Studio Guys help...

[MrKickalot]

I am looking for a reasonably priced set of strobes to practice portraits. I am looking at this on e-bay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=15221&item=3844036 072&rd=1

Are they junk? It comes with plenty for me to start learning with. It appealed to me b/c it comes with a wireless trigger, the lights have a little adjustments (full, 3/4 & 1/3) and comes with softboxes and unbrella's. Also comes with a few simple cheapo backdrops!! Just don't want to drop the money for junk!

Thanks,

P.S. What is the part called that goes between the camera and trigger to eliminate the rist of too much trigger voltage?

[Vegas Poboy]

Never heard of these, I have and like Alienbees / White lightings. They are affordable & dependable.

[evilenglishman]

its a pretty cheap deal and i would imagine its not the best quality gear.
if you're only interested in trying portraits as a hobby then it might be worth getting - if you are more serious then maybe not.

Maybe if you get more serious then you could sell the kit and buy a better one.

The item you want naming is a wein safesync.
http://www.weinproducts.com/safesyncs.htm

[chris.bailey]

I personally would not touch them with a bargepole. It looks as though they are several models out of date and have very low levels of control. Buy 2 better quality ones and use a reflector.

[NGrinerPhoto]

If you have the cash, go with Alien Bees. I use White Lightnings and would love to switch. They're similar (for the most part) except for the size. If you are looking to spend less, I have 2 Novatrons with a hard case I would be willing to sell. Not monolights, but a great starter kit. -Nick

[DaveG]

I am looking for a reasonably priced set of strobes to practice portraits. I am looking at this on e-bay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=15221&item=3844036 072&rd=1

Are they junk? It comes with plenty for me to start learning with. It appealed to me b/c it comes with a wireless trigger, the lights have a little adjustments (full, 3/4 & 1/3) and comes with softboxes and unbrella's. Also comes with a few simple cheapo backdrops!! Just don't want to drop the money for junk!

Thanks,

P.S. What is the part called that goes between the camera and trigger to eliminate the rist of too much trigger voltage?

At that price and for all the stuff that comes with them it looks like a reasonable deal. These are low powered and after awhile you may want to purchase more powerful units. But until that day these'll get you there.

You will need a flash meter and make no mistake about that. There's no way that you'll be able to set up the flashes in appropriate and repeatable lighting ratios without one. I use the Minolta Autometer IVf and it's very dependable. It has been replaced by the Vf which should be even better. If you are looking around for a used flashmeter stay as far away from the Minolta Autometer IIIf as you can since it's a complete dog. Of course there are other brands of meters like Gossen and Sekonic that are very good too.

The device that you are looking for is called a safe synch. I use the Wein Safe Synch to prevent any back voltage from surging through my camera.

[WestFalcon]

I would buy a couple of Alien Bees. You would be surprised at what you can do with one light and a reflector. I do dance pictures for a high school with one light and an umbrella and they look fantastic. Stay away from the lights on ebay...I think that you will be better off to start with one light,
but a quality light and add as your wallet allows. Need a softbox or an umbrella and a sturdy lightstand.....about $300 for one light, and umbrella and a lightstand at Alien Bees.

[Dans_D60]

These lights are manufactured in China and sold to several distributors. In the U.S. JTL Corp has exclusive on distribution. Not that terrible but the Bees are a better buy and backed by a real company!

JTL LINK: http://www.jtlcorp.com/light/3.html

Dan

[scottbergerphoto]

Alot of people have been happy with the Alien Bees. I have three SP Excalibur 3200's, a Softbox, Beauty Disc, light stands, umbrellas, a Photoflex Lite Disc and a Sekonic L358. I got it all at B&H. They have been very reliable(the lights and B&H). They are more then adequate for a small studio.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=129711&is=REG
Good Luck,
Scott

[ilya]

I've looked at sets like this, and consulted with a bunch of folks. Anyone who has bought these, has upgraded to AB or better in 6 months.

the bulbs burn out, and quality of light is bad.

on these no controls - so you have minimal control over ratios, and this third light looks like you get more power out of your cigar lighter.

Also note that while backdrops are included, a backdrop stand is not - will run you another $100 or so for a decent one.

I have an Alien Bees set, very happy.

[scottbergerphoto]

I've looked at sets like this, and consulted with a bunch of folks. Anyone who has bought these, has upgraded to AB or better in 6 months.

the bulbs burn out, and quality of light is bad.

on these no controls - so you have minimal control over ratios, and this third light looks like you get more power out of your cigar lighter.

Also note that while backdrops are included, a backdrop stand is not - will run you another $100 or so for a decent one.

I have an Alien Bees set, very happy.
I hope you are referring to the EBAY item in the original posting and not the Excaliburs as they are excellent for a small studio. Your post coming right after mine leaves a fair amount of ambiguity.
Scott

[ilya]

Scott no - just the ebay items not your excaliburs which I hear are excellent.