Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

Tried to use 3 of these in a photobooth applications and they failed miserably.

They just can't stand up to the constant use.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

This light is not real powerful but works fine for a small studio or secondary lighting, highlights. For key use it needs to be a small studio. It adjusts almost 2 fstops. Strobe and modelling capabilities is nice for an inexpensive light. It runs hot and will melt the plasitic filters if you are not paying attention. Be aware and it is okay.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

I bought two of these lights for my small portrait studio and couldn't be happier. I use them for the key and fill shooting through white umbrellas. At half power they recycle in less than a second; at full power, two to three seconds. The umbrella mount could use a side-screw to secure the shaft. Otherwise, performance for the price is great. I have had one fuse blow after a few hundred cycles on the fill using 1/2 power. I also found that decorative rope lights use the same 5 Amp fuse if you have any and need one fast.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

I have owned two of these and neither one lasted very long. The slave on the first was very inconsistent and I returned it for a replacement. The second started burning fuses and I trashed it as it lasted just long enough to go out of warranty. I haven't given up on Flashpoint or Adorama but I'm not going to waste any more of my time or money on these units.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

Well I have three and just purchased another so, that will make it 4.

I use these for fast set-ups on editorial use. Color temperature runs a little cool and they fluctuate within ±500º Kelvin of 5500ºK. Best to use a grey card to make sure you are color accurate, otherwise it is negligible.

They do blow fuses. I have gone though 3 (total) in a year with three heads; not bad. I got a bag of fuses just to stay on the safe side and they have saved my rear end. I see that most of you are blowing your fuses a lot. Key: Turn off the modeling light. I never use it once I know how the light looks after several test shots. Keep it in a good hard case or semi-soft case and they will serve you well. Also I see a lot of users on here having issues with the slaves not triggering. I use radio sync's attached to them...I don't have issues. Also turn off the modeling lamps if you have issues and get some radio slave triggers.

At half power, 200 ISO about 10ft away from the subject with a 42" white umbrella...I get about an F/10. Not too shabby. I use the Flashpoint 16-Rib 64" Parabolic Silver Umbrella and at 8 ft from subject, I get an f/13. However, it does produce a bit of a hotspot from the silver.

Play with them and they will give you results...but take care of them. I do...thats why I get the most out of them. I have Norman power packs and Comet power packs but they are too bulky for location low paying editorial jobs. When the client pays...then I use the big gun lights. Otherwise these serve the purpose and they have paid for themselves 20x over.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

Look, this is a great little head for the money but as can be seen from reviews, it has some circit issues. Fix that and it would be unrivaled at the price.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

I originally got these (3) as part of a kit because I wanted to do more studio work (stills, Portraits)
They work well for smaller studio - table top work and close portraits. They are not real powerful for work that requires larger scenes to be included. they are also good for adding high lights, and additional light accents. Good for indoors, I do not use them outdoors. They do run hot. I've damaged more than one filter on these lights. They have been reliable. I've them over a year but now one is starting to blow fuses. They have been better than I expected for a budget set but they are not professional grade. great for beginner in studio, great for support for other lights too. I like and use the wireless capability and the adjustable output is a real nice feature

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

I use this for a hair light or background light. You get what you pay for. The housing is made of thin plastic that you need to be careful with if attaching barndoors. It runs hot. It's not fancy, but it works and it is cheap.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

Bought this to use as a backlight, it runs hot and blows fuses easily, ir could work as a fill, maybe a hairlight but I am not sure i would put a plastic snoot on it beacuase it runs so hot I guess someone could use several of these in a pinch for portrait work but it won't be me....spend a little more and get the 320m.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

This is a great little mono for portraits and wedding use. Can't beat the price, has replaceable tubes, more power than an sb600 (but needs a/c outlet of course).I did a little write up with pictures here...[@]

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

A pretty decent unit, and I've been using for high key lighting with my primary strobe. The results are great! I wish the unit came with some sort of cover to protect the bulb though, so I've been using a DIY tupperware dish that fits over the face of the unit. I also wish that it didn't "beep" in slave mode, but that's a minor annoyance. Otherwise it's a decent buy for the budget minded studio photographer.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

The only problem I have is sometimes the test button does not fire the flash the first time it is pressed, I have to hit it three or four times to trigger it.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

I wanted something to use as a background light and also option as a hair light. I was impressed with the price and size of this flash. It works well with flash sensor so I don't have to add any wireless device to it. I have not gotten to use it too much yet, but I am impressed enough that I may get another down the road. I did read not to leave the model light on for a long time as it gets too hot. I agree, turn it on, evaluate your light, turn it off. Happy shootin!

