Dyna Lite vs. White Lighting & Larson vs Chimera

[Hobbyists]

Hi All,

I'm in the market for some studio/location lighting equipment. Is there a vast difference between Dyna Lite and White Lighting strobes? And are Larson softboxes comparable to Chimera?

I'm leaning towards a White Lightning and Chimera combination. However, I may be able to get educational discounts on Larson and Dyna Lite products so I'm not sure which way to go.

[Conk]

Have you heard of Alien Bees?

[Hobbyists]

Yes I have. But I'm not interested in Alien Bees.

[scottbergerphoto]

I've been doing alot of research on this lately. It seems that if money is not an issue, the best studio lights are: Speedotron, Elinchrome, and Profoto. I've read that Photogenic was bought out by Smith Victor and got rid of all the Photogenic staff. Personally, I am looking at the Novatron Scott Smith Kits. They don't have many digital controls and rely on mechanical controls like barn doors. That keeps the cost down.
Take a look at the lighting forum at www.robgalbraith.com
Regards,
scott

[WestFalcon]

I've used White Lightning for about 20 years and they are simply fantastic. The company is very good for technical support too. You can't wear these lights out.

[Hobbyists]

Thnaks for the info. Knowing what you know now about the WL's, would you stick with them or get Dyna Lites? taking into consideration that you could get a discount on the Dyna Lites?

[WestFalcon]

I wouldn'g even consider anything but white lightning myself. You can't beat the reliability and recently I have been triggering them with pocket wizard radio controls....sweet combination. The discount for another brand would not sway me. You will never regret buying them. Try Ebay for used ones.

[5 Type]

I wouldn'g even consider anything but white lightning myself. You can't beat the reliability and recently I have been triggering them with pocket wizard radio controls....sweet combination. The discount for another brand would not sway me. You will never regret buying them. Try Ebay for used ones.

I'm on the edge of buying my first kit, (two heads, sboxes, unbrellas). I'm planning on buying Alien Bees, witch is the little brother of WL.

Tell me, why should I go with WL. I'm totally curious.

Thanks.

[karusel]

I'm in quite the same situation as 5 Type and I wonder the same...

Also, has anybody heard of Dörr and Richter? Those are the ones to find on EU ebay...

[5 Type]

Karusel, i've send him a PM. Well see if he can get back to us.

[5 Type]

Here's his answer :

I have no problem with the Alien Bees...they are great. I would buy white lightning if I were doing professional work like weddings and a lot of sudio work. If I were an amateur, I would buy the Alien Bees. The WL are made better but not necessary for amateur use in my opinion. You can get equal quality portraits on either...both are great!! The company is great.

I think, A.B. will suit my needs.