Studio Light recommendations

[Damian75]

My old mono lights have finally given up the ghost and I am beginning the search for new strobes and just wanted some opinions there are so many more brands out there that seem to be making decent stuff. Years back when I was looking everyone was talking about Paul Bluff but I haven't heard much about them as of late any suggestions.

[bobbyz]

What is the budget and what you plan to shoot?

[Damian75]

about $3000 though not apposed to spending less if I can get quality equipment. And a mix portrait, fashion and some product

[airfrogusmc]

I have 4 white lightning 1200 ultras that are over 15 years old and still crank'n. They have great customer service.

[milleker]

Second the White Lightnings, I have X800's and they kick out all the power I've ever needed. Built like a tank and the brighter modeling light than the Alien Bees is really helpful.

Plus White Lightning comes in fun, funky colors. That is, if you consider black a fun, funky color. I do.

[Damian75]

Thanks for confirming my thoughts any suggestions on best place to purchase it's been about 15 years and I bought the last set at my local camera shop but don't live anywhere near a shop that would stock this type of gear.

[DDCSD]

How many light set-up?

[milleker]

Call Paul Buff directly if going with AB or WL's. They'll give you a discount on multiple lights.. Not sure you can get them elsewhere. Their customer service is fantastic - two days after purchasing my Alien Bees I boxed them back up and exchanged them for White Lightnings. Took them back - no issue.

I've heard their softboxes are much better now but back in the day they used to be a little on the cheap side. Still though, I recommend Westcott umbrellas and Impact air-cushioned stands. I quite like Interfit for soft boxes.

[Wilt]

My old mono lights have finally given up the ghost and I am beginning the search for new strobes and just wanted some opinions there are so many more brands out there that seem to be making decent stuff. Years back when I was looking everyone was talking about Paul Bluff but I haven't heard much about them as of late any suggestions.

That is simply because everyone wants to buy the lowest priced margerine, and the higher priced margerine gets ignored now...Buff makes both Alien Bees and White Lightning.

[Damian75]

That is simply because everyone wants to buy the lowest priced margerine, and the higher priced margerine gets ignored now...Buff makes both Alien Bees and White Lightning.

That was kinda my thought the last set of strobes I had lasted me almost 15 years so I don't mind making the investment in really good stuff if it lasts. They wont see constant use as I really like natural light and diffusers and reflectors but when I do go in the studio I want stuff I can count on. Having spent most of my photographic life with film having lights that a very consistent is key and while digital has opened up more flexibility I still believe the less work you have to do post the better the final image will be. I am always seeing on the board people saying oh you can fix that in photoshop but if you are always fixing it in photoshop your doing it wrong. Ansal Adams and Jerry Uelsmann didn't use photoshop, though many people today think Jerry does.