Comments on: Looking for Advice – Best “Affordable” Tabletop Studio

By: Marc

Marc — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 04:06:23 +0000

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…

By: Lisa

Lisa — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 23:53:15 +0000

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.

By: jciv

jciv — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 22:38:47 +0000

I definitely prefer working with flashes instead of lights. Working around lights is hot.

By: Shawn

Shawn — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 18:48:53 +0000

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!

By: Eric Hamilton

Eric Hamilton — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 07:19:39 +0000

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. =)

By: Scott Rouse

Scott Rouse — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 05:08:03 +0000

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

By: Scott Rouse

Scott Rouse — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 05:05:59 +0000

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

By: Marc

Marc — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 04:58:27 +0000

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.

By: Eric Hamilton

Eric Hamilton — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 04:39:10 +0000

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.