(beyond Speedotron) Best/flexible Studio Lighting?

Hi, was looking for some comments/experiences from others on studio lighting system.

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I started with a small Novatron setup a few years ago and then quickly moved to Speedotron primarily for

accessory availability (modifiers, speedrings for softboxes - at least that's what I remember).

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I've been regretting the move for some time now. :-( My problems are two.

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The biggest problem is the whole ratio lighting method is making me nuts. I do it, I set the lights up - I've

gotten very good (I think) of flapping the combine/isolate switch and plugging the cables of (3 lights

typically, sometimes 4) into the sockets and getting close to what I want. But it's slowing me down.

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I've been looking at the Profoto D4 for a long time, and noticed the Broncolor Nano. The simple ability to

independently set the output of each channel (which these seem to do?) would simplify my life.

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The second thing that is becoming more and more annoying is the ratio method (is that the correct term)

of the Speedotron is pretty broad divisions of lighting ratios and I've more and more been going between

spots, reflectors/grids and softboxes that the ratio method is a little - challenged a priori?

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A third problem... I sometimes want very little flash output and with my Speedotron 2403CX and three

lights it gets difficult to drop the output down enough to shoot with the lens open.

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Any feedback or experience with the newer adjustable per channel power packs would be appreciated.

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I know the "lights" don't make the image, nor will improve my composition - but the thing I have little of is

time, and with some of my more recent lighting experiments I'm wasting too much time adjusting the

lights due to what I believe are limitations of the ratio design of the Speedotron.

I hate it when I am the first to respond to my own post:-)

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If I switch, I do want to switch to a system that has (hopefully?) similar availability of

accessories as the Speedotron (which Profoto and Broncolor have?)

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I have no knowledge of Norman and other systems by the way.

Monoliights.

The Profoto D4 is extremely fine,and if you are lighting people you can't beat the quality of

light. Broncolor is a bit better (but generally more expensive. ) For either Profoto or

Broncolor the higher end gear (like the D4 and Pro 7 over the Acute 2 sytem) is better built.

Not that it would make any difference to you but Broncolor was Richard Avedon's choice for

studio lighting.

 

 

In the meantime, Have you tried using more than one pack? That will give you a lot more

versatility in precisely setting ratios.

Beepy,

 

I've used Speedotron for over 25 years and, as Ellis said, the solution is to have more than one pack. Since you have a 2400ws pack now, look at buying a 1200ws or a couple of 800ws Black Line packs.

 

It's hard to beat Speedotron for reliability and power.

some unique features of the D4 is the ability to get the D channel on the D4 down to just 8

watt-seconds. Also if you have one or more D4 packs you can control them from an OSX

driven Mac. And a 32 channel Pocketwizard receiver is built in.

 

One area where Profoto really stands out is the way reflectors and modifiers attach to the

head. I don't like the way the Acute/D4 heads attach to stands: I'd much rather have the

attachment under the head: this distributes the weight better and saves about 6 to 8 inches

on length

Beepy, I can't say enough good things about the Broncolor. The ONLY downside IMO is price. When I have a shoot that involves lots of other costly resources and can't afford problems, I rent a Broncolor system (Nano's and Primo's). The ratio thing is amazing, and you can adjust the color temp as well, which adds a whole new dimension of creativity to your shoots. I just pass the cost along to the client anyway.

 

Then I have to go back to my studio with SP Excalibur monolights, and really miss the quality and creative control. They're one of the best monolights I've used, but anything else just isn't Broncolor. If you can rent Profoto and Broncolor, I suggest you do both before buying. It's a huge commitment and you want to get it right.

What about the Speedo monolights? The Force 5 and 10 can use the black line accessories from what I've read.

Profoto and Broncolor are definitely the best. THey cost a ton and unless you are rich are not the place to start. I have to say I would have Profoto 7A s if I could afford it. The retaining system is the best. Ask any assistant!!

 

I think Elinchrom and a few others are on the next level. Personally I shoot Elinchrom-it's a good deal in Canada where I live, the dealer and importer are the same and the price is even better than at B&H. Speedo is good stuff and in the US well supported for sure, but I think of it as more brute force than anything.

 

Beyond that you are into little guys. Alien Bees etc have a big following but most hard working studio pros won't use them, they aren't up to the punishement. Weekend warriors love em though and who am I to judge. In the end, there is even more choice, but that is the manufacturers that I have dealt with.

 

Balcar is not well supported in the US, I would avoid really cheap stuff. You'll just get frustrated and have to buy real equipment later.

 

Peter

As a follow up. I do have two Force 10 and one Force 5 monolights (for the compatibility

with the accessories for the Speedotron Blackline Powerpack and lights).

I like the heads attached to the powerpack as the overall weight is much lighter on the

stands.

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I'm still thinking:-(