ADVICE - Godox Smart 250SDI

Hello guys, I need your advice. I own 2 softboxes which have 5 bulbs and power of 200w each softbox. I am new in studio photography but I want to buy Godox 250SDI and upgrade a little bit. I also own speedlight but I don't get enough light from these. I usually shoot stock, wedding and portrait photography. Is it good upgrade considering its 80$ and in my country that's a lot or not would you recommend something else?

Thank you for your time.

I got this one isntead

http://www.godox.com …tudio_Flash_E_S​eries.html

the 300W version

Opinions?

Thank you

If you haven't bought it yet - don't.

The built in reflector and lack of 'proper' mounting system makes it less than scaleable. From the same maker, this is really the entry level.

Phil V wrote in post #17695667
If you haven't bought it yet - don't.
The built in reflector and lack of 'proper' mounting system makes it less than scaleable. From the same maker, this is really the entry level.

Definitely agree with Phil V on this. The problem lies not in what you can do with either of the units initially mentioned, but what you can't do with them.

• No chance of changing the built-in reflector.
  
• No chance of changing to a softbox other than a fairly restricting umbrella-type.
  
• Very limited adjustment power levels.
  

• Bowens mount for alternative reflectors / softboxes. Not because Bowens is 'the best' but simply because it offers you the greatest variety of options at an affordable level - not everyone can afford (for example) a selection of Elinchrom Deep Octas at GBP£250 each.
  
• Absolute minimum 1/1 to 1/16 power adjustment; personally I'd prefer down to 1/32 or even lower if possible. It's very surprising how often you need just a tiny bit of power and anything which has a minimum setting of 1/8 can and will cause you problems. These can't always be fixed by moving the flash further away.
  
• Don't buy something with a low maximum power. You can always turn the power down if working in a small room but if you suddenly need to light a whole wedding group you can't turn the power up beyond 100%.
  
• Obviously, availability in your country. While internet vendors may seem to be universal, there are often restrictions imposed by individual countries which make import impossible or hugely expensive.
  
• Let's not forget your budget! It's all very well saying (for example)"Buy only Broncolor, they're the best and you'll never regret it" except if you can't afford that particular brand then they obviously aren't the best for you.
  
• Keep as many options open as utterly possible, so buy something which can be expanded to suit your individual requirements in the future.
  
• Avoid really cheap flash units. There's almost always a really good reason that they're cheap and it's very rarely because the seller wants to do you a favour!