White Lightning vs Profoto

[NeinLives]

First off, I hear that there is no comparison between the two systems in terms of light quality and durability; Profoto wins hands-down. I'm considering buying into either one system or the other and know that White Lightning is far more affordable than Profoto. I'd prefer to buy Profoto but know that a full setup would cost me well over $10,000 compared to the $4,000 I'd pay with White Lightning. I could pay the $4,000 for the White Lightning setup upfront or I could gradually purchase Profoto gear as I can afford it and it was warranted by the photography I am shooting. (I have no interest in renting equipment; I'd rather buy it outright.) I should also mention that I am a novice at photography and do not yet have the skill/experience to utilize a full setup at this point, which is why gradually purchasing the Profoto equipment, piece-by-piece, is appealing to me; I'd see a need for a light or modifier and could thus justify its purchase.

Again, the question is: does it make more sense to buy a full, lower-quality setup now, or to piece together a high-end system like Profoto?

[TMR Design]

I'm curious as to how and why you've chosen White Lightning and Profoto and the two to choose between?

Profoto is excellent but there are other systems that will give you incredible results and it doesn't have to cost you $10,000.

[Palladium]

ProFoto has some really nice rebate credits going on right now

Profoto 40th Anniversary Promotion Apr 01 - June 30, 2009

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=674542

[Rudi]

I'd also like to know why you're choosing between these two brands. Profoto is right at the top end of the lighting food chain, compared to White Lightning which is lower down the chain. I think that in your shoes, I'd be comparing Profoto with Elinchrom, Bowens, Hensel or similar. I especially think that Profoto and Elinchrom are very comparable as far as value for money goes. Bowens is somewhat lower priced, and Broncolor is astronomically priced. These two fall right in the middle and offer great value for really good lighting equipment.

In your shoes, I'd look and see which brand has the best after sales support in your area, and make your decision based on that (and I know you can send away your White Lightnings, but I would look at things like rental availability and local service first, not the option to send it away to be serviced).

[tjongkristian]

I faced the same situation before (Bron VS other brands). In the end, I got the Bron and did not regret it one bit. I wanted a good product with good customer support and reliability.