Good studio lighting

[rodneys1]

Hi all
I am looking at buying some good studio lighting. I have been reading a lot about different gear but it's all a little confusing.
I want some gear that will last and not pack up all the time, I would like nice powerful lights with strong and durable stands etc. Also diffusers and barn doors so kits would probably be an advantage.
But what I find hard is power sizes and bulb sizes. I understand continuous and strobe but advantages and disadvantages?
I will be photographing people, and commercial stuff Any advice would be appreciated
Many thanks

 

[Garry Edwards]

I understand the confusion. Just about all manufacturers post either too little or too much info on their sites, and all tend to use jargon that most people simply don't understand.

As for the choices of continuous or flash, it's no contest, get flash. Continuous lighting is essential for video, is usable for product shots but not ideal, and far from ideal for any kind of people photography - it looks bright, and in fact can be uncomfortably bright for sitters, but it has very little power adjustment and, come to that, very little actual power compared to flash.

On the subject of flash power, everything is explained here

 

[rodneys1]

I understand the confusion. Just about all manufacturers post either too little or too much info on their sites, and all tend to use jargon that most people simply don't understand.

As for the choices of continuous or flash, it's no contest, get flash. Continuous lighting is essential for video, is usable for product shots but not ideal, and far from ideal for any kind of people photography - it looks bright, and in fact can be uncomfortably bright for sitters, but it has very little power adjustment and, come to that, very little actual power compared to flash.

On the subject of flash power, everything is explained here

Thank you very much for the info. It's is all becoming clear the more I read cheers