Photogenic Powerlight 1250 500 Watt/Second UV Monolight (120VAC)

  • Price: $589.95
  • Mail In Rebate -$50.00 (see details)
    offer ends MAR 31 '12
  • B&H # PH1250UV
  • Mfr# 915755

Product Highlights

  • UV Corrected Flashtube
  • 7.5" Reflector

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The Photogenic PowerLight PL2 Series optimizes speed, power and control making it one of the most advanced lighting systems for photographers everywhere. Five models offered provide the correct product for your specific needs. Ideal for digital and conventional photography.

This 500 w/s unit features a UV coated flashtube, which slightly warms the tone of the flash output.

6 F-Stop Power Range
Sliding switch provides infinite flash power settings from 16 w/s to 500 w/s.
Low Trigger Voltage
Even today's digital cameras can be used with the Photogenic Powerlights.
Built In Slave
Highly sensitive, switchable optical slave for synchronization with other flashes.
Auto Dump Function
Gives access to lower power selections without the need to manually dump a higher power first.
Modeling Light
Features a 250W adjustable quartz modeling light with independent power control, and is infinitely adjustable from full to 1/32 power.
Ready Indication
Dims the modeling light while charging the capacitors.
When the capacitors are at 100%, the modeling lamp relights.
User Replaceable Flashtube
No tools are required to replace this "plug & play" flashtube.
Fan Cooled
Low noise, high performance fan offers increased protection during the most demanding applications.
Maximum Watt/Seconds 500
Guide Number 365, in feet @ 100 ISO
Recycle Time Minimum 0.5 sec, maximum 1.5 sec
Flash Duration (t 0.33) 1/1300 sec @ full power
Flash Variability 6 f/stops, full to 1/32 power, 500 to 16 w/s
User Replaceable Flashtube Yes (C415C or C415)
Changeable Reflector Yes
Modeling Light Wattage 250W (ESS)
Voltage Stabilization Yes, +/- 0.05%
Flash Ready Indicator modeling light dims during recharge
Operating Voltage 105-125VAC, 60hz, 15A
Sync Voltage 5VDC
Built-in Slave Cell Yes
Circuit Protection Fuse
Fan Cooled Yes
Auto Dump Yes
Dimensions 4.5 x 4.5 x 6.75" (11 x 11 x 17cm)
Weight 5.5 lbs (2.5kg)

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Photogenic Powerlight 1250 500 Watt/Second UV Monolight (120VAC)
 
4.2

(based on 11 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (4)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (6)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (1)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (0)

78%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Durable (5)
  • Good color value (5)
  • Good power output (5)
  • Long-lasting (5)
  • Attach securely (3)

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Indoors (6)
    • General purpose (5)
    • Outdoor events / games (4)
    • Low light (3)
      • Reviewer Profile:
      • Pro photographer (5), Professional (3)
      • Was this a gift?:
      • No (4)

    Most Liked Positive Review

     

    Mostly Dependable

    I have owned six Photogenic Powerlights over the past twelveyears and have had good service from them. I use two thattravel around with me and get regular use and the othersusually wait in the studio...Read complete review

    I have owned six Photogenic Powerlights over the past twelveyears and have had good service from them. I use two thattravel around with me and get regular use and the othersusually wait in the studio and do not get near as much work. I usually expect one to give me some trouble about once ayear. Fortunately, I have spares that will rotate into usewhile one is in the shop. On the negative side, theturnaround time is painfully slow for repairs. Servicingprofessional equipment simply should not take that long andif I did not have spares, it would be intolerable for me. Iwould definitely give Photogenic higher marks if they couldspeed up servicing. Otherwise, they have been basicallygood lights.

    Expertise: Professional, commercial, architectural, food

    Problems Encountered: My newer 1250 models have gone out on jobs and enough smokepours out that I fear it will set off the sprinkler system. My older 600's would pop as loud as a firecracker. I'mnot sure which is worse. Fortunately, it does not happenthat often. Biggest problem is time it takes for repairs. TOO SLOW.

    Previous Equivalent Item Owned: Novatron

    Items I Recommend: Definitely UV tube

    VS

    Most Liked Negative Review

     

    Not what they used to be. Unreliable.

