Buying in the UK

[Red]

I've been looking around for a good deal on a starter studio kit, and I'm struggling guys. There's not a lot to choose from, and some of the web-sites look so amateur I'd be nervous handing over a load of money to them.

The best deal I've found so far is an Esprit 250 2 head kit for £639 at http://www.warehouseexpress.com/photo/studio_lighting/bowens.html#Esprit2heads

Are they a reliable/know company? Is there anywhere else I should be looking?

[iwatkins]

Red,

Warehouse Express are probably the best people to deal with in the UK. They have just won the award for "Best Independent Photo Retailer" for the thrid year running. I can recommend them throughly. However the one thing you can't do with them is haggle. :)

For studio lighting I can also suggest you try:

http://www.karlu.com/ (I've used them and can recommend them)
http://www.speedgraphic.co.uk/ (Nice people, usually a nice level of stock)
http://www.flashcentre.co.uk/ (more for Pro's but very helpful)

Cheers

Ian

[Red]

Thanks Ian, that's just what I needed. For example, KarlU's site looks so cheap, but is that because they are small and going to be trouble with returns, etc, or because they are all about photography and not a flashy web-site? From your comment it seems the latter. Cheers

[VentureFox]

Red,

Warehouseexpress is a very reliable company and their service has been outstanding. I acutally ordered my Bowens Esprit 500 3-head kit from them, which arrived in less than 24 hours. Unfortunately, later one of the heads developed a fault, but there were no problem in organising for a replacement.

Another good company for less heavy stuff is the eBay store DigitalRev - they are based in HK and I have ordered many times from them. They are quick, reliable and a lot cheaper than buying in the U.K.

Regards

[Red]

Thanks, makes me feel better about them. It's hard to find UK places!

Anyone got any comments on http://www.dalephotographic.co.uk?