Studio light and large softbox/octobox purchase help

dan_yorkshire

dan_yorkshire

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Hi All,

Learning with a home studio.

Currently using three speedlights. Two in the Lastolite hilite and one for keylight into 60cm softbox.

I realise I need a larger/softer keylight.

Cheap option, still using speedlight and use one of these.

http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy...8_1324983484_602ff0048661e48b3707a35c3fadcb98

or

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Umbrella-...ht_3406wt_974&clk_rvr_id=301388849838&afsrc=1

I'm worried about possibly having to use the flash at full power, giving inconsistent results and effecting recycling time.

The other and obviously more expensive option is a studio light for the key light and a larger softbox or large octobox.

Thing is I know nothing about studio lights. I will have a budget of about £150-£200 for both.

Anyone any advice?

Cheers

Dan
 
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Full power shouldn't effect consistency, but your recycle time will be penalised. Easily circumvented by using an external power pack. You don't say which speedlights you are using, so I can't advise on the battery packs.

As for studio lights take a look at the Lencarta blog entry here
 
Michael Sewell said:
Full power shouldn't effect consistency, but your recycle time will be penalised. Easily circumvented by using an external power pack. You don't say which speedlights you are using, so I can't advise on the battery packs.

As for studio lights take a look at the Lencarta blog entry here
Click to expand...

Cheers Michael, will take a look at that link.

I'm using SB25's for the lastolite and an SB600 for the key light.
 
That softbox isn't a good choice, as the front isn't recessed, so you won't have as much control over the light. This Lencarta box is good if you can stretch the extra £20.
If you are looking elsewhere, you want an "S" fit.
Bessel are a fair budget alternative. Their 60x60 folding box is excellent. (They call their folding softboxes "speedboxes", they work on an umbrella principle. Very quick to deploy)
 
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Cheers once again.

I already have a 60x60 so was looking for something a bit bigger.

I'm looking at the 200 flash head.

http://www.lencarta.com/lighting-store/flash-heads/flash-heads-1/smartflash-200-compact-flash-head

With this 140cm Octobox

http://www.lencarta.com/lighting-store/flash-heads/non-folding-softboxes/140cm-octa-softbox

Would I need anything else?

Also that octobox isnt the folding type, how quick would it be put together and put away?

I'd imagine I will trigger it with my RF602 plugged into the back of it?
 
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Double post
 
The SmartFlash 200 will be fine for that.

That particular softbox isn't folding, it probably takes around 3 minutes to assemble it, with a bit of practice - there are 8 rods that fit into the outside edge pockets of the softbox and the speedring - it isn't difficult.
 
Garry Edwards said:
The SmartFlash 200 will be fine for that.

That particular softbox isn't folding, it probably takes around 3 minutes to assemble it, with a bit of practice - there are 8 rods that fit into the outside edge pockets of the softbox and the speedring - it isn't difficult.
Click to expand...

Many thanks Garry,

Also have this option from Bessel which Michael said were ok.

http://www.bessel.co.uk/info/120cm Octobox Speedbox with Grid.html

That is a folding one. Just need help deciding. Wondering about the durability of non folding after many times of putting up and taking down etc.

Cheers
 
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Michael Sewell said:
The 140cm Octa is a fine bit of kit :o)
Click to expand...

I'm hoping so, at nearly half the price of the foldable 120cm I think I can put up with having to build it.
 
I have that same 120 Bessel folding Octa, and it's held up well over the last 18 months, but I need to replace it as it's been hammered. I'll be replacing it with a Lencarta 120 folding Octa, and I'll also be after the 150cm version too, which I got to use on the Marriott brochure shoot. Lovely bit of kit :o)
 
Probs between the non foldable 140cm Lencarta and the foldable 120cm Bessel one then.

Can imagine the build quality of the Lencarta is better than that of the Bessel but like the quickness of the Bessel.
 
I have some items from Bessel that will be replaced by Lencarta items. They are very good value, but I've had a few small issues. The Bessel 80x120 seems a bit thin on the side panels (I can see the model light shining through the panels in a few places). The big Bessel stripbox (40x200) is a great bit of kit, but the front diffusion panel is around 3cm too short on the length, and I had to modify it to fit. A couple of other niggles too.

Don't get me wrong, I have no regrets as they did what I wanted, but they've only had light use in the studio. Seeing as the studio will be a lot busier in the New Year, I need to replace them with equipment that is up to the workload. ok, it'll cost marginally more, but I have no qualms about the quality of the Lencarta boxes after using them on several shoots, including dragging the folding stripbox and the folding 70x100 up a Whelsh mountain. Can't say fairer than that :D
 
Hi, I have a soft box from Elemental brand new never used I put it up once it took me eight hours of trial and error. i dismantaled it and today I wanted to use it and couldn’t get it together, I have left it out so I can try and learn how to do it for the next time I need it.
The rest of the equipment from Elemental if fine, ie lights and so on
 
I've ordered the Lencarta 200 smartflash and Bessel 120cm Umbrella Octobox.

Cheers for your help.
 
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