Studio Lighting question

PaulieC

Hey y'all,

I'm about to buy some studio flashes, looking at a 400w set. Just wondering what is the light difference between a 400W set and a 200W set ? Is it one stop ?

Thanks
Paul

oshead

I'd check the guide number (GN) to see what it says. It usually measures in Meters. The 200 watt-sec refers to the amount of power stored in the units capacitors.

CabanSail

If you are referring to Studio Stobes then they are rated in Watt/seconds (same as Joules)

The Guide number will vary depending on the accessory placed in front.

Each doubling or halving of the power will change one F Stop.

So the 200W light will be one f Stop dimmer than a 400W light in the same situation.

PaulieC

thank you kindly sirs

quilmore

I have a set of lights
they are 180w
my studio is the living room of my 3 bed mid-ter house
the lights never go over 1/4 of power, usually lower than that
even when taking at f/8
I don't see the point of bigger lights unless you shot your lights at over 5 metres from the subject

ValueInIreland

Elinchrom's D-Lite heads (D-Lite 2 is 200W/s and D-Lite 4 is 400W/s) are a good bet at a good Price / Quality point. The conrtols allow the power to be reduced in 1/10th stop settings. There are three kit options:
Two D-Lite 2 heads & Softboxes, stands and cases etc.
Two D-Lite 4 heads & Softboxes, stands and cases etc.
or One of each head with reflectors and Umbrellas with stands and cases.
Most serious Irish Dealers stock them and they are also available from the distributors Barker Photographic in Cork.