ePhoto 3 Monolight Professional Photography Studio Light Umbrella Portrait Soft Light Kit by ePhoto INC Fan022

This is a great value for the money. The case is big enough to carry everything included, as well as my backdrop stand. I use this as my "on location" kit. Very portable, and easy to set up.Update: I am lowering my rating as I have come across several issues after using this for a few months. First, the fuses blow constantly. I had to go with a 6 amp in place of the 5 amp. Second, when using the modeling light, it becomes insanely hot and starts to smoke. Third, I have found the internal electronics faulty, as I have to turn on the modeling light in order for the strobe to work as a flash. Because of the heat problem, I had to remove the modeling light and still turn it on for the flash to work.Other than these serious issues, it does work well. The output is plenty for my studio space. The stands are decent.

The set sent to me is for use with 110V / 115V USA electrical supply system. We use 220V system - same as the UK. I have not been able to find a suitable transformer system for it yet and were not able to try it out or use it. Would it be possible to advise me on what transformer to get please?

Like I said, you get what you pay for, that being said, it's great stuff for someone just starting out considering the photographer I apprentice under has lights that are $300 dollars each. Word of caution, some of the stuff is a little "cheaply" made to say the least, just be a little gentle and don't force anything (unlike me) and you'll be ok. One of my flashes was damaged, contacted ePhotoinc and they said they would send me a new one (no need to send the damaged one back, which is great because I can fix it with a saudering gun, but I like to have stuff arrive NOT damaged)at no extra cost. Waiting to see how long that takes but hoping it's just as quick as the first shipment, which arrived two days earlier than I thought. One other thing, the shield to the hairlight is suppose to slip over the light housing so that the bulb can screw in and "hold it" all together, well mine is to tight to slip over it so I have to take a dremmel tool to it and "sand" down the inside enough to fit it all together. Little annoyances but for the price I can't complain about it enough to sway my decision on liking this stuff.Update:Ok, so in my first review above I was waiting for a new light to replace my damaged one, well it got here quick but someone must have gotten annoyed with my wanting a new one (they had a bit of an attitutde on the phone anyway) as the box was "crushed" when I received it. Not their fault? UPS you say? Well the way it was packaged (the light box inside of a slightly bigger box with no padding what so ever in it, didn't help). Then come to find out, they didnt send me any new light, just the housing and wanted me to pull the flash tube off myself and put it and the bulb on the new housing, which along with the other light as well, have gone out on me AGAIN less than two months and two uses of them later, BOTH lights have gone out. Checked the bulbs and the fuses and both were fine. Just sent them an email asking to have them replaced so we'll see how it plays out (I'd rather have my money back but they only have a ONE month warranty, I'd have to pay return shipping, and a 20% restocking fee for stuff that I didn't use and didn't have very long anyway. I know this stuff sounds great for the price, but it has already cost me more money (the loss of a photo shoot as well as money it'll cost to ship back IF they replace it) than it is worth. Save up for something better or find a different company is my advice.

If cost is an issue, this is everything you need to better control lighting for any of your photography needs. I use it for still and video shots and mix the pieces with other equipment to complete the task. Good value.

Pros:- Very sturdy equipment bag/case- Lights all flash in-sync upon flash detection (either via camera's built-in flash or one of the kit lights)- Umbrellas are sturdy- Price is goodCons:- The base of the stands are not large enough in diameter to support all setups (especially if you're shooting on carpet)- No instructions for setting up the lights or lighting scenarios...going to the company website reveals videos but nothing specific to this kit

This kit is great for those looking to start out, or just want some inexpensive equipment that they don't have to be as concerned with. I use it in conjunction with some nicer equipment and it does a fine job keeping up.