2 umbrellas, OR, softbox and umbrella ?

I want to set up a mini studio in my home. Which provides better

lighting and control ? Two umbrellas with two 360 w-s monoligts, or

an umbrella/360w-s monolight and a photoflex medium litedome with 360

w-s monolight ?

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In either case I want to use 2 light sources-- or must I ? Are the

power ratings for the light souces enough, or will I need more with

the softbox ? What is a good size for the umbrella(s) ?

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Can I substitute a Nikon speedlight SB-80DX which I currently own for

one of the monolights ?

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And lastly, the best value for the money seems to be from SP systems'

Excallibur 3200. $250 gets you a 360w-s monolight, white/satin

umbrella and a stand. Are they good ?

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Too many questions, but thanks very much in advance for your

responses.

 

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-Tim

I would go for a softbox and umbrella. I would also go ahead and spring for the 2nd

umbrella so you have the option (they are usually about $30).

 

Check out www.alienbees.com the site looks corny but the quality and features are

EXCELLENT. I live in Nashville and have stopped by there to check it out in person

and I am getting ready to buy a few things there.

 

An option to the Softbox is a "Brolly".

It is basically a Shoot-Through Umbrella that has a Black trap around the sides like a

Softbox. It is cheaper but it has less diffusion so it isn't as diffused annd it lets more

light through. Does that make sense?

 

Allien Bees Softboxes are very reasonable priced and have an extra internal diffusion

Panel inside (removable) and a Silver Interior (the Brolly has a White interior).

 

Generally speaking you want your Softbox and Umbrella to be large unless you are

trying to control the light to a smaller area.

 

jmp

Alienbees softboxes (and lights) are very reasonably priced. But what I find attractive about the Photoflex multidome is the option of putting gold panels inside to improve skin tones. Are gels/panels available for the Alienbees ?