Studio equipment

Fireman

I have a Canon 20D and a speedlite EX 580 flash, I was in USA two weeks ago and purchased a backdrop support stand an three backdrops because I want to set up a portable studio and hopefully get some clients!! but my problem is I don't know ( even though I have checked them out on the net) what studio lights to buy, I only want two Lights, stands, and umberellas of the flash type and will these work automatically from my Camera without extra leads
Please reply as the more I check them out the more confusing it gets

Regards Fireman

Fajitas!

Your best bet might be to buy one of the Portaflash kits.

Fireman

Hi Fajitas

Where could I buy a potaflash kit, and is it a kit that if you want to upgrade to a higher spec would it be compatible

Thanks for replying
Fireman

Fajitas!

You can buy them in Jessops, Conns, or on t'internet!

It's basically a kit of lights, there's different ones that may or may not suit what you're looking for, and yep, you could always upgrade, the portaflashes are generally starter off kits!

Fireman

Thanks for that I will check them out ASAP

Regards Fireman

Fajitas!

No problemo!

Good luck (Btw, you'll be getting your gear cheaper on the net, but don't go for second hand gear - it's usually knackered!!!)

Fireman

Fajitas

If you get a chamce will you have a look at this set of lights in Jessops tha I may consider
STELLAR 300 2 HEAD KIT
Jessops Code INFS3002HK
Jessops Price £489.99
Availability OUT OF STOCK - Usually available in 2-4 weeks
much appericated

Regards Fireman

Fajitas!

It's a very basic kit, just comprimising of 2 lights... Which if you're going for a studio set up (In my experience) is quite limited, check this out:

http://www.jessops.com/search/viewproduct.cfm?PRODUCT=PORSK2&BRAND=&CONTINUE=false&FEATS=&FIRSTPRICE=&KEYWORD=&LEVEL=&MODELNUMBER=&NEWQUERY=True&NODE=316&ORD=ASC&ORDERBY=&QUANTITY=10&RECENT=0&REFINE=&SEARCH_FOR=&SEARCHNODE=0&SEARCHURL=dointellisearch.cfm&SECONDPRICE=&SHOWCASEID=&STARTROW=1&SUBS=&WORD_SEARCH=N&

It's a more comprehensive kit, and if you're looking to get into studio work, it gives you a lot more of the smaller niggly gear like wiring, stands and diffusers. Would definitly be a better starting package, and if you feel you need to upgrade your actual lighting, you can do so later, when you have a better idea what you want!

Just for you own information, if you're doing studio shots, you won't be using your flashgun, or at least using it on your camera. A flashgun fires straight ahead, and whites out and flattens too much of your shot. With a kit like this, you place the lighting around your model, and shoot so the light is softer and more natural. the lights are typically wired up to the hotshoe where your camera would normally go, though you can get other applications to set them off.

Borderfox

Portaflash got good reviews last time I looked

heffsarmy

I would stay clear off portaflash, have look at the new elinchrom d-lites they are new starter kit and are getting great reviews, and they would be better than the porta lights, as you could upgrade the lights in the future and still use all the elinchrom brand. I got the elinchrom style bx 400 kit, worked out at around 1200, the lights are excellent. Have at look at bowens light kits also, DML near portabello supply them.

halenger

Bermingham's on the quays (details on http://www.berminghamcameras.ie) do Portaflash kits (number 2 and 3). Just so you're aware.

Fireman

heffsarmy wrote:

I would stay clear off portaflash, have look at the new elinchrom d-lites they are new starter kit and are getting great reviews, and they would be better than the porta lights, as you could upgrade the lights in the future and still use all the elinchrom brand. I got the elinchrom style bx 400 kit, worked out at around 1200, the lights are excellent. Have at look at bowens light kits also, DML near portabello supply them.

Hi heffsarmy
I have logged onto the site but cannot see the bx 400 kit, I would be grate ful if you could send me a link as this kit is recommended in a photography book
Regards fireman

heffsarmy

Fireman here is a link to the elinchrom style 400bx,

http://www.robertwhite.co.uk/studio.htm#ELFBX

Carrigman

The Elinchrom D-Lites are getting very good reviews. Here's the respected David Kilpatrick's take on them:

http://www.elinchrom.com/products/compacts/D-Lite/D-Lite_presse_F2.pdf

If I was in the market for studio lights Elinchrom is what I'd buy.

lensman

Fireman wrote:

I have a Canon 20D and a speedlite EX 580 flash, I was in USA two weeks ago and purchased a backdrop support stand an three backdrops because I want to set up a portable studio and hopefully get some clients!! but my problem is I don't know ( even though I have checked them out on the net) what studio lights to buy, I only want two Lights, stands, and umberellas of the flash type and will these work automatically from my Camera without extra leads
Please reply as the more I check them out the more confusing it gets

Regards Fireman

keep clear of the usual rip off shops in Dublin, most of which have been mentioned already,...try miniphoto
good luck;)

Fireman

I would like to thank everyone who replied to my questions on Studio equipment and supplied me with all the links, I think I will buy the d lites elinchrom as they are fully upgradeable in the future as all there parts are compatible ? if I get to that stage + there are great reviews on them

Regards Fireman

heffsarmy

Firemann all there parts are compatible if you upgrade. Try paddy barker down in cork, http://www.barkerphotographic.ie/ they are the main elinchrom importers, the prices are'nt too bad, pretty much the same as the uk. I bought a rotalux softbox 100cm x 100cm and a polystand from them. I would recommend the rotalux softbox, the light is very soft from it. You could also try some cheaper accessories from the http://www.studioflash.co.uk/categories.asp

Fireman

Thanks Heffsarmy again!!!

I will ring Paddy Barker tomorrow as I would like to deal with someone local ( well near enough as I am from kerry) as I travel to Cork often and I could see how at first hand how they work and maybe pick up a few tips

Fireman

ValueInIreland

Duffers Guide:
Portaflash single heads or kits:
Great value, small, light weight, lots of accessories (in kits), but not that powerfull ( GN 36ish). Great Starter / Amateur kit.
Elinchrom's new D-Lites:
Swiss Technology & Standards, More powerful than Portaflash, Electronic controls, User changable flash tube if damaged, takes full range of Elinchrom Accessories. No fiddly accesories in kits, just high spec heads and really good prices. For the Serious Amateur who may do some Pro jobs.
Elinchrom FX/ BX /RX Ranges:
Built to higher specs with shorter flash durations, cooling fans ( Important if using snoots etc), Ultra stable power and RX range can be controlled from a computer! - Very reliable. - BX & RX ranges bought by most Pros.
Available from Gunns, Whelan Cameras (Limerick), Bermingham cameras and many other Photo shops including Barker Photographic - the Importers.
Elinchrom have a service agent in Dublin.
Bowens heads:
Again a broad range, good value, reliable - Ireland's most popular lights for years but now challenged by Elinchrom. Distributed by DML. Serviced in the UK. - Suitable for Pros.
Other brands? Do NOT buy without trying them!! In most cases the feel alone is enough to put you off, but a good test for most is to take meter readings at different power settings -the dial often bears no relation to the output. BEWARE! - Not suitable for Pro use.