    I have about 5 of these. I have been using them for 10 years. I have purchased a few new ones recently. I have a rail system in the studio and a Photogenic rep...Read complete review

    I have about 5 of these. I have been using them for 10 years. I have purchased a few new ones recently. I have a rail system in the studio and a Photogenic rep told me that they are not very compatible for hanging upside down. I have problems with them upside down and right side up. I have had on many occasions had a light fail while on location. This is EXTREMELY frustrating. I will not be buying any more of these lights. Photogenic is not what they used to be - you have failed me for the last time. I have sent many of my lights in for repair - -and they are still not fixed!!! I took one right out of the box and when I moved it I could hear something large clunking around inside. When you spend $500+ on a monolight you want it to work ALL of the time. Shop around and buy a different light.

    REVIEWS

    Reviewed by 11 customers

    Sort by

    Displaying reviews 1-11

    Back to top

     
    5.0

    Great Value!!

    By NPP

    from Waverly, IA

    About Me Pro Photographer

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Attach Securely
    • Durable
    • Good Color Value
    • Long-Lasting
    • Powerful

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • General Use
      • Indoors
      • Special Events

      Comments about Photogenic Powerlight 1250 500 Watt/Second UV Monolight (120VAC):

      I've used these same lights for years. One of my lights was destroyed when it crashed 10 ft. down on cement. I was only looking to replace it when I found this "kit." Now I have two brand new lights and I LOVE them. I didn't realize how worn my old ones were and am enjoying a whole new set. I'd highly recommmend these!

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Comment on this review

       
      4.0

      Great Light

      By ggphotoia

      from Marion, IA

      About Me Pro Photographer

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Durable
      • Powerful

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • General Use
        • Indoors
        • Outdoors
        • Special Events

        Comments about Photogenic Powerlight 1250 500 Watt/Second UV Monolight (120VAC):

        Works great in the studio with my older 600's no issues with the light so far.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Comment on this review

         
        4.0

        Great!

        By sis

        from Knoxville, TN

        About Me Pro Photographer

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Long-Lasting
        • Powerful

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Low Light
          • Special Events

          Comments about Photogenic Powerlight 1250 500 Watt/Second UV Monolight (120VAC):

          It's got all the light & power I need to do the job!

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Comment on this review

           
          2.0

          Not what they used to be. Unreliable.

          By Double

          from Mankato, MN

          About Me Pro Photographer

          Verified Reviewer

          Pros

            Cons

              Best Uses

                Comments about Photogenic Powerlight 1250 500 Watt/Second UV Monolight (120VAC):

                I have about 5 of these. I have been using them for 10 years. I have purchased a few new ones recently. I have a rail system in the studio and a Photogenic rep told me that they are not very compatible for hanging upside down. I have problems with them upside down and right side up. I have had on many occasions had a light fail while on location. This is EXTREMELY frustrating. I will not be buying any more of these lights. Photogenic is not what they used to be - you have failed me for the last time. I have sent many of my lights in for repair - -and they are still not fixed!!! I took one right out of the box and when I moved it I could hear something large clunking around inside. When you spend $500+ on a monolight you want it to work ALL of the time. Shop around and buy a different light.

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Comment on this review

                 
                4.0

                good function

                By Jie

                from Branford, CT

                About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Attach Securely
                • Good Color Value

                Cons

                  Best Uses

                  • General Use
                  • Indoors
                  • Low Light
                  • Night Time

                  Comments about Photogenic Powerlight 1250 500 Watt/Second UV Monolight (120VAC):

                  Bought 2 heads.

                  Pros: after comparing to other brands, its function/operation/features are overall well balanced, and is a better buy.

                  Cons: the brand does not have complete line of accessories. Beauty dish without honeycomb, etc....

                  One head was exchanged by manufacture for a new one due to disfunction (the first burst after idle tends to be a lot brighter than what it should).

                  Comment on this review

                   
                  5.0

                  most excellent

                  By Foster

                  from Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Build Quality
                  • Fan cooling
                  • Halogen modelling lamp
                  • Lightstand connection
                  • Switching modifiers

                  Cons

                  • Power plug on umderside

                  Best Uses

                  • Glamour work
                  • Portraits
                  • Product shots

                  Comments about Photogenic Powerlight 1250 500 Watt/Second UV Monolight (120VAC):

                  I'm replacing lighting after my studio partner left-this is my second Photogenic-the first I've used hard for 8 years with no problems, unlike the other brand we used. The modelling lamp lasts forever, and fan cooling seems to do the job. Also, switching modifiers is a snap. Highly recommended.

