The Impact VC-500LR Two Monolight Kit is a complete lighting kit, based on two VC-500LR 500Ws monolights, with features unusual in this price range, such as a 6 f/stop power range (full to 1/32) adjustable in 1/10 stop increments, fast recycling time (2.5 seconds @ full power), and fully adjustable modeling light level. A re-designed display gives you a large, very legible LCD read-out. The VC-500LR also offers minimal flash color-shift when powering down (~200 K). In addition, it has a feature rarely found on a monolight--a Red Eye Reduction photocell sync, which allows you, when using both on-camera flash and the monolight,to set the monolight slave cell to ignore pre-exposure flashes from your on-camera flash. This kit is rounded out with a wireless remote capable of controlling up to 7 lights, umbrellas, a softbox, light stands, mono to PC sync cords, and a wheeled kit case.
| Maximum Watt/Seconds | Each Monolight: 500 |
| Guide Number | Each Monolight: 255 in feet (78 in meter) @ISO 100 |
| Recycle Time | 2.5 sec @ max power1 sec @ min power |
| Flash Duration | 1/800 sec @ max power1/1200 sec @ min power |
| Flash Variability | Full to 1/32 power (6 stops) in stepless 1/10 stop increments |
| User Replaceable Flashtube | Yes (LR9901YSP1H) |
| Changeable Reflector | Yes; Bowen-style tabs, spring release |
| Modeling Light Wattage | 250 |
| Voltage Stabilization | Yes |
| Flash Ready Indicator | LED, switchable audible beep |
| Operating Voltage | 110-120VAC 60Hz |
| Built-in Slave Cell | Yes |
| Circuit Protection | 6A fuse |
| Fan Cooled | Yes |
| Auto Dump | Yes |
| Dimensions |
Each Monolight: 12.6 x 5 x 5" (32 x 32 x 13 cm) without reflector Kit in Case: 37 x 10 x 10" (94 x 25.4 x 25.4 cm) |
| Weight | 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) |
| Kit Weight | 63 lbs (29 kg) |
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Most Liked Positive Review
Worth the money
Use these lights for studio portraiture, they have sufficient power for small groups. Very easy to adjust and reliable. One thing to note is that if your power output is higher on one of...Read complete review
Use these lights for studio portraiture, they have sufficient power for small groups. Very easy to adjust and reliable. One thing to note is that if your power output is higher on one of the lights, this light will take longer to refresh. I recommend setting the audio "beep" to the light with the highest power output settings.
A negative I have found is that the air-cushioned light stands are not something you should rely on, I drop one of mine hard, nothing broke. Also the stands do feel a little flimsy compared to the weight of the lights themselves.
Over all, if you are on a budget I would recommend these.
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Most Liked Negative Review
Decent starter strobe kit
Overall this is an inexpensive, basic, beginners strobe kit that is great for portraiture. I was able to easily assemble it without directions (but the manual is helpful as well.) It would ...Read complete review
Overall this is an inexpensive, basic, beginners strobe kit that is great for portraiture. I was able to easily assemble it without directions (but the manual is helpful as well.) It would be best if it had wheels on the kit (easier for transporting.) The recycle time is somewhat too slow for fashion, but is fine for portraits. The softbox need to come with assembly directions. This is a good kit for a student, hobby photographer, or pro photographer with a budget.
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Comments about Impact Two Monolight Kit (120VAC):
This is my first set of strobes and I am happy to say that they work great and are very powerful! I did have a problem with one of the strobe heads (the push button to change the modes quit working) and had to return it to B&H but they were really great about replacing it in a timely manner! For the money you can't beat these quality strobes! LOVE THEM!!
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Comments about Impact Two Monolight Kit (120VAC):
good
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Comments about Impact Two Monolight Kit (120VAC):
Bang for the buck this is the best system. Now I bring my own sun. It's not as portable as a handheld flash but she really booms.
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Comments about Impact Two Monolight Kit (120VAC):
Easy to use! Simple to adjust! Wish the bag it came with had room to store more lights when I expand later.
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Comments about Impact Two Monolight Kit (120VAC):
Have the lights for 2 weeks now and have taken over 1000 photos. They do a good job for a home studio. The few short comings that I see are that the mounting bolt for the lights onto the light stand don't seem to be all that secure. If they were bigger and more robust I would have more confidence in them. But that is only a feeling right now and hopefully Impact has tested them thoroughly enough to justify a small bolt. I wouldn't know until I have don't some extensive mounting and dismounting of the light to see if they will stand the test of time. The stands themselves appear to be very sturdy, although they did a cost savings by using rivets instead of bolts. Rivets may be fine and if they ever pop off, which they shouldn't, they should be easily replaceable with a bolt. The stands are air cushioned, but it only appears that the mid section is air cushioned. The upper and lower sections have no air cushion on mines at all. The remote control takes a bit of patience to set up. It took several tries following the instructions to reset the lights and program in a light number.
For the small amount of time that I've had these strobes, I am very happy with the purchase and hopefully there is enough quality control to ensure that the kit will last a long time.
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Comments about Impact Two Monolight Kit (120VAC):
For daily work in the studio and field trips it is an excellent choice.
Pros
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Best Uses
Comments about Impact Two Monolight Kit (120VAC):
Use these lights for studio portraiture, they have sufficient power for small groups. Very easy to adjust and reliable. One thing to note is that if your power output is higher on one of the lights, this light will take longer to refresh. I recommend setting the audio "beep" to the light with the highest power output settings.
