Beginner Strobe Lights?

Question

Most of what I do is still life and nature/scenic, so I do not have a great deal of experience with strobe lights, as I tend to use natural light, or set up ambient lighting with regular lamps and tin foil as reflectors. I have dj style strobe lights that I have used with an audio trigger for speed photography, but do not think I can sync them with my camera (or if I can, I dont know how).

However, after some recent experience in a chain retail setting, I am interested in learning more about using strobe lights.

The problem is I am not sure what to get. I am on a budget, and know there are many components such as the strobe, a soft box or reflector, power pack, cables, etc. Can someone recommend something or a place to start looking (brand or model, etc)?

The chain i have experience with uses two different kinds that I am aware of. One is a Norman lh2000, with a soft box. I have found the light itself on ebay, but do not know what kind of power pack, etc, to get with it. I cannot find the brand/model of the other one, but it has a pan reflector built around it, so that the strobe and reflector is one unit.

Answer 1

Alien Bees...the most bang for your buck! Here are some lighting set up ideas to work from http://paulcbuff.com/packages.php

Answer 2

I agree that the Alien Bees are the most bang for the buck. I have a few and know many others that use them as well. Good price and good quality and many available accessories.

Answer 3

Why don't you look at Samys, BH photo and Calumet photo and see the kits they have. There are many complete kits available.