Bobby Kogos wrote:
I've been researching and it's getting a bit daunting.

Not sure where to begin, really.  Cost, size, weight, power, what heads each uses.  If you guys have any single resource that would help that'd be great, too, since I've not found much.

I guess while I'm here what I'm mostly looking for is a 2 head system, with a focus on outdoor/location shooting.  Any pros/cons of each generator or differentiating factors would help, along with any possible alternatives (although admittedly I do have a slight longing for Profoto, I'm open to new ideas).

Then comes another issue.  I'll, for the foreseeable future, be working alone.  How feasible is lugging something like a 7b and 2 heads and modifiers, along with the requisite body and lens, around.

Hi Bobby

If you can afford it, don't look anywhere for lighting other than Profoto or Bron. You are much more likely to trade in your entire camera system or switch between pc and mac before you trade in lights and start again. It's important to make the right choice at the outset, and the right choice is, get the best you can.

In basic terms you need to make a choice between Pro 7 (or 8) and Acute, since you can't swap heads between the two. The alternative is D4 packs that can be switched between the two (though of course you can't run a Pro-head and an Acute head off a D4 pack at the same time). Power, speed and robustness mark out the Pro 7/8 packs. The Acute packs are surprisingly light and versatile if you can get your head round the slightly quirky power switching. They're also the most cost effective. Obviously the light modifiers fit across the range.

You mention the 7b. I have two and, honestly, I wouldn't want to carry them too far ! Do you really need the power? I don't think I've ever had to wind mine up anywhere near full. Having said that, I wouldn't discount them completely. If you're built like a Shetland Pony or have an assistant or two the 7b is fantastic. Profoto don't shout about it but, I use mine plugged into the mains (UK 240V) via the charger and they act almost like studio packs.

A halfway house worth considering is the Acute 600B battery pack. Smaller, lighter, more affordable and taking the cheaper Acute/D4 heads, it's a great route into the system. It just depends if you really need the power that the 7b will give you.

Hope that helps (a bit)

Best

Andy

Brooklyn Bridge Images wrote:
Bobby you list your location as NYC go to B&H Check out the profoto display.
The lighting dept guys are pretty good.

Will do.  While I usually go right upstairs, last time I did check out the lighting (was more looking at reflectors), the only guy down there wasn't exactly helpful.  (Bad) Luck of the draw, I'm sure, but I'll be sure to do so next shot I get.

AndyKruczekPhotography wrote:
Hi Bobby

If you can afford it, don't look anywhere for lighting other than Profoto or Bron. You are much more likely to trade in your entire camera system or switch between pc and mac before you trade in lights and start again. It's important to make the right choice at the outset, and the right choice is, get the best you can.

In basic terms you need to make a choice between Pro 7 (or 8) and Acute, since you can't swap heads between the two. The alternative is D4 packs that can be switched between the two (though of course you can't run a Pro-head and an Acute head off a D4 pack at the same time). Power, speed and robustness mark out the Pro 7/8 packs. The Acute packs are surprisingly light and versatile if you can get your head round the slightly quirky power switching. They're also the most cost effective. Obviously the light modifiers fit across the range.

You mention the 7b. I have two and, honestly, I wouldn't want to carry them too far ! Do you really need the power? I don't think I've ever had to wind mine up anywhere near full. Having said that, I wouldn't discount them completely. If you're built like a Shetland Pony or have an assistant or two the 7b is fantastic. Profoto don't shout about it but, I use mine plugged into the mains (UK 240V) via the charger and they act almost like studio packs.

A halfway house worth considering is the Acute 600B battery pack. Smaller, lighter, more affordable and taking the cheaper Acute/D4 heads, it's a great route into the system. It just depends if you really need the power that the 7b will give you.

Hope that helps (a bit)

Best

Andy

More than helps.  Many thanks.

And I'm not even sure about power yet.  On the one hand having the extra headroom, and speed, of firing well below full never hurts, and like I said I have neither a studio nor an endless supply of indoor locations...  I'll likely be renting before I purchase to see just where I stand, but to use the cliche, being able to overpower the sun would be a plus, but yeah I'm just of the mindset that I'd rather not worry about power, and be able to fire at a lower stop to be able to get that many more shots off.  *shrug*

AndyKruczekPhotography wrote:
Forgot to say.

