
Review Summary
2012-04-01T21:00:00
This is a great product! And I would recomend this to anyone who Is looking for a lighting kit
EJeezy
2012-01-01T19:00:00
These are an additional light source to my ancient SV fixture...which function flawlessly!
Pete V.
2011-10-03T21:00:00
This light set is a good value for the money. The light sockets tend to be a little on the cheap side but they work if some care is taken when placing them in the reflector. Having everything pack into one case on wheels is a huge benefit.
Walking B.
2011-09-03T21:00:00
Great light set but bulbs do not last. A little on the shaky side so you will need some light weight sand bags to keep them from tipping over. It's great for beginners, but for the semi-pro or pro I'd spend the extra $$$$ and go all out.
Gemini P.
2010-08-30T21:00:00
i like the kit Iam not sure what smith-victor was thinking about the bag its nice ntheres just one major problem normally you would put the lights in with he bulb up they didnt make the bag deep enough to set the in .After putting the lihjts together you will have to unscrew the back of the lihght so u can fit it back into the bag
Mel
2010-04-24T21:00:00
I'm a videographer and these are some inexpensive lights that can work wonders wen you need to light up a small set....Only thing is that you gotta be careful you dont blow them light bulb when you first turn them on, make sure the power is off before plugging it up.
Chuck B.
2010-02-20T19:00:00
Very good 3 light setup if you are not a professional. I think it was a very good value. Set up was quick and it was a bonus that it has a rolling case. I would suggest that Smith Victor add a simple metering target as the incandesent lights really need to have camera white balance adjusted.
rjung9
2010-01-10T19:00:00
Vary good lighting system at a low price workswell for peeople or pets.
Paws P.
2009-03-29T21:00:00
I Graduated with my BA in Art and Photography and this is my first lighting Kit. I have had experience with more expensive lights that work a bit better but this kit gives you decent quality lighting for less $. I've been using this product for portraits and still life's which have resulted in some great shots. The lights are strong but get really hot after awile. The only other down side to this buy is that you need a sand bag for the mini boom so it does not tip over but I think thats really a minor problem and an east fix. I love the carrying case though it is made from hard plastic. It's big but holds everything neatly and more, so it is easy to roll around if you need to work on location. I recommend this product for anyone who is starting out. I plan on building my lighting equipment collection gradually but first I wanted to start out with something that would get me taking professional looking pics now, and this kit has done that for me.
Photo G.
2009-01-13T19:00:00
The kit is great. I was able to easily setup a great 3-point lighting with little effort. All the parts work well together. The only negative was the setup (a little tedious) and storage. Definitely do as much shooting as possible for each setup. This kit isn't meant for daily bump in/out. After setup, the box isn't perfect for securely storing the equipment. It all fits fine but doesn't seem to protect the setup lights well. The long boom doesn't have quite a long enough base to keep it steady if fully extended. I had to use a sandbag. Other than that it's a great kit! Great value and will get a lot of usage!
Rob M.
2008-09-03T21:00:00
This kit is not worth the money. I realize it is inexpensive. But spend the [$] and buy one decent light instead. This kit is designed as inexpensively as possible to provide an introduction to studio lighting. However, the cost cutting went too far. For $66 you can buy bogen stands and for $10 you can buy equivilent fixtures at home depot. The bulbs I received burnt out within 5 minutes. I believe they are too hot for the fixtures. You cannot upgrade the umbrellas, because the jury-rig style clamp cannot balance the weight of the umbrella with a metal rod. [...]
Rick
2008-06-11T21:00:00
This kit delivers what is promised. It would be nice if they included a few extra bulbs of different wattages, as sometimes the included bulbs are too bright, and generate considerable heat.
Photoguy
2008-05-12T21:00:00
After using this the first time the light is just not what you would expect for 1500 watts of lighting. All the components are good quality, and even the initial setup was easy. I am sure with some "tweaking" this will work much better. But if you are looking to solve your light problems with this (or similar) light set, do more research before you make the purchase.
MARK M.
2008-04-05T21:00:00
love it!!!!
emmy
2008-02-08T19:00:00
I wanted to take my photography "to the next level" in lighting. This kit is a great continuous lighting starter kit. I couldn't be happier. I have used it to photography portraits of individuals and families (up to 8 people). I use in a converted room in my house that's approx 11x13. Plenty of room to move around. I also take the kit on location to other homes - very easy and quick to set up. The case is quite heavy and because of that I don't use it to transport the kit. I purchased black backed silver umbrellas for some flexibility. One other thing, the mini-boom must be set up carefully so as not to tip. The counter-weight is sometimes not sufficient (I just add a small bean bag on the weight).
