Best strobes by brand/model

[braduardo]

I have been curious as to what people consider to be the "best" studio strobes. Which brands/models are best. I would like to break it up into two seperate categories. Maybe we can do it this way:

Top 5 Studio Strobes by brand/model:


Top 5 Studio Strobes by brand/model/PRICE:



Maybe if it's broken down like this, it will help some of us out a bit when shopping around, and just in general. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks.

[airfrogusmc]

If its table top and studio type work where you need the power
Speedotron 4803.

Portraits-I like White Lightning. (personal preference) You can get the quality of light you're looking for then dial in the f stop you want.

[fotodan]

If its table top and studio type work where you need the power
Speedotron 4803.

Portraits-I like White Lightning. (personal preference) You can get the quality of light you're looking for them dial in the f stop you want.



I second the white lightnings. I have been using the Ultra Zap 1600's since they came out, the the Ultra's before them. Cant beat the quality or customer service.

[Jonathan H]

White lightnings aren't the best by a long shot, neither are Speedotrons (and I own and use both). They would probably both be top 3 when considering price, however.

1. Broncolor
2. Profoto
3. Dynalite
4. Norman

Dynalites are my new favorite location lights - tiny! A 1000 W/S pack and two 2000 W/S fan cooled heads only weigh 14 lbs altogether. The speedotron 4803 pack described above weighs about 45 lbs alone (but granted, it is 4000 w/s). However, two 2000 w/s dynalite packs only weigh 24lbs combined.

[Jarrad]

1. Broncolor
2. Profoto
3. Dynalite
4. Norman



I'd put Elinchrom and even Hensel above Dynalite. Certainly above Norman.

[Sydney2K]

There is no denying the top two. But perhaps Hensel at the 3rd spot.

1. Broncolor
2. Profoto
3. Hensel

[TMR Design]

My top 4 (not sure who would be the 5th) would be:

Broncolor
Elinchrom
Profoto
Hensel

I consider these to be the best.

[airfrogusmc]

White lightnings aren't the best by a long shot, neither are Speedotrons (and I own and use both). They would probably both be top 3 when considering price, however.

1. Broncolor
2. Profoto
3. Dynalite
4. Norman

Dynalites are my new favorite location lights - tiny! A 1000 W/S pack and two 2000 W/S fan cooled heads only weigh 14 lbs altogether. The speedotron 4803 pack described above weighs about 45 lbs alone (but granted, it is 4000 w/s). However, two 2000 w/s dynalite packs only weigh 24lbs combined.

When your working with a view camera and you need F 45 0r F 64 a couple of 4800 is sure nice. I've always prefered Speedotrons for that kind of work. I did say table top/studio didn't I?

[SoaringUSAEagle]

I own Porfoto lights. Expensive, yes. But when you can get a student discount on them, which is already half off, then have half of that balance paid, then they become very reasonable and that is why I have my own kit. I need a 3rd light though, which will come in time.

I really enjoy my profoto setup.

I'd have to say:

1. Broncolor
2. Profoto
3. Hensel

[liquefied]

I own Porfoto lights. Expensive, yes. But when you can get a student discount on them, which is already half off, then have half of that balance paid, then they become very reasonable and that is why I have my own kit. I need a 3rd light though, which will come in time.

I really enjoy my profoto setup.

I'd have to say:

1. Broncolor
2. Profoto
3. Hensel

Where/how do you get a student discount on Profoto?