Monolight recommendations?

[Benjamin Marks]

My third light (Flashpoint 1600) has developed a hiccup, flashing at random intervals. With the other strobes all slaved together this quickly leads to a situation that is like a twisted, syncopated robot-disco, with lights popping and beepers beeping at random intervals. So: time for a new monolight.

I have looked at Alien Bees, and this (Cowboy Studio):

http://www.amazon.com/Cowboystudio-Photography-Studio-Monolight-Strobe/product-reviews/B003XCDA9A/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

I don't need super pro specs on this, but when I use it, it needs to work. Must be able to support a reasonably sized softbox, will not be used outdoors.

Any favorites?

[Nokton48]

Broncolor Impact for me. I have found good deals out there.



My third light (Flashpoint 1600) has developed a hiccup, flashing at random intervals. With the other strobes all slaved together this quickly leads to a situation that is like a twisted, syncopated robot-disco, with lights popping and beepers beeping at random intervals. So: time for a new monolight.

I have looked at Alien Bees, and this (Cowboy Studio):

http://www.amazon.com/Cowboystudio-Photography-Studio-Monolight-Strobe/product-reviews/B003XCDA9A/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

I don't need super pro specs on this, but when I use it, it needs to work. Must be able to support a reasonably sized softbox, will not be used outdoors.

Any favorites?

[Bob Michaels]

I am an Alien Bee fan personally. Now I do shoot very little flash but when I do, this is it.

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

I use PhotoGenic Powerlights. American made, not terribly expensive, made for professional use, not cheapie amatuer lights. Had them 15 yrs and only one of the 4 lights I own gave me any trouble, and Photogenic fixed it under warranty and had it back in my hands 4 days after I sent it to them! They must have had it only a few hours before giving it back to UPS, and it works perfectly now. Good service!

[wafflecakee]

I work in a rental department and all we use is Profoto compact 600 w/s heads, I don't know if they make these anymore but they're tough and get put through a lot. Renters don't treat our gear like their own that's for sure. They keep going though, I'd look for some used ones.

[Rico]

I have current-model Profoto gear, mostly acquired used. The retired Acute E pack system is remarkable value (for Profoto :)).

[sevo]

Erratic firing could be due to a shot thyristor trigger, or to a short circuit in the primary coil. Flashes are low-tech, and quite easy to fix. Is there a light/PA/cine rental anywhere near you? These almost invariably will have a technician capable of fixing that kind of issue.

[gavinlg]

Alien bee or Elinchrom d-lite IT's. Both great.

[21-135 Apo All Good]

I'm still using Paul C. Buff White Lightning Ultras! Great set-up & easy to change lamps & bulbs. Real Workhorses!

Anything Paul makes he stands behind!

[Benjamin Marks]

Thanks, guys. Very helpful, and much appreciated. Unfortunately I am in rural Vermont. There is a good fix-it shop in Burlington (shout out to the folks at leZot camera), but I don't know whether they do flash equipment.