Advise on Uprading Studio Lighting Kit

[Gilly B]

I have been using Portaflash 336VM heads for 4 years now and apart from the odd misfire and replacement head, I have been very pleased with the set up. It has been a useful way to learn studio work. However, on location the venues are large and I have plenty of space to set up with reasonable distance from subjects to backdrop and find that the Portaflash is not powerful enough for what is required especially blowing out the backdrop evenly.

I have read on a couple of forums that slate both Portaflash and Interfit in favour of Elinchrom and Bowens.

Can anyone give me an idea of how I go about choosing a complete new set up with a reliable brand that won't bust the budget. To start with, I need 4 flash heads with modelling lamps, 2 soft boxes, 2 umbrellas and radio triggers.

A big ask I know, but I need a starting off point. How did you choose your set up and were you able to go to a retailer for a test with your camera etc? If so, who were they and where are they based. I am in Mid Wales and there is nowhere around here to go.

Thanks Gillian

[jbrown7815]

Nvm, didn't notice you are in the UK :)

[Rudi]

No she can't, Gillian's not in the US. AB make sense in the US, in Europe and elsewhere there are better deals to be had.

[tetrode]

I have been using Portaflash 336VM heads for 4 years now and apart from the odd misfire and replacement head, I have been very pleased with the set up. It has been a useful way to learn studio work. However, on location the venues are large and I have plenty of space to set up with reasonable distance from subjects to backdrop and find that the Portaflash is not powerful enough for what is required especially blowing out the backdrop evenly.

I have read on a couple of forums that slate both Portaflash and Interfit in favour of Elinchrom and Bowens.

Can anyone give me an idea of how I go about choosing a complete new set up with a reliable brand that won't bust the budget. To start with, I need 4 flash heads with modelling lamps, 2 soft boxes, 2 umbrellas and radio triggers.

A big ask I know, but I need a starting off point. How did you choose your set up and were you able to go to a retailer for a test with your camera etc? If so, who were they and where are they based. I am in Mid Wales and there is nowhere around here to go.

Thanks Gillian

What's our budget for this exercise, Gillian?

[Rudi]

I'm not sure if Bowens is the better deal in the UK, since it's made there, but Bowens make very good equipment. So do Elinchrom. I'm pretty sure you would be happy with either, you should probably make your decision based on the light modifiers you really want to use (Elinchrom make some unique, and very good ones, and that is why I chose to go with them).

[Gilly B]

What's our budget for this exercise, Gillian?

Maximum £1,000. For that, I will require a similar set up to the one I have now and then once I am happy with it, I will then sell the Portaflash system.

4 heads
at least 1 folding brolly soft box
1 reflector brolly (large)
4 stands
radio triggers
and any accessories that I need to attach brollies, triggers softboxes

Bowens are expensive in the UK. Lencarta seem to be the most economical that I have read about, but I have concerns over build quality.

Thanks

[Rudi]

Bowens and Elinchrom are pricier, but you do get what you pay for. You can always buy third-party light modifiers, but I wouldn't skimp on the lights (I wouldn't skimp on either, but money can be saved without sacrificing quality when buying modifiers. Not so with lights).

[Gilly B]

I know what you say is correct and that is why I am umming and arring over it all. I will have to compromise on something to get a set up and then add to it as I go along. I am just a bit nervous of not having everything to hand at once when I do event photography .