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

I actually have two of these now as well as two umbrellas to go with it. I do have some issues with other people triggering these when doing weddings so it'll get a little more use above what you do on your own. I haven't tried black tape but I have tried covering it with black velcro which doesn't seem to block the ability to trigger the other.
The My camera seems to work best set for a white balance of 6900 with this to get a nice natural skin tone. but overall these lights are a steal for the price and there are many accessories available. Would like a 3rd for a hair light.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

Was happy then it started blowing fuses and eating them. Went and purchased 5 of them (not regular size fuses, but the little bitty ones) and wen tthrough all five without even taking a shot. Was lucky the second unit is ok[...] Sounds like a regular occurance, can't YOU FIX THIS!!!!????

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

Nice flash for the money quality is good. see samples

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

I ordered one to use as a fill/hair light mostly. My main units are all AlienBees. The flash works great, and is a great value. I have not had any overheating or fuse problems as some have reported. My only gripes are:
1. With a 42" umbrella attached, the modeling light reflection overwhelms the slave trigger, and it won't recognize another flash firing (even 6 inches away). A little piece of black tape on the umbrella side of the slave took care of that, and it works flawlessly now.
2. The umbrella holder is a "friction fit," and the hole is rather large for standard umbrella shafts, so there's considerable play and slop, with the umbrella moving up and down. I solved this with a little piece of rubber I poke into the rear of the hole after putting an umbrella on.

Good color consistency, adequate power for such a small unit, and a heck of a price. I'm quite happy with it.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

Nice little flash, great for hair light and backgorund lighting. Also nice for small product photography. Usable for event photography (but watch the cords) may sure they are taped down.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

Nice little strobe for the money. Reasonable output, best used for fill or (with color filters) for background light.

No cover and no hood so keep the styrofoam packing for moving and storage.

Bottom line: really nice little strobe for the price.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

Love the lights overall. I did however blow 2 fuses the first time I used the lights (I have 5)but after replacement I haven't blown any since. The modeling lamp does run hot.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

We like the flash, but it has one little problem--IF THE FLASH IS RE-TRIGGERED TOO QUICKLY (quicker than 1 second) IT WILL PERMANENTLY HANG and require turning the power off and on to use it again. This is a design flaw and it's happened to every unit we've tried, but in practice it shouldn't be a problem.Keep an EXTRA FUSE on hand (we use [...] #270-1056); we had one unit go down with a blown fuse.Others have mentioned it shouldn't be run with the quartz bulb for too long, as the unit gets pretty hot. Agreed, but I don't know what they can do about it without a fan or larger enclosure.Other than the above relatively minor problems we like the flash and would buy it again (we have 6 of them).

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

for indoor studio work

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

I have shot with very high priced units in the past, but I like the simplicity and ease of use with this strobe.
In response to AJ from Marion, KY:

I have had fuses die out on me also. I always carry aluminum foil with me now. So should one die, I just wrap the dead fuse with a piece of foil and continue shooting. I have done the same thing with dead fuses on my car from years ago. Don't keep it on forever though. When you get the chance, just replace them. They are dirt cheap from Adorama ( my favorite store).

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

I bought two of these as I am waiting for a pair of higherer end backordered 600ws strobes and have some family portrait sessions coming up. I love them. With the FP mode on my hot-shoe flash I was able to get 1/8000 on the monolights with the optical slaves. Don't expect to light the world with them, but they can do whatever you can do with a speedlight - better...

