Studio lights - please advise

[Michael Lidski]

I've got a pretty ancient Broncolor set and am currently considering something more modern, but frankly don't know much about lights. My requirements:
1) My studio is small, so output power is not first priority - weak is OK;
2) Flash duration should be short to freeze movement;
3) Price - as low as possible, but I don't want crappy equipment;
4) I need 3 lights, one for backlighting;

Samples of my work - see

http://lordofthelens.co.nz/

Where I live those are available, for example:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Electronics-photography/Camera-accessories/Flashes-lighting/auction-207945575.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Electronics-photography/Camera-accessories/Flashes-lighting/auction-207809571.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=207814605

But I don't know if they are any good. Please advise - thank you!

[RichNY]

Keep what you have and light with them.

Broncolor makes the best strobes in the industry. If your strobes work then I don't see any reason why you would want to step down from them to the bargain basement crap lights that are in your posts. Seriously, you are in a good position.

[Michael Lidski]

Because my lights are ancient. Really ancient.

[RichNY]

Michael- Can you post a picture of them?

[Rudi]

Michael,

Any of the lights in your links are at best an interim solution. In your shoes, and I'm assuming your market is very similar to ours here in Oz, I'd be looking at Elinchrom or Bowens. Both have affordable (this is relative, I know :) ) starter kits that will be much better, and serve you much longer into the future, than the gear in your links.

Think of it this way - if you buy the really cheap gear, you will only have to buy some more, better gear down the track. What's even worse is that there will be next to no resale value on the gear you bought originally - so your initial purchase is money down the drain!

I know this lighting stuff is expensive, but so is everything else in photography! Good gear costs good money. Please ask if you have any more questions, but I would avoid spending even a few dollars on questionable gear. Good luck! :)

[Michael Lidski]

A picture - a bit later. Suffice to say for the time being that they have only 2 positions: half and full power, and that they connect to my camera with a cable, that is so old that I have to hold it with my thumb or it may not fire. And I can't find a replacement.

[Michael Lidski]

Thank you Rudi,

I don't mind being persuaded to buy something more decent/expensive, but right now I don't know or understand the difference between studio lighting brands. This is why I'm asking.

[Rudi]

OK, so the brands that I would consider are Elinchrom, Bowens, Hensel. There are others, but they get pricier! This is going by the local market, you might have other brands worth considering in your neck of the woods, but I doubt it. (Your market is even smaller than ours). In this forum, you might also be recommended other brands such as Alien Bees, Norman, Dynalite, etc, but none of those are any good to you, because they are US-specific. If there are any other brands that you want to inquire about, by all means post here or send me a PM.

[DONHFOTO]

If you really want to get a new set up add these to the mix, I am verconsider these.....
http://www.calumetphoto.com/ctl?ac.ui.pn=search.Search&query=genesis%20200%202%20light%20kit