for all you lighting gurus!

my wife and i would like to setup a studio in our house but know little about lighting. We went to a local shop and they tried to sell us a visatec solo 216 kit for 1500. First of all we dont have 1500 and second this is for only 2 600 watt lights. i realize that these are great lights, however i need to know from you all, is it necessary to spend this kind of money. Second, dont i need a hait light as well. I dont want the opposite though either. i dont wanna spend 200 bucks for a complete setup. i was hoping to spend like 800 for the three light setup and umbrellas. Any suggestion would help. Especially brands, pricing and configuration, Thanks.

I'm FAR from being a lighting guru - but this is the road I took. Check out http://www.alienbees.c​om/ They are of very high quality, and come in several pre-assembled kits with everything you might need. For assistance, call them - no high pressure or hard sell, just very appropriate help in deciding what's right for you. So far, on several different photo forums, I've not seen one negative view of them or their product. (Yet?[g])

I 2nd the recommendation for Alien Bees. I personally use White Lightnings and they are made by the same people in Nashville. Used White Lightnings are solid investments too. I have used them for over 10 years and cannot wear them out. I'm sure they will outlast me! I am going to put a couple of Ultra 600's on Ebay soon for about $600 for two(case included). they were my backups for the last 6 years but I never needed them. Used them 2 or 3 times. New Alien Bees would also be a sound purchase. Other brands are ok but when you have had flawless performance from a brand you tend to recommend them. Good luck Brian

Lights are expensive. Invest in good equipment now if you are sure you want to keep doing this. I also recommend Alien Bees or White Lightning. Learn all you can about lighting first. Start off with one light and master that, then move to the next. I often use just one light and a reflector and get great results. This will allow you to better afford the equipment you want too. For a home studio a 600ws light is allot of power. 300-400ws would be way plenty for a home studio IMHO.

Wow, 8 year bump

Oh crap. I must have my stuff all screwed up as this was showing up on the front page for me. I didn't even think about checking the date.