Studio equipment buying guide for beginners

December 6, 2011 @ 10:05AM

Studio equipment buying guide for beginners

How to start your own product photography studio: complete shopping list

By Alex Koloskov

"I’m trying to set up my home studio for product photography, what to start from" - such questions I receive almost every day, and in most cases I am not able to answer all of them individually.
However, I do not feel OK letting people go with "sorry, can't help you with this" answer, so I've decided to create shopping list from one of my favorite online retailers: bhphotovideo.com. Most of my gear I've bought from them, and so far have no complains whatsoever: prices are good (meaning not the lowest, but pretty good), fast delivery, no problems with returns/exchanges..

This list would help those of my readers who does not have anything except the camera.

This is the least expensive stuff, I just want to show you that very little money is needed to start shooting small product photography right away, on your home table. As usual, I share my own experience here: This is how I started my journey into a studio photography about 8 years ago: I've used similar screw-in strobes and some other stuff you'll see in the list.
I'll also will add few cool tips which can save you a lot of money for the start: I'll show you what to use to substitute a soft-boxes (the most expensive "generic" light modifier) with a DUY diffuser panels.

Again, this is a least expensive stuff. Obviously, you better spend more $$ and buy a more powerful lights/modifiers and support (look at Paul C Buff stuff, you can get a full studio setup for $1500), but if you want to spend as minimum as possible, so you can START shooting, this list will give you an idea of what you'll need.
Expensive pro-grade lightning is not that important than you may think: just take a look at this article i posted a while ago:The follow-up shot: does the equipment really matter?

There are 2 columns: least expensive (called it "basic") gear on the left, more advanced (and expensive) on the right. Obviously, right side is better if you have a budget for it.

I did not look at continues lighting: I've never used it for my professional work, and 100W-500W halogen work lights which can be used to begin learning studio photography is not a best idea, IMO:
Too much heat, possible difference in color temperature for a different bulb types, and, the most important, with continues light you won’t be able to learn a hi-speed action (liquid splash, etc) technique, which is the best part (IMO) of a product photography.

OK, so what do we need to have for a decent start-up lighting setup?

At least 3 strobes, with one with sync cord connector and the rest with slave cells. 4 strobes is better, but 3 I would consider as a minimum which will be enough for a majority of the situations. Because we are looking at the lowest price point, the power of such lights may not be sufficient for a people photography. But for small tabletop work it will be just enough. Plus, we can always "add juice" by increasing camera's ISO to 200-400: modern cameras handles noise very well at such sensitivity level.

I have created a public wish-list as well, you can browse it directly, if yoiu want: Beginner's Studio wish list.

Studio equipment buying guide for the beginners

<-Basic

Upgrade->

Master flash units

Smith-Victor FlashLite 45i Screw-in AC Slave Flash

45 Watt-Seconds
AC Slave Flash
Fits Any Medium-Sized Socket Thread
1/500 - 1/1000 sec Flash Duration
Color Balanced for Daylight (5600 K)
Includes 8' (2.4 m) Sync Cord
Test Button
PC Terminal Built-In

Price: $25

This is the least expensive "master" strobe I can find on the market. It can be synced with the camera through this sync cable. No modeling light, only 45 Ws. I was using such strobes a while ago, very cool little performer.

Smith-Victor Flashlite 110-I 100 Watt/Second Monolight

Guide Number	105, in feet, ISO 100
Recycle Time	2 sec. @ half power, 4 sec. @ full power
Built-in Slave	Yes, Optical
Modeling Light	60W
Replaceable Flashtube	No
Test Button	Yes

Price: $90

More serious strobe, more then twice of variable power, and modeling light, which is a big plus.

Update:
I was suggested with another monolight from Adorama (thank to reddit.com community), which I did not know about:

Flashpoint II 320M, 150 Watt Second AC / DC Monolight Strobe.

