Speedlights or Studio lights?

[nuffi]

Hi....

I think (after 4 months) I've finally settled on my camera setup. Now I need to think about lights and accessories.

I will be doing headshots, portraits, glam and nudes in a studio. The studio can't be permanent because the space isn't exclusively mine, but there is plenty of room there.

Before I started I was thinking that I'd need to buy a couple of Elinchrom kits, but I've just finished reading lighting 101 and now I am wondering if I shouldn't just go with 4 580exII speedlights instead...? Add stands and umbrellas and they seem to be able to do the job.

What are the pros and cons of each choice?

[SuzyView]

I went with the speedlites since I travel a little more than have a studio at home. I'd definitely consider how you shoot, where you'll be using the lights, etc. I have 3 flashes and a collection of softboxes and stands and umbrellas and reflectors. But I bought these things over time. It may be just as wise to get it all over with in one purchase.

[goforphoto]

Speed lights are great for location and easy setup and take down but whent it comes to studio work I'd prefer Strobes due to power and recycle times.

[Damian75]

If most of your shooting will be in a studio I would go for stobes as stated they have more power faster recycle times and are designed for the heavy work load of studio work where speedlights can overheat and fail and don't forget strobes will also give you modeling lights. Speedlights are great if you need a lightweight setup for quick location shoots but would not be my pick for studio. You really cant go wrong with Elinchrom either good high quality lights with one of the best lines of modifiers out there.

[jeromego]

If most of your shooting will be in a studio I would go for stobes as stated they have more power faster recycle times and are designed for the heavy work load of studio work where speedlights can overheat and fail and don't forget strobes will also give you modeling lights. Speedlights are great if you need a lightweight setup for quick location shoots but would not be my pick for studio. You really cant go wrong with Elinchrom either good high quality lights with one of the best lines of modifiers out there.
+1 on this. speedlights are more expensive too (assuming you're getting the canons) you can also checkout alienbees by paul c buff.

[OldA1]

I agree with all the others. I have built up a complete portable on location system that works great and yes, it cost more than a decent studio light kit. One thing I have learned is that it costs more to have portability and convenience. I have not tried full body shots yet but I can go almost anywhere with my setup for head shots and corporate sittings for companies updating their resumes. I usually have to set up in a break room and it works great not to have to worry about anybody tripping over cords.

My current system includes:
2-580exII
2-430ex
1-Metz 58 AF-1
1-ST-E2
2-skyport sets
1-people popper kit with bench
1-Morris background support kit
1-gray velour background
assorted lumiquest modifiers and colored gels.

My local shop carries the Interfit StellarX 300ws light kit that includes a battery for ac/dc use. I am waiting to hear more reviews on this piece and might add it to my collection.

Again, like the others have stated, if most shooting will be in a fixed studio location, I would consider studio lighting first.

Peace
Mark

[ootsk]

The softest light source is a BIG light source. Studio lights allow you larger softboxes and umbrellas.

[eduardofrances]

Hi....

I think (after 4 months) I've finally settled on my camera setup. Now I need to think about lights and accessories.

I will be doing headshots, portraits, glam and nudes in a studio. The studio can't be permanent because the space isn't exclusively mine, but there is plenty of room there.

Before I started I was thinking that I'd need to buy a couple of Elinchrom kits, but I've just finished reading lighting 101 and now I am wondering if I shouldn't just go with 4 580exII speedlights instead...? Add stands and umbrellas and they seem to be able to do the job.

What are the pros and cons of each choice?

The answer is it depends, while hot shoe strobes are versatile they aren't a "all in one" solution, you will find that recycle time, battery consumption, output power and not being friendly with big modifiers is the real con of hot shoe strobes, since you will be dealing with people in not so short projects -glamour, portraits, etc. in the studio aren't your typical 5 minutes assignment- you will find a benefit on having quicker recycling times, since you will be doing glamour portraits you will find yourself needing bigger modifiers, so you have to weight down if portability is something for you to sacrifice in other areas.

[tim]

In this case, probably studio lights, for power, ability to use modifiers, and to reduce the chance of burning out very expensive little speedlites.

[silvex]

easy for studio and not on location....studio lights. On location most likely speedlite (2 or three). a 400BX elinchrome are about $1,099 for 2x400w (about eight speedlites).

http://www.adorama.com/EL400BXECON.html

That is NOT bad at all...:) then buy or DYI modifiers...

[Wilt]

If most of your shooting will be in a studio I would go for stobes as stated they have more power (and) faster recycle times and are designed for the heavy work load of studio work where speedlights can overheat and fail and don't forget strobes will also give you modeling lights. Speedlights are great if you need a lightweight setup for quick location shoots but would not be my pick for studio. You really cant go wrong with Elinchrom either good high quality lights with one of the best lines of modifiers out there.


And in addition to the two things which I highlighted in blue, studio flash permits a far wider range of light modifiers than ever could be used with speedlights. The most important are blue and bolded text.

[Lorek]

if you plan to shoot in your studio go for studio lights. I almost NEVER used my 2speedlight (around 500 euros each when I bought them and nobody to advise me - I did not know this forum yet). For this money you can find an excellent lights kit