Which lamp to get?

[wud]

I am considering giving up the studio (I can always get back if suddenly I need it or rent it for some hours) and instead get a lamp (and softbox + beauty dish) and do studio like images in peoples homes. I don't think the clients I have, wants it enough for me paying monthly, and also I hate its not my own place so sometimes stuff is broken or missing and I have no clue where to find it :livid:

Been browsing lamps for a while but have a hard time figuring out if one is better than the other! Maybe some of you have a brand you prefer??


I have a speedlight + umbrella and stand, and an Ice Light for more moody/contrasty shots. But would like a single lamp too, as I really love (working with) that soft blurred light.

 

[Browncoat]

AlienBees B1600

 

[rocketman122]

are you talking about regular hologen bulbs? like modeling lights ? those things get hot and will make your subjects sweat. I wouldnt recommend it. plus, finding an electrical socket, carrying cables, that people might trip over. Im very biased towards flashes and with powerful and fast recycling yongnuo 560III, that costs $70 shipped, I think they are the way to go.

whats wrong woth your flash and umbrella setup now? how many flashes do you have? what are you trying to do that you couldnt till now? is it because youre having a hard time technically with the flashes or just like to use lamps so you can see what youre shooting beforehand? just trying to understand what your needs are.

 

[wud]

AlienBees B1600

Thanks! Completely forgot about that brand (not standard equipment in DK).

are you talking about regular hologen bulbs? like modeling lights ? those things get hot and will make your subjects sweat. I wouldnt recommend it. plus, finding an electrical socket, carrying cables, that people might trip over. Im very biased towards flashes and with powerful and fast recycling yongnuo 560III, that costs $70 shipped, I think they are the way to go.

whats wrong woth your flash and umbrella setup now? how many flashes do you have? what are you trying to do that you couldnt till now? is it because youre having a hard time technically with the flashes or just like to use lamps so you can see what youre shooting beforehand? just trying to understand what your needs are.

I want a studio lamp - guess you call it studio strobe? I've been several times in studio and it doesn't get so hot? Don't know if you are referring to bigger lamps than I am used to work with. I don't want more speed lights, I don't like working with them and only have one to be able to have light outdoor in a panic situation (when the Ice Light aren't enough). Guess its just a matter of taste


People are not gonna trip over a cable - as I wrote, its for portaits done in homes, not for a party with drunk people or something like that..

 

[wud]

Ahh Alien Bees don't ship to anyone else but US and Canada (and likewise). Guess I'll have to see if a friend is planning a trip from US to DK anytime soon....

 

[rocketman122]

Thanks! Completely forgot about that brand (not standard equipment in DK).

I want a studio lamp - guess you call it studio strobe? I've been several times in studio and it doesn't get so hot? Don't know if you are referring to bigger lamps than I am used to work with. I don't want more speed lights, I don't like working with them and only have one to be able to have light outdoor in a panic situation (when the Ice Light aren't enough). Guess its just a matter of taste


People are not gonna trip over a cable - as I wrote, its for portaits done in homes, not for a party with drunk people or something like that..

Ah ok. studio strobes or monolights. my misunderstanding. I thought you meant using regular continuous light/bulbs. yes it doesnt get hot but when you have the modeling light on, it will get quite hot in a small space.

my monolights were 1200 watt seconds and the modeling light was 150w so it got hot. I just turned it on to get my basic lighting in place then turned them off because of the heat they generated.

but only you will know what brands are offered in DK. shame PCB doesnt ship intl. how many lights do you want to do in a portrait shoot?

ah, another thing. what aperture do you usually shoot when youre doing studio shoots? that will tell you how much power youll need.

 

[wud]

Or me writing the wrong word for studio strobe

I use f/4 or f/8 in studio but wanna use f/4 as a max. Also using natural light but if I am to shoot on a rainy day, I need more than the ice light can give.

Just want 1 lamp to begin with - I also have the ice light and reflectors.

I found a friend who could send an alien bees for me! So now I just gotta be sure (but have another month in the studio still).

Of course it depends what I'll be shooting where to place the lamp but otherwise I have done as you, turned the modeling light of and taken breaks during the shoot - opened a window and so on.

But even if I don't get a lot of shootings in homes, I still want to collect my own set of lamps, also background etc some day.



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[rocketman122]

Or me writing the wrong word for studio strobe

I use f/4 or f/8 in studio but wanna use f/4 as a max. Also using natural light but if I am to shoot on a rainy day, I need more than the ice light can give.

Just want 1 lamp to begin with - I also have the ice light and reflectors.

I found a friend who could send an alien bees for me! So now I just gotta be sure (but have another month in the studio still).

Of course it depends what I'll be shooting where to place the lamp but otherwise I have done as you, turned the modeling light of and taken breaks during the shoot - opened a window and so on.

But even if I don't get a lot of shootings in homes, I still want to collect my own set of lamps, also background etc some day.



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I think the best way for one to get technically good and understand light, is only with studio lighting. with natural light, you use what you have and thats it. with studio lighting, you are active in controlling the final look to the image. you have the control of the light and what you want to do creatively. sure you can accentuate, modify and supplement natural light, but you deal with what you have. studio lighting is much more difficult. understanding ratios and whats aesthetic for portraiture. I too shoot no more than f/4. I like the selective focus and not everyone needs to have every pore in the skin in sharp focus.

good to hear ou have a friend to help you. prices in the US are the most reasonable for photography gear. what about the voltage problem? do you need 110 to 220v adapters?

take a look into mack vip diamond warranty because sending it back for repair will not be fun. all the discount you tried to save will be lost. best to get the mack and get it repaired there in DK.

I personally buy all my warranty from a guy on ebay called frankys corner. very friendly and easy to setup once you get the info from him. you must buy it within 30 days of buying the flashes. good luck!

 

[wud]

Yes I need some kind of adaptor, I read somewhere AB used to make them but not sure if they do anymore, since they don't ship worldwide. But that shouldn't be a problem finding here.

Never heard of Mack before. Where will it get repaired then? Here in DK?






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