The flash power is exactly the same as my i-TTL hot-shoe flash at 24 degrees zoom at every power but recycled much faster. The modeling light is halogen and does get hot so I use it to line them up and turn them off and have not had any problems. Umbrellas are held in place by a spring clip rather than a screw, but seems to have sufficient hold. At first I thought the optical slaves did not work but then noticed that I was in a room filled with sunlight. I closed the curtains and they were working great. The one thing I wish were changed was the option to remove the reflector for barebulb use and to have a speedring connection, but why bother with the price of them. These things sure put out the light for how many of them you can get instead of a hot-shoe flash.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

This is a great unit! It was much better than I expected it to be. I bought these because as I am waighting for my backordered Alienbee Einsteins and have several family portrait sessions coming up. Unfortunately, one out of the two units was defective with the slave sensor not working making it completely unuseable to me. That is a big dissapintment to me as I really need two for an upcoming portrait session.Besides that, the power is about the same as my SB-900 at 24-35mm zoom but recycles much faster. I have not noticed any noticable color shifting but have only had them for a few days. It has a slightly warmer hue than my SB-900 which I actually prefer. The power adjustment dial is quite nice with lots of steps. I only use the modeling light to aim my light as the 75w halogen light gets hot fast. I was quite impressed when I started testing what shutter speeds worked with it and got it up to 1/8000th of a second! Obviously, I needed to raise the ISO well above 100 but I was very impressed. So far I really like this unit just wish that the second unit wasn't defective. [...]

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

I have been using these smaller strobes in my studio as hair lights, background lights, accent lighting, etc.

I think that on the positive side, they are very well constructed using hard plastic and are very consistent, easy to use, and provide professional output.

I think that on the negative side, they typically run really hot and the ceramic base for the modeling light(inside the strobe) just chips off too easily. It's so hot, I recommend not using the modeling light at all. I would like to have seen these models incorporate a better bulb & some design change that would allow the light to run cooler.

Overall though, I love these strobes...I typically don't need the modeling lights on them anyways

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

I love these lights, they are a perfect starting point, I purchased the three as my first set of monolights and I used them right away, they are great, I loved how they worked. The modeling lights are very effective, the light is usually diffused just right, i've only had use another diffusion method one or twice. One can be used with a large reflector to make great portraits. The only issue I had with them is that one of them almost instantly blew its fuse, I'm not sure if the fuse was deffective or if the fuses are just too weak for the product. I'm just going to replace the fuse and see how it goes. If it continues to blow you can expect me to be sending it back.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

I was looking for a back lite and one of the in store experts recommended this one and I think he was just right.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

I use this as a hairlight and for that use it has been awesome. I don't run it at full power so cycle times are fantastic. I have had it about a month and have shot about 400 portraits so far with it and it has yet to produce any negative results. It does get very warm but I just let it cool down before packing it. The only other thing with it is the way you attach a softbox to it. I use the small 12x12 with it and if you tighten it too much it will bend the housing. I have a tendency to crank things down way to tight anyway so this may be a non issue for most people.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

I bought a pair of these about 6 months ago and have been impressed.I have used these for event coverage, covering an entire room with two at opposite corners in shoot-through umbrellas, group full-length and headshot portraits, and product ( produce, paintings, art glass ).The version I have has 40 steps on the power dial - that don't line up to the power gauge - with a little practice I got used to it quickly. The umbrella holder is not secure on an 8mm shaft; a pair of binder clips fixes that. I purchased the honeycomb and filters set with it; there is no way to mount them without also buying the barn doors (I have been using gaffer tape). If you are used to using hotshoe strobes off-camera (as I was), these should be a nice addition to your kit as they have more power and I found them more consistent than my old strobes. They aren't significantly heavier or bulkier than a flash/umbrella adapter combination, and cost less. Brief use of the very hot modelling light also helps aim snooted lights or set depth on the umbrella shaft. If you are used to bigger strobes, you will likely like these for their portability and low cost.If you are just starting out with off-camera lighting, look to one of the kits based on these lights as you'll also need stands, diffusers of some sort, etc.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

It took forever to get it in sync with my camera to even show the color flash. In only about 30 shots, it has blown 5 fuses. You cannot even turn on the modeling light without a fuse blowing. Very disappointed with the light [...]

