What's the best strobe lighting kit?

[pawpaw]

I am looking to purchase a new strobe lighting kit.

I am trying to stay under $450.00. But am willing to go to $500.

I asked BH via email and I was told the Smith-Victor FL140 Three Light Studio Kit is my best bet. I need a second opinion. I am a photo enthusiast. However, I have done portraits and a couple album covers for friends into music. I usual light stills like I light video and film. (using continuous lighting). I light this still but I want to stretch my horizons.

I shoot with the Canon 10D, 60D, and will be getting a 40D by June. I need a reliable, portable and easy to set up kit.

What are you using? I need help!!

[Adam Gonzalez]

Check out AlienBees.com. They have some great stuff. Good luck!

[WaveRiderXIX]

Alien bees will be the most affordable. Great customer service. They even replace your unit if it falls from a stand from forums I've read.

[CharlieG]

Hard to find a good KIT for the price you mentioned.
AB's are great lights and I have 5 of them

[pawpaw]

Does any on have the alienbees ring flash?If so, what do you think? do you have any samples.

Also, who has the Digibee package? Would this be a good option for me to pursue?

I like the Digibee package. But that ringbee package is tasty!:Drogar-Evil(DBG):

What would be more practical?:huh:

[CharlieG]

I have a AB 800 ringflash and I love it, but I can't put my finger on samples right now..

The Digibee pkg is a start....Get AB 800 though (worth the extra $110) I really think you'll need
3 lights, I borrowed the 2 lights from a friend before I got mine and really found out I needed 3.
I bought the "Busy Bee" 4 light pkg and when the ringflash came out I added that to my set up.

[Adam Gonzalez]

Three lights are usually good to make a very high contrast scene. You can do worlds with 2. I have seen the AB ring flash in action with a good photographer friend of mind. She was shooting an add for Hart and Huntington Tattoo shop. Stuff looked excellent! Let us know what you end up with!

[pawpaw]

How is the construction and color through the 5 stops for the 800's?

[CharlieG]

How is the construction and color through the 5 stops for the 800's?



Excellent!

[pawpaw]

I ordered the Alienbee flash ring with the 56" octagonal diffuser and the kit you need to use it. Also, I ordered a AB 800. I figured if I'm going to buy some new lights I should get something I can use for a long time to come and gives me some flexibility. I can use the flash ring on a stand with the diffuser like a second 800 as well as use it in the conventional way. Oh hey, I ordered the case that holds 2 AB 800's.

Came to $785. It is more than I wanted to spend but atleast I know I didn't buy crap. I already have tons of stands so I saved a couple bucks there.

[CharlieG]

Let me know how you like the 56" octangonal diffuser... I only have the 30" moon light and I use it all the time.

[pawpaw]

Let me know how you like the 56" octangonal diffuser... I only have the 30" moon light and I use it all the time.

ok!:thumbup: