Studio Lighting Question: Britek vs. White Lightning

Hi,

I have a question regarding an umbrella/flash...

Specifically, I am looking at the Britek AS-120 and the White-Lightning WL-10,000 kits.

I have seen both Britek and White-Lightning on the web, and would like to know how much better the quality is on the White-Lightning? Is the Britek of decent quality or is it unacceptable.

Also, does the WL-10,000 have a built in slave sensor?

Thanks,

Mike

The WL 10000 is a much better flash than the Britek..and the Paul
Buff company is absolutely great. I dropped mine from 8 ft and broke the
flash tube...they replaced and upgraded the unit for a total $25. This
unit is built like a tank..it does have a built in slave. The only drawback is
it is rather bulky. They do make the smaller and more powerful ultra units
which I use now, but they are more expensive...worth every penny..
ultrareliable and customer service that is astounding.

Andy

Mike said:

Hi,

I have a question regarding an umbrella/flash...
Specifically, I am looking at the Britek AS-120 and the
White-Lightning WL-10,000 kits.

I have seen both Britek and White-Lightning on the web, and would
like to know how much better the quality is on the White-Lightning?
Is the Britek of decent quality or is it unacceptable.

Also, does the WL-10,000 have a built in slave sensor?

Thanks,

Mike

Click to expand...

Hi Mike, check out the Photogenic lighting systems. They are reasonably priced and well built. I have 4 of the model 1250 lights ( 500 w ) Each unit has a built in slave, full sliding controls for both the flash and the modeling light. I bought them through B&H. At the time B&H was offering a Stand and umbrella with the purchase of a light.

Mike said:

Hi,

I have a question regarding an umbrella/flash...
Specifically, I am looking at the Britek AS-120 and the
White-Lightning WL-10,000 kits.

I have seen both Britek and White-Lightning on the web, and would
like to know how much better the quality is on the White-Lightning?
Is the Britek of decent quality or is it unacceptable.

Also, does the WL-10,000 have a built in slave sensor?

Thanks,

Mike

Click to expand...

James Johnston said:

Mike said:

Hi,

I have a question regarding an umbrella/flash...
Specifically, I am looking at the Britek AS-120 and the
White-Lightning WL-10,000 kits.

I have seen both Britek and White-Lightning on the web, and would
like to know how much better the quality is on the White-Lightning?
Is the Britek of decent quality or is it unacceptable.

Also, does the WL-10,000 have a built in slave sensor?

Thanks,

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

Take a look at Alien Bees. Very nice lights amd nicely priced.
http://www.alienbees.com

Mike,

I have owned and used both Britek and WL units, although I have the newer Ultra-Zap units. There is no comparison in quality between the two. The Britek lights are ok for starting out if you can't afford better. But they generally have a limited power range and quite a bit of variation pop to pop. For print film, the variance isn't so much of a problem, but for digital and slide film, it can be.

Lisa

Mike said:

Hi,

I have a question regarding an umbrella/flash...
Specifically, I am looking at the Britek AS-120 and the
White-Lightning WL-10,000 kits.

I have seen both Britek and White-Lightning on the web, and would
like to know how much better the quality is on the White-Lightning?
Is the Britek of decent quality or is it unacceptable.

Also, does the WL-10,000 have a built in slave sensor?

Thanks,

Mike

Click to expand...

Mike said:

Hi,

I have a question regarding an umbrella/flash...
Specifically, I am looking at the Britek AS-120 and the
White-Lightning WL-10,000 kits.

I have seen both Britek and White-Lightning on the web, and would
like to know how much better the quality is on the White-Lightning?
Is the Britek of decent quality or is it unacceptable.

Also, does the WL-10,000 have a built in slave sensor?

Thanks,

Mike

Click to expand...

Mike,

Most here in the forums will steer you away from Briteks.

The White Lightning you speak of is the old tin can style light and the Britek you speak of is a pretty small unit.

I think you need to assess what you need lights for and how hard you will use them and of course your budget situation. While most will talk the Briteks down, I in fact started my business with Briteks. Mine were a set of HS1500s (330 ws each/two lights and an AS120). The HS1500s were pretty good lights and did an excellent job for me in the studio and on location shooting weddings. I used these lights exclusively for four years (about sxty weddings, several seniors, and some events) and they produced great results for me. It was only last year that I began to experience any problems with them (the sync cord failed).

I had already begun to upgrade to Calumet Travelights, so the Briteks are now used as additional lights in the studio. The Calumet Travelights might be another option for you to look at, they are a great light and recently up dated. I just purchased a third set of the older style Travelight for my daughter to use (2-750ws lights; 1-250ws light; 3-light stands; 2-umbrellas, 1-24 x 32 soft box; carry case and stand bag) for $1000.00 from an ebay seller. The set is like new.

George
http://www.pbase.com/law/air show by e-10

I own three White Lightning Ultras, and I love them. Good range, all the bells and whistles.

I had a problem early on, and had to return two to the Paul Buff Company - we never did quite figure out what went wrong - but they were fantastic about the whole thing - express shipping - and the didn't charge me a dime. I was out of service for perhaps three days. I have never gotten service like that before or since.

If I were doing it again, I would probably buy the Alien Bees - they have all the controls I need, but don't seem as tank-like, a feature I don't really need.

http://www.white-lightning.com and http://www.alienbees.com are the sites to check out, although you probably already have.

Hope this helps.

BUDMEDIC
--
Just another shooter . . .