james_whitcraft Posted September 19, 2003 Share Posted September 19, 2003 I have some money available in my university department, and we have some old clunky lighting equipment. Can anyone recommend a modestly priced portable monolight kit that can give the extra edge to portrait and object photography when I'm out and about? I'm at a loss as to a specific brand - there are many, and I don't have a lot of time to research - (must strike while the iron $$ is hot!) I'd like to hear about experiences... And obviously a modest flash meter is in order... Thanks so much in advance! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark_scheuern Posted September 19, 2003 Share Posted September 19, 2003 <P>I recommend <A HREF="http://www.alienbees.com/"> Alien Bees</A> monolights or the other Paul Bluff product line, <A HREF="http://www.white-lightening.com/">White Lightning</A>. Excellent value for the money and they're nice people to deal with. As for flash meters, I'm very happy with my Sekonic L-358.</P> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark_scheuern Posted September 19, 2003 Share Posted September 19, 2003 <P>Oops, <A HREF="http://www.white-lightning.com">here's the correct link</A> for White Lightning</A>.</P> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerry thirsty Posted September 19, 2003 Share Posted September 19, 2003 The only monolights I'm familiar with is the SP Systems Excalibur, but they seem fine to me. B&H includes an umbrella as well as the stand, which is nice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skipd Posted September 19, 2003 Share Posted September 19, 2003 I heartily second the motion for the Alien Bees products. I have a couple of their B800 units and they are fantastic. I doubt you could find a better unit for the money. Flexibility in light level is great with the 5-stop turndown. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sk_arts Posted September 19, 2003 Share Posted September 19, 2003 Ultimate in cheepness is teh Chinese Briteks. However, I find these plastic 1/2 pound wonders very useable. I bought the kit for the company i work for, 3 heads, 3 stands 22 umbrellas for just under $300. GN of 120 each, all with modelling lights, each with 1/2 and full power, all with user changeable bulbs. I had done some research on Britek, and the biggest complaint that had found was that they are made of plastic. And they are, they do feel cheap, the stands most certainly need sand bags. But they are a good budget option. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sk_arts Posted September 19, 2003 Share Posted September 19, 2003 LOL 22 umbrellas... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jochen_S Posted September 20, 2003 Share Posted September 20, 2003 I used such a cheap chinese at work. It is at least reliable, charging time would be to long for motorized 35mm and to my unexperienced eyes the modelling light is so weak that you'll have to darken the room to read it, especially with the tiny little soft box. If you can afford it look for at least 250W modelling light. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scott_carlsson Posted September 20, 2003 Share Posted September 20, 2003 Calumet Travelite kits. 750 w/s kits(monolight, umbrella, stand, case) start at around $550.00. http://www.calumetphoto.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laura_caldwell1 Posted September 20, 2003 Share Posted September 20, 2003 Not sure if this helps - but after much research I have narrowed it down to Bowens Esprit momlights or Calumet Travelites.....bot are made by Bowens I think....Calumet is cheaper in price and I myself am quickly trying to figure out any other differences than price. I am going to buy a three head kit - it comes with everything you need to get rolling. Then add in a few more accessories like an octobox, a couple backlite stands and some grids and you are set for under 4 thousand from B&H for the Bowens and I think under 3500 for the stuff from Calumet. Like i said, hope this helps........I have been researching for ovber a year and a half now while taking courses at a college. Laura Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scott_youmans Posted September 23, 2003 Share Posted September 23, 2003 STAY AWAY FROM BRITEK (typically found on EBAY). The units are CRAP! I bought one of the 150ws units, I've sent it back to the factory 3 times and it still doesn't work & they wouldn't replace even under the warranty. When they said the flash tube was bad (after less than 150 flashes, they wanted me to fork out another $40 for a new one - unit was only 5 months old). It doesn't flash reliably whether using PC cord, slave sensor or even the test button! JUNK, JUNK, JUNK. I agree with the Alien Bee recommendation, but you said portable - meaning battery powered? If so, then I recommend the Lumedyne 200ws system. Works great, but it's about $800 @ BH Photo. I don't think you'll find any other battery powered systems for less. The Normans A200C are nice too, but run close to $1000. Get one with the modeling lamp. I like my Sekonic L-508, but would now buy the model with the built in Pocket Wizard transmitter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raymond bradlau Posted December 14, 2003 Share Posted December 14, 2003 I bought a set of Briteks and they work great, they feel cheap because they are made of plastic, but for $200 I love them Ray Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron_uriel Posted March 12, 2009 Share Posted March 12, 2009 <p>For begginers with tight budget and for photographers looking for a portable, light weight monolight I recommend reading my review of the <a href="http://artistip.com/Reviews/impact-ex100-monolight-review">Impact Monolight kit</a>; a flash with a nice value for money ratio.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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