Inexpensive portable light system

What's a good inexpensive portable light system for portraits? I'm looking for something that I can use on location. I guess battery operated is the way to go.
At this point I'm just getting started so I can't go dumping a bunch of cash into this. As I grow I'll update the system, but right now I need something that I can produce a good product and wont break the bank.

I would like to use my flash off the camera as one of the lights too if acceptable.

Thanks
R.

What do you consider 'inexpensive'?

I don't know to be honest. I'm not familiar with the price ranges enough to make an educated guess. With that ssaid though, I guess if I could find something for $300 i would be pretty happy.

I figured if using my flash off camera I can maybe get away with only one more light (for rim light) maybe 2. This is were I refer to you guys with more experience.

Let me ask, how many watts per light is enough for basic portrait stuff?

R.

I picked up a Lumedyne 400ws kit for $500. That does't include modifiers or triggers. Their 200ws kit, along with the Norman 200B, Sunpak 120J, and others can be had for less.

rickp1 wrote in post #12045360
I don't know to be honest. I'm not familiar with the price ranges enough to make an educated guess. With that ssaid though, I guess if I could find something for $300 i would be pretty happy.

I figured if using my flash off camera I can maybe get away with only one more light (for rim light) maybe 2. This is were I refer to you guys with more experience.

Let me ask, how many watts per light is enough for basic portrait stuff?

R.

Look at this setup. I have one of these and I've been very pleased with it. It fits right into your budget. You get a 300ws monolight and a portable battery pack.
http://www.adorama.com​/FP620MP.html

tmalone,
that looks very interesting. Let me ask you can you attach any modifiers to it like a softbox?

R.

rickp1 wrote in post #12046334
tmalone,
that looks very interesting. Let me ask you can you attach any modifiers to it like a softbox?

R.

Yes,
Adorama has a decent selection of modifiers not to mention other brands that you can get a speed ring to make it work.

tmalone893 wrote in post #12046177
Look at this setup. I have one of these and I've been very pleased with it. It fits right into your budget. You get a 300ws monolight and a portable battery pack.
http://www.adorama.com​/FP620MP.html

Could this battery pack be used with Alienbees too?

calamari86 wrote in post #12047929
Could this battery pack be used with Alienbees too?

Nope. It's a DC pack.

BrandonSi wrote in post #12047956
Nope. It's a DC pack.

thank you.

I just might buy a bunch of these since the vagabonds is out of stock

but on the adorama website it says "Choice of AC or DC powered operation-Battery power pack (FP2PP) Included in Kit"

I can change from AC or DC operation? im confused.

It means it has an AC cord and connector and a DC cord and connector on the back of the strobe. You can either plug it into AC wall power or connect the battery pack. The Genesis 300B is the same way. The battery pack is just that, a 12vdc battery. There is no inverter like the Vagabond unit.

I personally recommend a Calumet Genesis 300B. I have one, and it's great for location work.

Genesis is a nice unit. I had two that I used on the beach etc. Works great.
I have one for sale, PM me if you're interested.

tmalone893 wrote in post #12046177
Look at this setup. I have one of these and I've been very pleased with it. It fits right into your budget. You get a 300ws monolight and a portable battery pack.
http://www.adorama.com​/FP620MP.html

does that include the battery? the title implies it, but it's hard to tell for sure.

ETA: never mind. It does. That's a nice price...

I can't offer any other or better solutions but from what I've seen and read, if 300 Watt seconds is enough power then the Genesis 300B looks great. Reviews have been good and the POTN members that own have nothing but good things to say.