Starter kit for external lighting

[rdblyth]

I am looking to get some external lighting to get better result for photographing indoors and to use as a portable studio. I also do wedding photography and have definitely run into situations were more lighting other than my flash would be more valuable. Has anyone used any of the stater kits from Photo Basics by Westcott? If so what did you think?

If anyone else has a good setup for a starting kit please let me know. I am definitely a newbie when it comes to external lighting. From what I have been reading strobes look like the way to go vs constant lighting for most cases (indoor, outdoors, portability, etc). For wedding I have seen a regular camera flash on a pole work well. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance
Daniel

[zona5101]

those look pretty interesting. I see adorama has a special promo with umbrellas plus free speedrings and softboxes.

240P Westcott Strobelite Two Monolight Kit, with Two "FREE" 24x32 Westcott Softboxes & Adapater Rings

I have not used these but they come from a reputable manufacturer. At 150w/s you're going to have enough light for a small studio setting. And as monolights, you can buy more lights in the future.

So look at these others too just to get a good feel for what's out there...
Calumet Genesis, Photoflex Starflash, Alien Bees

I think if you chose any one of the 4 you would be buying quality...it just comes down to your desired budget and features...
good luck and have fun!

[bhursey]

Are do you want ac strobes or are you looking for a battery solution?

[GadgetRick]

What lighting do you currently have? Do you have a flash? If so, that's one light. I'm building a kit right now. Going to get a 28" softbox and a large reversible umbrella (not sure how big at the moment. I have one flash and am looking at either another one or going with an AlienBee flash. They have great equipment at reasonable prices.

[rdblyth]

Originally Posted by bhursey

Are do you want ac strobes or are you looking for a battery solution?

Battery solution would be nice so that I could us it outdoors

[rdblyth]

Originally Posted by GadgetRick

What lighting do you currently have? Do you have a flash? If so, that's one light. I'm building a kit right now. Going to get a 28" softbox and a large reversible umbrella (not sure how big at the moment. I have one flash and am looking at either another one or going with an AlienBee flash. They have great equipment at reasonable prices.

Currently I have a SB800 flash. Thanks, I will check out AlienBee

[rdblyth]

Originally Posted by zona5101

those look pretty interesting. I see adorama has a special promo with umbrellas plus free speedrings and softboxes.

240P Westcott Strobelite Two Monolight Kit, with Two "FREE" 24x32 Westcott Softboxes & Adapater Rings

I have not used these but they come from a reputable manufacturer. At 150w/s you're going to have enough light for a small studio setting. And as monolights, you can buy more lights in the future.

So look at these others too just to get a good feel for what's out there...
Calumet Genesis, Photoflex Starflash, Alien Bees

I think if you chose any one of the 4 you would be buying quality...it just comes down to your desired budget and features...
good luck and have fun!

Thanks for pointing out the promotion. The promotion is pretty good makes the price even better. It looks like Westcott has kits with 150w and 200w? Do you think it would be worth the extra cost for the 200w?

[zona5101]

Originally Posted by rdblyth

Thanks for pointing out the promotion. The promotion is pretty good makes the price even better. It looks like Westcott has kits with 150w and 200w? Do you think it would be worth the extra cost for the 200w?

depends on what you plan on lighting and how much studio space you have. The smaller the space or the smaller the subject (ie 1 person vs a family of 15) the closer you can get the lights. The closer the lights the less need you have for mega power. Alternatively, if you want to light bigger groups or bigger areas then you will need more light than either kit.
The difference between 150ws and 200ws is a poor comparison. A better indicator is the guide number. 117 vs 135... that's pretty insignificant... that's only 4 tenths of a stop difference in light output. I would choose the kit that had the better features, accessories, and / or price

[rdblyth]

Originally Posted by zona5101

depends on what you plan on lighting and how much studio space you have. The smaller the space or the smaller the subject (ie 1 person vs a family of 15) the closer you can get the lights. The closer the lights the less need you have for mega power. Alternatively, if you want to light bigger groups or bigger areas then you will need more light than either kit.
The difference between 150ws and 200ws is a poor comparison. A better indicator is the guide number. 117 vs 135... that's pretty insignificant... that's only 4 tenths of a stop difference in light output. I would choose the kit that had the better features, accessories, and / or price

What do you think of this set?

strobe flash lighitng kit

[zona5101]

Originally Posted by rdblyth

What do you think of this set?

strobe flash lighitng kit

i have never heard of them (but that means only that). Perhaps someone else has? One thing to note...if you ever decide to sell your lights either to upgrade or what ever, if you bought a recognized name you most probably will have an easier time selling them.

Also I like to buy stuff from places like Adorama or B&H Photo... I've only had good experiences and I know both of those places have been in business for decades and will be there if I need assistance or encounter a problem. But that's me.