electricmonster Loc: Naperville, IL

I am wanting to upgrade to some modern battery powered, off camera strobe lights. I was sort of settled on Elinchrom ELB500TTL two light kit. However, I looked at the Wescott FJ400 two light full kit and am thinking that it might be a good value at a much lower cost.

I looked at Godox and I am concerned about the lack of US repair/service support. Profoto is out of my price range at almost 5K with a trigger.

I am not a professional photographer, so the equipment will not be subject to daily use. I like it to be portable and compatible with my Cameras. My main cameras are Sony A99ii, A77ii and A99. I have other older Sony Alphas which don’t get much use…

I would welcome any advise the community has to help me decide.

Thanks,

Mike

berchman Loc: South Central PA

Adorama sells Flashpoint which is rebranded Godox, but with U.S. support/service.
https://www.adorama.com/fplfev200pro.html

uhaas2009

Same company but flashpoint is Adorama brand- Godox-flashpoint has Adorama warranty.
Profoto are really nice but wescott should be good. I use flashpoint because when I got my there wasn’t much choices ether. There is a Facebook group: godox user group and there you see that they useing godox for wedding and more.

wrangler5 Loc: Missouri

I bought used Yongnuo units from KEH and B&H. Went through 6 or so to get 4 that worked (seller paid the return and replace postage). I think I'm under $300 for the final 4 plus the controller/trigger unit that goes in the flash shoe and can set the power level of each of 3 units individually. They are gently used, and only occasionally. I consider them disposable - I'll just replace one if it breaks.

DavidM Loc: New Orleans, LA

Buy Godox gear from Tim Payne's website for double the warranty in the US and personal support. He also has seminars throughout the country during the year. Although they've been on hold during the pandemic. I Think he's about to start them up again.

Flashgear.net

Also join his facebook group for "Off Camera Flash" support!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/speedlightfundamentals

Tony Hayman

I have the Flashpoint Evolv 200 system and I have found it very versatile with enough power for anything but a major studio shoot... It is small it is easy to carry and comes with several heads... I have used it along with the Flashpoint controller(s) to a take group pictures (In my case using a couple of Nikon flash units on the background) In one case I took over 400 shots and I never needed to change the battery!

Hip Coyote

I am looking to start exploring lighting as well. I cannot over recommend the instruction provided on David Hobby's "Strobist" website. He has lighting instruction and equipment recommendations. I am starting there and will make my decisions. I do know that he likes Godox and has recommendation for other equipment as well.

Best of luck.,

Arca

electricmonster

I am not a professional photographer either, so when I needed 'studio' lights which were portable I was given considerable information regarding the 'Savage' brand. Two LED light panels with stands, umbrellas and white screens were $300 at 'Tempe Camera' in Tempe, Arizona. I am certain you can find them in the Chicago area or on-line. They are daylight balanced. The color temperature can not be changed, but the brightness can be increased ten-fold on each panel. You can place colored filters onto the panels if you need to alter the color of the light. I hope this is helpful.

Arca

copladocus

I have the Westcott FJ400 two light backpack set. https://www.fjwestcott.com/fj400-strobe-2-light-backpack-kit-with-fj-x2m-universal-wireless-trigger
I went with these because they had a good amount of power and had standard Bowen's mounts for light modifiers. If you have multiple cameras you only need the one wireless trigger. See note below...

I love them. Here is a key feature for you to consider. Is your specific camera fully supported by the system controller (Fj-X2m)? In order for you to get full TTL functionality your camera needs to be specifically supported, otherwise you will need to do a few extra things in setting your exposures. Here is the link to the page of models currently supported by their ever-evolving firmware (easy to update). Scroll down the page
https://www.fjwestcott.com/fj400-strobe-2-light-backpack-kit-with-fj-x2m-universal-wireless-trigger
I shoot a Canon 6D MkII and it took three firmware updates to finally include my camera. But I can say they were very responsive to my questions and in helping me to learn how to use the lights. Last word, they have some weight to them. You will need good light stands, especially when you add large soft boxes.

Haydon

Adorama is where you want to buy your Godox rebrand called Flashpoint. Their warranty service so far have proven to be stellar for myself. I own the Ad600 Pro and an AD300 Pro. Because of the pandemic, my AD600 went flat. The battery was 2 years out of warranty when I called them and they explained that the battery had fallen below charging levels. As a one time courtesy they replaced the battery (out of warranty) including free shipping to and from. Can't get much better help with that. Outside of warranty and taken care of as if it was in warranty.