My Paul Buff monolights have failed me again for the third time so it is time to replace them.
Any suggestions as to what is good and reliable these days?
I would appreciate brands and comments of personal use.
Thanks Luis
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My Paul Buff monolights have failed me again for the third time so it is time to replace them.
Any suggestions as to what is good and reliable these days?
I would appreciate brands and comments of personal use.
Thanks Luis
I have Photogenic monolights, and I've been very happy with them. I've also heard good things about Calumet Travelers, which I think are re-branded Bowens.
Luis,
Which models are you using? How are they "failing"? Is it possibly a technique issue?
I've got four Ultras that have served me well for way over twenty years with only three or four total repairs in all that time. Everyone that I know personally (several) who uses them are equally pleased. That includes Ultras, the X series, Ultra Zaps and even the very first tin cans.
i have the profoto ones and they are an absolute pleasure. stepless power, super fast recharge, small and solid build.
Like my Calumet Travelers...of course I also have an Elite set so all the accessories swap..but built solid and has never failed me
Whatever you can have repaired near where you live might be worth considering. I'm surprised you're having so much trouble with the White Lightnings.
Bowens Gemini aren't bad. Barely used mine since i bought them nearly 2 years ago though...
Profoto "black sausages" i.e. monolights.
-Dan
Buy whatever lights are the most popular in your region. Then you can share-buy-borrow-rent-steal from other photographers.
If I was a redneck American hillbilly I'd buy those garishly-colored plastic Paul C. Buff lights too. But you're a sophisticated European gentleman, you must have ProFotos or some esoteric, very expensive brand ;-)
Round here, Dynalites rule -- robust, lightweight, middle-value workhorses made in New Jersey. Speedotrons are from Chicago - not lightweight but very solid, everyone had them throughout the MidWest. Out in California photographers used a lot of Normans, because they were made there. Dangerous like a fault zone ;-p
Go figure....
I vote for Protofoto lights. Reliable, durable, intelligently-designed, great accessories, and the best speedring-mounting system on any lighting system I've used (and as a freelance assistant I've used them all).