is this kit any good?

[tezz]

Hi guys,

I have a canon 40d with two lenses. I have always concentrated on sports photography but have had a lot of enquiries about portraite photography and want to set up a studio at home.

I dont know a lot about lighting ect for studio's and would like to know if this kit is any good. Its for sale on ebay and is brand new. Opinions would be greatly appreciated!

Item number: 110518126437

Kit description is :

"3 x Lamp Lighting set with bag.


Nice quality 3 lamp set with accessories bag.
This lighting set is ideal for many lighting setups from product shots to portraiture. It can be setup and conveniently and stowed in the carry case.

The 180w Flash light with modeling lamp. This lamp can be triggered by another flash, IR remote or sync chord which is included.
The power setting can be set as low as 1/8 up to full power and has a test button.
This flash can be used as your main fill light, back light or key light. Includes umbrella holder.

Power: 180w (More than enough for digital)
Variable power range 1/8 - full power
Continuous modeling light 50W (please do not leave on for extended period of time)
220v UK power.
Colour Temperature 5500K - 5600K Daylight
Angle of Illumination is 55 degrees
Recycle time 2 5 seconds at full power. 1 second at half power.
Guide number 48GN
Remote options include built in trigger sensor, socket for sync chord, built in test button or wireless remote optional extra.
CE Certified Product.


We sell all these parts separately so if you need and extra lamp, Barn door set we have them available. Please check our store.
Please note we sell both spare flash and modeling lamps at all time for existing customers although not listed separately.

This set includes
3 x GY-180 Lamps total 540w
3 x 190cm Light Stands (these have sprung dampeners)
2 x 50 x 70 Softbox.
1 x White shoot through Umbrellas
1 x Silver Umbrella
1 x Barn doors set with Gels and honeycomb
1 x 4Ch Trigger set
1 x carry case"


thanks for your help

 

[squizza]

I don't know about these but put it this way, the lighting at uni is bowens andvarious powers no smaller than 500w.

 

[Dr_O]

You get what you pay for in photography so given that you probably will have looked at prices of Bowens etc you must know the answer

Good lights are expensive because they offer consistent colour, faster recycle times, better build quality, reliability. The list goes on.

I wouldn't buy this set, go for a better brand and more power- whether you would need 3 lights depends on the space you have- something you should work out.

Plenty of people do use cheap ebay lights and for occasional use they may be fine but as you seem to be talking about business use, I would have thought proper investment wise if you were serious.

Would this not be better in the lighting forum?