Britek vs. Allien Bees

[Shawnwil]

I know questions like this have been asked many times before but please bear with me. I'm going to buy some studio lighting. I was sold on one of the more inexpensive Britek kits but after reading some of the posts here I'm looking at the AB sets as well. So my question is this, I have no plans to be a pro, are the AB lights worth it to me at twice the price. I understand that they are superior, but are they worth an extra 300 dollars for someone who will not be making a living with them?


This (http://www.briteklighting.com/psbeginningkit.html) is the Britek kit I was looking at.

With the AB's I was looking to get the Digibee (http://www.alienbees.com/digi.html)

Any reviews on either also would be helpful

SJW

[shooterman]

If you ever decided to sell the lights, the Britek system would be virtually worthless, yet used AB's consistently sell at about 90 to 95% of their original cost. Does that tell you anything? :)

[Haru]

Go with the AB's. You are going to be in much better position if you want to get deeper into studio lighting or if you decide it isn't for you. Either way you will have a trusted name that everyone recognizes. You will also have a broader range of modifiers, and an excellent customer service department when / if something goes wrong.

[dave sparks]

I have a Britek HS-2000 monolight. At one time I had three but gave 2 away when I upgraded to Novatrons. For what they are they aren't bad. I pulled it out after being stored for 6 years and worked like a champ. Softboxes and reflectors are cheap but you'll be limited to Britek products unless you use universal speedrings which are a pain and Britek softboxes are a booger to put together.
If you are on a budget they're a little better than cheap e-bay kits. Like Shooterman and Haru mentioned you could get a good set of Bees or a Genesis kit for not much more.

[Shawnwil]

I guess I'll drop the extra money on the AB's then..... I had'nt even considered resale, but if they are carrying that type of resale value that trumphs the front end money savings. Thanks for the advice folks....

SJW