New to Studio Lighting - Need Help Choosing a Set

I'm looking to purchase a new professional-grade lighting system but have no clue what to buy. I've been considering the following manufacturers: AlienBees, Elinchrom, and ProFoto. I've been told to avoid AlienBees because their stuff is cheap. Whether this is true or not is beyond me. I've been told to instead buy either Elinchrom or ProFoto. The only problem with these two is that I have a hard time navigating their sites. I don't know what I'm looking for, you see. Could someone help me here? I imagine that a good lighting system will costs me thousands. AlienBees has one for a little under $1,700, which makes it especially attractive. But I'm after high quality, so if Elinchrom and ProFoto are best and not excrutiatingly expensive, then I just may purchase their equipment.


Thanks!

FYI: This is the AlienBees set I'm considering: http://www.alienbees.c​om/busy.html

If you're looking for quality, professional strobes then I'd recommend Elinchrom if you're looking for monoblocs and Profoto if you're going for a pack & head system.

The AlienBees have issues with temperature variation across different power settings and they don't have a top-grade line of strobes or a vast range of accessories which is probably why you've been advised to avoid them.

Hermes wrote in post #6222080
If you're looking for quality, professional strobes then I'd recommend Elinchrom if you're looking for monoblocs and Profoto if you're going for a pack & head system.

The AlienBees have issues with temperature variation across different power settings and they don't have a top-grade line of strobes or a vast range of accessories which is probably why you've been advised to avoid them.

Nah. My father, who doesn't know a ton about the newer stuff like AlienBees, said that I should just go with a more established brand like ProFoto or Elinchrom.

White Lightning

Despite the 1950's retro look of this website - the Paul C. Buff White Lightning units are fantastic...

http://www.white-lightning.com/

NeinLives wrote in post #6222099
Nah. My father, who doesn't know a ton about the newer stuff like AlienBees, said that I should just go with a more established brand like ProFoto or Elinchrom.

your father is a wise man...and it would be smart to listen to his advice

Gentleman Villain wrote in post #6226023
your father is a wise man...and it would be smart to listen to his advice

LOL

I would also take a look at Photogenic lights. I've got four of them and love them.