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

I use 2 of these as backlights in my studio to blow out the background. They work great for that purpose. I had one act up on me and Adorama quickly replaced it, and it has worked flawlessly ever since.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

Along with my Speedlight these lights work great especially for taking to a shoot. Not too heavy yet strong enough to handle the trips.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

I purchased this unit to replace an old, cheap (non-Adorama) monolight. This unit was easier to use, higher quality and had more features than the old one. I like that I can dial up/down the power. I can also position my softbox on this light vertically or horizontally. On the old one, the softbox would only attach on a 45 degree angle. That was weird and never optimal. This light was consistant and rarely misfired. I've only used it a couple times, so it may have been user error the few times it did misfire. It has plenty of power to be my main light in my portable studio. I've already shot a couple hundred portraits with it with no problems. I have had to correct the color temp in post production, but that also may have been due to the fact that I am just getting used to the light. Highly recommended for beginners and semi-pros. Hopefully, I'll use this light until I can afford a $1000 battery setup.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

Great lights for general and casual photography. I highly recommend them to folks who are just starting or needing something cheap and yet very functional.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

I bought one to take some still life photography, I cannot be more pleased. The recycling time is short, the flash is powerful for my porpouse and it is very reliable.I ahd to replace the fuse, but it was my mistake, after one quick change the monolight worked flawlessly. It might be hot sometimes, but not too much.The modeling lamp is not very good though.The first three photographs were taken with this product[@]

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

Small, yet powerful enough to go on location.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

Hard to beat this unit on price/performance. DOes what it needs to do. An amazing bargain. I photograph cats at our local shelter for their web listings. I point this unit at the ceiling and use a cheap radio trigger. It works consistently, giving me plenty of light for the purpose.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

I did not pop this thing out of the box and put it to through its paces when I received it in the mail; I have only used it three times since I bought it. So the fact that I cannot replace it under warranty is entirely my fault. First of all, I could not get the slave to work with either the pop-up flash on my camera, or my SB-600, AT ALL. Secondly, using the included sync cord only works intermittently; most of the time it doesn't. Finally, The power adjustment knob seems to be for decoration. The only adjustments I was able to get were full power or the lowest power setting. None of the settings in between seemed to change the exposure. Some of the other reviews appear to indicate this strobe works really well. Maybe I just got a dud, and am paying the price for not testing it thoroughly while it was still under warranty; I read the reviews and just trusted it worked.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

Times surely have changed! A location shoot thirty years ago often required two 37 lbs power packs, four large lamp heads (6.5 lbs each), two Hassie ELs, a slew of glass, and a forest of heavy duty stands. On a bad day you might travel with 150 lbs, and let us not forget that many clients wanted you to shoot Velvia 50 (which of course was never really 50, more like 32 to 40). You needed BIG LIGHT!

Today my Digital Rebels give superb results even at ISO 800 equivalent speed rating, and that means I can get by with small lights. Having owned four BudgetFlash 100s (albeit with a different name label) that I used for small location film shoots (think executive head shots) with decent results, the BF 160 seemed an intriguing proposition.

So I bought two of them, tried them, and then bought two more. A four head light system at what I used to pay for one Speedotron 102 head; and what is more, three BF 160s weigh less than one 102 head (in the specification section on the BF 160 it states the weight is 15 1/2 oz; (wrong!) the unit actually weighs 33oz.

I am quite happy with them. They recycle fast, have stepless power variation (although the variator knob scale seems somewhat disconnected from actuality), and a decent power output. In a medium sized room I can bounce the lights off ceiling and walls and get very decent quality of light. Add four small light stands, a few double-collapsible umbrellas, snoots, filters, and grids, and you have a heck of a lightweight four light system that packs (with cameras, lenses, meter, laptop, and a 'pod) into a rolling backpack, a piggy-back bag, and a small tripod bag. In the City you don't need a car or a taxi, you can get there on the subway.

