About to buy first strobes... Advice

[MattSepeta]

I am finally moving into a house with space to set up a makeshift studio corner and learn some off camera flash techniques. I have been keeping my eyes on craigslist for good deals, and found the following... What do you guys think about these deals?

Interfit EXD200 Lighting Kit for $350
NOVATRON 1000 STUDIO LIGHTING KIT WITH CASE for $500

OR

Should I just buy something like AlienBees B400 units?
The site has a package deal with 2 400 units, 2 stands, and 2 umbrellas for $600.


Would a novice such as myself notice the difference in quality enough to justify the higher price?

PS If anybody wants to post pics of your studio/lighting set ups/spaces please do so! I would love to see what you guys are working with

 

[CaseyPrice]

First strobes on a budget

Im also looking to buy a set of off camera flashes on a budget. Any ideas? I would like to spend less than $500. - Thanks

 

[mahood]

I am finally moving into a house with space to set up a makeshift studio corner and learn some off camera flash techniques.

I can't comment on the prices you've found but do you really need 'studio' strobes? If you're looking to learn, a couple of cheap flash guns would be simpler and a LOT cheaper, and any principles and skills you learn would be transferrable to 'proper' lights. Plus they're portable, so you can use them anywhere you like...

Just my 2c worth.

Mark

 

[compuwar]

Go with the Alien Bees, the Novatrons are too powerful for a small space and nowhere near adjustable enough. Find some reflective/shoot-through combo umbrellas on Amazon to go with the lights.