are Smith-Victor 600w Softlights good for indoor studio settings?

Question

a friend is selling 3 for $250 total. is this a good price and is it worth it? any info about these lights is good! thanks

Answer 1

If they're in good shape, that sounds like a good deal as they go for about 150bucks each brand new. Haven't used them myself but it is a reputable brand. You don't even need to worry too much about the life of the bulbs as I know the 600w lamp will probably be less than 20bucks.

Don't really know what your needs are but having 3 lights will definitely open options for lighting. You'll need to get stands for them though.

If you're going for simplicity, one option is the Lowel Ego light (http://www.lowelego.com/). Really simple light that you can mount on a standard camera tripod (You can use those ultra portable folding tripods to hold it, it's that light). At 150bucks it's a great value -- but then again, you have the chance to get 3 lights at $250! :)

Answer 2

The brand isn't as important as so much how the lighting is used.

Using a 3 light studio isn't that difficult - one fill light, one main light, then a third as either a hair, background or accent light.

Be sure you have stands for them: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=NavBar&A=FetchChildren&Q=&ci=1173 provides a nice selection of stands that will work.