first lighting kit questions

[RAWcop]

I have been looking at different lighting kits lately. Being a beginner, I have been looking at the under $400 kits. I know it doesn't open up much, but I am sure there is a good one out there for me. I have looked at the past links that I could find on DPS. Then I came across this set up:
http://cart.owens-originals.com/Vipe...p/vip3000b.htm

Has anyone used these lights? Is it a good deal? Any better deals or lights for the price range out there.
Thanks

[zona5101]

They are continuous lights and even at 1000w the usable exposure values are limited...plus they will be hot like work lights. If your subjects are still life, then long exposures won't matter.

[bhursey]

What are you trying to take pictures of? Those are CLS lights they are gonna be bright and your camera wont think they are as bright as you do. I would recommenced say a strobist kit maybe.

http://www.mpex.com/page.htm?PG=STROBIST2XKITS

[RAWcop]

They will be used mainly for portraits. From what I have been seeing on here is strobes are the preferred lighting systems. True?
I have found:

http://cart.owens-originals.com/JTL-...-p/j220umb.htm

http://cart.owens-originals.com/SMIT...IT-p/fl110.htm

Oh...What are CLS light?

[zona5101]

i don't know anything about the company you linked to (owens) - but I would recommend you look at places like B&H PhotoVideo and Adorama.
Here is a similar JTL light kit from adorama that is basically the same price but more powerful lights and includes a travel case...
92201 JTL DL-320 Dual Light Kit with 2 Versalight J-160 Monolight Strobes

Dealing with companies like B&H and Adorama allow you to talk with service folks and get issues resolved. Returns, if needed, are easy too.

[jml79]

I so would have bought that kit except the shipping costs to Canada made it almost $100 more.