finally looking into studio lighting

i've decided to start looking into studio lighting. i have two choices and im hoping someone can steer me into the right direction:

1-- has anyone any experience with this Smith Victor kit http://www.adorama.com …nfo=light%20kit​&item_no=1

its either that or start with

2-- calumet genesis 200 1 light kit http://www.calumetphot​o.com/item/CF0502K/ and slowly start buying more calumet genesis kits (both the 200 and eventually the 400 kits as i get more money)

this would be to shoot like one or two people at the most nothing really fancy.

i was thinking maybe it might be cheaper to get 2 sunpack 383's, 2 stands and 2 umbrellas for now.....but i know nothing about this stuff. im currenly watching the video tutorials in the sticky to learn more basic info

advice and help appreciated

If you spend any time in this forum, you will see that the Genesis 200 kit is highly regarded. I'd go that route...

Blues -
The Smith Victor set you linked to is a photo-flood set. Nothing wrong with that, but your shooting area will get nice and warm while working since those buggers kick out almost as much heat as they do light. I like my Genesis 200's and find they have plenty of light/power for 2 or 3 people in the shot. Seems to be a number of people on this forum have picked them up and there's several reviews available to read here as well.

Alien Bees and Elinchrom D-Lites are popular and good choices as well, but cost more than the Genesis.

im going out tomorrow to get the genesis 200 1 light kit. i'll stick to my initial feelings it seems its the best way to go. i've never done this before but im looking to learn.

thanks on the response both of you.

Buying studio lights is akin to buying a camera. You're not just buying lights but also the Speed Ring.

Each company have their own speed rings and finding compatible modifiers can be problematic. Some of the more common rings can be easy (such as the Bowns mount).

Also price the accessories and your possible needs in the future not just now. You may get a decent set of heads now but if you want to use a different modifer that's not available for that manufacturer then you're looking at getting a head or heads to use it. Add into the mix the light temps/stability may be different you'll see why this is good advice.

I've only got experience with Bowens/Elinchrom systems so I can't comment on your choices.

Funnily enough, I have only ever owned Bowens and Elichrom, too (not at the same time). They're both solid, extensive systems, and the good news is that the Genesis 200 kit has an Elinchrom-compatible mounting system. They do have a few "gotchas" that seem unnecessary (the long modeling lamps being the most obvious), but a good system overall!

That said, I love my D-Lites, and am thinking of picking up two more (another kit).