StroBeam DL250 MkIII Strobist Lighting Kit

Seems you can't delete an account! or ask admin to delete it!
 
DemiLion said:
Personally I don't see anything wrong with Garry posting, as long as his isn't being disingenuous; and I say that as a Strobeam user.

More importantly can you explain why you have two accounts, which is an automatic banning offence (unless one of them is a sponsor's account)?
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I don't actually have two accounts. I have the one in my own name, I am an advertiser in my own right, because I want people to buy my Photolearn tutorials.

And Lencarta has its own account, for use by Lencarta.

At some point, someone complained that my own account didn't make it clear that I have a connection with Lencarta, so I changed the signature to make this clear.

And then someone else complained that it wasn't clear that I am involved with Lencarta because the forum software only displays signatures under certain circumstances and s/he hadn't seen my signature on some post or other, so one of the admins added the words "Advertiser
Lencarta Customer Services" under my name. I wasn't consulted about this but I'm happy with it, even though it isn't really accurate. What matters IMO is that people are fully aware of any affiliations, which in my case they are, not whether or not it is right to put those words on an account that I personally pay for as an advertiser for something else.
I don't think it matters if someone is posting under the guise of a competitor or as a photographer. If you've not seen them let alone use them, are you qualified to comment?
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I feel that I'm as well qualified as anyone else to comment on information that appears to me to be incorrect, because I have enough knowledge and understanding of lighting to be in a position to attempt to interpret the information provided. I have never suggested that there is any intent to deceive the public, all that I have done is to query statements about the range of adjustment and to point out that there is conflicting info on the website.
 
Garry,

I think they where asking me why i had 2 accounts not you:-)

Again i think its down to interpretation. I interpreted your comment as saying you thought Strobeam was not telling the truth regarding the Power. if thats not the case then i apologise. PS we seemed to miss each other this year at focus on our Fag Breaks (or have you given up?)

Paul
 
I'm sure there was a post here a minute ago about REMOVED BY STAFF. Is there a super injunction out on this shock news? ;-)


STAFF EDIT: What is the point of us removing offensive material if someone is going to come along a few minutes later and bring it back up?

Sorry, didn't realise 3 random symbols was offensive:-)
 
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Well I feel that anyone with a pertinent point of view should be able to post an opinion & irrespective of whether-or-not they've used this product based upon the information provided by the website.

I was rather interested in these when the post first appeared and followed the link to have a look. However, by the time I'd reached the bottom of the page it was clear to me, based on the information provided that this wasn't the sort of product I'd be interested in. Indeed, apart from the inconsistencies in the information shown I came away with the impression of an overpriced (for the power on tap) flash unit of limited use. That isn't to say that it will meet the needs of someone else perfectly, just not me. The thing is, in this day and age, the information put out on the Internet is fundamental to many people's buying decision, now I may have got the wrong opinion and there may be some error on StroBeam's site - but that is where I made my mind up that I wouldn't buy these and I consider that opinion to be 100% valid even though I've never seen the product.

Paul
 
Paul,

Sadly, based on the information on the website, I don't blame you. Hopefully they will look at the spec and change them from the translated chinese info supplied to actually tested numbers. I personally have used these, and own a set, and have no problem overpowering the sun (at least in March).

I shall be using these on a workshop on Sunday in Leicester, so hopefully should get some feedback from more photographers. If you are ever near Leicester, then get in touch, and I would be happy for you to have a play with these lights.

Strobeam are also running a Workshop/demo of these lights in Birmingham on Sunday 25th http://www.strobeam.eu/seminar/

Then you can see for yourself if these will be any good for your needs.

Paul

P.S its not me running the workshop!
 
fototraining said:
Paul,

Strobeam are also running a Workshop/demo of these lights in Birmingham on Sunday 25th http://www.strobeam.eu/seminar/

Then you can see for yourself if these will be any good for your needs.

Paul

P.S its not me running the workshop!
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No, they are permanently off the potentials list and at present there are just two products on it; the the Lencarta Safari Classic or the Multiblitz Propac. Just like the constant banging on about even lit (white or any other colour) backgrounds, very short flash duration is an overrated requirement IMO ;)

Paul
 
The quick recycling certainly suits my needs to an extent when shooting action such as netting shots and or anything where the I ant to crack off a series of shots.

I really like the overall build and aesthetics of the units and the trigger functionality is a nice touch. Whether the angle joint will last the course is something only time will tell.

The inability to use something like a standard S-fit modifier is something to think about but on the other hand, there are plenty of good, brolly-based modifiers out there that will probably suit the whole idea of portability better.

When I first took a look at Focus2012 I knew there would have to be some reading between the lines on the specs and general description; the leaflet wasn't gobbledegook by any means, but I also knew it'd be a case of looking for an independent test of power to ascertain just how they compare to the rest.

I wish I could attend the demo day, just to get a real world idea of how these could fit into what I do out in the field.

As a product in its infancy, then there may be some potential in what's already on the table. Maybe a Mk2 version will see the power increase that some of us would have preferred from the start - who knows.....
 
So it looks like we found something else to argue about.... :D

Would a fair summary of the thread be "some people who have used these lights seem happy - others that haven't are guessing they aren't that good"?
 
JonathanRyan said:
So it looks like we found something else to argue about.... :D

Would a fair summary of the thread be "some people who have used these lights seem happy - others that haven't are guessing they aren't that good"?
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You missed out the ones that have removed them from the 'shopping list' due to lack of features/power...

