UK - Budgetish studio lights - advice please

So I attempted some shots using a new background setup a while back (see https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=111269) and while the pictures were ok in post-production, they weren't wow from the start if you know what I mean.

So I am agonizing over what to get next in terms of studio lighting - I need something relatively small and portable (ideally multivoltage in case I finally relocate to Canada over the next few years) but nothing too expensive. So far the only stuff I have come across is the Interfit stuff for around £200.

The Bowens stuff is just too expensive, and the tax and shipping on the AlienBees to get them to the UK push them a little out of the picture (no pun intended) - although they do look like nice units.

If it's a tradeoff between price of the multivoltage vs non-multivoltage, then no big deal, but I just need some people to recommend what I should get - I am simply at a loss!

I would be using it with the 10D (for the moment - saving up for the MKIIN - next year, God willing) and using the 580EX (and diffusers) as the master.

To summarize, the questions are:

1 - which setup should I get for basic studio setups, with a budget of around £200/£300 all in?
2 - would any of the units you kind people recommend be triggered by the master setting on the 580?

Thanking you in advance,
Saqib.

Right, I'm perhaps the last person qualified to offer advice, but I've just acquired some Bowens flashes which are great, although as you suggest, definitely stretched the budget.

I was wondering whether you would be better getting a good quality single head strobe rather than a kit. Then with the creative use of reflectors you could probably get the sort of shots you want. Additionally, you could add as your budget allows and not lose money if you come to sell the cheaper kit.

Just thought I'd have a bash at advice

Thanks for the above. Which bowens set did you get? How is it going so far?

Anybody else with any advice please?

I got set of interfit 150ex's and they are amazing so far,£219 for kit at warehouse expreress..
Took with them last week

Hi BW,

Thanks for the reply. I take it this is the soft box and umbrella kit as opposed to the single light and reflector right?

Any more shots since? I would appreciate a few more if possible. This guy Steve Awes is saying I should get the £600 Bowens set up - which I think is a little steep for me personally.

Thanks in advance!

yeah its the kit with softbox and umbrella. I'll post some more shots later tonight....

Hi BW,

Eagerly waiting for the photos (I know you are prob busy with Christmas and all but they would be tremendously appreciated).

Hi, I recently got these...
http://www.viewfinderp​hotography.co.uk …with_Optional_E​xtras.html
... and so far I am really pleased with them. The web site isnt quite finished but dont let that put you off

Terry

These were with the Bowens kit

Bruce

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'text/html' | Byte size: ZERO

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'text/html' | Byte size: ZERO

Sony - thanks for the photos - is this the Bowens 250 kit?

YB - Any shots of the results please? The specs for this look amazing for the price (I am assuming the 400F is the same as the 400L that is listed under the studio lighting link).

Thank you everybody who is replying btw - you are all very kind

Hi Saqib, I cant find a 400L so not sure what that is but the 400F is...

MODEL QH-L400F
Output Power 400WS
Flash Guide No. 65GN
Output Control Range 1/32-1/1 Infinitely variable
Halogen Modeling Lamp 150Watt
Recycling Time 0.8 - 2.5 SECONDS
Colour Temperature 5600 k + 200 k
Flash Duration 1/8000 - 1/1200s
Modeling Light Working Mode 100% Full power output/ Proportional flash and modelling light
Flash Output Precision +- 0.1EV
Recycling Indicate LED Buzz/Modeling Light Indication
Working Voltage 170V - 240V 170V-240V AUTO VOLTAGE REGULATOR CIRCUIT
Flash Triggering Method Photocell / Sync Cable/Test Button
Triggering Voltage 12V Low voltage trigger
Cooling Fan YES
Technical Speciality Light Regulating Digital Display
Overheat Protection
Flash Automatic Release fuction

I am only just setting something up at the moment and doing a bit of experimentation so am a little reluctant to post any images just yet, but I will put this one up just for a couple of days, it is just using the softbox and a hair light and is set at about 50% of full power giving f11, on full I would be at f22, still experimenting though.

Terry

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'text/html' | Byte size: ZERO

Thanks Terry.

The L is what it says at the top but underneath it does actually say F - go fig.

Thanks for the pic - what kind of background are you using? And your main camera? (I am using a 10D - would that trigger this setup?)

Thanks again - appreciate it tremendously.

Hi Saqib, the background is just a wall at the moment, I told you I was still experimenting - LOL. I use a Canon 20D and with the 'kit' you get a radio remote so that you dont have to use a cord but if you did use a cord I think it says the trigger voltage is 12 volts, I think the 20D can trigger upto 250 volts but the 10D is either 9 or 12 volts I think, but with the radio remote it isnt an issue

Terry

PS I forgot to say that I was told that these units take Bowen fit accessories e.g. snoot.