Umbrella studio lights?

Question

I found these on the Australian Ebay, and looking at the listing I thought the plugs etc would be wrong for Australia. But, his feedback has positives from Australian buyers who've bought this item from him, so I don't know.
Does this look like rubbish to you ?
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Prefessional-Umbrella-Studio-Light-package-white_W0QQitemZ140184799027QQihZ004QQcategoryZ30088QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Answer 1

i have umbrella lights similar to that...works very well for me. can't afford the bigger classier sets, but what i have works very well, actually.

Answer 2

The listing looks legit, but I wouldn't call those lights "professional" by any standard I'm aware of. They can probably get you by if you have your own basement studio and space is a concern, but I would be more concerned with the power the lights have, which doesn't look like much. Notice how close they are to the model in the picture, they no doubt have to be that close in order to provide adequate power, so given the price you're getting what you pay for if you buy them [which I would not]. They remind me of hot lights without the strobe, but I've never seen nor used any of the like. Hot lights, or continuous lights are those that are "on" all the time, instead of using a strobe and some have both. Most hot lights are VERY expensive, so one's like those found in that ebay listing can provide a cheaper way to go, but 85 watts isn't enough to get me excited, then there is color temperature to worry about, which isn't indicated on the listing in any way other than "average". The best hot lights are HMI (hydrargyrum medium-arc iodide) because they produce a brighter light at a lower wattage than tungsten can provide AND do so at a better color temp of between 5600K and 6000K without producing a lot of heat. They're usually pretty expensive, but money that is well spent. So yes, I'd say it's 'rubbish'. The company looks reputable, but they sell amatuerish equipment. Money spent on better equipment will be an investment later, if you wan to be more than an amatuer.

Answer 3

Did you see what those lights did to the model's face? Yikes!!!

Seriously, that is just a light socket on a stand, w/ an umbrella attached. Probably be ok for small product shots, but I seriously doubt you would be happy for portrait work.

Answer 4

There were lots of pictures but it never gave any technical information (how powerful the lights are). You might want to look at a different system.

You could have a look at this website but I think it might cost a little to much to ship to where you are at but you can still get some good information. They do have systems in there for 110 volt and 220volt.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com

Hope that helps,
Kevin

Answer 5

Before you purchase them, find out where they are serviced when they break and if replacement bulbs are available.

Answer 6

they are legit!..cheap too!they go for about $285.00 a pair in Austin, Texas.