$300-$450 suggestions for cheap Studio lights

I need to get some studio lights (or just a studio light) for a shoot I have been roped into next week while visiting my family in AZ. Not too go too much in details, but a friends Dad really wants a family picture before his wife dies (and he dies- both sick). The family in AZ has no money to travel, so my friend asked if I can combine some pictures (yes, won't be a true family together portrait, but will have everyone together.

I don't want to take my studio with me (I use Alien Bees). I don't want to rent, just (schedule, travel, etc...) I have been looking at getting another light for my studio, so I was thinking about just ordering another AB and stand and have it shipped to AZ. But I have seen some lower price kits on Amazon (CowboyStudio), B&H (Impact, Interfit), and Adorama (Flashpoint).

Does anyone have any experience or recommendations on these kits. One of the attractions is it would be nice to have a kit I could just keep packed and take with me now and then. But, I was also wondering, if I could use them with my Alien Bees for times when I may want more than 2 lights.

Any suggestions would be very welcome.

Thanks
Ed

I have the flashpoints and they work great, and I also use them with my Alienbees.....The new flashpoint II 's look even better and are very inexpensive IMO...

My first kit was a set of 2 Interfit EX150's. Still have them, still use them; sometimes alone, most times to supplement the Nova's. They're really useful. Interfit's tech support was fantastic for me.

I have the Interfit EX150 2 light kit and it works very well.But I found it used.The Flashpoints look good for new.

Looks like a great reason to buy another AB. My vote is to spend you money on something that matches up well with what you have.

Check this out

http://www.adorama.com​/FP320MK.html

I am thinking about getting a Interfit Photographic EXD200 Digital kit. The price is right and I can get free two day shipping.

Does anyone have experience with these lights that they would like to share?

Thanks
Ed

Any thoughts on using a Strobist Kit? So I am thinking that maybe a strobist kit. I already have a 580 ex II, I was thinking about adding a 430 EX II and a strobist kit. What do you think about this option?
The photoshoot will be for six people.

The only negative I worry about would be trying to combine the photos later with a picture from my studio.

I look forward to hearing any ideas.
Thanks
Ed

Thanks
Ed

Decided to buy a strobist kit. Several reasons, but the biggest is portability. I already have studio lights. Yes, a third light would be helpful, but a small portable set would be even more useful for my type of shooting. Something quick and easy to setup. A item that help me in this is the wireless feature of my 7D. I have used it several times with one flash and it really worked well. After doing a bunch of reading on people using it with 2 flashes I think this will be really useful.

Thank you everyone for your suggestions. I appreciate the replies.

Ed

I've got 3 Flashpoint monolights and have taken them out on location as well as shooting with them in my studio, and I have no complaints about them. They have worked well and given me no problems. The newer ones can even use a battery pack.

Edshropshire wrote in post #10289984
Decided to buy a strobist kit. Several reasons, but the biggest is portability. I already have studio lights. Yes, a third light would be helpful, but a small portable set would be even more useful for my type of shooting. Something quick and easy to setup. A item that help me in this is the wireless feature of my 7D. I have used it several times with one flash and it really worked well. After doing a bunch of reading on people using it with 2 flashes I think this will be really useful.

Thank you everyone for your suggestions. I appreciate the replies.

Ed

Very good choice IMO...I'm admittedly fairly new to flash, but have 40 years of experience with studio lighting (non portable at all without an 18 wheeler).....mostly TV and some motion picture work.

I'm having a bit of a hard time trying to adjust and apply what I know about using studio lights to flash, but it's coming and in truth my results are probably fine to everyone but my biggest critic (me). But having true (and safe) portability is great...sorry I didn't start using this stuff years ago when still photography was just a hobby and I only used ambient light...which I think is the best way to start learning photography, (and what I teach when I teach)..... but waiting over 50 years to get started with flash is a bit extreme. .

Best of luck and best wishes for your parent's health. Going through the same myself these days with my mom.

Peace,
D.