Studio strobe purchase?

[greg fee]

Have been using Broncolor for about 15 years now, loved it, other than it is expensive to maintain. Got banged up somewhat over the years and now looking at a replacement. The heads I have are also banged up and are the old Flashman units. Anyway, a new box to handle 3 lights is in the $6500 zone, which is pretty high. to get into another unit that also handles 3 lights, like a Pro Photo unit is about half of that which includes new lights, stands reflectors, they even have a promo on now that includes an additional light with a new purchase. Finally, my question, what would you recommend as a good quality studio setup (strobe, 3 or 4 lights , I have one good mono light now, stands etc.), it needs to have ability to get banged around somewhat, but mostly stays in studio. Other considerations, Norman.
Thks so much for your help.
greg fee

[DragonflyDM]

Well, I have a quick article on inexpensive lights at Josh Hudson's Dragonfly Digital Media-- Wedding and Portrait Photography for Pittsburgh, Butler, Erie and Cranberry Pennsylvania and the link is Josh Hudson's Dragonfly Digital Media-- Wedding and Portrait Photography for Pittsburgh, Butler, Erie and Cranberry Pennsylvania.

But for what you want.. .you should be looking at Photogenics and Profoto.

Photogenics is just a work horse strobe with a name that has been around as long as edgerton's technology has been lighting up photographs. Brilliant lights.

Profoto is the current king of the hill for professional strobes, however. You can finance a small country for the price of them, but they are amazing. Their unique design allows for brilliant photos even without external modifiers.

[greg fee]

Thanks man, I will check out your links, one of the neat things about the profoto is the RF built in, and they look like they can take a hit, tks greg in vancouver

[Ray Cahen]

I have 40 year old Photogenic gear that seems indestructable. It is not powerful enough for commercial work, but ideal for portraiture. I used to use 5000 ws Balcar power packs and an occasional Speedotron Black line, both of which delivered reliable service. Balcar had all the neat accessories. The black line gave great service when lots of raw power was needed. I was also fond of the portable White Lightning gear for location work. You might wish to let us know what you come up with and why. I've been out of the market for this kind of stuff for about 8 years.
Good luck!

[greg fee]

After looking at our situation closer and the amount of dollar output to get a comparible system as the Broncolor, we are getting the box repaired. Can I attach a pocket wizzard to the broncolor, if there is no prob with that.

[Bob Hall]

Josh. Great website. Thank you, thank you!

[Bob Hall]

Josh, are all the lights in your article on your website "monoblocks" or "monolights," self contained, or do some use an external battery pack?