Too good to be true?

ChrisMClark

ChrisMClark

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I've just seen this(clicky) on Stable Imaging's and it seems like you get a shed load of gear for your 200 notes...but is it any good? I'm new to flash systems like this so I could use a bit of guidance before I decide to scrape up the pennies and splurge!
 
Nobody care to offer an opinion? :(
 
Yeah, I had a shufti and didn't find anything. I'll have a better dig around tomorrow after work...bedtime now lol :exit::banana:
 
Looks like a set of the chinese studio lights I got from ebay. I paid just under £50 each for them including shipping, but this was only for a head and a set of barndoors/filters and a head and a softbox. This did not include stands or case/bag or an extra head with snoot.

For the money this is a reasonable starter kit.

The heads do not have proportional modelling lights, not a big problem with digital cameras as you can view the image and adjust accordingly. They have enough power for home studio type use and they are small, portable and seem reasonably robust. I would suggest that you budget for a flashmeter though.

I tend to use mine just as backgound lights or hairlights/kickers as i have 3 Elinchrom 400BXs but they are certainly good enough for casual use and if you do get into studio lighting you can buy a set of better lights and keep these as fill ins, Bg lights, hairlights or backups.

Hope this helps
 
Flash that's exactly hat I thought, if something seems too good to be true it usually is.

Ed, thanks a million matey. I think I could do worse than buy that kit, and it'll certainly get me on the way, although I don't think I'll go spending just yet.

Thanks for the help guys :thumbs:
 
You get a lot of bang for your buck with that kit which suggests it may not be that hot. But then again you can get a decent two head kit with softboxes for something like £250 so maybe its not all that bad. I was looking at reviews in a mag the other day and the kit came in pretty reasonably priced.
 
Download 'How to choose studio lighting' from this link.

It doesn't mention makes by name, but the Stable Imaging kit is covered there.

Basically, if you're looking for this type of entry level kit then IMO this is probably the best value you can get. Whether it's the right kit for you will depend on your needs as well as on your budget.
 
I think it's gonna be this one, but maybe not yet. I'm gonna keep looking for now as I don't NEED it as such lol...well...I think I do, but the trouble'n'strife disagrees :lol:
 
I bought this set a few weeks ago and for a starter set I can't complain.

I ran off 400 clicks of the girlfriend yesterday and the flash's fire on time every time - and I was using them on the lowest setting in a 10'x10' studio.

The kit is great - everything you could need on one case

The softboxes however are a ball ache to assemble so I have left them fitted together.

Neil at stableimaging delivers good quality service and answers your emails promptly.

I also bought a white backdrop and support system - check out the prices on the internet - for what is essentially some poles and a piece of cloth other people are making a lot of money - stableimagings products are good value for money.
 
I havent bought this kit, but Ive spent a fair amount of money with Stable Imaging and they are very fast, reliable and their customer service is top notch.

Regards, James
 
Looks ok. I have a similar cheap setup and did this with it :


talkcomp1.jpg
 
Thanks again for the input guys, I'll never regret finding this forum, I've already learnt so much it's unreal.
 
ChrisMClark said:
Thanks again for the input guys, I'll never regret finding this forum, I've already learnt so much it's unreal.
Click to expand...

Hi Chris
it is an excellent site isn't it :thumbs:
have your wallet and credit cards suffered terminal meltdown yet ? :lol:
some say kit upgrades are compulsory dontcha kno :rules: try to keep away from the for sale forum...:runaway:
 
I'm still trying to justify blowing £200 quid on flashes at the minute...the wife isn't happy!
 
I also have these and i am extremely impressed with them.
They hit way above their weight and Price tag.
I thought i would need the 3 heads because of their power but i have never used all three and when i use 2 you are lucky if they are at half power.
The customer service you will receive is second to none, i had a slight issue with the cable and ordered the Wireless Trigger. Neil (the guy who answered my emails) sent me another Cable release with no hassle and no need for the old one to be sent back to him.


I would say ignore the Gear and Name snobs as they seem to think that Bowens, elnchrom and such are made in 24ct Solid Gold Factories and nothing else is worthy, the truth is they are all probably assembled in the same Chinese Factory using components from the lowest bidder.
I mean god forbid that Adidas and Nike should ever use cheap labour in far east contries to make their products as there would be a massice global outcry...Oh wait..They do.
 
CraigF said:
I would say ignore the Gear and Name snobs as they seem to think that Bowens, elnchrom and such are made in 24ct Solid Gold Factories and nothing else is worthy, the truth is they are all probably assembled in the same Chinese Factory using components from the lowest bidder.
I mean god forbid that Adidas and Nike should ever use cheap labour in far east contries to make their products as there would be a massice global outcry...Oh wait..They do.
Click to expand...

I like you Craig. You make me smile :)
 
CraigF said:
I would say ignore the Gear and Name snobs as they seem to think that Bowens, elnchrom and such are made in 24ct Solid Gold Factories and nothing else is worthy, the truth is they are all probably assembled in the same Chinese Factory using components from the lowest bidder.
I mean god forbid that Adidas and Nike should ever use cheap labour in far east contries to make their products as there would be a massice global outcry...Oh wait..They do.
Click to expand...

There is some truth in this - most of the top brands are made or partly made in China, India, Mexico etc.
There is a difference though between the cheap and cheerful (which are perfectly OK for many people) made down to a price, and the better brands, which are generally designed in Europe and made to the brand standard, using high quality key components.

Recommending the better brands isn't snobbery, it's safe and it's common sense if power consistency, colour consistency, fast recycling etc is important. If it isn't, consider cheap lights. And if price is very important to you, the ones from Stable Imaging seem to me to be excellent value.

Take a look at 'How to choose studio lights' under More Free Downloads at this link
 
If you need the really good ones then buy them but if you are only wanting to do some family and friends stuff and experiment then these are brilliant..

And OK...I did tell a little lie in my rant...There is no 24ct Gold Factories.
 
Yay, I just ordered one of these from stable imaging and they aint gone up in price since last year.
 
My new kit that arrived today, I am pleased that it assembled easily and was pretty straight forward, I managed to get my daughter to pose a few shots , I like the lights but think I need to do some reading about studio lighting...the modelling feature is handy too and the sync cable worked first time.
 
How are you getting on with this kit?

Cheers

Pete
 
I bought this kit second hand from the for sale section on here. It's a great kit for home studio stuff, I haven't had chance to play with it elsewhere yet.
I had to replace one of the strobes, which was a piece of cake. The service and communications with Neil are spot on.
As mentioned earlier you do get alot for your money and if you contact him he does extra bits like barn doors snoots etc if you want to add to it.
I'm looking at getting the backdrops and supports from him as they're very well priced as well.
 
Good to hear the positive reviews, I may look further into this then...

And David, lovely part of the world you live in, Beccles is great :)
 
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