Studio Lighting Help (I'm so confused)

I've got a room in my office with 10ft ceilings that can use for a studio. I've had a few people encouraging me to get more into photography. I've done a lot of out door portraits, but I'd like to be able to do some studio work. I would like something that comes with a storage box, because it's not something I can leave set up.

I've looked at Interfit EX150 kit, Smith Victor, Genesis 200 kit, and some Alzo Stuff.

Alzo has some continues cool lighting kits that are interesting but I don't know if that's what I need. I like to be able to shot a group of 4 or 5 people. I have a little bit of experience using lights in college, but no strobe (majored in Digital Media and Design).

Also I need a good background stands.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

The Q

I went with an RPS portable background support set. It was about 160.00 at my local store. Works good.

I don't know about 4-5 people but the most popular starting sets are Alien Bees. I would take it up a step and get some Elinchrom D-lites. Then when you buy light modifiers such as softboxes, barn doors, etc... you can use them on higher quality and output lights.

I skipped these steps and went with Elinchrom Style RX mono blocks. There Skyport radio sync is awesome. I can not imagine shooting without it now!!

Could you give me some links to the Alien Bees lights? I found a lot of reviews on various Alien Bees products but not many retailers on line.

What is Elinchrom D-lites?

Do most wireless systems work with Canon? I picked up an off brand sync cord for my 430ex and it wouldn't work. I ended up trading back for an actual Canon sync cord.

Would a few people care to give me their opinion on this set.
http://alzodigital.com …_flash_studio_k​it_800.htm

Thanks,

The Q

Q-bert wrote in post #5857542
Could you give me some links to the Alien Bees lights? I found a lot of reviews on various Alien Bees products but not many retailers on line.

They are only sold directly from Paul Buff: http://www.alienbees.c​om/

AB's or D-Lites - I have the D-lites - excellent light quality and digital controls. Come in 200W and 400W models. Make sure you buy the new fan cooled models - still some old stock around!

Whatever you buy make sure you have a dealer for back-up, spares etc near you.

AB's are soon to announce a new range of lights and controls - would be worthwhile waiting.

See their web site:

http://www.paulcbuff.c​om/forums/
You can post there too for advice

Buff service is evidently excellent.

If you live in Europe D-Lites are preferred - Flash Centre in London are major stockists among others.

With studio lighting the metering will be all manual. So most sync systems will work to simply trigger flash. The Skyport TX just slides in your hot shoe. I use mine on a Canon body. It also has a sync cord plug. I use the short 6" sync cable to use it with my Sekonic L-358 flash meter.

D-Lite 400ws set:
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …ails&Q=&sku=478​443&is=REG

They have a very nice medium quality kit Style 400 BX set around 1150.00

Add to cart it is 850.00 Just do a search here in the lighting thread and see what is popular. I know a lot of places sell Photogenic, I just never researched them.

If I was spending 1000.00 I would surely go with a name brand set. Elinchrom is one of your high end Swiss made brands. Though the D-Lites is there cheapest line. You still get a great support channel that is worldwide!

+1 for the Bee's
Another Alien bee fan.

Well I bit the bullet and bought the "Busy Bee"package with four B800 flash units and a Cybersync transmitter and receiver for good measure. Wish me luck.

The Q

Hey congrats!! Just jump in with both feet!! I love it.

Get yourself a good light meter such as a Sekonic L-358. It will be your most valuable tool!!

sevans16 wrote in post #5876216
Hey congrats!! Just jump in with both feet!! I love it.

Get yourself a good light meter such as a Sekonic L-358. It will be your most valuable tool!!

That brings up another question. What should I look for in a good light meter?

Congrats on the new lights. L358 is a nice meter.

bobbyz wrote in post #5879388
Congrats on the new lights. L358 is a nice meter.

Thanks.

I checked out the L358, but don't know enough to understand what make a good light meter. Anyone want to fill me in?

industry standard all others are compared too??

how big is the room ?

The 358 is a great meter. It is easy to learn to use, reliable, and can be upgraded to remotely trigger your flash with Pocket Wizards should you desire to do so in the future.

Have you left yourself a good budge for light modifiers such as appropriately sized softboxes, a boom stand and arm, etc. ? Ultimately this will be more important to have than a 4th light.