Studio Lighting Equipment - Please Recommend

[Katyxa]

I'm looking to buy a studio lighting equipment and would like to get some recommendations. My budget is $900 and I need:

2 flash units (So far I've been renting White Lightning X-Series X800 and looking for something like that)
2 Foldable 32x40" Softbox that will get attached to the lights.
2 light Stand (compatible with the light)

Can you please advise on the best online store to buy my studio lighting gear at the lowest prices as well as equipment that will be compatible with each other.

Thanks.

[Rentham]

With that budget and list of requirements, you're pretty much looking at a set of Alien Bee 800s. Getting all Paul C. Buff gear, you can get everything for $960. That doesn't include shipping or a remote triggering option. You can save money by using some cheap reversible umbrellas instead of the softboxes.

[zona5101]

a plus 1 for the Alien Bee recommendation...

[scootermcq]

Originally Posted by Rentham

With that budget and list of requirements, you're pretty much looking at a set of Alien Bee 800s. Getting all Paul C. Buff gear, you can get everything for $960. That doesn't include shipping or a remote triggering option. You can save money by using some cheap reversible umbrellas instead of the softboxes.

Or keep one for the main and use an umbrella for fill.... I do that quite regularly.

[Katyxa]

Originally Posted by scootermcq

Or keep one for the main and use an umbrella for fill.... I do that quite regularly.

Can you show me an example of light set up with just 1 softbox and umbrella? But wouldn't you need flash light for umbrella?

[3bayjunkie]

have you checked B&H? you should be able to find everything there, unless its only available at the manufacturers website. I normally just go on B&H and search according to customer rating.

[nickbedford]

Originally Posted by Katyxa

Can you show me an example of light set up with just 1 softbox and umbrella? But wouldn't you need flash light for umbrella?

Well, this is Speedlite lighting with a cheap 83cm shoot through umbrella and a small 24" softbox, but this is one shoot I did with an umbrella right next to me (left) and the softbox coming in from 90 degrees to the right.

Nick Bedford, Photographer Archive Ken’s Passport

[scootermcq]

Originally Posted by Katyxa

Can you show me an example of light set up with just 1 softbox and umbrella? But wouldn't you need flash light for umbrella?

This has 1 light as main in a softbox, and 1 light as fill in an umbrella. Thee is also a hair light and background light, but they are not mandatory, just add to the whole portrait.

[scootermcq]

In the picture above, I used a 32X40 softbox, and the hairlight was on the otherside, but otherwise this give you an example of a setup that I quite often use.

[GreggObst]

What type of subjects are you looking to light/shoot ? Single person, groups, head and shoulder shots, full length body shots ? That might help suggest light modifiers.

As for the strobes, I fully agree that the Alien Bee 800s are the way to go in your budget range. They are pretty consistent in color temp and output and the customer service at Paul C. Buff is second to none.