Adorama's Budget Studio Flash 100 - My Review

[wazmunstr]

Last semester, I was given an assignment that required me to shoot a photo. After a few attempts with natural lighting, and unhappy with the results I decided to invest in some studio equipment. Since I am a student and on a budget, I came across Adorama's Budget Studio Flash 100. After reading a few reviews on their site, and at $59.95 I figured it was worth a shot!

When it arrived (I also ordered a simple stand, and silver reflective umbrella) in the box was the monolight with attached 10' a/c cord, 12' sync cord, and an extra modeling lamp. Btw, and extra modelling lamp is $9.95. The instructions was one piece of paper. So basic, I did not see why they wasted paper to include it along.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v142/wazmunstr/canon%20forum/IMG_7504a.jpg

The modeling lamp is rated at 60 watts. Could be a bit stronger but it does the job just fine.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v142/wazmunstr/canon%20forum/IMG_7507a.jpg

Here you can see how simple this monolight is. The back is labeled clearly but let me point out what everything else is. The red light up top is the on indicator. Right in front of it is the optical sensor (for wireless). On the bottom in front of the cord is the sync port. And right in front of that is the on/off switch for the modeling lamp.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v142/wazmunstr/canon%20forum/IMG_7512a.jpg

Here we go:

My first thought when setting it up was "wow this is so simple." And it was! That's what I liked. There are only two settings, full and half power. For a beginner, that's all you'll need. At full power, Adorama says it takes 6 seconds to recycle. It's actually more like 2-3. That was an added bonus. I tested out the "wireless" capability of this monolight with my pop up flash in my camera and it fired every single time. Another bonus when I decide to buy another one of these monolights, and I will.

Here is the result with just one, with no reflector. But we were surrounded by white walls:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v142/wazmunstr/canon%20forum/IMG_7256a.jpg

Light was even, nice and soft. I can't wait to get another one of these if I did that with just one strobe.

Conclusion: This setup is perfect for beginners, or someone on a budget. It was strong enough with even enough light to get the job done. Or in my case get the grade I wanted :). I recommend buying a package deal from Adorama that includes two of these guys, along with stands, and umbrellas for around $200 bucks. Or build your own kit!

[wazmunstr]

7 hours after i post and noone says anything? lol i guess noone cares about it. oh well, haha. it'll be here in case someone decides to do a search on it some day.

[cskn0125]

From the looks of it, deffinetley worth the price. Nice first shot as well. Really cool lookin' dress as well.

Good job on the shot and congrats on the buy.

[Titus213]

Looks pretty good to me. LIght is good, versatility could be an issue with only two settings. Not sure what I'm looking at with the hotspots between your model's right arm and body. Suspect it's a piece of hardware on the door? I don't find the pose all that flattering.

[wazmunstr]

Looks pretty good to me. LIght is good, versatility could be an issue with only two settings. Not sure what I'm looking at with the hotspots between your model's right arm and body. Suspect it's a piece of hardware on the door? I don't find the pose all that flattering.

the hotspots are the glass panes on the door. like i said, for a beginner 2 settings is all you need to learn from.

thanks for pointing that out, but this is not that kind of critique lol. keep on topic about the quality and quantity of the light output.

[tagvestibule]

I was just thinking about buying one of these (the kit with the softbox) and I came across your post. Thanks for your thorough review - I'm definitely going to order one now.

[magicmikey]

What kind of light output are you getting? Specifically, for the shot you posted, what was the aperture and the ISO? Was the strobe on full power or half-power?

I'm just curious how much light it puts out.

Michael

[howzitboy]

kewl a nice cheap errr affordable studio flash for beginners. nice!! whats the gn on it?

[Naturalist]

WAZ

Great review! Being interested in strobes but uncertain if I want to sink $700+ into it to find out that I suck these seem like a great option to test the waters with.

I've seen these advertised many times over the years but assumed they were just cheap junk to stay away from. Your review and sample image has made me reconsider.

Thanks.

[wazmunstr]

they are very well built, i was shocked at the quality. there just isnt all the gadgets that higher priced strobes have, but for the price damn worth it.

iso was 200, f/9, 1/60 second (that doesnt matter lol), 33mm focal length. i believe this was full power but im not certain (i shot this in april). the strobe was exactly to my left and she was approximately 10 feet in front of me. the guide number on these suckers is 90 at iso 100.

let me just say i am no pro when it comes to studio lighting, but its a heck of alot easier to use than the flashgun that sits on top of my camera lol.

[naqs]

thats pretty awesome for the price... I must do some more research into these?

do you know what sort of output standard (expensive) strobes put out?

[extrememc]

I bought this same light, but I didn't like the opinion of to setting. I ended up getting a AB800. But you could just by a Sunpak 383 or Vivitar flash head. Now I got the softbox with mine and I would like to figure out a way to use it will my flash head. Any DIY ideas anyones? Thanks for the review and shot looks good.