Is there any point in buying a cheap studio kit?

[davidleslie]

Just wondering, I really do need to move up a notch and get some studio gear.

Most of my use would be small products etc. But I would love to have a go at portraits for fun.

Is there any value in the sub $1000 kits around, or is it better to wait and by Elinchom or Bowens?

[Double Negative]

You do get what you pay for... But for the occasional use you're planning and for learning on it's a small investment. Resale value on the low-end isn't too good.

Taking it up a step, you could get an Alien Bees (http://alienbees.com/) kit that's a little further up the food chain (though still arguably near the low-end, but decent). Resale value is much better.

Consider everything else involved; backgrounds, background supports, light meter, reflector, etc. A basic lighting kit is just that - basic.

[tetrode]

Just wondering, I really do need to move up a notch and get some studio gear.

Most of my use would be small products etc. But I would love to have a go at portraits for fun.

Is there any value in the sub $1000 kits around, or is it better to wait and by Elinchom or Bowens?

There's HUGE value in quasi-entry level kits like the much discussed Calumet Genesis 200/400 and Elinchrom D-lite2/D-lite4 kits. Any of these will allow you to produce professional results and will also provide a smooooooooth upgrade path to the Elinchrom Style monolight units as front-mounted accessories and modifiers you buy now will all share the Elinchrom mount.

The value proposition changes somewhat if you're looking at the low end China-sourced kits that are so common on eBay. Most seem to offer the Bowens type accessory mount (which isn't a bad thing at all) but reliability and after sale service may be an issue. People do seem to like the Bowens-compatible Interfit and Impact kits that can be found at B&H (for example).

I have the Calumet Genesis 200 kit and think it's an absolute steal for the $339 or so that it currently costs.

I think the bottom line is that the price of any of these kits is so low and the quality so good that it doesn't make sense to deny yourself a period of shooting and learning while waiting to buy an Elinchrom or Bowens outfit. Decide if you want to grow into the Elinchrom or Bowens world and accessories you accumulate now for use with your entry level rig will be just as usable when you make the move up the equipment ladder.

Dave F.

[davidleslie]

I am glad I posted this thread. Thank you so much Double and tetro.

Tetro, do you have any links to photos I might be able to see that came from this kit. I just want to get an idea about the sort of quality I can expect.

Thanks once again.

[tetrode]

Tetro, do you have any links to photos I might be able to see that came from this kit. I just want to get an idea about the sort of quality I can expect.

Thanks once again.

I believe you said your primary interest at this point is small product photography. I've been using my Genesis lights lately for all of my eBay listing photos. Here's one sample (ordinarily, I'd shoot this in a light tent but, since I didn't in this case, you can see the Genesis light and its umbrella clearly in the front element of the subject lens):

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3094/2567696299_7b51411178_o.jpg

This one wasn't for eBay but was shot with just the two Genesis 200 lights and their umbrellas:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3009/2369281461_61916914fe_o.jpg

Also, you might want to have a look at this short video:

http://prophotolife.com/2008/06/02/video-episode-13-beautiful-portraits-with-just-one-light/

It's about creating one light portraits and uses the Genesis 200 as that one light.

Episode 12 also features the Genesis 200:

http://prophotolife.com/2008/05/26/video-episode-12-quality-of-light/

This past Monday's episode (Episode 14) also features that Genesis 200 in a 3-light portrait setup.

Incidentally, the prophotolife.com site is very interesting and highly recommended.

Dave F.

[TMR Design]

Hi davidleslie,

Is there any point in buying a cheap studio kit?

Well, it depends on what that kit includes but there's no question there are some incredible values out there that just can't be beat.

2 kits that are popular and have been discussed here often and in detail are the Calumet Genesis and the Elinchrom D-LIte kits.

