Looking for Advice – Best “Affordable” Tabletop Studio
One of the secrets of successful bloggers is that they are authorities, or subject matter experts, in the subjects they blog about. Surprise! I do not fit in that category. I’m writing this blog to share the information I learn from experience and research. I don’t pretend to be an authority but only hope to learn from sharing. What this blog does afford me is the opportunity to ask questions from the more experienced photographers that stop by. I’m going to take advantage of that right now.
I’m researching desktop studios for macro photography and have come across a number of options. I’m looking at purchasing one of the following options for my wife and I for Christmas and would love some advice.
Requirements
- Under $150 including lights
- Multiple colored background
- Will be used for various macro subjects like flowers, insects, and other interesting items (maybe the odd action figure)
- Does not have to be portable
Here are the options I’m considering.
Studio Kits with Lights
- ProMaster SystemPRO Tabletop Studio Kit (the one I’m leaning toward)
- 16″ Photography Studio Lighting Soft Box Photo Tent Kit Cube
- 16″ Photography Studio Lighting Soft Box Photo Tent Kit Cube
Tent or Box only
- ProMaster SystemPro DIGITAL LITE TENT
- Photek Digital Lighthouse Shooting Tent – 18 x 18 x 27.5″
- 16″ Jewelry Photo Studio Tent Cube Shooting Table Kit Black Soft Box
So the questions I have are: What’s the major differences between the various style’s I’ve listed above? If I get a tent or box without lamps, what would be the suggested lamps to purchase? Most importantly, given the requirements I listed above, which would you purchase? Are there other options that I haven’t listed that you would recommend?
Any help appreciated!
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December 11th, 2008 at 12:39 am
I made something like that out of a cardboard box and hobby tissue paper we had lying around the house without spending a dime. It took about ten minutes.
December 11th, 2008 at 12:58 am
Thanks Eric. I figured if I have to purchase the lights I might as well get a box, especially if its a kit. Making a homemade version may be the option we go with though.
December 11th, 2008 at 1:05 am
Marc,
It’s kind of hard to tell from the product pictures and descriptions on their respective sites, but it looks like the first item, ProMaster SystemPRO Tabletop Studio Kit, seems to just be a fold-up background and lights.
In my experience, with small items (especially very reflective ones: models, jewelry, etc.), a light “tent” that can almost completely surround the object more easily produces better results. That being said, I am drawn more toward the second item you have listed: 16″ Photography Studio Lighting Soft Box Photo Tent Kit Cube.
I’m not familiar with those retailers you had listed. I’ve had a fair amount of luck with B&H Photo in NYC. Item number IMDLHSK, or similar, looks like it could be good, as well. The lights on the B&H model look a bit stronger. Nice, but if you’re shooting still life objects with your camera on a tripod, the brightness of the lights isn’t a terribly important issue.
Good luck with your shooting. Keep us posted.
-Scott
December 11th, 2008 at 1:08 am
Chiming back in with Eric’s comment…
There’s nothing wrong with a couple of clamp hardware lights from Home Depot or Lowes and a homemade light tent. Color cast is an issue, but if all the lights are the same, you can easily correct the cast in post processing. One click and sync in Lightroom.
-Scott
December 11th, 2008 at 3:19 am
I like B&H and Adorama, if you’re going with the buy-it option. But it might not hurt to get some experience rigging stuff yourself. =)
December 11th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
I wish I had an answer for you on this one… I’m new to studio lighting as well. All I have right now is a basic Strobist kit from Midwest Photo Exchange. When you make your decision though, let me know how it works out! I’m gonna be looking to expand my studio lighting gear, too!
December 11th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
I definitely prefer working with flashes instead of lights. Working around lights is hot.
December 27th, 2008 at 7:53 pm
I just purchased the SystemPro Tabletop kit and think its a great value (especially if you purchase online, which I didn’t and it cost about $40 more in a store). The tripod makes it worth it if you need that for your subject being photographed (I’m taking pix of jewelry, so it was an impt. factor). The portbleness is also attractive- you really can take it anywhere.
I’ll let you know how it works if you’d like. I will play around with it this weekend.
December 28th, 2008 at 12:06 am
Lisa – That’s the same model ended up getting my wife for Christmas. Having everything in one package, including being portable as you mentioned, was my deciding factors. The lights are nice but they get hot real fast but do not affect the subject if used correctly. I haven’t made up my mind on the tripod yet. She has put her S5 on it and it’s a challenge to get in the right position and thats a smaller body than my XS. Overall though I think we’re happy with it but I’m curious to see what your experiences are. Thanks for stopping by!
Marc…