Author Topic: 5dmk2 OR Studio lights! (Read 10384 times)

joingated · « **on:** June 04, 2010, 03:14 »

This question is directed at the photographers here... I promised myself when I reached a certain earnings level I would purchase a full frame body. However now Im thinking perhaps the money would be better spent on studio lights, flash meter and any other bits and bobs (I currently use continuous lights and have long ago realised there limitations) Any advice much appreciated!

Also I have quite a small space would 400 watt be sufficient or do I need 1000 watt?

FD · « **Reply #1 on:** June 04, 2010, 03:59 »

Quote from: joingated on June 04, 2010, 03:14

This question is directed at the photographers here... I promised myself when I reached a certain earnings level I would purchase a full frame body. However now Im thinking perhaps the money would be better spent on studio lights, flash meter and any other bits and bobs (I currently use continuous lights and have long ago realised there limitations) Any advice much appreciated!

Go for the cam.

Pheby · « **Reply #2 on:** June 04, 2010, 05:17 »

Go for the lights and bits and bobs.

No, really, I would. Especially if you've realized the limits of the lights you have now. To me, recognizing the limits of my equipment means it's time to move on. Good studio lights and reflectors were the first thing I invested in. Next will be a few good lenses. And after that I'll be thinking about the 5Dmk2. Are you feeling the limitations of your camera as well? Of course it depends on which limitations hurt more.

qwerty · « **Reply #3 on:** June 04, 2010, 05:19 »

you didn't mention what camera you've got now. I'd say go for the lights and by the time the 5d mk3 comes out you'll be ready to pounce.

Reaktori · « **Reply #4 on:** June 04, 2010, 06:23 »

400w should be enough for small space.
I'd go for the lights If you have somewhat decent camera at the moment.
Lights will affect your photographs much more than new camera would.

sc · « **Reply #5 on:** June 04, 2010, 07:51 »

Lights. And go for more power. You can always power a 1000w down - but you can't power up a 400 w more than 400w.

Fotonaut · « **Reply #6 on:** June 04, 2010, 08:24 »

Strobes. I’d start with a couple of 400 watters.

joingated · « **Reply #7 on:** June 04, 2010, 08:28 »

Thanks Guys, yes I forgot to say I currently have a 450d, I like it in many ways mostly for the small size, but the main limitation for me is the live view feature which is awful and the noise issue which I can live with for now. I do have some very nice lenses though, mostly primes, which has helped out a lot with quality.

I did a short 1 to 1 studio lighting course with a pro photographer and so have got a basic grasp of where I need to go next with lights, transmitters, etc, but its a whole level up for me! Im leaning towards lights as I think theres lots to learn there, mmmmm...

michealo · « **Reply #8 on:** June 04, 2010, 08:54 »

Find someone to share both with and have both ....

PeterChigmaroff · « **Reply #9 on:** June 04, 2010, 08:59 »

The 5D first IMO.

Perry · « **Reply #10 on:** June 04, 2010, 09:16 »

The power of a studio strobe is NOT watts, it's Wattseconds (Ws)

Jack Schiffer · « **Reply #11 on:** June 04, 2010, 11:02 »

I am in the same boat you are out I grew my hot lights and now moving along to
this kit which I thing is good for the money

http://www.adorama.com/Als/ProductPage/FP620MPWK.html#TechSpecs

Freezingpictures · « **Reply #12 on:** June 04, 2010, 11:36 »

From a business perspektive: What purchase would make you more money?

lisafx · « **Reply #13 on:** June 04, 2010, 16:00 »

Quote from: qwerty on June 04, 2010, 05:19

I'd say go for the lights and by the time the 5d mk3 comes out you'll be ready to pounce.

My thoughts exactly^^. Since you have a decent DSLR already I would go for the lights. They will make a much bigger difference in the quality (and saleability) of your images than a few extra MP.

Maybe you will sell so many of your new beautifully lighted images that then you can afford the 5DII (or 5DIII) soon too!

le_cyclope · « **Reply #14 on:** June 04, 2010, 18:53 »

If you plan to do studio shots mainly, go for the lights.

