200w monolight is it enough?????

[rickp1]

As I'm researching these lights and I came across the Interfit EXD200 Home Studio system (Interfit Home Studio EXD200 (110VAC) INT119 B&H Photo Video)

They also make a 400W system, so my question is, is 200W per light enough for portrait work and a 3-4 group picture or do I need the 400W system? Also, what max distance can I get with 200W?

R.

[zona5101]

Originally Posted by rickp1

As I'm researching these lights and I came across the Interfit EXD200 Home Studio system (Interfit Home Studio EXD200 (110VAC) INT119 B&H Photo Video)

They also make a 400W system, so my question is, is 200W per light enough for portrait work and a 3-4 group picture or do I need the 400W system? Also, what max distance can I get with 200W?

R.

If you are doing head and shoulders of a group of 3-4 then probably yes. If you want to do full length, then it is probably a little on the low side.
Buy as much power as you can afford. One thing I noticed that would concern me, but might be of no concern to you, the reflector is permanently mounted. That means you cant change the reflector, it will not use a speed ring so it will not accept any softbox, beauty dish or other light modifier. It will be limited to what ever interfit offers for that kit... and when it is discontinued, you hope they don't discontinue all the accessories.
At $400 you can get an alien bee 800 single light kit, swap out the umbrella for a softbox or other accessory, have more power and maybe still have enough for a decent sized reflector.

[rickp1]

Good point about attaching different modifiers. I'll have to ask about that.

R.

[AdrenoJunkie]

+1 on the Alienbee. I have that light with the umbrella and the large softbox. I have been very happy with it and it will definitely give enough light for what you want. Not to mention their customer service is second to none.

[Dajuan]

I don't think your asking the right question: "is 200W per light enough for portrait work and a 3-4 group picture". When purchasing studio strobes, you'll want to be able to select from various light modifiers. I shoot with Photogenic lights and haven't come across a soft box yet that I couldn't mount to the speedrings. Over time I gone from using the Power Lights series to the Studio Max. Some would say I took a step down, but the Studio Max, specifically the AKB lights can be battery powered when on location. I'm rarely firing those above 1/2 power (less than 200W). Think about how you want to use the lights today & tomorrow before making your purchase. Also, don't be afraid to pick up a used kit.

[rickp1]

Well... I'm glad to report that I pulled the trigger on a AlienBee 1600 with a 22" beauty dish.
What finally sold me on it was the ability to connect a portable power source to it for on location. Barring any issues I should have it in my hands by end of next week.

My learning curve has been pretty steep during all this and I don't see it slowing down any time soon.

Again, thanks to everyone that helped me out with all this. Your time and patience is highly appreciated.

R.

[zona5101]

Originally Posted by rickp1

Well... I'm glad to report that I pulled the trigger on a AlienBee 1600 with a 22" beauty dish.
What finally sold me on it was the ability to connect a portable power source to it for on location. Barring any issues I should have it in my hands by end of next week.

My learning curve has been pretty steep during all this and I don't see it slowing down any time soon.

Again, thanks to everyone that helped me out with all this. Your time and patience is highly appreciated.

R.

Sweet. Congrats -you'll have PLENTY of light. All the AB lights can use their Vagabond II or mini battery systems. In fact most other brands of monoblocks can operate on their battery packs.

[rickp1]

That's great. Looking forward to getting it and trying it out.

R.