Where to buy lighting equipment?

[Rizzella Bella]

I'm still new at all this and need some suggestions for quality sites for buying lighting equipment. I did the Google search and found a million sites with each one promising the best in the world for me if I choose them.
I prefer the opinions of people who have delt with them personally rather than a rating from a person I don't know.
SO...what I want to know is.......what sites do you buy from and how do they compare?
Money is always an issue but I have been saving for more lighting equipment so I have a little to spend.

Thanks so much!

[Clint_Smith]

All my lighting is from Alien Bees.

you can only buy factory direct.

[Rizzella Bella]

Originally Posted by Clint_Smith

All my lighting is from Alien Bees.

Thanks for the suggestion! I saw them mentioned one other time.
I liked what I saw at their website.

[eurotrash]

boshweb as well. i saw the sale posted here and took advantage of it. only complaint is they send me a 12" reflector instead of a 22" but i ordered 5 and havent opened any of them so its cool. and the speedring is kinda sketchy when using with the a800 strobe housing.

[gpgyo]

Check out the Fred Miranda, "Lighting and studio techniques" forum. While you are there, be sure to read the "Show Your Studio" thread (here's a link: http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/144181) Pack a lunch, this is not a short thread, but very much worth the time to read.

Many who have posted there are using Alien Bee lights, most notably, JohnE, and his pictures are amazing. But others have also posted amazing pictures with far less expensive lights.

Have fun

[Rizzella Bella]

Thanks for the website.
These guys are more advanced than I am! :D

[gpgyo]

Originally Posted by Rizzella Bella

Thanks for the website.
These guys are more advanced than I am! :D

Yes, but there was a day when each of them was wondering what their first light should be, just like you.

[brad]

Also check out this thread on this site:

http://www.lifeatf8.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=3166

[MyKey]

I use Novatron Kits, they have more control over the output compared to the Bees, but are a powerpack system instead of a self contained system as the Bees.


Give and Take as always.

you will be happy with either!

[srwatters]

Another vote here for the Alien Bees. I have a 800 and a 1600. They work quite nicely for me.

[capreppy]

Yet another vote for the Bees.

I would suggest though that you bypass the kits and build your own. You will still get the discount because its based on the number of lights that you buy. Instead of the basic stands, upgrade to the heavy duty stands. If you at some point in the future move to softboxes (and you will), you'll need the heavy duty stands anyway. The light duty stands won't hold the softboxes.

Or go with Manfrotto stands. Scott Watters knows which ones I'm talking about. They are nice and are about the same price as the heavy duty stands from AB.

[markperez]

I have to disagree with the post about Alien Bee light stand that come with the kit won't hold softboxes. I have a large softbox and the stands hold it just fine so you don't need to spend the extra money

[Clint_Smith]

Originally Posted by markperez

I have to disagree with the post about Alien Bee light stand that come with the kit won't hold softboxes. I have a large softbox and the stands hold it just fine so you don't need to spend the extra money

My large softbox makes my one small AB stand fall over. I wouldn't suggest it. The AB heavy duty stand (not the air cushioned) is the minimum that Paul C. Buff reccomends for use with a softbox.

[gpgyo]

If you are buying AB equipment and are in school (or have children in school,) take advantage of their academic discount. Details are on their site and its the best deal they offer.

FWIW, I have an AB heavy duty, non air cushioned stand and I like it fine but I've only used it with an AB brolly box, no softbox yet.

[Hogleg 44]

Here is a website with a bit of information on lighting that might be useful to some of you.
http://www.lightingmagic.com/