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REVIEWS:  Flash and Lighting:  Strobe Heads:
HS Series Pro Studio Flash

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Britek HS Series Pro Studio Flash


 
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Rating
Reviewed by: 

martyrdesign

( Casual)

Review Date
February 3, 2006

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Visitors rate this review
4.00 of 5,
1 votes

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Review 1 of 5

Price Paid:  $500.00 from eBay (rostronics.com

Summary:

A great first set of lights. I'd read some bad reviews of these lights but the price was so good and I was just looking for something very entry-level - a couple steps up from the 10" Home Depot shop lights I'd been using. These lights are exactly that. The kits available come with a lot of fun stuff to help you learn how to light nice photographs and despite the negative reviews I've read about these strobes, I'm really happy with their performance and the value is unbeatable. Most of the stuff I've done with them has been studio work shooting small sets for CD covers but I took them on location once recently and they performed flawlessly. I can see how I'd want to upgrade my equipment when my jobs become more high-profile and I want my gear to perform consitently shoot after shoot for many years, but for now these lights have everything I need with room to grow.

Strengths:

The price and the accessories included in the kits are their biggest strengths. Great entry-level light kit.

Weaknesses:

Housings and the light stand receivers are made of plastic. Not the most durable design but they're so inexpensive! They're not flimsy by any means. As long as you don't throw 'em around or over-tighten the receivers, these lights should last for quite a while. Stepless power adjustments would have been cool but, again, so inexpensive!

Customer Service:

Haven't had to deal with customer service at this point. briteklighting.com offers plenty of accessories, kits and replacement parts.



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Rating
Reviewed by: 

Rendermore

( Professional)

Review Date
December 26, 2005

Overall Rating
 2 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

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Review 2 of 5

Price Paid:  $300.00 from Ebay

Summary:

I purchased these as my first foray into studio photography about 4 years ago (for bridals, etc.) because the kit price was such a deal. I received 2 HS1000's, a PS300H, two 8' stands, a backlight stand, two umbrellas, stand bag and a light bag for somewhere between $300 and $500 (Sorry for the range, but it was four years ago!) They served me fairly well for a start up. The lack of variable power output is a real pain. If you are a hobbyist and don't need much, you can use them nicely. If you intend to depend on them for an income, I would strongly suggest Alien Bees or White Lightening (Same Company).

Strengths:

A whole bunch of kit for not a lot of money. Recycle times are very fast. Light output is very even.

Weaknesses:

Very cheap construction. Light stand socket is poor. The HS1000's are large (My hair light is right UP against the ceiling) Difficult to find accessories. Support is nearly non-existant. Limited power variability (1/4, 1/2 Full on 1000's... 1/2, full on 300).

Similar Products Used:

Alien Bees AB800.

Customer Service:

All but non-existant.



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Rating
Reviewed by: chancyzen
 (Professional)

Review Date
November 3, 2003

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Used product for
1 to 3 months

Visitors rate this review
4.67 of 5,
3 votes

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Review 3 of 5

Price Paid:  $498.00 from ebay

Summary:

Good lights but very poor customer service

Strengths:

good price for the performance. Quick recicle time and lots of accessories

Weaknesses:

I bough the kit and the stands that it came with didn't have screws strong enough to support the light. Had to replace with stronger ones

Customer Service:

very poor. When I received my package a flash tube came broken. Called Britek and spoke to manager who said they would send a new one out. A month later haven't received it. Phoned manager again adn he said he doesn't remember me calling and that te flash tubes are encasedin protective cover and he's never heard of one breaking. I told him that it came loose from plug in and was floating around loose in the plastic housing while being shipped. He argued and said he'd have to get back to me. Still hasn't. I live in Canada and am having a difficult time finding a replacement tube. Buyer beware. Good product very poor customer service support



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Rating
Reviewed by: Michael
 (Professional)

Review Date
March 19, 2003

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
4.50 of 5,
2 votes

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Review 4 of 5

Price Paid:  $150.00 from eBay

Summary:

A lot of bang for the buck

Strengths:

Price. Performance. They work well and reliably. They have a quick recycle time and offer a good selection of accesories.

Weaknesses:

Construction. The housing is plastic and care must be taken when lugging these things areound. If you are careless or in a hurry, buy the metal jobs for twice the price.

Customer Service:

Not what I would wish for. Their WWW site is a joke, but if you call the 800 number you will finally get someone who knows the strobes pretty well.



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Rating
Reviewed by: Glen Flett
 (Expert)

Review Date
October 24, 2001

Overall Rating
 2 of 5

Value Rating
 2 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Visitors rate this review
3.00 of 5,
2 votes

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Review 5 of 5

Price Paid:  $1200.00 from EBAY

Summary:

Good starter kit...Only. Case is plastic and mounts are weak. All accessories work ok, but definately a low end kit. HS series has only 1/4 1/2 full power output.

Strengths:

Low cost, decent value for the money. Quick portable kit for location.

Weaknesses:

Poor mounting strength.

Similar Products Used:

None

Customer Service:

Not had to use yet, but one light just started to act up. Modeling light is staying on?



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