good monolight studio setup recommendation

[mindy_van_hecke1]

<p>Thanks for your opinions <br>

I have read for hours and can't seem to sort thru the different recommendations, so Im hoping by posting my requirements I can narrow it down. I want a <strong>basic studio setup</strong>- Im thinking <strong>monolights</strong> to shoot some <strong>portraits and some kids and family photos</strong> in a studio setting. I strongly prefer natural light but have found that there have been enough people who have had nothing available during daylight and want a very basic setup for those rare times when I cant get them outside. Since I only want to do this when forced, I just want to the best of the lower priced ones. Since kids will be moving around I figure I have to have some decent power for my main light to stop the motion. I need a monolight so it has adjustable power and a modeling light so I can see where light is falling. I also want a decent light so if I end up getting into studio more its not a throw away- something I can build on. <br>

1. What exact light or kit would you recommend? Recommendation as to buying it used?<br>

2. Can you get a decent main light and just get cheap hair and kicker light/backround light? Probably a dumb question but for a hair light couldnt you just use a simple clamp lamp with a regular hight watt daylight bulb? </p>

<p>All I have right now is a black backdrop and one of those huge 5 in one reflectors. </p>

<p>Im no pro, but love it and have been doing it for a few years now. I have a Rebel XTi, a speedlite 430 EXii, lens: 50mm L Series 1.4 and a 17-85 IS zoom. Next week I also have to shoot my teenage neighbor for her headshots for her dance school addmission- she needs 2 headshots and 2 full body. </p>

<p> </p>

[leicaglow]

<p>Hi Mindy, Most cheaper monolights are not terribly useful when it comes to seeing where the shadows fall from the dim modeling lights. I really enjoy my SP monolights. I have mostly the Excalibur 3200's, but they can't be turned down enough in a living room sized studio. You may find that 1600's (160 watt second) lights will be fine.</p>

<p>Don't know the price of the Alien Bee's, but they sure are doing a great job in building their product lineup, and I would probably go that route if I was to do it all again now. (PaulCBuff.com).</p>

<p>If you buy used, you may well spend a lot more money replacing the bulb, so I usually recommend going new with lower end monolights. Question 2: Yes, that would work. In fact, this shot (from many moons ago), was done with a single shop light (the ones with the 12" reflector) and a 150 watt light bulb. It was all I could afford, but it is still one of my favorite shots.</p>

<p>Sorry, this is a different shot. Sorry for it being a PNG.</p>

[dan_south]

<p>I have an inexpensive set from Photogenic that includes two monolights with reflectors, two stands, two umbrellas, and a sync cord. I've used it for numerous purposes, and I've always been pleased with the performance.</p>

[jaydesi]

<p>Adorama has a <a href="http://www.adorama.com/FP620MPWK.html">nice two-light kit</a> that comes with air-cushioned stands, umbrellas, and a carrying bag for it all, and under $500. The <a href="http://www.adorama.com/FP620MPPWK.html">same kit also with battery packs</a> runs just under $700.</p>

[Two23]

<p>Another vote for Alien Bees. They work great, and have very good resale if you sell them later. The company stands behind them and service is excellent. Also, lots of accessories are available for them.</p>

<p>Kent in SD</p>