Suggestions for Studio Lighting.

[cargo123]

I have been interested in getting studio lighting to start working on portraits. My wife has finally given me the go-a-head to spend the money. She called it “happy birthday to myself!” In the past I have purchased photography equipment thinking I am buying what I need because the sales person told me it would solve my problems. For example, I spent $1,100 on a Sony camera that didn’t do what I needed. I now have the 20D.
I would like to purchase lighting equipment that is good, and will last awhile. I am not saying I am able to spend freely to get the best equipment, but I don’t want to buy the cheapest, and have to upgrade soon. Can you give me suggestions on what brand names are good, that I will be happy with in five years? What equipment would you recommend to produce quality portraits?

[cskn0125]

What is your budget?

Something like this would be awesome to start you off. But I can possibly suggest something better with knowing a budget.

http://alienbees.com/digi.html

[cargo123]

I am looking at spending around $2500 for a studio setup. Is that realistic for quality equipment. Looking to include a backdrop or two, and the wireless equipment that would go along with it. I tried calling Alien Bees today, but they were already closed. I read a post earlier stating that photographers love the ABs, but find they want to up-grade once they use them for a while. What are your thoughts?

[sboerup]

$2500 will get you a good setup with moderately cheap equipment. I would go with WhiteLightning over AlienBees. They are much higher quality in build. AlienBees are pretty cheap, whitelightning are atleast a little sturdy, but not much.

If you want to 'grow' into a system, then look at Elinchrom for monoblocs, or Profoto for pack systems. Hensel makes decent priced monoblocs as well.

[Titus213]

I would not call Alien Bees 'cheap' but rather inexpensive. There is a difference. Some of the eBay stuff you run into is CHEAP! And since I've never used anything but ABs that's the end of my comments - except that I like the ABs.

[cargo123]

Thanks for all the comments. This gives me a place to start my research. I want to make sure I don't buy something that I won't use in a couple of years.

[howzitboy]

we used elinchrom flashes in our studio and from what i read, they are the best (or one of the best). Really powerful flashes that recycle fast and put out some great light.

ive tried some Balcar flashes too and they seem really high quality too.

[jefftaz]

I am looking at spending around $2500 for a studio setup.

I would go with Alien Bees - great company and great products. You could set up a very nice home studio with that much money. Here is my go at spending your cash :lol:.

Alien Bee AB800 X 3
Alien Bee Ring Flash
Alien Bee Wireless Transmitter
Alien Bee Wireless Receiver
Vagabond II Portable Power Source
Foldable Large Octabox (these things are sweet and so easy to setup)
56 inch Moon Unit
48-inch Silver/White Reversible Umbrella X 2
13 Ft Heavy Duty Light Stand x 4
10-foot General Purpose Stand X 1
The 5-in-1 Circular Reflector Kit
The Mounting Bracket for the Reflector Kit
The LiteMod Unit Mainframe X 2
Set of 6 Gel Holders
Set of 6 Color Gels/Filters
Set of 4 Honeycomb Grids (10°,20°,30° and 40°)
Amvona AS-014 Background Stand Got mine on Ebay for $48 shipped
White and Grey Seamless Paper 107"x36ft (around $45 each)
Grand Total with Shipping = $2475.00

[Converge]

White lightning

[mjordan]

If you are talking about just studio lights, $2500 will get you one heck of a system. If you are talking about lights, flash meter, Pocket Wizards, background stand, big softboxes, striplights, reflectors, snoots, grids, barndoors, booms, backdrops, etc., then you can still get a good setup for $2500.

Alien Bees are decent lights. But in the same class of lights you can get more for the same money with the SP Excalibur lights. You can do a search at B&H for Excalibur and it will bring up all their systems.

Mike

[cargo123]

Thanks again everyone for your opinions. There are a couple suggestions that I never even thought of before. Jefftaz, thanks for the list of items. That really seems like a lot of equipment. MG

[EOS_JD]

Thanks again everyone for your opinions. There are a couple suggestions that I never even thought of before. Jefftaz, thanks for the list of items. That really seems like a lot of equipment. MG


Useful to buy powerful lights (I recently bought 3 x Elichrom 400BX units) and a range of extras like reflectors, grods, snoot, black/white background, soft boxes, brollys, lightmeter, wireless remote and when you add it all up you'll come close to your $2500 budget!

Also buy some books too to help you get started.

[Jonathan H]

I'm in favor of that really thorough gear list that jefftaz put together... maybe swap out the AB800's for white lightnings instead. You may even be able to swing yourself a small discount for such a big order from Paul Buff if you ask nicely... it can't hurt.

Regarding all the "thoughtful" individuals who suggested balcar, Hensel, Profoto, etc... $2500 would barely cover the power pack. Who are you kidding? Gorgeous gear, yeah, but totally wrong market.

Don't buy the cheap eBay crap, you're just wasting your money. AB or WL gear is excellent, especially for someone starting out. You'll be able to recoup most of your invenstment selling all your gear right here on POTN in a year if you decide to upgrade or if photography isn't right for you. Dave Hill (www.davehillphoto.com ) still uses relatively "ancient" white lightnings to produce spectacular work and I doubt there are more than a handful of members here who could command even half his day rate.

Don't listen to euro-gear-snobs. You'll be happier in the long run and so will your bottom line.