Alien Bee's has a really nice two light kit that's not too expensive. I have 4 heads, softboxes, umbrellas, stands, boom and cases and it cost me right around $2500 for all of it. There are ways you can make substitutions though to make the cost a little less. For example, instead of their cases, you can go to a sporting goods store and buy a baseball bag. Made to carry weight and big enough to fit the boom and stands. Start out with a basic 2 light kit and buy one or two things as money allows.
Also, here's an article I wrote about shooting a 4 light portrait. Two reasons for showing you this. First, I shot it with the Alien Bee's and next, it's a good primer for lighting no matter how many you have.
Here's the article:
Hope this helps.
Cordially,
Mark Lent
-------------- Original message --------------
From: Jason Davis <mohadib@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Hello,
> I'm a total newb at lighting. I have rented some strobes and I really
> like playing with them. But its costing me $125 a day for 2 lights ,
> umbrellas , stands , battery pack,
> wireless sync thing..
>
> I have no clue if thats a good price or not.. Anyway , I see lots of
> affordable lights for sale on the internet , and the owner of the
> store i rent from offerd me 2
> 300w/s strobe heads for $700. I cant remember the brand name :\ To
> finaly get to the ponit... :p Can you guys point me at some
> information for beginners looking
> to buy lights? Stuff that can help me figure out what i want/need and
> information to help me know what kind of price I should look to pay.
> < BR>> Thank You,
> Jason
>