Now, these units are not flawless. The modeling lamp is way too powerful and will rapidly overheat the unit if left on for more than a few minutes, the umbrella holder is flimsy, and I have already mentioned the lack of accuracy on the variator scale.

Over all, though, price and size make these units unbeatable if you understand their limitations and you match them to the right jobs.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

Works great, love the quality that it gave my pictures!

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

Needed a cheap 3rd light. It did the job, but it is cheaply made.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

Bought 10.25.09 as backup, needed it today for the 1st time and after 20min would not fire - would never buy again. thanks a lot.[...]

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

This is very easy to set up and use and the flash bulb has lasted me through 7 weeks of non stop holidays photographs and it still going strong.... the replacement bulbs are a but expensive but overall it is an inexpensive flash that gives professional quality lighting!

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

It is a great fill-in flash and serves it purpose in that category quite well. The setup is easy and the lay out is good. I believe that if the tension support on each extension on the light stand were more durable-under tightening would not be an issue for preventing each extension from sliding down. Caution must be exercised when using this feature. I can't beat the bang for the price.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

For the first month this product worked as expected. After about a month it began to misfire. It would not fire with the sync cord or the test button consistently. Soon it would not fire at all except on half power. I don't know if it was a defective product or the overall quality of the design.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

I needed a slave flash with a medium sized softbox to use as an overhead light for shooting small, shiny objects. This flash unit combined with the 24" x 36" flashpoint softbox is just perfect. I've shot about 50 pictures with it so far. It has fired every time that the flash went off on my camera.

I can't rate its durability yet, because I haven't had it long enough, but so far, it has worked very well.

The adjustable strength of the strobe makes it exactly what I needed for this application.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

I was looking for a small flash to light backdrops. used it today and had wonderful results. It does get hot very fast with the modeling light on . I turn on the lamp just to get an idea where my light will fall and then i turn it off. The built in slave has no problem getting triggered from behind an object or even hidden . Bought a set go gels that work great. In other reviews , some said that the gels fall off when faced down; dident happen yet for me . [...] Love it and thinking of buying another one to replace my small slave hair light thats not to powerful.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

I have had this unit less than three months and I have had nothing but problems with it. I have used it in a number of studio situations and I could never count on it to consistently fire (using its internal slave sensor). I thought it was the ambient light so I recently tried using it with the synch cord with the same results, inconsistent firing. Assuming it might be a poor synch cord connection, I waited for the ready light to come on then pushed the test button. This too produced inconsistent flash firing. I don't know if I got a "dud" or not but I won't be buying another!

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

In this age of inflated prices for lighting equipment, this little flash represents amazing value for the money. I bought this for use as an additional accessory light (kicker, hair, head and shoulders close-ups) in my 4 light Alien Bee studio set-up. For a little over a hundred, I bought the filters, snoot, barndoors and 12x12 softbox. For such a small investment, this brings an amazing return. The flash itself seems solid and well made, as seen, for instance, in the positive click detentes of the light output dial. All parts fit well, and it seems to be more metal than plastic. I was surprised by the color accuracy, which was spot-on when my Nikon D200/85,1.4 combination was set at 5600K. The continuously variable modeling lamp and flash output allowed for very subtle adjustments of lighting effects. Among the accessories, I was particularly impressed by the little softbox. At about 3 feet, it showed no hotspots, even at full flash output. With three of these flashes, a softbox, a couple of umbrellas, and a set of accessories, the beginning amateur could go a long way toward mastering the art of studio lighting, for very little investment. I have no idea how this flash will hold up over time. But at [$] apiece, it could die every six months and still be a bargain. Kudos to Adorama for providing such quality and value at a price point accessible to just about anyone.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

I bought two to punch up the light on my high-key background. They recycle in a second at half power - much faster than what the specs say. I have used them for two months with no problems.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

I purchased this monolight to learn studio photography and gain off-camera flash skills. Good power for my small shooting space. Had trouble getting it to trigger by bouncing my on camera flash toward it. After I added remote triggers for additional flashes I had no problems. Built in umbrella mount is a big plus although it isn't rock solid. My only gripe is that there are no soft box options made for it. I will have to see if a universal soft box will work.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