SB123
2008-01-21T19:00:00
I recently purchased these lights to use for portraits and to get myself started using artificial lighting. I've only had this kit for about 3 weeks or so, but so far I am very happy with it. The kit is well made with the exception of the clamp that holds the light can be a little flimsy. The stands are light but well made and the case to hold everything is solid. I was concerned that the lights would be a bit to hot, but this has not been my experience. These lights are very bright but I still have to crank up my ISO to about 500. Overall this is a great light setup for the price and so far I am very happy with my purchace. One last thing, it doesn't come with any instructions for assembly, but you can look at pictures on the internet and figure it out pretty easily.
Tray
2008-01-20T19:00:00
Constant light source is convenient for setting up shots, but causes extra heat. Screw used to stabilize 250w light on mini-boom doesn't work well, but everything else has been stable. This isn't the kit for everyone, but it's a good first kit for someone.
DAVID B.
2008-01-20T19:00:00
Easy to put together. Easy to use. When all else fails, read directions. Didn't even need to do that to put it all together. It's portable...It's affordable. Very happy with the kit.
SUSIE M.
2008-01-20T19:00:00
This was a great kit. It was inexpensive and perfect for starting out.
mrc1471
2007-09-27T21:00:00
For a new professional on a serious budget, this kit will get you in not just the ballpark - but in the Game at an affordable price. To stay in the game, you will eventually upgrade. If cash flow is tight, do not ignore this lighting kit.
Geder
2007-09-25T21:00:00
Great value and a great set of lights. good color of the stock bulbs and very good light distribution.
Siggi
2007-09-25T21:00:00
Good deal for the money
David
2007-09-25T21:00:00
I am impressed with the light set.
ellylegros
2007-09-25T21:00:00
Absoltely love this kit. SmithV is great and has made something for the hobbyist to get great images.
auggybendoggy
2007-05-07T21:00:00
Good set of standsand a nice set of lights for the price, though I was surprised at the size of the Photo-Floods. Personally I would recommend this set-up with lower wattage Photo Floods for indoor work using a Digital Camera. I used the umbrellas and then bounced the light off large white cards. Still a bit overexposed at times. Have already ordered for a friend, Good Deal.
Senator F.
2007-03-25T21:00:00
Not only has the product (SV KT900 - 3 Light kit) met my expectations [...]. I have already recommended the SV KT 900 to a good friend and told him of my experience with the lights [...]. Jeff Burton
Jeff B.
2007-02-16T19:00:00
I am new to photography, and VERY new to lighting in photography. I know my way around a camera, but am very intimidated by lighting equipment. This set was the set I came to after a few weeks of research. I was on a budget and I am all about learning the fundamentals. This set has, just in the two days I've used it, taught me so much. It is a great set for a starter and should be considered and should be considered for a first set. It comes with everything in the picture and is nice. Bulbs are expensive.
2007-02-11T19:00:00
I needed a light set that would be easy to trasport out of the studio but would still do the job in a proffesional way. I don't work with flash anymore, my current style demands hot lights. This set fills the bill.
Fab F.
2007-02-11T19:00:00
I've been using this kit for about two years now. I have been happy with it. I do wish at least the back light had barn doors.
Tom S.
2007-02-07T19:00:00
Easy to move, set-up and take down. I tried some blue gels to compensate for the warm color and while it made a positive effect, simply setting my Rebel XT to tungsten instead of auto, the color was much improved, very natural. Used for TONS of fun family/friend portraits as we prepare to make a go of the photog biz and collect memories of our 3 kids. So many options to play with due to the various stands and customizing the lamps you can purchase so cheaply! Truly versatile, 1, 2, 3 lights and you've got a good startup studio!
MacDaddy
Good Buy
By Photo G.
I Graduated with my BA in Art and Photography and this is my first lighting Kit. I have had experience with more expensive lights that work a bit better but this kit gives you decent quality lighting for less $. I've been using this product for portraits and still life's which have resulted in some great shots. The lights are strong but get really hot after awile. The only other down side to this buy is that you need a sand bag for the mini boom so it does not tip over but I think thats real...
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Nice Kit!
By SB123
I wanted to take my photography "to the next level" in lighting. This kit is a great continuous lighting starter kit. I couldn't be happier. I have used it to photography portraits of individuals and families (up to 8 people). I use in a converted room in my house that's approx 11x13. Plenty of room to move around. I also take the kit on location to other homes - very easy and quick to set up. The case is quite heavy and because of that I don't use it to transport the kit. I purchased b...
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Thrifty Kits are designed to fulfill basic lighting requirements at an exceptionally affordable price. Each Thrifty Kit has hand spun reflectors made of high strength aluminum with chemically etched interiors for maximum light dispersion. The outer finish is photographic black baked on enamel. The Raven RS6 telescopes to 6' and the Raven RS8 telescopes to 8'. Each Thrifty Kit comes with a photoflood lamps, sockets and cordsets, and the Imaging with Light Guide.