Studio flash - Kit or head

[Col_M]

Hi all, I'm looking to build on my skills that I've learnt when hiring a studio and I think the most cost effective way would be to buy my own lighting kit rather then continue to hire.

In the future I may well have the possibility to get work from a friend who works for a style/fashion magazine here in Prague so any gear I get would ideally be suitable for that. I've also been considering offering portraits and studio sessions to make some extra pocket money.

What would you experts say was the better choice, a cheap kit like Elinchrom D-lites, Bowen studio-in-a-box, Lencarta kit or a more expensive single head like an Elinchrom RX or Bowens Esprit Gemini Digital that would be a foundation to build on?

I'm thinking it could actually be a good idea to just start with one strobe which would force me into learning how to control the light. I've certainly seen that you can get very good results with one source.

 

[dazzajl]

I would definitely go down the one good head route. As you've said, one head and a reflector can be achieve lots of different looks and you'll learn more that way too.

 

[Garry Edwards]

I would definitely go down the one good head route. As you've said, one head and a reflector can be achieve lots of different looks and you'll learn more that way too.

I agree, and I'll be more specific and advise Elinchrom, and get the most powerful one you can.

Reasons: Not important for portrait use, but for fashion you might need a lot of power. I frequently use a 2,400 Joule generator in an Elinchrom Octobox, the design of the Octobox produces a beautiful quality of light, and its size allows it to be used at a distance, giving models room to move. This means that quite a lot of power can be needed. Also, Elinchrom have an excellent range of other accessories and I expect it will be easy to hire accessories and extra heads if necessary.
The same comments apply to Bowens, except that IMO the Elinchrom light banks are much better

 

[FranchiseJuan]

I think you can't really go wrong with either Bowens or Elinchrom. I personally use Bowens, and many (most) of the studios I hire have Bowens equipment, which is good for me as I can bring some of the modifiers I own.

I generally see more used Bowens equipment come up then Elinchrom, and the older Esprit, and Esprit 2 heads can be really cheap on the used market.

The range of light modifiers for either is about the same, with slight differences (the focusing spot/pattern projector is one unit for Elinchrom, while Bowens separates them into two units).

One light and a reflector will allow you to shoot portraits, but you will generally get pretty flat light. You will also eventually need to budget as much (if not more) on the light modifiers as the heads.

 

[Col_M]

Well so far the concensus seems to be to go along the single head route which was what I was starting to think myself.

The vast majority of professionals I've either got an answer from like Garry or read articles written by like Frank Doorhof, Joe McNally and Scott Kelby advise to get Elinchrom and to get the best you can afford, I'm not in a position to argue against that weight of experience.

Unfortunately due to some uncertainty with the financial health of my employer I don't want to spend any money I've saved until things are more certain or I've jumped ship. So I'll probably have to wait a few months before buying but at least that will give me time to research and be certain of what I need.

Garry, I'm very tempted to get a video and written tutorial or two that you've created as I really liked the snippets I've seen on youtube and your website, which ones would you say would benefit me most taking into account what I'd like to do?

I really can't thank everyone enough for their input

 

[Garry Edwards]

Garry, I'm very tempted to get a video and written tutorial or two that you've created as I really liked the snippets I've seen on youtube and your website, which ones would you say would benefit me most taking into account what I'd like to do?

I think probably the Model Portfolio one. I don't think it would be right to post a link to it on the forum

 

[Col_M]

I think probably the Model Portfolio one. I don't think it would be right to post a link to it on the forum

I understand, thanks anyway, it may have been better to ask via PM thinking about it