 1 large reflector (Porttrait work) or should I go for 2 lights? 3 lights...Opinions appreciated. At some point should I consider the Photogenic StudioMax2 light kit (250wsx2 + 1x150ws) for the same price as 2 of the bigger brothers above!

Thx
Shafiq

[BDM]

Dear Fellow Canonians,

Need your opinion on weither to purchase Paul C buffs White Lightning X1600 Vs Hensel Vs Hensel Integra 500? I would like to hear from people that have used either one of them and what they think of them for a first light.

I am an amateur and since I am starting off into the 'light-side of things' would you recommend 1 Main light and 1 large reflector (Porttrait work) or should I go for 2 lights? 3 lights...Opinions appreciated. At some point should I consider the Photogenic StudioMax2 light kit (250wsx2 + 1x150ws) for the same price as 2 of the bigger brothers above!

Thx
Shafiq
I have had the White Lightning 1800 model for several years and have been quite pleased with them. They are not the current model. But the company is great to deal with and their products are very nice. I don't know about the other units you mentioned but I'm sure others will comment.

As far as the number of lights and their configuration, that really depends on what you want to shoot and where you shoot it. I am not a fan of reflectors for studio portrait lighting in most cases - - although for other studio uses they are very useful. But for portrait work, I don't think they give enough light for most setups. If you can, I think 3-4 lights are ideal. That would provide for a key light, a fill light a background light and (with the fourth light) a hair light. I think two lights would be the minimum amount and you could add more as needed. Lights modulators such as softboxes and/or umbrellas are also necessary since direct flash is very harsh. The choice is infinite. Take a look at the Westcott products. They are well respected professional units and they come in a wide range of sizes and prices.

You don't need high powered units for portraits. The lower powered Buff units would be fine. It is very helpful to have the output adjustable and I think most (maybe all) of the Buff units are adjustable.

It is also important that you use a flash sync protector to keep the sync line voltage under the maximum allowed by your camera. Most studio flashes use sync voltages which are quite likely to destroy your camera's sync circuit (and maybe the rest of the electronics) if there is no protection. I believe Buff sells such a protector and I know there are other brands available.

And I hate to say this but if you are serious about using studio flashes, you really should invest in a decent flash meter and use it to set the exposure. Your camera's automatic flash exposure will not work with studio flashes. Although you could fool around with exposure tests for each setup, the time wasted in such a procedure is likely to become frustrating. Flash meters are available for all prices and most should do the job. I happen to have a Minolta Flashmeter IV (current model is the V) but that is probably overkill. It is also a good ambient light meter and since I do a lot of film based photography I find it, along with a spot meter, very helpful. But it is expensive. You can get a quite adequate instrument for a lot less.

Good luck,

Bruce

[westfalcon1]

I use White Lightning and have used them for 15 years. I have never had problems with them.Their customer service may be the best I've ever dealt with in photography. I don't work for them but I love their products. I own 8 of them, newer and older models and all are first class.

[shafiq]

[/quote]
I have had the White Lightning 1800 model for several years and have been quite pleased with them. They are not the current model. But the company is great to deal with and their products are very nice. I don't know about the other units you mentioned but I'm sure others will comment.

As far as the number of lights and their configuration, that really depends on what you want to shoot and where you shoot it. I am not a fan of reflectors for studio portrait lighting in most cases - - although for other studio uses they are very useful. But for portrait work, I don't think they give enough light for most setups. If you can, I think 3-4 lights are ideal. That would provide for a key light, a fill light a background light and (with the fourth light) a hair light. I think two lights would be the minimum amount and you could add more as needed. Lights modulators such as softboxes and/or umbrellas are also necessary since direct flash is very harsh. The choice is infinite. Take a look at the Westcott products. They are well respected professional units and they come in a wide range of sizes and prices.

You don't need high powered units for portraits. The lower powered Buff units would be fine. It is very helpful to have the output adjustable and I think most (maybe all) of the Buff units are adjustable.

It is also important that you use a flash sync protector to keep the sync line voltage under the maximum allowed by your camera. Most studio flashes use sync voltages which are quite likely to destroy your camera's sync circuit (and maybe the rest of the electronics) if there is no protection. I believe Buff sells such a protector and I know there are other brands available.

And I hate to say this but if you are serious about using studio flashes, you really should invest in a decent flash meter and use it to set the exposure. Your camera's automatic flash exposure will not work with studio flashes. Although you could fool around with exposure tests for each setup, the time wasted in such a procedure is likely to become frustrating. Flash meters are available for all prices and most should do the job. I happen to have a Minolta Flashmeter IV (current model is the V) but that is probably overkill. It is also a good ambient light meter and since I do a lot of film based photography I find it, along with a spot meter, very helpful. But it is expensive. You can get a quite adequate instrument for a lot less.

Good luck,

Bruce[/quote]

Bruce thanks for your comments. I will look into the products you mentioned. As for light meter I totally agree that this is something I absolutely a must need.

What is your thought on buying a unit with portability in mind?

Thx

[BDM]

Dear Fellow Canonians,

Need your opinion on weither to purchase Paul C buffs White Lightning X1600 Vs Hensel Vs Hensel Integra 500? I would like to hear from people that have used either one of them and what they think of them for a first light.

I am an amateur and since I am starting off into the 'light-side of things' would you recommend 1 Main light and 1 large reflector (Porttrait work) or should I go for 2 lights? 3 lights...Opinions appreciated. At some point should I consider the Photogenic StudioMax2 light kit (250wsx2 + 1x150ws) for the same price as 2 of the bigger brothers above!

Thx
Shafiq
I have had the White Lightning 1800 model for several years and have been quite pleased with them. They are not the current model. But the company is great to deal with and their products are very nice. I don't know about the other units you mentioned but I'm sure others will comment.

As far as the number of lights and their configuration, that really depends on what you want to shoot and where you shoot it. I am not a fan of reflectors for studio portrait lighting in most cases - - although for other studio uses they are very useful. But for portrait work, I don't think they give enough light for most setups. If you can, I think 3-4 lights are ideal. That would provide for a key light, a fill light a background light and (with the fourth light) a hair light. I think two lights would be the minimum amount and you could add more as needed. Lights modulators such as softboxes and/or umbrellas are also necessary since direct flash is very harsh. The choice is infinite. Take a look at the Westcott products. They are well respected professional units and they come in a wide range of sizes and prices.

You don't need high powered units for portraits. The lower powered Buff units would be fine. It is very helpful to have the output adjustable and I think most (maybe all) of the Buff units are adjustable.

It is also important that you use a flash sync protector to keep the sync line voltage under the maximum allowed by your camera. Most studio flashes use sync voltages which are quite likely to destroy your camera's sync circuit (and maybe the rest of the electronics) if there is no protection. I believe Buff sells such a protector and I know there are other brands available.

And I hate to say this but if you are serious about using studio flashes, you really should invest in a decent flash meter and use it to set the exposure. Your camera's automatic flash exposure will not work with studio flashes. Although you could fool around with exposure tests for each setup, the time wasted in such a procedure is likely to become frustrating. Flash meters are available for all prices and most should do the job. I happen to have a Minolta Flashmeter IV (current model is the V) but that is probably overkill. It is also a good ambient light meter and since I do a lot of film based photography I find it, along with a spot meter, very helpful. But it is expensive. You can get a quite adequate instrument for a lot less.

Good luck,

Bruce