Is something like this lighting package worth buying

[miraroadvolfire]

Just wondering what you think of Lighting packages like this if they are worth it or not when someone is starting out..........


Lighting Package


Thanks

[miraroadvolfire]

Originally Posted by miraroadvolfire

Just wondering what you think of Lighting packages like this if they are worth it or not when someone is starting out..........


Lighting Package


Thanks

Please explain why or why not if you would like....It will help understand

[i speak in math]

Low power strobes, would only be good for in studio. The color shifts in the lights is pretty significant 5600-5800K. 3 sec recycle time is pretty ridiculous for that low of power. The gels are useless for balancing light colors and only good for coloring the background of a shot. The softbox doesn't appear to be double diffused and is a very small 19x27in. The umbrella is only 33in -- fine for a head shot but like the softbox, won't due for full body.

Also consider that this appears to be a custom mount on the strobe head and won't accept any other brand modifiers. I would save yourself some money and buy 1 good quality light and work from there. You will have something with resale value in case you decide its not for you.

[SusanH1970]

Originally Posted by i speak in math

Low power strobes, would only be good for in studio. The color shifts in the lights is pretty significant 5600-5800K. 3 sec recycle time is pretty ridiculous for that low of power. The gels are useless for balancing light colors and only good for coloring the background of a shot. The softbox doesn't appear to be double diffused and is a very small 19x27in. The umbrella is only 33in -- fine for a head shot but like the softbox, won't due for full body.

Also consider that this appears to be a custom mount on the strobe head and won't accept any other brand modifiers. I would save yourself some money and buy 1 good quality light and work from there. You will have something with resale value in case you decide its not for you.

Exactly this.

A similar thread was posted recently: Studio Lighting

[miraroadvolfire]

This is what you want when someone gives an answer. Thank you very much.

If I was to start with one light would it be a softbox type or something else. I belong to a Volunteer Fire Department and want to take pics of the guys (headshots and full length.) What would be good for me to start with.

Also I am in Canada so do you know of good palce to buy and which one should I start with. Also how does this work when taking a pic. Does the light stay on or does it flash with the camera and would I need a device to make it fire.........

Thank you again for the great answer you gave...

[i speak in math]

If you are looking for studio work and don't plan on moving it around much -- requires power outlet or expensive battery pack
AlienBees: Illuminating the Galaxy with Professional Photographic Lighting Equipment
the alienbee beginner package has a lot of power, future to upgrade and is cheap

If you want something portable you can take anywhere and light anywhere
Strobist Starving Student SC1 Lighting Kit
The strobist SC1 kit is great and lightweight, portable and cheap

[zona5101]

The other recent thread Susan mentions is a good reference as well as the links Math provided.
Something else i'll point out... unit says it's 180ws (watseconds) and has a Guide Number of 45. GN 45 is puny. Right there tells me something is up. Look at an Alien Bee 400 for example - they say that is a true 160 ws strobe...and with a standard reflector it has a guide number of 110!!!
110 vs 45 . What does this mean? When shooting at a subject 10 feet away, light on full power, the AB light you would use f11 the other light f4.5. Add an unmbrella and take away another stop, a soft box 2 stops. With a soft box ABs would have you at f5.6 - still pretty decent depth of field . these other lights you would need a lens right around f2.

[miraroadvolfire]

The First Studio Portrait Kit

[miraroadvolfire]

See what you can find on ebay that someone starting out it would be good for.....

There is all kinds of stuff and they just might have the good prices that a starter is looking for see what you think...lol


Ebay Photo Lighting...


Thank you

[zona5101]

Originally Posted by miraroadvolfire

The First Studio Portrait Kit

I like photoflex stuff...but this is a continuous light, it runs hot and you can't control the output. I would look to a monoblock strobe like a photoflex starflash, alien bee or calumet genisis or travellite...
Calumet Genesis 200 1-Light Kit - CF0502K -
AlienBees: Illuminating the Galaxy with Professional Photographic Lighting Equipment
SBSF300W Photoflex StarFlash 300WS Mono Strobe