another question regarding studio flash

[ujjwaldey8165]

I am considering buying a kit for studio-type photography at home. The aim is to learn how to do it; and have no aim of going pro, or setting up a full studio etc. I would mostly do head shots; may be a few full length. Rarely a group photo of more than 4 person. Almost never carry the kit outdoors.

As I can see I have 2 alternatives

Alt 1: Buy 2/3 powerful hotshoe flash, light stand, umbrella softbox, and remote triggers and do it

Alt 2: Buy a studio flash, Umbrella softbox, stand trigger and do it.

A couple of questions in my mind

1. Are the same umbrella. softbox, triggers and stand usable for both alternatives, or are they different

2. As I understand the advantages of Studio flash are (i) higher power (ii) modelling lamp (iii) many different modifiers. Are there any other significant advantages

3. If the GN is the same for both a hotshoe flash and a studio flash, is the end result of using them ( with distance, same softbox etc) very similar?

4. What are the major pros and cons of going for one or another ( apart from cost; where a couple of hot shoe flash sounds much more attractive)

Any pointers will be gratefully received.

Ujjwal

 

[JasonRS]

1. Are the same umbrella. softbox, triggers and stand usable for both alternatives, or are they different

Umbrella, triggers & stand - Yes
Softbox - Depends, probably no

2. As I understand the advantages of Studio flash are (i) higher power (ii) modelling lamp (iii) many different modifiers. Are there any other significant advantages

POWER, recycle times, POWER, range of adjustment, did I mention POWER

3. If the GN is the same for both a hotshoe flash and a studio flash, is the end result of using them ( with distance, same softbox etc) very similar?

Hmm, can't comment competently on this, but it's a very weak studio flash if it's the same power as a hotshoe flash. Studio flash also tends to maintain colour temperature across the power ranges.

4. What are the major pros and cons of going for one or another ( apart from cost; where a couple of hot shoe flash sounds much more attractive)

Hotshoe flash give you portability, but at the cost of low power.
Hotshoe flash recycle times are slower, and they'll eat batteries.

In my own kit I have 3 hotshoe flash, and have just taken delivery of a Lencarta Safari kit, which gives me power and portability. My triggers and umbrella's work fine, however, I will need new softboxes, new snoots, new grids, and I'm now trying to justify a Fresnel attachment. £££££££££

So....

Unless you want compact and portable, which you're suggesting you don't then go for the studio flash, it'll be cheaper in the long run!!!

 

[Garry Edwards]

Plus - there are not only far more modifiers available for studio flash - they work much better!
What's the point of getting a 3" beauty dish? Waste of money.
Why make a honeycomb out of drinking straws when you can get a wide range of very different honeycombs for studio flash?
Why get a softbox that can't distribute the light properly (because the reflector is fixed) when you can get one that produces perfectly even light?
Where can you get a fresnel spot for a hotshoe flash?
Or a focussing spot?

For some people, hotshoe flashes are the best answer. For people who do both studio and outdoors, both may be needed.
For your needs, it's a no brainer.

 

[HoppyUK]

You can do a heck of a lot with powerful hot shoe guns these days, but they are not cheap. You don't mention budget but if you go for top end Nikon/Canon they will likely cost you more than studio heads. Then you will need stands, brollies/softboxes etc which are usually thrown in almost free, effectively, if you buy a kit. £400-£500 gets you a very serviceable 2-head studio outfit, ready to go.

Recycle times have been mentioned, but I will mention them again. Recycle times! I find that portraiture is not a leisurely affair at all. Relaxed, it certainly should be, but when you get the right pose and then the right expression comes along, I'm often shooting almost as fast as I can. Fleeting expressions are just that, and very subtle changes happen very quickly indeed. I'll sometimes shoot half a dozen frames in as many seconds when things are looking good. Kids especially as you rarely get a second chance.

Hot shoe flash is hopeless by comparison. It's frustrating when the flash doesn't fire, not to mention amateurish and embarrassing. It can ruin a session.

 

[malla1962]

You can buy a Bowens 2 head kit for the price of 2 canon 580 speedlights.