Price: $100

This is much more serious strobe: more power, more features... if even looks like a "real" thing:-)

Full spec:

Recycling Time	AC 0.5 - 1 Second; DC <1.5 Seconds
Power (Watt Seconds)	150 ws
Guide Number	118
Flash Duration	1/600 to 1/1000
Power Control	Stepless Control from Full Power to 1/32 Power
Fan Cooled	no
Modeling Lamp	100 watts
Modeling Bulb Base	E26 - E27
Voltage	6 Volts
Built-In Slave	yes
User replaceable flashtube	yes
Dimensions	11" x 5.6" x 7.5"
Weight	3 Lbs

I do not know about the reliability, but good reviews suggest that this is good monolight.

Slave strobes

Because of the price of FlashLite 45i (above) is the least expensive choice for the strobes. An alternative (more expensive) is this one::

Westcott Studio Strobe, Screw-in, for TD5, TD3 (120V AC)

Price: $39.90

Smith-Victor Flashlite 110-I 100 Watt/Second Monolight

Price: $90

Based on a price/power/features ration, this light would work the best.

Update:

It looks like this one would be the best choisce

Flashpoint II 320M, 150 Watt Second AC / DC Monolight Strobe.

Alternative to a screw-in strobes/monolights:

There is a completely different approach for you: instead of monolights, hot shoe strobes can be used in a studio. The least expensive and best known strobe is Vivitar with variable power control:

Vivitar 285HV Flash

Guide No.120' (37 m) ISO 100 @ 50mm
Zoom Flash Head
Auto Bounce Control
Thyristor Battery Saving Circuit
4 Auto f/Stops
Built-In Vari-Power Control
Accepts Variety of Power Sources

Price: $90

Cons:

Pros:

1. Price. Cost more then screw-in monolight.
2. Battery powered. There are variety power supplies exists, but it will make cost even higher.
3. No built-in optical slave, you have to buy Hot Shoe Flash Slave separately.

1. Ultra-fast flash duration, great for stopping any liquid splash.
More on how I was using spedlites for liquid action photography can be found on my blog:

First AKELstudio LIVE! masterclass: water, apple, flash duration test and one shot of scotch whiskey.

2. Portable. Easy to carry with you on location.

3. Wide selection of light modifiers: soft-boxes, snoots, etc exists. However, the price will be even higher for such setup.

In general, if you plan to shoot hi-speed stuff like splash/water drops, etc such speedlites is the only way to do it for cheap. otherwise, use money for monolights listed under upgrade section.

Flash accessories

Impact Porcelain Socket with In-Line Switch

Price $14

Pretty basic socket with screw-in connector, the only advantage is it's price. Highly recommend to buy and upgraded option->

Smith-Victor Umbrella Mount with Swivel for Slave Flash

Price: $22

Screw-in slave flashes need this Smith Victor ULM-45 Umbrella Mount with Swivel for Slave Flash. It features a standard Edison base thread socket with an 110VAC power line , a swivel for light angle adjustment, a receiver to mount an umbrella,and a 5/8" diameter receiver for fitting it to the top of a light stand

SP Studio Systems 4 Leaf Barndoor Set for SP72 Slave Flash

Price:$10

Nice little barndoors, easy to modulate the output of the light as well as control light spill

Smith-Victor Snoot for Flashlite 110I

Price: $14

Snoot. Spot light can be very useful when you shoot food.

SP Studio Systems Snap on Filter Set of 4 for SP72 Slave Flash

Like colors? This set can help. Or, you can get a Set of 20 Color Filters/Gels and make them work for your lights.

Impact Sync Cord Male Mini to Male PC (12")

Price: $14.95

Sync cord to trigger flash from a camera. If camera does not have PC connector, get hot-shoe adapter: Hot Shoe to PC Adapter

Stands/support/modifiers

Light Stand, Black - 6' (1.8m)

Price: $20

Minimum Height	32 in (82 cm)
Maximum Height	6 ft (1.8 m)
Closed Length	34 in (84 cm)
Footprint Diameter	30 in (76 cm)
Weight	2.5 lb (1 kg)
Maximum Load	4 lb (1.8 kg)

Basic stand, low price low height and low load. But it will hold the small strobe with umbrella with no problems:-)

Impact Air-cushioned Light Stand (Black, 8')

Price: $33

Minimum Height	26.75 in (68 cm)
Maximum Height	8 ft (2.4 M)
Closed Length	27 in (68.5 cm)
Footprint Diameter	3 ft (91.4 cm)
Weight	2.4 lbs (1 kg)
Maximum Load	7.5 lb (3.4 kg)
Attachment Size	5/8 in stud with 1/4"-20 in threaded tip
Accepts Wheels	Yes- (1022)
Air Cushioned	Yes

Higher and stronger stand. Will work longer hold more weight.

