Lighting Kits

<p>Hi, I'm relatively new to studio photography and I'm looking to purchase my first lighting kit for my small studio space. The space is 20 sq feet. I would ideally prefer a 3 light set up, with 2 moonlights and a soft box, however I am open to 2 light kits as well. I will be doing full body and portrait shooting, as well as some still life.<br>

Does anyone have any kit recommendations for a budget of $2000? <br>

Thank you so much, I'm happy to hear all recommendations!<br>

-Thomas</p>

<p>Jinbei won't blow your budged. - Another Chinese Brand gets rebadged as Wallimex around here and lights pictures too. - Both take Bowens mounted light formers and are that way quite compatible.<br>

Disclaimers: I have not worked with contemporary professional western brands. - As happily as I'd bash Chinese stuff, we haven't used it heavily & long enough at work to build up an opinion on quality or durability.<br>

Serious suggestions: Figure out how to mount your lights, if you don't have much space. - I like rail systems on the ceiling. <- Still within your budged and Jinbei's feels pretty good compared to an elderly Multiblitz.<br>

Will you be able to reach your most distant light to make output adjustments or would you benefit from a wireless remote? Jinbei offers one. - Handling is less intuitive than MS Word for DOS's without mouse. It eats batteries quickly, so I recommend getting Eneloops for it and having another pair at hand, just in case. All critique aside I consider that remote more comfortable than pulling a flash down for adjustments or climbing a step ladder.<br>

When you look at flashes, study their user interfaces. Its easier to twist a dial than to press the right tiny button and huge LED displays are easier to read than LCDs covered by a handle...<br>

I don't shoot people with modern gear. - The Chinese flashes recharge as fast as I'd wind film under normal conditions. - If your style relies on motor drive usage you might need different lights, or powerful ones used at minimum output.<br>

Good luck!</p>

<p>Thank you for the info! Lots of options and good feedback. I'm still looking for a basic kit on B&H and open to any suggestions anyone has on something under $2000. In response to your question Jochen, I will definitely be wanting to go with the wireless remote. Thanks for the feedback.<br>

Thomas</p>

<p>As a lower cost alternate, you can look at Fovitec.com. I use some of their stuff and while it's not top of the line, it does the job.</p>

<p>I've been happy with my Novatron monolights for 20 years, but it's hard to find speedrings made for them. If I had $2,000 to spend today I would probably go with Alien Bees from Paul Buff. I would not rush out to buy a kit since sometimes they are padded with accessories that you don't need but have to pay for. I would start with one light, one stand, some mounting hardware and an umbrella. Learn to use that and then see what you need next once you've done all that the one light can do.<br /><br />I would definitely stick with establish brands since at $2,000 you can afford to. One thing to watch out for on cheap lights is low wattage modeling lights that don't put out enough light to be of any use. A modeling light needs to be at least 150 watts or you're not going to have enough light to focus.<br /><br /></p>

Look at PCB E640. You could look at Quantum too. They trable good outside your small studio.<div></div>

I agree with Craig. Right now the Paul Buff lineup is pretty cost effective. I do own a Quantum and it would be useful as well for outside your studio. Or even in the studio as supplemental light. Good lighting is as important for portraits as the camera and lens. But you know that. Talk to someone at the big NYC stores in their light department who can help you and keep you as a customer. Add slowly as Craig suggests is smart advice. Size of your studio may be a major factor, it is modest...

<p>Thomas, regarding your studio space ...<br>

"20 sq. feet" is a space 4 feet x 5 feet. Is that what you mean or do you mean it's 20 feet on a side, i.e 20 feet square. That might make a huge difference in what people advise.</p>

<p>Just looking to be sure we're all on the same page.</p>

<p>Jim</p>

<p>PS - Paul C Buff stuff is top notch and should live a long time.</p>