portable flash / lamp recommendations?

[gurulyons]

Hi, Im a student photographer and am working with a musician on some shots for a magazine article.
I shoot pretty much solely on film (both 35mm and medium format) but for this project will be hiring a Nikon d200, as the post-production costs are much lower than with film; and it's what the client wants.
The shoot is taking place at night and I need some suggestions as to types of portable light i could rent out. Ive shot alot at night before...but they have either been very long exposures (for available light) or shot using mains-powered 1k tungsten lamps.
What would be the industry standard battery powered (nikon compatible) flash unit or battery powered lamp to rent? The shoot will be in the middle of no-where...so it needs to be somewhat reliable and not power-guzzling.
cheers in advance for any help.

lester

 

[markp]

Although it sounds like you want to get in to using flash lighting, could you hire a portable generator and continue using your mains lighting? Seems logical if that's what you're used to, but I can definitely see the benefits of getting some portable flash lighting.
Your best bet might be to pop to a Calumet store and see what you can hire. Bowens have some impressive portable power systems.
If it's on a much smaller scale then the Nikon speedlights will serve you well and can be remotely triggered and synchronised if necessary.

 

[gurulyons]

thanks. I've been looking at hiring one or 2 nikon speed lights...though i have no experience with them, hopefully they are easy to pick up on. The generator would be the best option; but is out of budget, and complicates transport / moving around alot.
Cheers for the help.

 

[Chappers]

Elinchrom do the Ranger series of battery powered flash units. Fairly powerful as well.I'm sure Calumet hire these. May be a bit more expensive than the Speedlights but more output.