Annie Leibovitz, David Lachapelle and all these other great studio photographers make a living manipulating the light. This can be a very expensive business and a financial obstacle that any serious photographer has to overcome at some point. It also doesn’t help that there are a multitude of lighting options with price differences. For example, high-end brands and models such as the Elinchrom BRX series cost around $1400. Those who don’t necessarily need the power of 1000 watts or don’t have the money to assemble a complete kit will have to find cheaper options, such as Adorama’s Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolights.
Available in 160W ($ 70) or $ 300W ($ 100), Adorama Budget Studio Monolights is for studio photographers who are just starting out and are limited to modest budgets.
3. 5m sync terminal
Built-in umbrella/tilt bracket
Adjustable variable power control
Guide number 145 according to ISO 150
Recycling time 4-6 seconds
60W removable pilot lamp
Flash intensities 1/8, 1/4, 1/2 and complete
Color temperature 5600 – Kelvin
7. 75 x 7. 0 x 4. 0 ?, 1 kilo
Sustainable aluminum casing
Quick recycling with sound alert and LED, 0. 5 to 2 seconds
Wired synchronization or optical connection
Guide number 190 to 100 ISO
4 stops in 1/2 point increments (8 numbering increments)
Flash duration 1/800s? 1/2000
75W Quartz Modeling Lamp
Modeling lamp with ratio control from 1/8 to total
Pre-flash test button
5A circuit-protected fuse
Replaceable flash tube
Umbrella tree lock
9 x 7. 0 x 4. 25 inches, 1. 1 kg
The 300W is longer and a little heavier, but also has a nicer interface with additional buttons, such as alternate beeps and optical/anti-flash controls. The 300W also has a wider exposure range that offers four endpoints in staggered 1/2 (8 full numbering steps) increments. The exposure control button is flanked by LED indicators, which track the set exposure level and also give it a more refined aesthetic.
The 160W has a levelless exposure control wheel that offers full flash intensities, 1/2, 1/4 and 1/8. Obviously, the 160W offers a slightly thinner fit, but the 300W makes it easy to adjust the exact exposure levels.
The horseshoe-shaped flash tube and 75W modeling lamp are the standard installation at all Budget Studio Monolights flash points.
The 160W has a 60W pilot lamp according to product specifications. Modeling lamps and flash tubes are user replaceable, but the 300W flash tube is larger and a different model than 160W. Both flashes are built in an aluminum body and both have ventilation openings. However, one thing missing from both lamps is a protective cap to protect flash tubes and modeling lamps during transport.
One thing about both flashes is that no bracket or umbrella is included in any box and must be purchased separately. But consider the fact that Adorama offers reasonably priced flash kits, the 160W kit ($109. 95) and the 300W kit ($139. 95). So, it’s a little obvious to spend a little more to get everything if you don’t have a stand or umbrella.
Adorama’s Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolights gives hope to emerging photographers and students considering taking the next step in paid work. Although an individual studio flash does not provide a direct solution for everything, my advice would be to choose inexpensive Studio Monolight kits. Kits will cost $240, including flashes, studio mounts and umbrellas. It’s a great deal, considering the fact that you pay around $1500 in two Elinchrom lighting kits.
What we like
Adjustable output
Attractive price
What we don’t like
Plastic mounting brackets
Protective covers are not included