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Every 6 months or so I get the urge to take a pic of my kids in a kind of studio setting. Big V and I were playing around a few weeks ago and I found that I just wasn't getting the results I wanted with my one SB-800. I started looking into getting another speedlight but I saw the "Phottix Three 220W Studio Flash w/Stands/Softbox/Umbrellas/Trigger" in the bargains section. Does anyone have any experience with this kind of thing? I understand it is very cheap and will obviously not be of a super high quality, but would it be OK for the twice a year kind of use that I have in mind? Or would I be better off getting an SB-600 or two (money is an issue!)?

Thanks,

Lee

From my understanding, the forerunner to the 220W Phottix kit is the Golden Eagle kit that a few members already have and use. There is a lot more light in a 3 head lighting kit than an additional SB-600/800/900.

Ah ha! That gives me a lot more search results and information. Thanks!

Marvin wrote:Ah ha! That gives me a lot more search results and information. Thanks!

Glad to be of service

Hi Lee,

I have owned the golden eagle 3 light set since Sep 2008 or so.

These lights will give you a great introduction to basic studio lights.

There are few things to consider.
1. How long do you want them to last?
2. Would you ever do any work that requires a fast flash pulse to freeze action?
3. Would you want high speed sync?
4. How much modifiers would you be adding in the future?
5. Would you resell in the future?

If you want them to last a long time (ie ten - fifteen years etc), then get Paul Buff Alien Bees.

If you answer yes to 2, then lots more reading is in order before you even think about buying. Basically, you might need to resort to speedlites (low power) or studio lights with cool circuits....

If you answer yes to 3, then you probably need speedlites.

If you want more, (or different) light modifiers in the future, then it pays to get a system which uses a standard mount etc. Some of the chinese ones don't use that.

Would you be keen for warranty and after sales service? [Then at least Alien Bees onward]

For the record, I've had a great time with my lights. I have lugged them around a bit and used them in a variety of situations. The modelling lights are difficult and most recently, I had one of my lights smoke while the modelling light was on....it persisted when the light was removed....

I think a reputed brand will hold it's value much better than the chinese brands. BTW I don't think the forum is selling stuff anymore. Pls verify with Gary.

Lastly, there is only a few things that you might use 4 lights... For family portraits, usually two is enough. You already have one speedlite....

Thanks for the excellent info Suren. I didn't realise the forum wasn't selling stuff anymore, I'll have to check with Gary. I will do a bit more research too!

NP Marvin,

It's a pity that there isn't a good brand to bridge that gap between high end and really low end equipment. Alien Bees come close as of this year. If you find any other interesting brands, please share with us.