Interfit Background Support System - 8' H x 8.2' W

Price: $62

Designed to support either textile or paper backgrounds, as wide as 8 feet, to a maximum height of almost 8 feet.

Small, but cheap

Maximum Height	7.8 ft (2.4M)
Minimum Height	Not specified by manufacturer
Closed Length	Not specified by manufacturer
Maximum Width	8.1 ft (2.5M)
Minimum Width	2.5 ft (0.75M)
Weight	~8 lbs (3.6 kg)

Impact Background Support System - 12' Wide

Price: $100

The Impact 12' Background Support System will support seamless paper up to 11' in width, as well as accommodate the 12' width of any brand of muslin background. Total weight distributed across the length of the crossbar should not exceed 20 lb.

Bigger is alwaysbetter:-)

Maximum Height	10.5' (3.2 m)
Minimum Height	39" (99 cm)
Closed Length	39" (99 cm)
Maximum Width	12.5' (3.8 m)
Minimum Width	4.1' (1.3 m)
Weight Capacity	20 lb (9.07 kg)
Weight	12 lb (5.4 kg)

Impact Convertible Umbrella - White Satin with Removable Black Backing - 32"

Price: $12

Umbrella is good... but not for a product photography: unlike for portraits, product/jewelry reflects your light modifier, and umbrella does not look right in such situations.

This is why for products we use soft-boxes or diffuser panels.. see here --->>>

Savage Translum Diffusion - 54" x 18' Roll

Price: $39

This is the best thing I ever had as a diffuser so far. No kidding. The material is a tiny white plastic, and it works amazingly well for any custom and DIY light modifier.

I use it every time I need a large or small/custom diffuser. You can save good money and time if you'll use DIY diffuser made from this plastic and frame (use you fantasy for a frame): just hang it where is suppose to be and position the light behind.
If more even light spread needed, use 2 diffuser panels, same as it is in soft-boxes: smaller behind the large one. Or, use umbrella with the strobe behind it: it will give you very even softbox-like light..

Cloud Dome Infinity Board, Matte White - 18 x 28"

Price: $34.95

Pretty cool idea for a small shooting table. Mount it on top of any table, get translucent paper/plastic from both sides and on top and you'll have a lighting cube.

Same as above: cut it and hang so it will shape shooting-table like surface.

Difuser & all purpose holder:

Telescopic Collapsible Reflector Holder

Price: $40
Little holder arm which I use to hange diffusers/reflectors and everything esle:-) Mounts on any stand.

Camera:

I am not going to suggest any camera, as most likely you already have DSLR, and whatever you fave will work. If DLSR in a shopping list as well, you may consider to play with your point and shoot camera (if it has hot shoe or another external flash interface): In some cases, P&S camera may outperform DLSR. Example is in this article, where I used P&S to freeze the action with regular strobes: Do you really need an expensive DSLR camera? Point-and-shoot Vs professional DSLR

Not saying that you need to buy P&S, but want to shot you that camera might be on a low priority in to-buy list :-)

Aproximate total cost in minimal configuration:

3x strobes 4x stands, 3x sockets x sync cord, 1x holding arm, 2x barndoors, etc

Basic: $336

Upgrade : $595

There are many other ways to setup your first home-based studio: ebay has very cool items for a good money (if you are lucky enough), etc, etc. In any case i hope this will help you in understanding what might be needed to start. Let me know if you there is something I've missed, I'll be glad to update the list.

