200Watts or more?
Feb 20, 2012 14:05:12 #
While shooting some portraits of a subject indoors, with strobe lights and backgrounds, one of the strobes failed. I usually bring backups so that was not the problem. There seems to be a lot of different wattage lights out there for a lot of money. Anyone satisfied with 200w lights or should I look for more power?
Feb 21, 2012 18:32:40 #
200 watt-seconds?
Is it a self contained strobe? or flash head to use with a power pack?
How does it compare to the other strobes you'll be using with it?
Is it a self contained strobe? or flash head to use with a power pack?
How does it compare to the other strobes you'll be using with it?
Feb 21, 2012 19:08:52 #
I have a few Calumet Monolights- 750 & 400 ws units. I never ever use them at over 1/2 power & am usually in the range of 1/4 power mostof the time. (f8~11 @ iso 100) I use grids and softboxes in the studio. I think 200ws would be about right. Your recycling time would be longer than mine, if that's any thing to consider.
Feb 22, 2012 19:30:45 #
rodyen58 wrote:
While shooting some portraits of a subject indoors, with strobe lights and backgrounds, one of the strobes failed. I usually bring backups so that was not the problem. There seems to be a lot of different wattage lights out there for a lot of money. Anyone satisfied with 200w lights or should I look for more power?
I use Lumedyne 200 watt second power packs along with Lumedyne 002 modeling light heads. Since I shoot weddings and work with a two light system (main on camera,2nd held in place by assistant with a monopod) coupled by a quantum radio slave transmitter on main and receiver on fill light. I have plenty of power for even the most darkest reception hall or church. I must admit that I also use a 400 watt second booster for night time photography where I'll drag the shutter to increase ambient location light while bare tubing my subjects. By removing the reflector I get a beautiful wrap around bare tube light with a two stop reduction in output.
I use medium format Hasselblads which are geared for Exposure Value on the lenses themselves. As I need to convert, I have my choice of several light meters to use. My go to is a gossen ultra pro.
Remember that my lenses are leaf shutter and therefore allow a flash sync at any given speed. My power packs are adjustable some 3 stops plus 3 more with the repositioning of the removable 2 position reflector. Aditionally I can diminish power by using the diffuser cover or by as stated above simply removing the reflector.
In answer to your post 200 watt seconds will supply a lot of power when coupled with an additional supplememtal unit.
A good flash meter is a must until you get the hang of where your power settings must be in order to prevent over or under exposure.
Remember you wil not have ETTL or even TTL with this type of lighting and all my camera settings are strickly manual.
I hope this info will be of some use to you! 8-)
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