Studio Lighting beginner kit advice

[Nabil-A]

ARe these just a gimmick or are they any good. Even if the lighting kit is crap, is it still worth paying the amount for the softbox and umbrella?
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=30088&item=7532799882&rd=1

[SkipD]

I would avoid junk like that. There's no way to know what you're getting and no guarantee that you can get a refund for junk that you don't like.

You want to get decent light stands, first of all. I've had good luck with Smith-Victor's Raven aluminum stands, but would probably go to Bogen/Manfrotto if I were to do it over.

Decent umbrellas aren't very expensive. I like the Photogenic "Eclipse" brand - a white umbrella with a removable black cover.

Softboxes are not universal. You need to choose a softbox and adapter hardware to fit a specific type/brand/style of light. Buying the kit you showed would be a waste in this department.

I would strongly suggest that you look at AlienBees for a starter system. I have several of their lights and accessories, and have been quite satisfied. The performance/price ratio is very high in my opinion.

You could easily sell an AlienBees system if you want to grow out of it. The garbage on that ebay site would probably have to go in the dumpster, as you'd have a tough time finding anybody else who would want it.

[Nabil-A]

I would avoid junk like that. There's no way to know what you're getting and no guarantee that you can get a refund for junk that you don't like.

You want to get decent light stands, first of all. I've had good luck with Smith-Victor's Raven aluminum stands, but would probably go to Bogen/Manfrotto if I were to do it over.

Decent umbrellas aren't very expensive. I like the Photogenic "Eclipse" brand - a white umbrella with a removable black cover.

Softboxes are not universal. You need to choose a softbox and adapter hardware to fit a specific type/brand/style of light. Buying the kit you showed would be a waste in this department.

I would strongly suggest that you look at AlienBees for a starter system. I have several of their lights and accessories, and have been quite satisfied. The performance/price ratio is very high in my opinion.

You could easily sell an AlienBees system if you want to grow out of it. The garbage on that ebay site would probably have to go in the dumpster, as you'd have a tough time finding anybody else who would want it.


YEah i figured that.... although i think i had to hear it from someone.. thanks.

[beaconlightboy]

Dyna-lite makes some very nice and affordable kits. their MX500 power pack can even set ratio's between it's two channels. the kit accepts up to 3 lights which is all you really need to do some good portrait work.

you can always use reflectors and speedlights to create other effects.