Another (probably) annoying thread, Lighting kits

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Kev132

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Again (like my lens thread) this is probably a repetitive thread you all see a lot, ive narrowed my wishlist down to three lighting sets, im torn between, the Lencarta smartflash 2 3 head set (2 softbox one umbrella, but id possibly change one of the modifiers to be a hair/background light) the lencarta pro 2 head set (1 softbox one umbrella, possibly use my 580 ex for a hair light until i can afford another light) or the Elinchrom rx4 two softbox kit

Sorry, Again but, what would you recommend and why ? ive been using speedlights up to now, however im wanting something that can be a little more consistent and obviously much faster recycle times, at the moment, studio space isnt huge but id like to have enough power for outdoor group shots too,

Thanks guys
 
Kev132 said:
Again (like my lens thread) this is probably a repetitive thread you all see a lot, ive narrowed my wishlist down to three lighting sets, im torn between, the Lencarta smartflash 2 3 head set (2 softbox one umbrella, but id possibly change one of the modifiers to be a hair/background light) the lencarta pro 2 head set (1 softbox one umbrella, possibly use my 580 ex for a hair light until i can afford another light) or the Elinchrom rx4 two softbox kit

Sorry, Again but, what would you recommend and why ? ive been using speedlights up to now, however im wanting something that can be a little more consistent and obviously much faster recycle times, at the moment
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Easy answer, the Smartflash kit is more than up to your needs, My recommendation would be to swap a softbox for a profold one. 2 heads should be enough to start with and you can easily use your speedlight for a hairlight. The smartflash is enough power for small groups.

Kev132 said:
...studio space isnt huge but id like to have enough power for outdoor group shots too,

Thanks guys
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This is a different conversation entirely. stick to indoors for now and learn how to light. Then you can come back to talk about the relative merits of different systems for outdoor flash work.
 
Thanks Phil, if sticking with the two heads, would you not recommend for the price difference for me to get the elite pro set instead ? (Comes with the better softbox already ?) or the elinchrom set ? Or is there a risk of them being far too powerful in a smaller space ?
 
There is a small risk of too much power. The Elite's are a bit better built, but the Smartflash are capable of regular use and more than adequate for a studio environment. I have no experience of Elinchrom gear but I can't see why it wouldn't work as well.
 
I'd spend the extra on more modifiers, much more useful IMHO. Though some would say learn to use one modifier before experimenting with others is more sensible.
 
Ah, I thought the elite pro came with a different (possibly the pro fold one) softbox, but it would appear it's the same as in the smart flash kit
 
I'd probably lean towards getting the Lencarta kit in your shoes as you can tailor the kit to your needs but here's some thoughts on the Elinchrom's to help you.

The Elinchrom kit should be easier to transport, it's compact, light and with the inclusion of the tube bag for heads and tripod bag for lighting stands makes transporting or storage easier than it would otherwise be.

The included softboxes (Portalite) are rubbish, they're good if you want a really small softbox that's very light but they're inferior to alternatives in a studio.

The Elinchrom kit is easier to resell but it's also more expensive so you'll probably have an easier time getting rid of it but lose more money doing so.

Don't get me wrong the D-lite RX's are perfectly good heads to use, either brand should be more than capable of meeting your needs but I just personally see the Lencarta's doing it for less money.
 
Hi simon, thanks, which lencata kit though as I'm looking at two, the elite pros 300w twin set or the three head smart flash 2, however i could potentially get the two head smart flash 2 set and more modifiers, I could possibly stretch to the elite pro set and swapping the softbox for the pro fold one
 
Don't fall into the mistake of wasting a lot of time choosing between heads, light's light and you won't really notice a great difference between 200w and 300w as that's less than 1 stop difference in power.

Given the choice I'd opt for the two head SF 200 kit and spend my extra budget on modifiers (if you purchase the right ones the first time you're unlikely to replace them), if it turns out you're seriously lacking power when you go outdoors then you could consider adding an EP 300/600 to the mix.
 
I'll grab the two head smart flash kit and upgrade thesoftbox to the pro fold then, what other modifiers would you recommend ? Or stick with that grow ? Does anyone know how much postage is on the kit ?
 
It depends what you're after shooting.

I wouldn't want to lose any of my modifiers (even though they don't get much use), there's a few small softboxes, a stripbox, a reflective brolly, 2 white shoot thru brollies, a small beauty dish with grid and sock, and a 120 Octa with grid. A snoot and a std 5" and 7" reflector with grids.

For the biggest softest light the Octa is great, but often impractical. For beautiful sculpted soft light, the beauty dish is beautiful, but not suitable for mature ladies. I think there's some sample images on the Lencarta site showing some simple differences between modifiers, I shot some samples for here but haven't written it up yet.
 
A bit late to this. I went ar$e about face with my lighting. Started with 2 sb900's and 2 Nissin speedlights before realising that studio lights were the way to go. Initially bought a lencarta ultrapro and gradually added 3 of the mk1 studio lights. If I had my time again I'd get the smartflash kit from the off. Love the smartflash and the mark 2 is reportedly even better.

Modifiers is where I'd spend the extra. But learn to use them first!!
 
Sir SR said:
A bit late to this. I went ar$e about face with my lighting. Started with 2 sb900's and 2 Nissin speedlights before realising that studio lights were the way to go. Initially bought a lencarta ultrapro and gradually added 3 of the mk1 studio lights. If I had my time again I'd get the smartflash kit from the off. Love the smartflash and the mark 2 is reportedly even better.

Modifiers is where I'd spend the extra. But learn to use them first!!
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Thanks for your input, never to late to the party ! I think I'm certainly going for the smart flash kit, it's just which extra modifiers to pick/change for a fairly small studio for mostly work with kids and small family photos
 
In a home studio, personally I wouldn't go for any softboxes larger than the 85cm Profold or the 70 x 100 Profold - both of which will be back in stock by the end of the week.

It isn't just about the amount of space they take up, it's also (and mainly) about the amount of ceiling height needed.
 
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