pro line 180 kit. does anyone have this? Or any recommendations on a kit?

louise-knight

louise-knight

Suspended / Banned
Messages
720
Name
Louise Knight
Edit My Images
No
Hello! I'm looking for a basic starter studio kit to set up at home & take around with me if I need to. I will be a beginner to studio lighting (apart from the odd visit to studios local to me to 'observe' what's going on), so I just want to start with something suitable for beginners, but with the capability of using it for client shoots too.

This kit is available in my local camera shop at a reasonable price (but cheaper online!) I'd just like to know if anyone else has this kit or has used it, would you recommend it?

If not, what would you recommend?

Thanks! Louise
 
Chaz Photos said:
looks a bit like the interfit ones which you can get cheaper Well cheaper then I seen them as you not post a link to the one you found
Click to expand...

Well, this is the kit I'm talking about http://prolinestudio.co.uk/kit/show/3 it's £300 in my local camera shop, and on the first page of google, the prices showing up vary from £247 upwards.

I'll be using it for portrait / fashion photography mainly.
 
Looks similar to interfit kit.... and the case comes with it. Interfit charge extra for a bag... Something I never thought of was what other modifiers/lightboxes etc would fit... Mine also takes elinchrom fit items... If you buy it mail order and you really dont get on with it you can send it back due to the distance selling rules....
 
we11ingon said:
Looks similar to interfit kit.... and the case comes with it. Interfit charge extra for a bag... Something I never thought of was what other modifiers/lightboxes etc would fit... Mine also takes elinchrom fit items... If you buy it mail order and you really dont get on with it you can send it back due to the distance selling rules....
Click to expand...

distance selling rules.. sounds good to me! I'm just checking out some other kits. Is there anything else I should be aware of, like you said about the other modifiers etc fitting?
 
are the power controls digital or is it a Knob/dial like the interfit ones? generally folks seem to dislike the knobs as they can can very the power output but I like em as you can set the power between 1/8 and 1/4 and most settings in between. Let us see some of the results...
 
Hi Louise

I bought, after much research, http://www.lencarta.com/smartflash-...smartflash-twin-softbox-starter-kit/index.php
1) Build quality 10/10
2) Value 10/10
3) the tripods are light, have great stability and height.
4) comes complete with remote triggers
5) I bought the set with the softboxes, which are of a good size
6) Garry is at the end of the phone and is very willing to help, therefore customer support 10/10.


I am that pleased with my lights, I have ordered a 2nd set, as I photograph "high key"

Dave
 
Out of the ones mentioned the lencarta is the only one that will fit the bill for you Louise. With what you are planning you will need a fast recycling time and the lencarta claims this

stew
 
we11ingon said:
That looks like a great kit as its got THREE heads. With the addition of at least one combo umbrella I'd fancy one of those... It got more power than my kit:'(
Click to expand...

I bought an umbrella with mine but have never used it even once preferring the soft boxes but if you do get an umbrella he doesn't charge more postage. Match this kit up with a radio flash kit from flash in the pan and you have a nice setup.
 
we11ingon said:
That looks like a great kit as its got THREE heads. With the addition of at least one combo umbrella I'd fancy one of those... It got more power than my kit:'(
Click to expand...

The trouble with that kit though is it does not really allow for expansion as the modifier fitting is non-standard.

I would probably go with the Lencarta Smartflash Softbox outfit and ask Garry to swap a softbox for the reflective umbrella and reflector. This uses Bowens s-type modifiers so opens up many possibilities.

I have 2 sets of theses (4 heads) and find them really good for the price, I have previously had similar heads to the ones sold by Stable Imaging and they were not in the same league.
 
we11ingon said:
That looks like a great kit as its got THREE heads. With the addition of at least one combo umbrella I'd fancy one of those... It got more power than my kit:'(
Click to expand...
The Stable Imaging kit is great value. It's exactly the same kit that's sold by other people at much higher prices, the only real difference being that Stable Imaging haven't stuck their own labels on it and claimed to have made it in their own factory:)

But of course this type of kit does have its limitations, with very slow recycling and fixed reflectors, which limits the range of accessories available. Like everything else, different people have different needs, it will be fine for some people but not for others.
 
EdBray said:
The trouble with that kit though is it does not really allow for expansion as the modifier fitting is non-standard.

I would probably go with the Lencarta Smartflash Softbox outfit and ask Garry to swap a softbox for the reflective umbrella and reflector. This uses Bowens s-type modifiers so opens up many possibilities.

I have 2 sets of theses (4 heads) and find them really good for the price, I have previously had similar heads to the ones sold by Stable Imaging and they were not in the same league.
Click to expand...

I would agree that they are not as expandable but there are accessories that you can find on ebay etc. I would much prefer the bowens fitment myself as I have found that I would prefer a larger softbox for full length shots. I will probably get a Lencarta Smartflash Softbox outfit to add to it but with bigger soft boxes as I expand it.
 
I wish you guys had been around when I bought my kit! The Lencarta uses Bowens type fitting but what about the Stable imaging fitting ??? do any other makers items fit?
 
we11ingon said:
I wish you guys had been around when I bought my kit! The Lencarta uses Bowens type fitting but what about the Stable imaging fitting ??? do any other makers items fit?
Click to expand...

The actual ring size is a reasonable standard but it is an interference fit but with screws that close in on the ring. There are items you can get with the same ring size. It would be worth emailing Neil at Stable Imaging about it as he may have done something by now. My studio lights have not had as much use as I would have liked yet as my studio is going into my garage but unfortunately it has been too cold to paint the floor and do the walls etc. As it warms up I should get it done and get in there for some practice.
 
davetucker said:
Hi Louise

I bought, after much research, http://www.lencarta.com/smartflash-...smartflash-twin-softbox-starter-kit/index.php
1) Build quality 10/10
2) Value 10/10
3) the tripods are light, have great stability and height.
4) comes complete with remote triggers
5) I bought the set with the softboxes, which are of a good size
6) Garry is at the end of the phone and is very willing to help, therefore customer support 10/10.


I am that pleased with my lights, I have ordered a 2nd set, as I photograph "high key"

Dave
Click to expand...

This looks like a good setup. Would this be suitable for a small studio if i wanted to?

Also , how does it compare to this.. http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy...0-watt-two-head-softbox-umbrella-kit/p1015694

Matt
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top