what strobes should I buy

[Enz01]

I been looking for the last week for a new kit to buy, if anyone can post a link to a kit they have or used thats decent I'm looking to pick one up with in the next week.

600ish to spend, I'm going to start to do more still photography since I can shoot both video & stills. I'll only be taking photos of family so I don't want to spend to much for a kit...

I've seen some kits on Amazon / Ebay for 299.99 - 499.99 but doesn't say how strong they are nor do I like the reviews I get.
So I'll leave it up to those who have the kits or have had the strobes to gear me to what I'll want.


I'll mainly be doing portraits.

[HoosierDaddy]

Speedlite? Alienbees?

[Enz01]

I'll be doing more studio type work, if that helps. Soft boxes / umbrellas are ideal for what I'm looking to do.

[sfr002]

Probably start with Alienbees.

[HoosierDaddy]

Yep Alienbees are where its at. I still have the AB800 I bought off Adam... kinda useless when I don't have camera, lol. Oh well its always there for when I get another

[Jake2k]

Alienbees, White Lightning, Profoto, all good choices. Search through the Strobist flickr group cause this question gets asked there quite a bit and there is some great info to be had.

Flickr: Search Strobist.com

[AHHthatsJDMyo]

i just ordered a kit for 300 that had 2 150w strobes, stands, soft box and white umbrella.

if i had 600 to spend id go with alien bees though

[Enz01]

Thanks Jake, I know the guy who runs the strobist, he comes out to the studio a lot in St. Pete.

However I ordered 2 AB800's and a 400 for decent fill light. I've got plenty of c-stands so I doubt I'll need those. I have keno flows & HMI's, I just wanted to get my hands into some strobes.

[Jake2k]

Who, Dave Hobby? I thought he lived in Maryland?

[.:Chris:.]

For $600 you could pick up a couple of Alien Bees, but triggering them outside in the sun will be an issue. If you'll always be inside, optical will be ok.

[Enz01]

Who, Dave Hobby? I thought he lived in Maryland?

I'm not sure, I know a guy presented him self 5 months ago at the studio as a guy who runs the strobists in st.pete, who knows.



Chris - would the ab800s work fine in the sun or no?

[sfr002]

I'm not sure, I know a guy presented him self 5 months ago at the studio as a guy who runs the strobists in st.pete, who knows.



Chris - would the ab800s work fine in the sun or no?

They will be enough light for outside but the built in flash sensor trigger won't go off in bright sun. You will need to buy remote triggers or long sync cables.

[Enz01]

Got Cha' I'll pick up some triggers, Thanks bud!

[Jake2k]

Ah ok, that just the guy who sets up the Tampa Strobist meets, Bryan.