I need a new strobe, oh what to get? So confused!

First, I'm sorry if this has been asked before. Second, HELP! Really. The strobe I bought when a studio was closing, 8 years ago, finally died and now I am left with some images, seriously lacking in illumination that Im not proud of . SO, I am in need of advice.

I do mostly on location (but indoors), mini traveling studio. Primarily individuals, but the occasional medium to large group. I am thinking I will need 2 strobes and what ever accessories needed to make them talk to my Canon EOS T3. (I know, its not the best model, and the wedding I was shooting yesterday, some of the guests had more expensive cameras, but I at least know HOW to use it!)

Although, sometime soon (like before the snow flies here in Iowa) I am hoping to have a permanent location to call "Studio". Therefore the strobe purchase would then be used there.

Is there a thread with reviews of the different strobes? Possibly with the type of photography they are used on?

What kind of details should I be looking for when shopping for the strobe. I know when you read the box for, say a camera, they list a whole bunch of "impressive" info, but a bit of info they dont seem to list is the sensor. So what kind of hidden info am I looking for!?

Ok, enough with the questions, now for some answers.

Ready,

Set,

GO!

What did you have before?

I've been looking for a transportable strobe, and fell in love with the Aliens Bees. I was so close to buying but since I live in Europe, I wasn't sure I could get soft boxes etc to work with it..

Go take a look: http://www.paulcbuff.c​om/alienbees.php

Strobes (like cameras) are much of a muchness.

How many modifiers do you have from the old one? What fit are they?

You might want a new strobe with the same mount, if it did everything you need, you're looking for the same power. That's about it.

Gonzogolf, I had a MEDALight 600-XL Studio Strobe 100-110V, b4. Ive swapped out the bulbs, but not even that has helped. It has gradually stopped firing, even if the "ready" light is on.

Phil V, I only had an umbrella that mounted via a clamp in the base of the light and it had a "cuff" that went over the reflector bowl for tightness.

Vanilli, Thanks, Ill take a look at that

Since you are not deeply invested in a system I would also recommend the alien bees. They represent the bedt cross section of value snd quality. You can find cheaper strobes, and you will find some that are more elaborate but, the bees are good value. As Phil indicated strobes are pretty much strobes, its more about the devices you use to modify the light. So samples from various lights wouldn't prove anything.

If I can not afford new ones, I think I would like to get 2 this time, for the larger groups, could I be confident in purchasing then used?

Gonzo hit is on the head. Figure out what you like as far as output. Was the 600 enough, were you left wanting in 10/50/75% of your shots. Were you constantly using 1/32 power on your old one? That will give you an idea of what power output you need to be looking for.
Then figure out what you want as far as modifiers and find a system that will meet those needs. I personally have a cheapo strobe that uses Bowens mount modifiers. It does the job pretty well and provides consistent light so it will work until it doesn't and then I will end up upgrading to another strobe, or two that use the bowens mount light mods I have and we will be good to go.

chloeosmom wrote in post #17222000
If I can not afford new ones, I think I would like to get 2 this time, for the larger groups, could I be confident in purchasing then used?

When it comes to alien bees yes you can be confident buying them used. The manufacturer is very good about keeping repair costs reasonable. But to be honedt used bees often are so close to the new price as to be not worth the bother. Buying older strobes, especially if you dont know the history of how they were used, can be tricky.

I was very much pleased with the output the 600 gave me for single subject and small groups, and the Full, 1/2, and 1/4 power was nice if/when I needed it. The link above for the Bees, is that the best place to purchase them? Or where else can they be purchased from?

BTW, you guys have been great. I have to be honest also, the equipment side of photography is not my strong suit, but I can work with the customer like a dream. Im so glad to have such knowledgeable people to ask these questions to!

I think the above site is the only real distributor for the Bees. They are a product of that guy. But I have heard nothing but good things from guys who use them.

gonzogolf wrote in post #17222012
When it comes to alien bees yes you can be confident buying them used. The manufacturer is very good about keeping repair costs reasonable. But to be honedt used bees often are so close to the new price as to be not worth the bother. Buying older strobes, especially if you dont know the history of how they were used, can be tricky.

Why would it be tricky?

No doubt there's some horror stories but I've only ever bought used and as far as I can tell as long as it's not a budget piece or has been heavily abused then there's nothing that wears out quickly so you're unlikely to have many more problems than buying new.

simonbarker wrote in post #17222130

gonzogolf wrote in post #17222012
When it comes to alien bees yes you can be confident buying them used. The manufacturer is very good about keeping repair costs reasonable. But to be honedt used bees often are so close to the new price as to be not worth the bother. Buying older strobes, especially if you dont know the history of how they were used, can be tricky.

Why would it be tricky?

No doubt there's some horror stories but I've only ever bought used and as far as I can tell as long as it's not a budget piece or has been heavily abused then there's nothing that wears out quickly so you're unlikely to have many more problems than buying new.

IMO, you both are close to saying the same thing.

simonbarker wrote in post #17222130
Why would it be tricky?

No doubt there's some horror stories but I've only ever bought used and as far as I can tell as long as it's not a budget piece or has been heavily abused then there's nothing that wears out quickly so you're unlikely to have many more problems than buying new.

Because if the OP knows nothing about strobes ( which seems to be the case) The possibilty of buying a set thats no longer supported, or uses a proprietary softbox mount unique that maker, or somebody elses castoff junk is a great possibilty.

chloeosmom wrote in post #17222024
I was very much pleased with the output the 600 gave me for single subject and small groups, and the Full, 1/2, and 1/4 power was nice if/when I needed it. The link above for the Bees, is that the best place to purchase them? !

They are only available direct from the manufacturer.