SP Studio System Help!!

[krazziecliff]

I know someone who is selling his SP studio system. I have never bought any lighting equipment so far and I think this would be a good start. hes asking for $300
The kit includes,
SP-Systems Commercial Kit - Includes: 2- SP150 Monolights, 1- SP100 Slave Flash, Umbrellas, Sync Cord, Light Stands, Soft Case - 400 W/S Total

Savage 3 piece backdrop kit with 2 drapes black and white

I have Canon 20D, what do u think of this as a start up portrait set up for practice?

Please urgent replies and dont ask me to search the forum :P:P notice how thats the common answer these days?

[FlashZebra]

Is that $300.00 US dollars?

If it is good condition it looks like an inexpensive way to get started, especially if the backdrop kit and "drapes" are rather large.

I would buy it.

Enjoy! Lon

[krazziecliff]

Yes US$300, the drapes are just throw aways coming along, but its free, so I dont care. You reckon the SP system is good though? Would it suffice for a small studio setup at home for practice?

[FlashZebra]

Yes US$300, the drapes are just throw aways coming along, but its free, so I dont care. You reckon the SP system is good though? Would it suffice for a small studio setup at home for practice?
If the set is actually has 400 W-s (not W/s) of power, then that should work nicely for portraits in the home.

Depending on how large the backdrop stand is and how large the "drapes" are, you might even be able to work in a few full body shots.

Enjoy! Lon

[krazziecliff]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?A=details&Q=&is=REG&O=productlist&sku=63789

I found the specific product on B&H, would really appreciate your views

[FlashZebra]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?A=details&Q=&is=REG&O=productlist&sku=63789

I found the specific product on B&H, would really appreciate your views
I looked at the B&H link.

The larger lights are not nearly as powerful as most starter studio flash units (a guide number of only 150).

The recycle time is slightly slow, and the modeling lights not very powerful (60 Watt).

But, they will be adequate for in house portrait work and it looks like you are getting them for a good price.

You may need to use ISO 200 for portrait work and something a bit higher if you want to do full body work. But that is still low enough for quality work.

A three light ad hoc studio like this based on inexpensive hotshoe flash units like the Sunpak 383, would cost considerable more than $300.00, and these light look a bit better than that approach.

But, all things considered, it looks like a very good deal for a starter set (if the gear all works).

If you get the set, please post a follow-up post on your observations.

Enjoy! Lon

[krazziecliff]

Thanks Lon. I think I'll go check it. In the long run it can always be converted in a nice Tent for Product photography. yeah thought about that too...if it aint good enough for advanced portraiture, well its definitely good for some product shots. What do you think? Table top stuff you reckon? Could even do some experimental, smoke, macro. Whats your opinion?

[FlashZebra]

Thanks Lon. I think I'll go check it. In the long run it can always be converted in a nice Tent for Product photography. yeah thought about that too...if it aint good enough for advanced portraiture, well its definitely good for some product shots. What do you think? Table top stuff you reckon? Could even do some experimental, smoke, macro. Whats your opinion?
It will be fine for portraits and all the other things you mention, you just may need to use ISO 200 (not 100). That is a very small concession for such a nice price.

If you decide to upgrade to more powerful flashy units later, these units will make spiffy secondard lights.

Enjoy! Lon