Headshots lighting: Constant lighting vs strobe. My local photo store advises strobes over led constant lighting. My current gear uses D600, 80-200 2.8 and a two light led system w...

jwmallon

Constant lighting vs strobe.

My local photo store advises strobes over led constant lighting. My current gear uses D600, 80-200 2.8 and a two light led system w reflector. I found that I had to raise the ISO, open the aperature, and slow the speed to levels that were on the edge of what I wanted. Shallow DOF, used tripod with 1/80, F 3.5, ISO 320.

So, do I buy a stronger key light? Soft box, 4 fluorescent bulbs or trade in my gear for a three light strobe system?

The cost w trade vs adding a light would be about the same, $175 or so.

Thanks for your thoughts

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I've got speed lights, studio strobes, and LED constant lighting. There are times where choice of light is crucial to getting things just right. Having a good variety makes that easier. If I had to go with one, I'd take LED constant. They are cool(temperature wise), allow for the very fine adjustment of the lighting, and aren't all that expensive.
--Bob

jwmallon wrote:

Constant lighting vs strobe. br br My local photo... (show quote)

CO

If the continuous lights are set at a high output level, it causes stress to the people who are being photographed. It can cause the person's pupils to close down or cause them to squint. I have a Paul C. Buff Digibee DB800 strobe that I use. Adorama Camera has their Flashpoint series of strobes that are economical.

Jcmarino

I use 2 speedlights and have had great success with that. My main light is shot through an umbrella. the second is used for a hair light. I usually shoot at 2.8, 1/125 and the ISO varies from 100 to 640 depending on indoors or out. I just bought a Godox AD200 to use as a main light and I love it. Its about the power of 3 speedlights so I turn it way down.

jwmallon

Thanks for the ideas!

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

Jcmarino wrote:

I use 2 speedlights and have had great success with that. My main light is shot through an umbrella. the second is used for a hair light. I usually shoot at 2.8, 1/125 and the ISO varies from 100 to 640 depending on indoors or out. I just bought a Godox AD200 to use as a main light and I love it. Its about the power of 3 speedlights so I turn it way down.

The Godox AD 200 looks interesting.
Particularly like the bare tube head option.

jwmallon

Any issues with DOF at 2.8?

JD750 Loc: SoCal

I would think when adding to your system, you would want to consider both the color of the light with respect to existing lights, and also the consistency of the color of the light over time.

Jcmarino

No using a 55mm or 85 mm prime I have had no issues.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

rmalarz wrote:

I've got speed lights, studio strobes, and LED constant lighting. There are times where choice of light is crucial to getting things just right. Having a good variety makes that easier. If I had to go with one, I'd take LED constant. They are cool(temperature wise), allow for the very fine adjustment of the lighting, and aren't all that expensive.
--Bob

Not expensive? A decent LED light will run you easily at least 3 grand!

JohnSwanda Loc: San Francisco

One advantage of strobes is that they freeze subject and camera motion. Your 1/80 isn't fast enough to ensure stopping motion, so with continuous lights you will have to get stronger ones or keep cranking up the ISO.