Jinbei flash kit for home use

dougmonkey · 3 Oct 2013

Hi

I am looking at getting a relatively cheap light setup to just use at home. I would just be taking pictures of my daughter, friends babies and some portraits for friends.

I was originally looking at the kits on eBay but after reading about them on here I think I will steer clear.

I would love to get lencarta etc but I just can't afford or justify spending that much. I did find a set of Jinbei here: http://www.photospecialist.co.uk/product/1736601/jinbei-delicacy-d-200-studio-flash-kit-de-luxe.html and they look like a good price for what you get and also the spec of the heads. From what I can find online about them they don't seem to be one of the nasty cheap brands.

Any input will be appreciated, but please don't berate me for not being able to spend money on expensive lights haha.

sep9001 · 3 Oct 2013

Hi

Any reason you want to get studio flashes?

If you have a flash, why not give that a go first.

Kev

mike weeks · 3 Oct 2013

Jinbei and Lencarta are made in the same factory, so expect a lot of visual similarity. One thing to note with the kit you listed is that it is not a common attachment fitting, most common is Bowens S mount.

Mike

Garry Edwards · 4 Oct 2013

This is an entry level light, you can expect the performance to be roughly equivalent to that of similar lights on Ebay.

Performance aside, the biggest problem will be the proprietary accessory fitting, accessories just push on to the front and (hopefully) stay there by friction.

dougmonkey · 4 Oct 2013

Thanks for the replies.

Kev - I was looking into studio flash mainly due to the recycling times and being able to light more than 2 people. We took some shots of my daughter using the solo flash that i have I missed a few really nice shots due to recycling times.

Mike - Do you know if its an unusual and probably only Jinbei mount or is it similar to other makes?

Gary - Thanks for that. another set i was looking at is the Interfit EXD200. does this have a more universal fitment on it for accessories.

As stated before I really can't afford to get Lencarta, Bowens Elinchrom etc, so for me to start learning these kits are what I am looking at.

mike weeks · 4 Oct 2013

Steve,

I think you are asking the wrong question, it should be can I not afford to get Lencarta etc. - when I have run training courses I always state, buy once, buy right, a good lencarta kit or similar will retain much more value if you intend to re-sell.

Can not say any more about the mount, sorry.

Mike

dougmonkey · 4 Oct 2013

haha, ok. My dad once said the same thing about pensions and "you can not afford to not have a pension."

I guess this Lencarta kit isn't to different in price to this http://www.lencarta.com/lighting-store/studio-lighting-kit/twin-head-mains-powered-starter-kit and then i know that there are accessories readily available for it.

Would this Lencarta d be a good starting and learning point?

rbrown74 · 4 Oct 2013

They'll do the very best - I started with the 3 head kit and backdrop and still use 2 of the heads for the background lighting. The triggers are pants though - I've had two sets fail on me.

mike weeks · 4 Oct 2013

Steve,

that would be ideal and there are other makes such as this http://www.photomart.co.uk/Catalogu...ts/iLUX-RD-300-SERIES-UMBRELLA-KIT-S-ILRD300U that are equally as good - for home studio the power is good. I would where possible suggest going to a one softbox and 1 umbrella set up if you can afford to.

P.S. your Dad was right

Mike

dougmonkey · 4 Oct 2013

cool thanks. that is a great price, especially as you get a bag too, haha!. i might see if i can stretch to the CD-300 softbox and umbrella kit, there's just that extra control on the step down and the fan cooling. Christmas is coming up so I might ask for an early present from wifey

would i need one of the iLux iport radio triggers to go with the kit?

and yes, my dad is very rarely wrong, haha.

mike weeks · 4 Oct 2013

It does have a sync lead so if you have a PC socket on your camera you will not need the triggers however life with triggers is so much easier.

Mike

dougmonkey · 5 Oct 2013

Cool thanks. Is it best to stick to the same manufacturer to avoid compatibility issues?

mike weeks · 7 Oct 2013

Triggers can be by anybody, personally I use some mains powered ones by Viewfinder which are almost identical to the iLux ones with my Bowens lights.

Mike

scottduffy · 8 Oct 2013

Steve i used the Lencarta Smartflash system and it worked just as i hoped. I then sold it and bought the Interfit EX150 kit which was something like £100 or something second hand it they worked just fine too. It really is up to you mate. Just read the reviews and go for it.