I bought my 5D MKII a year ago and really enjoyed it (and still!)

Last week-end, I bought the Elinchrom D-Lite-It 4 kit and I have to say that I realize now what I can do with such lights... Amazing!

So, go for the lights!

Claude

travelstock · « **Reply #15 on:** June 04, 2010, 20:12 »

I'd go with the 5dmk2 personally.

Suljo · « **Reply #16 on:** June 04, 2010, 22:15 »

Depends what kind of shutter you are and also skills in image editing. If you are shooting most outdoor why you need lights? Take MK2
If you are macro inside shooter fan, take proper lights (600W/s will be ok) and many noise problems on 450D will disappear, and with this images earn for MK 2 or 3...
If you are 60/60% shooter I dont know what to suggest to you...

Reaktori · « **Reply #17 on:** June 05, 2010, 02:57 »

And with i.e. Tronix explorer you can take your light out too.

gostwyck · « **Reply #18 on:** June 05, 2010, 04:02 »

Quote from: le_cyclope on June 04, 2010, 18:53

I bought the Elinchrom D-Lite-It 4 kit and I have to say that I realize now what I can do with such lights... Amazing!

So, go for the lights!

I'd recommend the same. I now have two sets of the D-Lite 400W's. Upgrading to those a couple of years ago (from some cheap rubbish I'd bought off eBay) certainly made me far more money than the camera upgrade and cost a lot less too. It's a no-brainer IMHO.

Jo Ann Snover · « **Reply #19 on:** June 05, 2010, 14:33 »

Lights.

If you shoot outside a lot, reflectors/scrims and hot shoe flashes, stands, umbrellas, etc. If you are in studio only, strobes.

Lights and a 5D Mik II would be wonderful, but if it has to be either/or, controlling and modifying the light will do more for your images than a new camera, great as the 5D Mk II is.

joingated · « **Reply #20 on:** June 05, 2010, 16:27 »

Thanks everyone for your responses, yes I want them both, but its going to be lights... now the fun part choosing the kit! Thank you!

Konstantin Sutyagin · « **Reply #21 on:** June 05, 2010, 16:32 »

Read www.strobist.com
Get some older speedlight flashes and radio-triggers, learn and practice your lighting. Get 5DII.
That's what I did

Albert Martin · « **Reply #22 on:** June 05, 2010, 16:36 »

I'd go for bargain... 550D + some lights and sell that 450D as used... You'd have all you need in that bargain ;-)

crazychristina · « **Reply #23 on:** June 05, 2010, 16:39 »

Lights are good, and once you've got them they rarely need upgrading. My photography improved a lot once I bought good strobes.

FD · « **Reply #24 on:** June 06, 2010, 05:56 »

Quote from: Konstantin Sutyagin on June 05, 2010, 16:32

Read www.strobist.com
Get some older speedlight flashes and radio-triggers, learn and practice your lighting. Get 5DII.
That's what I did

I'm glad we have the same opinion. After my LB broke down in the tropical climate, I just use one 580 strobe. I couldn't miss my 5DII though, that saves me hours on editing the noise away. It's amazing what you can do with a good strobe and the proper reflectors. It's amazing what you can't do without a good cam. As to a flash meter, who needs it? I always work manual. A couple of test shots will give you the proper value. I started photography with my dad's analog cam when I was 14. I never used the light meter he bought. You can just "feel" the light after a while. But a good cam... priceless, and the lens is your limit.

(just a rant)

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Author Topic: 5dmk2 OR Studio lights! (Read 10384 times)

joingated

FD

Pheby

qwerty

Reaktori

sc

Fotonaut

joingated

michealo

PeterChigmaroff

Perry

Jack Schiffer

Freezingpictures

lisafx

le_cyclope

travelstock

Suljo

Reaktori

gostwyck

Jo Ann Snover

joingated

Konstantin Sutyagin

Albert Martin

crazychristina

FD

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