I do mostly portraits for Theater bill boards. After getting one and using it as a hair light, I ordered 2 more and now I have them in a 3 light setup with 2 Adorama shoot through umbrellas and an 18"x18" soft box on a boom. Using a flash meter, I am getting wonderful results.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

The first shoot I used these for went terrible.The modeling light burnt out within an hour. Which in turn made them only fire randomly. It was bad. after the shoot I removed the burnt out bulb and they began to work fine. They are good lights with nice color and powerful, but don't count on using the modeling lights.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

I bought these to give my speedylights a rest. They are perfect for Portraits.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

works great as a hair/background light but can be used as a main light if you don't mind getting up close...

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

The first shoot I did with this product was studio photos of one hundred 8th graders. This light did a terrific job as both a fill light for group shots and a hair light for solo shots. This light will work well for me since it will not see everyday duty.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

big blast from relatively small unit, i love this very much ronnie

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

For an inexpensive strobe, this unit more than fits the bill. Variable power with selectable proportional model light, visible and selectable audible ready indicators, powerful enough for a small studio, user replaceable model and flash bulbs, cheap accessories. Only caution: some accessories (gels, snoot)require a bit of macgivering to get them to fit snugly, and don't leave the modelling light on as the accessories will get meltingly hot. Reasonable sacrifices to make given the low price. OK, and the accessories are not the greatest quality, but they work.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

works well, I like it. got the job done.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

Better performance than expected. Recharge time is quicker than anticipated. For the money you can't go wrong. I took a lighting class using these monolights (the instructor recommended the $300.00 apiece lights) and he never knew the difference. The umbrella holder could be better, but.... it "holds" an umbrella. I bought an extra as a backup, just in case. At this price - you can afford to. I read a lot about these units and many others. If you're on a budget or just getting into monolights - don't hesitate - they are well worth the money and do a good job!

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

This is a great light for a home or small studio.
I use it mostly for on location portraiture. I had originally brought it for my son to get started in photography but gave him my other 160W/S units and purchased 5 of these for my self. It's light enough for traveling but put out enough light to handle any home portrait shoot. I really like the power control and the audio light ready signal but the replaceable flash tube (on a budget priced unit) is really a surprise. I use my units with 42" umbrellas, and soft boxes in a 12X22 foot area (home studio) without any problems. And there is a complete line of accessories available

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

This is a great product if you are just starting out, but I used it as a suppliment to my main lights and it handled great. Great light to light up your backdrop or if you just need a fill light then it is great. Not too powerful so you have to use it closer to the subjets but its handy and does the job... will consider buying another one just to have it on hand.
CONS: no clips to add barn doors, difussors or or bell domes. it does have an umbrella mount but not too centered but will do.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

I have checked out many different strobes and decided to try out Flashpoint. I found it very easy to use, very portable and with consistently good quality exposure time and time again. I am impressed and will purchase more soon. Thank you Adorama.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

Do not touch the bulb with your finger tips when assembling, use the wrap or a tissue.

Operation is straightforward, attachments and functions are as expected.

Very good value.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

I picked this up to supliment my alien bee. This unit provides a great steady light source and reliable performance. The recharge time is a little slow, but that is expected from a cheaper unit. I also purchased the snoot, barndoors and diffuser (18x18) All work great. If you are looking for a great started unit, or wish to add a slave to your current setup this is the one. I tested it both in side and out side. The in side results were great, though it does not have the power to add a source out side unless the unit is close enough to the subject.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

These are the Worst Monolights I have ever owned! They are made from VERY cheap plastic, and run EXTREMELY HOT after 3-4 FULL Power Pops!!!

After 3-4 Pops at Full Power, you will begin to see smoke coming from the Flash Head and Modeling Light.

I bought them initially for in-home studio usage, however, I find that my Vivitar 285HV's are more powerful, run way cooler and are much more consistent...no misfires!!!