Paul
 
JonathanRyan said:
So it looks like we found something else to argue about.... :D

Would a fair summary of the thread be "some people who have used these lights seem happy - others that haven't are guessing they aren't that good"?
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No, that would be unfair both on those with a genuinely open mind (and speaking personally, hoping that they're as good as claimed) and unfair to the product itself.

What's missing is a set of numbers that does not contain obvious inconsistencies or raise questions. And given that there are people on this thread in a position to provide something positive, that's disappointing.

If someone would like me to test one, I'll check it for power, range, recycle, colour and durations, and provide independent data. I'll provide confidential data to whoever sends me the unit, to do with as they like. FOC :)
 
HoppyUK said:
No, that would be unfair both on those with a genuinely open mind (and speaking personally, hoping that they're as good as claimed) and unfair to the product itself.

What's missing is a set of numbers that does not contain obvious inconsistencies or raise questions. And given that there are people on this thread in a position to provide something positive, that's disappointing.

If someone would like me to test one, I'll check it for power, range, recycle, colour and durations, and provide independent data. I'll provide confidential data to whoever sends me the unit, to do with as they like. FOC :)
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Can't say fairer than that
 
HoppyUK said:
If someone would like me to test one, I'll check it for power, range, recycle, colour and durations, and provide independent data. I'll provide confidential data to whoever sends me the unit, to do with as they like. FOC :)
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Sounds good - I'll see if one of the review kits can be made available.

In the meantime if any of the people here who have kits would like to lend them to you then that would be good too.
 
JonathanRyan said:
Sounds good - I'll see if one of the review kits can be made available.

In the meantime if any of the people here who have kits would like to lend them to you then that would be good too.
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Thanks for your PM Jonathan. We'll take it from there :)
 
Richard,
I have a set you can borrow to test out. Im based in Leicester so not too far. PM me if you want to arrange something.

Paul
 
Gosh, I missed all this, sorry I have not been on lately.

What can I say? Some of you guys are very experienced at testing and reporting on these type of products. I'm a user and have 2 x SB900s and 1 x SB800 plus a set of Pocket Wizards - TT1, TT5, AC3. Plus I had two sets of studio lights. Sold one set since buying the StroBeams.

I can report the following. This set up is cheaper than having the SB's with PW's, tripods, battery packs, umbrella and softboxes. It is also more versatile.

I can also report as a user, they they, well just do the job every time. So far they have been easy to set up for a mere beginner and work very well. Today we have 7 and will be carrying out some tests in a new studio in Devizes.

As an electronics engineer I will also be taking one apart to check the construction and will report back on my findings.

Next Tuesday we will hopefully have the Yerburys - fuel permitting - down to the new studio for a training day. If suitable and time permits we will get Trevor to have a play as well.

I also look forward to Richards test results.

As to a distributor of another product commenting. It does feel wrong to me and something I have taught sales people to NEVER do. It becomes too complicated and potentially harmful to do so. I would also agree that commenting should be just that if you have not actually used a product you can surely only comment based on what you 'think' rather than what you 'know'.

I appreciate that there are some inconsistencies in the web site and hope they will be rectified soon.

But please remember I am just an amateur and a user of these products which to me appear on paper and actual use to be superb.

Best regards


Chris
 
As to a distributor of another product commenting. It does feel wrong to me and something I have taught sales people to NEVER do. It becomes too complicated and potentially harmful to do so. I would also agree that commenting should be just that if you have not actually used a product you can surely only comment based on what you 'think' rather than what you 'know'.
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Chris, you still just don't seem to get it.

I'm a human being. I'm a professional studio photographer, have been for many years and I am both interested in lighting and know something about it. Why shouldn't I post on a thread about lighting?

I made it very clear that I have never seen the product, let alone used it, (actually I did see it and have a play a few years ago in China, but it may not have been exactly the same) and that I was basing my comments only on what I had seen on a rather poorly-translated webpage. Basically I tried to interpret what was said and make it understandable. I do know that energy storage and energy output only have a fairly loose relationship, I also do know that reflector design can greatly influence figures. I wrote only about what I know, not about what I might think...

As for being "a distributor of another product" you've got that wrong too. I am associated with Lencarta, but Lencarta is a manufacturer not a distributor, and as such knows a thing or two about design, performance and so on. And Lencarta hasn't posted on this thread.

What I have done though, behind the scenes, is to contact the distributors of Strobeam and suggest ways of making improvements to their webpage. Whether they adopt any or all of my suggestions or not, and whether or not they have the courtesy to reply doesn't matter, I've tried to help.

If you feel that it's impossible for someone who has commercial connections to a lighting manufacturer to give honest, impartial and helpful info to people, maybe you'd like to take this up with the photographic magazines who employ people who have paid roles with lighting manufacturers to write about lighting, and review equipment, in their magazines. Whether you understand it or not, there are plenty of ethical people around.
 
Hi Garry,

I am sorry you took my thoughts personally. It was exactly that, just my thoughts and how I deal with situations like this. I did not in this case mention you and was only thinking in terms of other peoples comments.

May I suggest that beginning with 'you don't seem to get it' is not a clever way to start a conversation, particularly when we don't know each other. However, in the interest of fairness and to keep this thread as I hope it will continue to go and that is a very interesting discussion we should just move on.

As to your comments I take them on board, but of course don't necessarily agree, but will give them due consideration.

Best regards

Chris
 
fototraining said:
Richard,
I have a set you can borrow to test out. Im based in Leicester so not too far. PM me if you want to arrange something.

Paul
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Paul, I've sent you a PM.
 
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