The Broncolor Mobil is worth a look and (again if you can afford it) their new Scoro pack is awesome (I used one yesterday). The advantage of Bron is that pretty well any of the heads (from the last 30yrs I think!!) fit any of the packs. You also get access to the gorgeous Para reflectors (the Profoto version doesn't come close)

Also, consider, in the first instance, hiring packs etc to suit the requirements of each job. You then get to play around with the kit until you know what your shooting style will need.

A

Well Bron's head compatability isn't a huge deal since I'm pretty much starting from scratch, although the para doesn't hurt.

My issue with wildly renting is that that's money I could put towards something that's MINE.
That said I will be testing out anything I get before committing.

And I forgot to mention, the AcuteB runs 1 head, no?  I'd rather have the ceiling of 1 light, and getting a second unit is getting you in 7b range anywho, with less overall power, but the option of going lighter and taking only 1 light.  Unless I'm mistaken here.

ricphoto wrote:
and to take you in yet another ProFoto direction...

I do a lot of location work and my Compact Specials are perfect for me...I now have wayyy too many but usually end up with 2-3 heads (300 or 600's) stands, modifiers and grippage in 1 bag...larger modifiers and lastolite panel in another bag...for most shots...easy to get on set

I actually switched to vagabond2 power packs when shooting off the grid and they work great with the compacts...I use 1 vag per head when I have an assistant and 2 heads off 1 when flying solo...at 299.00 each they're a steal...

just a thought

Not a bad idea.  Flexible, which never hurts.

I guess the only issue here is power and recycle speed, but that's definitely an option.  Thanks.

Shelby Chan Photography wrote:
Bobby, I am a hardcore "battery only" user with profoto systems. I can tell you from experience that carrying a 7B with two heads, camera plus lets say, 2 lenses, two stands, and mods..may be a little too much if you are doing a lot of trekking. If you opt for two Acute B's, you are shaving your transpo weight by about 5lbs which really helps. I have two 7B and 2 AcuteB packs and on a typical shoot we use three sources. Between my assistant and I, I carry the 7B with one head in a pelican 1510 case while my assistant carries an acuteB with acute head and the second pro B head plus mods and stands in a Tenba air case (stands on top). Camera bag slung over my shoulder. It is fairly comfortable to travel decent distances on flat ground. The second AcuteB can be added to the Tenba without issue but if we include the 2nd 7B, we're looking  for an additional assistant or two.

Hmm.  If it's doable I may go for it...  I figure getting all my camera stuff and accessories into a decent backpack, and maybe finding a good rolling case of some sort, if fitting just about everything lighting into one is doable...

Thanks for the input.

AndyKruczekPhotography wrote:
Forgot to say.

The Broncolor Mobil is worth a look and (again if you can afford it) their new Scoro pack is awesome (I used one yesterday). The advantage of Bron is that pretty well any of the heads (from the last 30yrs I think!!) fit any of the packs. You also get access to the gorgeous Para reflectors (the Profoto version doesn't come close)

Also, consider, in the first instance, hiring packs etc to suit the requirements of each job. You then get to play around with the kit until you know what your shooting style will need.

A

Oh man, have you tried the new profoto paras? They Suck?

Bobby Kogos wrote:
While I usually go right upstairs, last time I did check out the lighting (was more looking at reflectors), the only guy down there wasn't exactly helpful.  (Bad) Luck of the draw, I'm sure, but I'll be sure to do so next shot I get.

Ask for Joey if he's working that day - the guy's a champ.  He's my go-to any time I'm doing more than just shoving a print-out of a web shopping cart at someone.

Brooklyn Bridge Images wrote:
Bobby you list your location as NYC go to B&H Check out the profoto display.
The lighting dept guys are pretty good.

.. but still do your homework.

I bought the Profoto AcuteB 600R powerpack and a head at the Photo Expo in NYC at a very good price.  BUT ... I didn't immediately check it out when I received the items since I was then backed up with wedding work and just didn't have the time to play with it.  I unpacked it and put it away on the shelf ... until two months later.

Then I discovered the B&H salesman had sold me the 7b flashhead instead of the AcuteB flashhead.  By then I couldn't return it, and had to sell the (spendy) 7b flashhead at a loss.  Unused.  And then I had to buy the Profoto head.  So with all that, I lost money on the deal.   All because I rushed into it at the trade show with getting a good price on all this ... and not doing my homework properly beforehand, and trusting the salesman.