Cheap Photography Lighting kits for students?

R

russ8585

Suspended / Banned
Messages
40
Edit My Images
No
Im currently a photography student and Im looking to get hold of some lighting equipment / portable studio. Im trying to get away from being stuck with natural light or being restricted to using my college’s studio.

My main interest is portraiture work and I wanted to get some pro photographer’s options on this kit I saw on amazon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/900w-Studio-Flash-Lighting-Light/dp/B008H3K3PE/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1349966713&sr=1-1

Obviously I know is no were near as good as professional kit (such as Bowens) but I don’t have the cash for the high end stuff to start off. In worried those that it will be just too cheap and nasty so if anyone could off another choice this would be great :)

Basically I need some cheap kit so I can start to expand my portfolio.
Im probably looking for: Flash Lighting, softboxs, beauty dish, snoot, light meter, and Trigger set to start off with.

Any feedback would be great.
 
Can’t you lobby your college to provide a portable lighting kit for loan, petition the other students make a bit of fuss. The fees you pay are probably the same as other colleges where they do have loan kit.
 
ah5168 said:
Can’t you lobby your college to provide a portable lighting kit for loan, petition the other students make a bit of fuss. The fees you pay are probably the same as other colleges where they do have loan kit.
Click to expand...

they dont have the money for this. They only loan cameras and accessories
 
The general consensus is the cheap ebay ones can be very tempremental. Looking at the Interfit one at Jessops and it's got some bad reviews.

I don't have a studio kit, but when I do invest. I think I'll be going down the Lencarta route. Many here recommend them.
 
I'd honestly buy one decent branded light and a reflector than throw my money on some cheap set up.Then buy a second light once you can afford it.
 
DEANSUPREME said:
I'd honestly buy one decent branded light and a reflector than throw my money on some cheap set up.Then buy a second light once you can afford it.
Click to expand...

what brands would you recommend? Something like Bowens is way out of my price range.
 
If you can't afford Bowens/Elinchrom or others then look at the Lencarta brand.Look for Garry who deals with the Lencarta stuff on here.He will be able to advise you on what the best set-up is for you cash wise.
 
good luck mate
I was in the position of looking at home lighting... however, there are alternatives
for example I use speedlites as they're portable.
or if you need to get some pro shots, there are studios around which offer
-help
-pro equipment
-a great working environment
-student discounts

if you book with 2-3 other people then it's about £20 for the afternoon with no equipment at risk and a decent environment for your models
for shooting in people's homes, then of course that doesn't work. if you're only supplementing natural light, then I think a speedlite or two is versatile way forwards
 
The power of the lights required depends on the size of studio you will be shooting in...smaller wattage is acceptable for a small room...there is also the room walls/ceiling colour to consider...reflection wise...
I have the ex150s and they are...ok...not great...ok...
I intend to get some S-fit lights...another consideration...what type of fitments are you likely to have already...
I am sure loads of other people on here have way more experience than me...and will be more than willing to give advice...

STEVIER
 
Right Im think of going for the SmartFlash 200 or Trinity Nano.

SmartFlash kit gives 200W fan cooled with 150W modelling light and 2 softboxs. But no bag or trigger.

Trinity Nano can offer 200w or 400W with trigger and bag, but only one softbox and 75W modelling light.

Just not sure which I like.
 
Well ive brought them! :D

Decided on:
SmartFlash 400Ws Lighting Kit (2x 200W lights with 2 softboxs)
Snoot
White Beauty Dish

£420. Im happy at that price.

Still need to buy a trigger and flash meter (if i can find a 2nd hand one)
 
Can't go far wrong with Lencarta. This is a good starting point for you and the other students. Let's see some of your photographs when you have set it all up.
 
Being fairly new to photography I found this thread very useful indeed. I was about to purchase one of the cheaper kits until I came across this.

I am wishing to explore portraiture photography on a tight budget of around £450 a £500, I need a backdrop, lights (with softbox) and most likely a trigger. It seems as though I can have the lights and softbox(s) covered by the Lencarta Smart Flash but it doesn't leave much for a backdrop and trigger... Anyone any ideas?
 
For triggers look for rf-602's very reliable for not a lot of money . There were some in the classifieds for about £20 . I'm sure that there was also a thread a while back with a cheap background setup for around £50-£60
 
I can't yet see the classified adds :'(

I will search around on the t'interweb. Does the ones you mention include a receiver for the lights?
 
Yep trigger and receiver , have a look on ebay there's loads on there .
 
I eventually stumbled across this when looking at the Smart Flash heads. That would give me a 2 lamp set up with softbox(s) and trigger for £380. That just leaves me a backdrop and support and on eBay they are going for about £60! £420 I could live with... Just need to wait for them to get back in stock. :'(
 
If you want cheap but good, why not buy used lights? eBay is strewn with Elinchrom and Bowens studio lights.

edit: just make sure they have a commonly available modifier-mount.
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the advice, think I have my heart set on the Lencarta Smart Flash units. :)
 
Sorry for all the questions but can anyone advise if the rf-602's work with the Lencarta Smartflash units? Additionally do I need 2 receivers to operate a 2 light set up or do I connect 1 receiver and the other light will fire simultaneously?
 
Scrap the above...I have done some further reading and the Lencarta Wavesync has literally just been purchased :-)

That's me ordered 2 3m x 6m backdrops and supports and the trigger. Now just for the flash heads!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top