Bowens or Electra 400w

Out of context: Reply #4

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  • vaxorcist0

    Bowens is a worldwide brand... Electra seems local to you... google doesn't show much for me...

    Bowens S-mount is a nice bayonet way of locking in softboxes, many other reflectors, snoots and even a nice ringflash adapter, so yes, the mount is a big deal if you're not just shooting umbrellas or the plain reflectors.

    Most newer bowens lights can take a battery pack, and/or you can get a batttery pack from innovatrix that fits most lights, includeing the bowens.

    I'd get the bowens, as the extra cost now may be recouped if you ever sell it, they hold their value as long as you're good to them.... NOTE that the bowns flash tubes can be a bit fragile and expensive. If you're getting a used bowens light, check the flash tube for dark grey or brown discoloration near the end mounts. Modeling lights are cheap though....

    Light stands can often be bought used, from somebody who's bought tons of gear and realizes they don't need it....and umbrellas through ebay.... I'd get a couple of extra cheap umbrellas if shooting outside as they die often if used outdoors....

    Bowens are known as Calumet Travelites in the US.... though assistants call them "travel-heavies" because they're not that lightweight.... they are commercially used in Chicago along with Profoto and Speedotron,etc....... so it's a viable pro choice here at least...

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