Bowens Gemini 500R, 500 watt Second Monolight with Modeling Lamp & Flash Tube, 117 volt, S-type Reflector Mount

2017-01-07T02:34:33

I am a hobbyist and bought this system to facilitate my transition from remote-mounted speed lights to strobes. There seems to be a learning curve involved as the light from the strobes is so much brighter than my speed lights. My speed light units aren't the most sophisticated units on the market, so their performance with respect to consistency leaves quite a lot to be desired. Not these things. They are bright, consistent and unfailingly reliable. Because I'm new to strobes, I had a few things to learn about the way they're set up for wireless triggering. I actually contacted Bowens directly by phone to ask them about the Pocket Wizard compatibility and the guy I talked to was like, "They're marketing these things as PW Compatible? That partnership ended a couple of years ago. They need to change their product description!" Well, the short version is that these ARE PW compatible - I just floated out to Amazon and did a search for the proper card/antenna, found it and ordered it. It literally was as simple as inserting that card into the back of one of the strobes, attaching the small antenna, placing the transceiver (purchased separately in designer yellow - *lol*) on top of my camera, hitting the shutter button and being blinded by the sun. If there is a single thing to absolutely love about these units (for me, anyway), it's the one-tenth stop adjustability of the flash. I never KNEW how wonderful that could be! These feel professional in quality, are built sturdily, and after reviewing a few online videos I learned how to navigate the on-board set-up controls for the modeling lights, etc. (for clarification: there IS a User's Guide included with this kit, but some of the language was throwing me - it felt like I wasn't quite familiar enough with some terminology to fully understand what was being presented - hence the trip out to the web for instructional videos). The stands are sturdier than the ones I use to mount my speed lights on, and the case is just wonderful. I've already taken this kit out on location and it worked out perfectly. There is even enough spare space in the case for a couple of extra extension cords. I'm still in a bit of a honeymoon phase with this kit, but am quickly falling in love with it. Of course, ($) isn't pocket change, but in a hobby where you can drop the equivalent of a house payment (or more) in the blink of an eye, the value here seems exceptional. I'll likely add one or two more of these heads to my studio environment at some point. Thanks Adorama!

Mark G.

2016-10-26T08:21:57

Completely satisfied with these lights. Easy to use and well built.

Kevin K.