Alex

Comments

Gail

9 months ago

I'm reading this with full attention, as I am trying to set up my home studio. I have some really great natural light, and I need some help with studio lights. I am using the screw in slave bulbs, I need 1 more background light, that I might B able to hang from ceiling.I am considering some kind of radio remotes ( I priced radio poppers ) thats NOT happening...........this is gonna get to long. To shorten: I want to find some easy way to create softbox, strip light, and remotes. Can U please fill in my blanks.....Thank You

Alex Koloskov

Pixiq Expert

9 months ago

Gail,
Why do you need remotes? these strobes has built-in slave photocell and they will fire by the "main" flash (main flash only needs to be synced with the camera, simple cable I've mentioned in the post)

There is an easy way to create DIY light modifiers, I've posted the material whihc works the best. Do a simple frame with the plastic sheet and this is your softbox.
Good luck!

David

5 months ago

Very nice article, Alex. Thank you. I largely arrived at the same sort of shopping list independently.

To Gail's point, I just made a blog posting last week where I detail the making of brackets to fit 2x2 foot Interfit softboxes I picked up from Amazon for $20 a piece. See:
http://blog.sundayschildsnapshots.com/wp/2011/08/behind-the-scenes/the-h...

Haje Jan Kamps

Pixiq Expert

9 months ago

Fantastic article - thanks for sharing!

Alex Koloskov

Pixiq Expert

9 months ago

Thank you, Haje.

TareqPhoto

8 months ago

Nice article.
I always reading many many articles about studio equipment and i dunno why i feel i always missing something even i have stuff not just to start with, but to be creative and do a great pro job.
I have 5 Hensel lights [2x 1000ws and 3x 500ws, all are Expert Pro Plus model], do you think i need to look at something else? I forgot that i also have Profoto Pro Head 2400 and ProRing2, just i don't know what modifiers i need for all these, i have 3 softboxes[1 small, and 2 so large including a strip box] and 1 5' octaboxes for Hensel, 2 Beauty dishes[1 for Hensel and 1 for Profoto], and several umbrellas, i use my Pocket Wizards to trigger all my lights. I have 1 Savage background stand but i want to get another one as this one is pain in... and i don't know if it is still in good condition after we moved to a new house and threw the stands in the store carelessly, i don't have any table top but i have 2 light tents [one is in bag not used and the other one just corrupted and due to replace], so if you are in my place, what would you get more and what do you suggest me after reading my above post about my equipment???

Julia

7 months ago

I have searched and read tons of articles on purchasing studio equipment for beginners and this BY FAR is the best article, I have come across. Thanks so much for sharing!!!!

Alex Koloskov

Pixiq Expert

6 months ago

TareqPhoto,
Sorry, I cna't suggest you anything, as I do not know your budget and your photography needs.. You've got plenty of photo gear, I am sure you can find a good use of it.

Alex Koloskov

Pixiq Expert

6 months ago

Thank you, Julia!

TareqPhoto

6 months ago

Hey again,

Thanks for your reply!

Well, the budget could be anywhere between $800 and $1500, don't want to increase more, if i must increase then up to $2000, do you have any recommendations then???

I want to do still life and products shots.

eliott

2 months ago

wonderful article Alex. Thank you!! I've also read many of your other posts (shooting reflective surfaces, getting white background out of the camera, etc). I'm daunted by the idea of strobes. To avoid them, I've been looking at continuous fluorescent lighting options instead. After reading this post, I'm now thinking I should just do strobe, but I do love the idea of "what you see is what you get" that continuous lighting offers). Have you come across any fluorescent options you'd recommend (including DIY light banks + recommended bulb choices)?

Also, I've included a photo example of one of the more challenging styles of jewelry I shoot in case it stirs your thinking about any lighting equip that would be ideal for it. The silver wire is approx. 2-3 millimeter diameter.

Thanks!

Per Ardne

1 month ago

Great article as always...
just gotta ask, what about a couple of YN-560 hotshoe flashes?
It has power control which could be used for splashes
and with stands and umbrellas, can they be used for
portraits? For me portability is key since I don't always have access to electricity on site..

TIA!