Digital Cameras Ratings: Westcott Photo Basics 502 Two-Light Kit Review

Average Reviews:
3.4 out of 5 stars

(More customer reviews)I took a class, my instructor used "hot lights" or always on, constant lights, so thats what I bought when I went shopping. I ended up with this kit, and cleared a space out in my dining room to use them in.

Firstly - these are HOT lights. This means they are ALWAYS on, and they are HOT. I mean, in a regular sized room in your house, it will get HOT. People will sweat. The shipped bulbs are 500w for the main two lights, and 150w for the rear light.

Secondly - the included stuff is nice. Not great, but nice. The stands are ok (not air cushioned, do NOT drop them), the umbrella's are ok. The backdrop wasn't big enough, and the floor mat was never opened. Ignore the DVD too, it's cheesy and doesn't really do much once you've seen it once. Having a carry case was nice.

Lastly - I outgrew them. Fast. I sold them on for $350 after maybe 20 hours of use and used the money to buy a set of Calumet Genesis 200's, which are strobe lights, and much more expandable, flexible and useful.

In conclusion - they do their job. They are a nice set of always on hot lights. You can probably get cheaper if you don't need the backdrops or stands, but this is a neat kit. If you plan on expanding your photography though, move right past and buy a set of strobe style lights.

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Product Description:
The Photo Basics two-light kit is the first and only truly educational lighting system. The system is designed around a colorful floor-positioning mat that directs you on exact placement of your lights, subject(s) and camera to insure you achieve perfect quality studio lighting. Included is a 2-hour educational DVD that will walk you through how to operate and understand your digital camera, step-by-step set up of your kit, lighting and posing, along with tips and techniques for scouting out the best locations for image capture. The kit contains everything you'll need to get started with quality portrait lighting (including a background) that will conveniently fit into a carry case that can be tucked in a closest or under most any bed. Photo Basics -The only truly educational lighting system. Photo Basics, a division of the F.J. Westcott Company, was developed to be the first series of lighting kits to come packaged complete with education.Each kit will walk you through an introduction to photography, how to operate and understand your digital camera, lighting and posing, along with tips and techniques for scouting out the best locations for image capture. For those of you who have always had a love of photography but never thought you could take your images to the next level, this is your answer.Through an exclusive step-by-step 2-hour instructional DVD, a helpful floor positioning mat and tons of detail - you'll be framing those images in no time that you once tucked away in a box. For the beginning Pro looking to enhance their already great images, this system allows not only education to further that skill, but a quick portable set up to insure you capture all of those great candids with good lighting. Good luck and enjoy your adventure into photography!