                  Comment on this review

                   
                  5.0

                  Great light...I would buy this again

                  By gary-c

                  from Canada

                  About Me Pro Photographer

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Attach Securely
                  • Durable
                  • Good Color Value
                  • Long-Lasting
                  • Powerful

                  Cons

                  • NONE

                  Best Uses

                  • General Use
                  • Indoors

                  Comments about Photogenic Powerlight 1250 500 Watt/Second UV Monolight (120VAC):

                  Well built, very powerful light. I use it with Westcott Apollo Softbox with very nice result.

                  Comment on this review

                  (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                   
                  4.0

                  Great Lights

                  By Mearic

                  from Boston, Ma

                  About Me Professional

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Durable
                  • Good Color Value

                  Cons

                  • Poor flash cord

                  Best Uses

                  • Indoors

                  Comments about Photogenic Powerlight 1250 500 Watt/Second UV Monolight (120VAC):

                  Lights work great, color is superb. My only issue is the flash cord that comes with it. Had many misfires for a new cord.

                  Comment on this review

                   
                  5.0

                  Reliable and powerful, yet easy to use

                  By TJ

                  from New York

                  About Me Professional

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Durable
                  • Long-Lasting
                  • Powerful

                  Cons

                    Best Uses

                    • General Use

                    Comments about Photogenic Powerlight 1250 500 Watt/Second UV Monolight (120VAC):

                    Excellent light. Self contained unit, use it by itself or with several lights.
                    The all in one deseign lets you keep working when in a mutli light setup and one power supply fails.
                    set up is very fast.

                    Comment on this review

                     
                    4.0

                    Pretty good

                    By nermal

                    from logan, ut

                    About Me Professional

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

                    • Good Color Value
                    • Long-Lasting

                    Cons

                    • Flimsy

                    Best Uses

                    • Indoors
                    • Low Light
                    • Special Events

                    Comments about Photogenic Powerlight 1250 500 Watt/Second UV Monolight (120VAC):

                    These lights are fantastic but for one thing. The Socket that the power cord plugs into in the body of the light keeps pulling out with wires trailing after it. Other than that one flaw I would recomend this kit.

                    Comment on this review

                    (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                     
                    4.0

                    Mostly Dependable

                    By Mpphoto

                    from New Orleans, LA

                    Comments about Photogenic Powerlight 1250 500 Watt/Second UV Monolight (120VAC):

                    I have owned six Photogenic Powerlights over the past twelveyears and have had good service from them. I use two thattravel around with me and get regular use and the othersusually wait in the studio and do not get near as much work. I usually expect one to give me some trouble about once ayear. Fortunately, I have spares that will rotate into usewhile one is in the shop. On the negative side, theturnaround time is painfully slow for repairs. Servicingprofessional equipment simply should not take that long andif I did not have spares, it would be intolerable for me. Iwould definitely give Photogenic higher marks if they couldspeed up servicing. Otherwise, they have been basicallygood lights.

                    Expertise: Professional, commercial, architectural, food

                    Problems Encountered: My newer 1250 models have gone out on jobs and enough smokepours out that I fear it will set off the sprinkler system. My older 600's would pop as loud as a firecracker. I'mnot sure which is worse. Fortunately, it does not happenthat often. Biggest problem is time it takes for repairs. TOO SLOW.

                    Previous Equivalent Item Owned: Novatron

                    Items I Recommend: Definitely UV tube

                    Comment on this review

                    Displaying reviews 1-11

                    Back to top

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                    Cables, Clamps, Cords, Tape

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                    • Price: $15.99
                     

                    Stands & Support Equipment

                    Impact -  Air-Cushioned Heavy Duty Light Stand - Black, 9.5' (2.9m)
                    • Price: $38.95
                     
                    View all Accessories

                    What's in the Box

                    Photogenic Powerlight 1250 500 Watt/Second UV Monolight (120VAC)
                    • UV Coated Flashtube (C415C)
                    • Modeling Light (ESS)
                    • Sync Cord
                    • AC Power Cord
                    • 7.5" reflector
                    • Two Year Manufacturer's Warranty
                     
                     
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