Pixtus - Photography Forum, Photographers, Photo Tips

SGPhoto · **Photogenic Studio Max III -** 02-03-2010, 08:29 AM

Ok, So I found a really good deal on a set of 2 Photogenic Studio Max III AC/DC lights similar to these 907258 Photogenic StudioMax III AC/DC Wireless Studio Kit with 2 AKC 320B Constant-Color Monolights, Umbrellas, Stands & Case, (Battery Not Included). (AKC640BK) and I would like to know ANYONE's thoughts on the Brand in general, and whether or not it would be a good investment in my first set of Studio lights.

I kind of like the fact that these can be both AC/DC with an attached Battery Pack, but I also know that AB's are "Standard" as well these days for people starting out as well as reliability/customer service.

So if anyone has any good knowledge about these it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Stephen Gibson

Tom · 02-03-2010, 08:36 AM

20812KIT Elinchrom D-Lite 4 Compact Monolight Flash Kit, with Two 400 Watt Second Monolights, Stands, Softboxes & Carry Case.

This is a much better kit. 400 w/s Elinchrom lights. Those photogenic lights have a 3 second recycling time. Elinchroms have a 1s. These Elinchroms are digitally adjusted.

srwatters · 02-03-2010, 08:37 AM

I would take the Photogenic modifier mount over the Alien Bee (Balcar) ANY DAY. The spring clips that Buff chose are terrible when not assisted by some sort of slot to help secure the modifier to the light. Photogenic uses a lip and collar mechanism that is mechanically very sound. I had no problems hanging a 7' octobox on my Norman ML-600 that uses the same mount.

I have no direct experience with these lights, but the Norman monolight is essentially the DR series Photogenic and I had outstanding performance from my Norman before I switched to Hensel. Just a data point for you on the brand in general. Good luck!

SGPhoto · 02-03-2010, 08:49 AM

Thomas,
Thanks for your reply and I appreciate your feedback, I had also considered the D lights as well, but the deal I am looking at is almost half of what the D-Lights go for and according to the seller have only been used for about 15 total shoots.

Scott,
I appreciate your reply as well as your feedback, its greatly appreciated, the only thing I do know as of right now is they do not come with Stands or Umbrellas and I am pretty sure I can find those on the fairly cheap side to get me started, I know I will be looking to get at least 3 stands, 2 for the lights and one for my 580 EXII for fill or backlight as well as backdrop stands and seamless.

My question would be would I need a Safe Sync on my 50D?

I'm also somewhat concerned about the 100w modeling lamp not being enough as I found out with a set of my friends lights I used in a recent session where the models pupils were on the large side but Doctah Jones showed me how he gets by on that aspect of things.

Recycling time is also a factor but I am sure most people will wait a full 3 seconds for the lights to recycle or at least I would hope they would.

Thanks again,

Stephen Gibson

Tom · 02-03-2010, 09:09 AM

That 3 second recycling time would be a deal breaker for me. That is really going to slow down a shoot. You can really lose a model when you are having to wait on recycling that long.

I would save up and get better lights.

andyz · 02-04-2010, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thomas Campbell

20812KIT Elinchrom D-Lite 4 Compact Monolight Flash Kit, with Two 400 Watt Second Monolights, Stands, Softboxes & Carry Case.

This is a much better kit. 400 w/s Elinchrom lights. Those photogenic lights have a 3 second recycling time. Elinchroms have a 1s. These Elinchroms are digitally adjusted.

The Elinchrom is on sale this weekend for $690. http://www.adorama.com/EL20812KIT.html?emailprice=t