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Re: Lighting Equipment Suggestion
Old 01-31-2007, 11:59 PM   #14 (permalink)
mcherry
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I believe Hensel is coming out with a portable power unit for their monolights (I remember seeing one at PhotoPlus) but I have to tell you the new Porty Packs are sweet. I love my porty and will be adding another by spring. I have the AC adapter for it and can use it as a regular studio pack and do all the time with my other Hensel gear.

Everything Rolando said is right on the money. Since he has to be diplomatic in his response (and I don't) let me give you the unsugarcoated version. If you have $5k to spend on lighting and you invest in Bees, you're an idiot. They make a decent low-end light and if that's all some folks can afford, so be it. But lights, good lights, will last you a lifetime, invest in the right kit off the bat and you will grow with it over the course of your career.

While I like Hensel, if you are going to be supplementing the lights you own with additional rentals, you may want to look into ProFoto as every rental house carries an extensive inventory of their products. They also have arguably the best modifiers for shooting people, although I'm very happy with Hensel in that regard.

As far as light stands go, buy good heavy duty ones. Myself I prefer c-stands, but I come from a cinematography background and I'm used to them. For studio work, I would highly recomend them. For location work you can get folding stands (although c-stands with a turtle base break down and store flat) that are a bit lighter and yet still strong. Buy twice the amount of stand you think you will need - at least. I would actually recommend three times. This will allow you to place reflectors, flags, cutters/gobos, etc. where you want to shape the light.

Happy Shopping!

Matt
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