I plan to do on-location portraits of people and pets (interior & exterior) -- I have no studio. I'd like to have truly portable lighting and am convinced that strobes are the way to go -- no "hot" lights, more powerful & flexible than any type of speedlite, etc. I'm interested in the JTL Mobilights (not the Versalights), which are truly self-contained with battery packs (300 w/s is the most powerful). They even have their own radio transmitter/receiver system, like the PocketWizard, apparently.
To me, their cordless advantage is significant ("Mrs. Jones, where is your nearest wall plug?...."Don't let little Johnny trip over the cord!"......"Do you have an outside plug on the patio?"......"Oops, I'm sorry my lights tripped your circuit breaker."...etc.)
I've seen two laudatory full-length articles on the Mobilights (by Joe Farace in "Shutterbug," March '05; and by Bob Shell, January, '03). Yet I've found no other mentions in my research. Adorama and Porter's sell them, with the full line of JTL softboxes, grids, stands, etc. But local camera-store people sneer at them ("cheap," "made in China").
I've exhausted this forum, I believe, in searching for references to this system.
So, what's wrong with JTL Mobilights? Does anyone have any knowledge or experience with them?
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Mike, never used the JTL's but I have used White Lightning and Alien Bees units for 20 yrs. they have the wireless bit and can be triggered by your hot shoe flash as well.
portable power is extra. They have all the accessories as well.
Hey Mike, I have the mobilight 300's and I love them.They are nice and sturdy, the battery pack is small and the price is right. I have been using them at home while learning how to take portraits of my family and friends. If you have any more questions please feel free to e-mail me at Mike1967@netzero.net
HEy Mike, I have 2 of the 300's and 2 200's and they are great for location shoots. In my studio , I use White Lightning UltraZaps, but have been extremely pleased with the portability of the JTL's . I have used them in corn fields, in pet stores, barns , and all kinds of places. They produce good repeatability, and the stepless control is very important, because you can have complete control of the light. Can't go wrong with the JTL's.
MIke,
I recently bought a set of 3- Alien Bee's (B800's) and am very happy with their performance and portablility. Paul Buff ( who also makes the Whie Linghtening strobes) has exhibited exceptional cusotmer service and from talking to others is very good to deal with.
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