best Studio Photography kit

massa

Okay, so I've been looking into getting a Studio kit. I'm now bewildered by the options out there, so much so that I can't even decide on a manufacturer anymore, let alone a specific kit. I'm thinking of a 500W two-light kit.

Any thoughts on Bowens, Elinchrome, or I also heard good things about Hensel (http://www.linhofstudio.com/products/hensel/monoblocs.html)

Help!

Kbeg3

Elinchrom D-Lite 4s are excellent, I've had them for 6 months now and am very pleased with them. They're 400 watt though but I rarely even use them on full power.

Hugh_C

I think the decision is more about whether you want to tether yourself to a studio or be more mobile. Personally I've used static fluorescents (daylight) and more mobile strobes (x 2) with a few modifiers. I think the strobes are a bit more versatile in that you're not stuck to a studio.

H

Borderfox

I use the Elinchrom d-lite 4 kit and it gets hauled around a lot and works great everytime

Fireman

I also use the D lite 4 and never had a problem, never had to use them on full power yet

Dara Robinson

Have a look at this also
http://www.lencarta.com/

moralproduction

Have a look here as well,i got some of their stuff before xmas.Really helpful and easy to deal with,and good products too

http://www.studio-flash.com/

ike

I bought into the Bowens kit (Gemini 500), which I think is replaced by the Gemini 500r... anyway I've no problems with it the build quality is excellent, built like a tank, the kit came with a Softbox, Umbrella, Reflector, Stands, Synch Lead and the travel case has casters which make it easy to haul around. A travel Pak is available if you need to go outdoors...

oshead

All the suggestions above are very good. Whats your budget?

nowst

The Elinchrom D-Lite are great budget studio lights, great light, easy to use & set up

ValueInIreland

The D-Lites are a great value kit, but if you need the 500W/s and especially if you will be using the lights Professionally, I would advise you to consider the Elinchrom 500Bx-Ri kit - they are part of Elinchrom's Pro range and have Skyport Radio receivers built into the heads. The two head kit which sells for about €1,150 comes with a Hotshoe transmitter and two softboxes also.

rubdub

I know this thread is a bit old a this stage but just wanted to share my thoughts... got myself some D-lite 4's the other day in Berminghams... absolutely love them! They are the D-Lite 4 IT kit which have only come out this week, they have the skyport receivers built into the heads & now they are also giving you the skyport eco trigger with the kit instead of the sync lead, for a few quid extra! absolutely lovin them so far!

Borderfox

I use the D-lite 4 kit with pocket wizards and find them great, good to hear they come built in now. the 4 kit I find to be really easy to assemble/disassamble on location for jobs.