A negative I have found is that the air-cushioned light stands are not something you should rely on, I drop one of mine hard, nothing broke. Also the stands do feel a little flimsy compared to the weight of the lights themselves.
Over all, if you are on a budget I would recommend these.
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Comments about Impact Two Monolight Kit (120VAC):
I purchased this kit for a studio photography class. The class was accelerated so these lights were used A LOT and for long periods of time in the first six weeks. These are the only Impact monolights that come with a built-in cooling fan and for that alone, I would recommend these lights. The features are great and the lights are very easy to use. There is an option to turn off the beep, which is a huge plus because it is loud. You can control the modeling light separate from the strobe light, which means the modeling light can simulate the intensity of the strobe or something different if needed. I had no problems controling the amount of light produced by the heads. The built-in slave function is a great feature. I use it all the time.
The kit is a great value for what you get in it. The case is very nice and has wheels. You still have to be careful with it overturning, but that is because the case is long and narrow. It beats having to carry a heavy bag! There is plenty of room in the case as well. The light stands are pretty sturdy. I have never felt they could not handle the weight. I constantly have the softbox on one of the lights and use it at various heights and angles with no problems at all. The only problem with the softbox is it does not come with directions to put it together. This was my first softbox and it took me a VERY long time to figure out how it was supposed to go together. The umbrellas are also nice. They are white inside with black on the outside and feel nice and heavy. I haven't figured out why the remote is in the kit because you can't use it with the camera. The kit has everything you need to get started.
The biggest problem I have had was a light that did not work properly. I could not get it to fire at low settings. I had no problems with B&H exchanging it for another. In fact someone offered some troubleshooting tips to ensure it was not user error since these were my first studio lights. After an extended period of use, the strobes may not fire consistently each time. Turn off the lights, but keep the cooling fans on and let them rest for a while. This seems to solve the problem.
I highly recommend these lights for someone who wants to get started with studio photography. The lights seem to be of great quality, are easy to use, and are very affordable for what you get! I will need another set of lights for an upcoming class and will be purchasing this kit again that is how much I like it.
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Comments about Impact Two Monolight Kit (120VAC):
Few months ago, I bought a couple of these Monolight Kits for indoor photography. In general terms the lights works as requested. The only issue that I have been had was that I received the kit with one of the modeling bulbs burned out.
As a recomendation, when buy a kit try to buy at least one modeling bulb for replacement at the same time. Despite that the modeling lights aren´t essential (in terms of photo shooting), there are several situations that will require it for better results.
At least for me, the greatest feature that the kit has is the Remote control. It is very usefull and helps for the faster set up of the lights in comparison with a traditional kits.
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Comments about Impact Two Monolight Kit (120VAC):
I am new to studio strobes, but these were very easy to set up and start shooting with. I was very impressed with how powerful they are. In my small studio, I cannot go above the power rating of 2. The only slight downside was the softbox. It was confusing to put together, but I found a video on youtube that explained it. They should ship instructions in the package.
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Comments about Impact Two Monolight Kit (120VAC):
Powerful enough for many applications, this kit offers considerable bang for your buck. Great outfit for table top product photography as well as portraiture. Comes with practically everything you'll need right out the box (including a very handy remote).
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Comments about Impact Two Monolight Kit (120VAC):
I received the products in perfect condition! Recommend! Thank you!
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Comments about Impact Two Monolight Kit (120VAC):
Speedy delivery, great communication from dealer,best service, thank you!
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Comments about Impact Two Monolight Kit (120VAC):
These are my first studio lights. As an advanced amateur, they were easy to set up and use on my first "pro" shoot for some Santa photos. Easy to adjust and learn. Haven't quite figured out the soft box assembly yet, but I'm sure I'm smarter than the equipment and will get it soon! Definitely recommended. Wish I had bucked-up and bought the 3-light kit!
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Comments about Impact Two Monolight Kit (120VAC):
Using this monolight kit was very easy because of the instructions. For the price I can't believe the great photos I've captured. Great!!!
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Comments about Impact Two Monolight Kit (120VAC):
I'm a casual photographer from KS. I use these in my small home studio. They worked very well and I couldn't be happier. This monolight kit was really good. Recommend!!!
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Comments about Impact Two Monolight Kit (120VAC):
This was my first strobe kit and I am very pleased. The strobe flash color temperature was perfect for my application. The instructions made setup easy. Having photos in the manual to show the steps made for a quicker learning curve. I could not figure out how to trigger the strobes using my camera's flash. It was more than likely something I have not figured out. They triggered but were not synced. Using the included sync cables solved that issue.To the bottom line. My customer could not have been more pleased with the image I created for use in an ad for their product using these strobes.My thanks to [@] in customer service for his help in putting together the order. And he got me the correct adapter ring for the second soft box.
Comments about Impact Two Monolight Kit (120VAC):
perfect choice for amateur and semi-pro.
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Comments about Impact Two Monolight Kit (120VAC):
I used the monolight kit in a Photography Studio for Portrait and Product. The monolights gave me good light and I got the better pictures. Highly recommended !!!
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Comments about Impact Two Monolight Kit (120VAC):
Professional Photographic Equipment. Operate easily. Happy to own them.