dantelevon Posted October 21, 2006 Share Posted October 21, 2006 Ok... I have a specific question for those photographers with much valued experience. I have narrowed down my choice of lights to two selections (both around $1000) and would very much appreciate having your opinion way in. Option A Two Calumet 750 Travelites (with battery option, 750 Ws ea), two 45" silver/white umbrellas, two umbrella reflectors, two 9' light stands, one sync cord and a carrying case. Option B 3- Photogenic AKC320 StudioMax III Lights (AC only, 320 Ws ea), 2 Umbrellas, 2 Air-Cushioned Stands,1 Background Air-Cushioned Stand, 1 Background Reflector,1 Case (note: A boom arm or 36" sq softbox can be substitued for the background stand and refector). Which would you choose for a wedding and portrait photographers arsenal and WHY? Thanks so much! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brooks short Posted October 21, 2006 Share Posted October 21, 2006 If I had to choose a monolight.... I'd choose Calumet 750 Travelites because they have more power, fit more modifiers and have an easy battery option available. I wouldn't chose umbrellas. I'd buy Chimera softboxes. And I'd get Pocket Wizards so I wouldn't have to deal with a synch cord. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacull Posted October 21, 2006 Share Posted October 21, 2006 I don't know the Photogenic system, so I can't compare the two. But what I would say to you has to do with the Calumet batteries: As much as I love my Calumet Travelites, the battery set up is just not all that functional. The cord from the head to the battery is only long enough to reach from the top of the stand to the ground. This means that you aren't able to plug a second head into the battery unless you place the second head right next to the first one. (Not a good lighting scenario.) So, unless you've got a battery for each head, it doesn't end up working very well. And, as a wedding photographer, you need fast recycle time. The batteries don't recycle very quickly. I think I have to wait around 3 seconds for the batt to recharge when used at full power. That may not sound like a lot, but when you see a moment and miss it because your strobe wasn't ready, it will seem like an hour. Again, I love my Travelites and wouldn't trade them: as long as they're plugged in to the wall! JC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dantelevon Posted October 23, 2006 Author Share Posted October 23, 2006 Thanks for the responses. I really appreciate them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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