Both brands give you stands, basic modifiers, 2 strobes, reflectors, sync cords, and all you need to get started. Some look at the kits and determine that the stands and accessories are not the best but you have to look at these kits for what they are, not what they are not. Any of these kits is worth the price even if there were no stands or accessories and 2 strobes of that quality would and could easily cost what the entire kit sells for.

Calumet Genesis strobes use the Elinchrom mount and many members here have already found third party compatibility and from what I can see there is even greater compatibility than many realize.

Regarding the quality of these strobes... Top Notch!!

Build quality is pretty good on these strobes but it's not what you would expect of need for a durable roadworthy kit. You do have to be careful of how much weight you have on the strobe because of the lightweight swivel mount. There are workarounds and build quality should not be a deal breaker, but something to be aware of when looking.

The best and most important part of both Genesis and D-Lite strobes is the consistent power output and color temperature. There are strobes that cost 3-5 times and have fairly inconsistent output and color.

From my perspective, since exposure and color and what photography is about, I would rather have the more consistent strobe with a lesser build quality rather than the other way around.

[Rudi]

What Robert said! I would stay away from some of the eBay cheapies, but the D-Lites and the Genesis kits are both well-regarded. The one thing with the Genesis kits that is complained about are the cheap reflectors, which are a mismatch for the umbrellas provided. (I don't think they're umbrella reflectors in the first place).

Currently I have a D-Lite 4 kit that is exceeding my expectation in every way. I have purchased some additional and expensive light modifiers from Elinchrom, but the included softboxes are surprisingly nice! The D-Lites provide nice, even, consistent light, all day, every day! I have used the hell out of them so far, and am considering purchasing the D-Lite 2 kit for additional lights. Better value than buying the stands and softboxes separately, and I can always sell the light modifiers if I don't need them. As for the stands - one can never have too many light stands! :D

Another thing to consider - the entire D-Lite 4 kit cost me less that one Elinchrom 600RX strobe! So I'm not too much out-of-pocket for a very nice studio setup. I highly recommend it!

[krusnof]

When you buy the D-Lite4 package, should you also invest in battery?! Or is there power source incl?!

[Rudi]

The D-Lites are monoblocks, Kristian. That means that they are powered by plugging them into AC power. They are designed for studio use. They are not a pack and head system, which is more designed for on-location shooting.

That is not to say that you can't travel with them, but that is a subject best left for another thread. :)

[TMR Design]

If you're going to mix D-Lite 2's and 4's be aware of the fact that they both use the same 100 watt modeling light and according to Elinchrom there is no replacement to have the modeling lights give you true WYSIWYG.

There's nothing to say you can't combine and use the strobes but don't be fooled by the disproportionate modeling lights.

On the subject of portable power... I use a V2 to power my D-Lite's on location and it's a beautiful thing.

[Rudi]

If you're going to mix D-Lite 2's and 4's be aware of the fact that they both use the same 100 watt modeling light and according to Elinchrom there is no replacement to have the modeling lights give you true WYSIWYG.

Well aware of that, Robert. Not an issue 99% of the time, and I'll just have to work around it for the other 1%... :D

[TMR Design]

Cool Rudi. Just wanted to give a heads up in case you were not aware of it.

I can't believe that there are no replacement bulbs of different wattages available for the D-Lite's but as you said, it's pretty much a non-issue most of the time.

For me, I rarely use or reply on modeling lights for my back light, as I find a spot of light on a background from a modeling light looks nothing like that spot when lit by the pop of the flash.

I really only find modeling lights useful for lighting that is pointing at my subject and literally 'modeling' the head and face. So my main light, fill light and hair lights are the ones that are most important to have accurate modeling. Accent and back lights I have no problem using without modeling lights.

[Rudi]

I can't believe that there are no replacement bulbs of different wattages available for the D-Lite's but as you said, it's pretty much a non-issue most of the time.

AFAIK, you can just put any old light bulb into that modeling light thread (same Edison thread). I wonder if buying a couple of 60W frosted lightbulbs would do the trick... :D