is this a good place to start with studio lighting?

It's been quite a few years since I've worked out of a studio, and I have no desire to get back into it, but... I'm about to push the button on an Elinchrom Ranger RX 1100 w/s to go kit, with a Elinchrom RX Speed Trigger Set and 69 inch Elinchrom Rotalux Octa Softbox.

I typically shoot newborns, kids, families in my home or theirs and use natural light or speedlight flash with a 550 and a 580 if I need it. I love the soft light that softboxes provide and want to play around with it. Will the gear I have in mind be sufficient for indoor or outdoor work? I worry about the weight of a large softbox like that, but I don't know what I don't know. I"m in So. California, BTW. I have two Manfrotto light stands, will these hold the weight? Will I need to sandbag them? Any thoughts?

I am looking at a RX kit as well but am in windy Colorado and am hoping a 39" deep octa isn't too big. I want to do families as well so I am curious as to what type of advice you get . What is the model # on your light stands?

Hi Sue,

As far as I've read, Ranger RX (anything) is good, Skyport Speed is good, and the 69"/175cm Octa is the next best thing to the much more expensive (current) indirects.

I'm waiting for the Elinchrom guys to respond. It shouldn't be too long now......

I'm thinking about one of those Octas........ or maybe the 60" indirect out next year [2011].

the model numbers on my monfrotto lightstands are 050B. I guess I'll find out whether they are adequate the first time I try it out and that becomes its own adventure!

I've only just tested out my Manfrotto boom arm. Heepers Jeepers.... I'm so happy I took the time to fill the sand bag with, well....... sand.

Push the button on whatever you need to take those fantastic pics of the little'ns. I'm in England. It makes a difference (to me!)

Is that you in your Avatar? I visited Huntington Beach in 2006......

Sue,
Not sure where you're buying the Ranger kit from, but check out B&H, you have to add to cart to see reduced price (1945.00).
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …TS_Ranger_RX_AS​_1100.html

I'm going to order the kit that has the A head (speed head), that kit has only the head battery, powerpack and sync cable. It's going for 1799.00. Probably will also go with the 72" indirect and the 53" midi octa.

Hey PhotoCan, yes, that is me in the avatar. My 11 year old granddaughter shot that last summer. I've been teaching her since she was 7 and I now trust her with my gear, and use her as my personal portrait photographer! ha ha. I'm only 52, and I feel lucky to have 3 terrific grandkids. Also lucky to live in Huntington Beach if I'm going to need lots of SAND to keep my softboxes from tipping over... And yes, Windpig, I"m buying the kit from B&H. The 69 inch softbox is out of stock right now though, grrrrrrrrrr. Hopefully, it will come in soon.