How many lights do you want/need/have...

Realistically, How many lights do you want/need/have?

I personally have 2 studio strobes (without counting my speedlights) and unfortunately, I feel like I need 5 or 6 to be happy.

Atleast 4. Never liked the idea of just picking one and learning to use it before getting another one.

I'm pretty comfortable with the four I have now, One more B1600 wouldn't hurt though.

I have 3 speedlights and 2 strobes (BR800 and my Einstein will be here next month) but plan to pick up another Einstein or 2 or possibly a few B800 for car shoots.

4 Novatrons/pwr pak, 2 Interfits, and a Chinese strobe I haven't messed with yet. Not counting the speedlight-y options.

I would like one more "kit", preferably 4-light.

I think 5 is a good number, it's nice (would be) to have two for the background, and I agree with Bobby

I think 5 is the minimum (2 for background).

I currently have 4.

bobbyz wrote in post #11907177
Atleast 4. Never liked the idea of just picking one and learning to use it before getting another one.

Bobbyz, it's like we're twins.


I have three studio strobes (2x AB800 AND 1X AB1600) and one 580EXII at the moment. Another (AB1600) will be on it's way after this weekend.

jtschell wrote in post #11908144
Bobbyz, it's like we're twins.


I have three studio strobes (2x AB800 AND 1X AB1600) and one 580EXII at the moment. Another (AB1600) will be on it's way after this weekend.

Gonnna join you soon, want to order my 2nd b1600 soon. Im running out of room in my case though. idk if itll fit.

I have 4 flashes and radio triggers... Vivitar DF400MZ, LP160, Nikon SB-24, Canon 580EXII. I would not mind having 2 AB1600s if I one day get a permanent studio space. Right now everything is mobile.

I disagree on the "need" for 4-5lights minimum.

I shoot 90% on location, and the 10% of my studio work is never more than 2 lights. That being said I have a Ranger Pack with 1 head and a Quadra pack with 2 heads.

bobbyz wrote in post #11907177
Atleast 4. Never liked the idea of just picking one and learning to use it before getting another one.

That's true. I guess once you realize what you need a light for, it's just a matter of getting it and not dealing with that limitation.

KurtGoss wrote in post #11908057
I think 5 is the minimum (2 for background).

I currently have 4.

Dave Jr wrote in post #11907271
I think 5 is a good number, it's nice (would be) to have two for the background, and I agree with Bobby

Having two backgrounds is really ideal! Heck, I need a main, a fill, two separations, and two backgrounds to achieve the look that I'm trying to get. I'll order three more einsteins at the end of next month.

Need...1
have....2 + 3 speedlights
want....6

4 Einsteins, 2 AB800, 1 ABR800. That is a good kit for just about anything that comes up.
Its also relatively portable. The 4 E640s, 2 VMLs, reflectors, cords etc. in a rolling case. Other cases for stands, backgrounds etc.

I tend to use the 2 AB800s for background, and the E640s for subject. ABR is kind of a specialty item, although it does work well as a third 800 when the need arrises.

I think I may get two more E640s and sell the AB800s just to have everything interchangable.

Lighting equipment for a photographer is like fuel and altitude for a pilot -- you can never have too much. (I used to fly a corporate jet. )

I got six but hate 2 of them wouldnt mind replacing them with better ones