I am at the point now where I can ONLY use them as Hair, Rim, or Back-lights at 1/2 power IF I'm lucky, and please help me if I use the Modeling light!!!

Honestly, at the price, I/you shouldn't expect much. However, if you are in the market for Beginner monolights, these will do the job, but ONLY as Fill, Hair, Rim or Back lights...NEVER a Main/Key light.

If you want to do REAL work, please try something else!!!

Note: I gave them 2-Stars because you don't lose much at their Price Point, and they do work as low-power Fill lights.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

I purchased two of these units to start my son's home studio. I liked them so much, I brought two more for my own use, for on location portraits. They are ideal for any small studio application, inexpensive (not cheap) enough to afford multiple units and funtion as advertised. The varible power setting is accurate (checked with a flash meter), the controls easily accessable and recycles very fast. Want more? Built in umbrella holder light weight, built in slave, a guide number of 120' @ISO 100 and (get this) a replaceable flash tube. All for under $60.00. How can you beat that. Oh and I forgot; modling light (with varible power ajustment), audible flash ready signal. At this price, I'm thinking about getting two more to make a complete 4 light portable studio to take on location when I do home portraits. The only draw back I could find was the accessories which are listed for the light. the barndoors don't hold the middle adjustments very well (I tried two of them) and the color gels fall off if the unit is tilted down even just a little. I didn't get the snoot because the reviews said it melts, but I probably will get one and just turn the modeling light off after I get it set. Still this is a great light for even a highr price ( I have two similar power units that cost more but are not as good).

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

I agree wholeheartedly with the previous reviewer. I believe this is THE best value available right now in a monolight.

I put one of these in my studio with some barndoors on a boom and used it as a hair light. Heck, with a small studio I wouldn't hesitate to use these as mains either. I definitely plan to order a couple more.

They set up easily out of the box. They seem to be well constructed. They are also very consistent and they recharge incredibly fast. Even at full power it only takes a couple seconds to recharge.

Great, great little lights. I can't believe the value!

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

I use two of these monolights as rim/hair lights for my main alien bees setup. They are plenty bright and recharge fairly quick. The ready beep and slave are nice extras, along with the replaceable tube and modeling lamp.

I did run into one problem. These strobes run HOT! The modeling lamp gets red hot, and will eventually burn itself out if left on too long.

I ruined one modeling lamp in under 20 minutes at full power. Luckily adorama replaced it immediatly, but i now i know not to leave the modeling lamps on.

Besides that... great bang for the buck. I've actually just taken the modeling lamp bulbs completely out.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

I brought two of these units to get my son started on his home studio. I liked them so much that I just ordered two more for my self to use for on location home portraits and I'm thinking I should have gotten three. These units do every thing that's advertised, and the seamless variable power is real (verified by my flash meter). Granted, they aren't super powerfull but they will give you enough light for any home set up, I shot them straight on at half power or less in a friends house at ISO 100 and bounced them off a 42" silver umbrella and through a 40" soft box at full power and got great results. And a replaceable flash tube, you can't beat it for the priceFar superior to my first start up units. To bad the accessories don't match up, it would be the perfect low cost start up light.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

You will be hard pressed to find a mono-light that offers this many features for this price range. If you are a strobist looking for a more powerful flash this is a great next step. This thing certainly kicks out more light than my Vivitar 285HV and recharges in less than half of the time (about 3 sec).

The biggest plus is the user replaceable flash tube and modeling light, very uncommon for a strobe under $200. The built in bracket for an umbrella is a great extra.

This strobe offers up powerful light that will give you consistent professional results. I haven't done the long term test on this yet but I am already planning on adding a second one to my arsenal(maybe a third too).

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

I used this flash for an event for my daughter's school. It performed flawlessly. I bought 2 with stands and umbrellas. If I need a third light, I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one. Using the light is as easy as could be. It recycles almost immediately at 1/2 power or less. It can go as low as 1/16.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Budget Studio Monolight Flash, 160 Watt Seconds, with Replaceable Flash Tube.:

It's as good as my Alien Bee.
Quick recycle time.