Photogenic AKC320 StudioMax III 320 Watt/Second Constant Color Monolight (120VAC)

  • Mail In Rebate -$25.00 (see details)
    offer ends MAR 31 '12
  • B&H # PHSM3320AC
  • Mfr# 906910

Product Highlights

  • 320 Ws Monolight
  • Reflector, Sync Cord

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The Photogenic StudioMax III AKC320 constant color monolight offers a full six f/stop power range over 320 watt/seconds. It has internal control to ensure the same Kelvin temperature output, no matter what level of output is chosen.

This light is an excellent choice as a main, secondary, or background light. Since it accepts the entire line of the PowerLight reflectors, grids, snoots, and diffusers, the StudioMax III is a good investment.

This monolight also comes in an AC/DC model, which allows use of the light away from sources of AC power, when a high voltage battery is added.

6 F-Stop Power Range
Dial provides infinite flash power settings from full to 1/32 power.
Built In Slave
Highly sensitive, switchable optical slave for synchronization with other flashes.
Modeling Light
Independently Switched, to aid in positioning and focus.
User Replaceable Flashtube
No tools are required to replace this "plug & play" flashtube.
Compact Design
Easy to transport. Umbrella socket and stand mount built on.
Maximum Watt/Seconds 320
Guide Number 170
Recycle Time Minimum 0.2 sec, maximum 3 sec @ full power
Flash Duration 1/4300 sec. @ min. power, 1/125 sec. @ max. power
Flash Variability 6 f/stops, full to 1/32 power, 320 to 10 w/s
User Replaceable Flashtube Yes (C412C)
Changeable Reflector Yes
Modeling Light Wattage 100 (ESR)
Voltage Stabilization Yes, +- 0.05 f/stop
Flash Ready Indicator LED
Operating Voltage 105-125V AC, 60hz, 5A
Sync Voltage Not Specified by Manufacturer
Built-in Slave Cell Yes
Circuit Protection Fuse
Fan Cooled No
Auto Dump No
Dimensions 4.5 x 4.5 x 8.75" (11.4 x 11.4 x 22 cm)
Weight 3 lbs (1.4 kg)

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Photogenic AKC320 StudioMax III 320 Watt/Second Constant Color Monolight (120VAC)
 
3.8

(based on 11 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (4)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (4)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (1)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (1)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (1)

82%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Attach securely (4)
  • Good color value (4)
  • Durable (3)

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Indoors (8)
    • General purpose (5)
    • Low light (5)
    • Outdoor events / games (3)
      • Reviewer Profile:
      • Pro photographer (5), Professional (3), Semi-pro photographer (3)
      • Was this a gift?:
      • No (6)

    Most Liked Positive Review

     

    Great price for a fill light

    These little lights are perfect for a small studio, or for fill/accent lights in a larger setup.I use two of them for fill lights and have never had a problem. The slave sensor ...Read complete review

    These little lights are perfect for a small studio, or for fill/accent lights in a larger setup.I use two of them for fill lights and have never had a problem. The slave sensor on the back is not sensitive enough to do anything, so I use a radio remote on one and a cabled slave sensor on the other.If I had any complaint, it would be the rotary power control. Since I can get a wrist watch that has ridiculous amounts of digital readout info for about [$], seems like these lights could have a simple digital readout showing the power level. I use the power level info on my larger strobes continuously.... the potentiometer on these lights is not definitive enough. I end up with a lot of "set-flash-meter-reset-flash-meter-etc...".That said, these lights are a great bargain, and they share all the same mounting equipment and accessories with the more powerful 2500 series.

    VS

    Most Liked Negative Review

     

    Cost-Reduced Design has flaws

    This generation of the monolite is not designed to be nearly as robust as my prior models (PL750 and PL-1500s). After 200 flashes, the internal slave sensor went out and I will ...Read complete review

    This generation of the monolite is not designed to be nearly as robust as my prior models (PL750 and PL-1500s). After 200 flashes, the internal slave sensor went out and I will need to send it in for repair.

    The universal mount on the front of this one is not quite universal with older Photogenic accessories or speedrings. I would recommend removing the flashtube before wrestling with any accessories mounted to the speedring.

    The good feature is that this unit is lightweight.

    REVIEWS

    Reviewed by 11 customers

    Sort by

    Displaying reviews 1-11

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    1.0

    Slave unit is worthless

    By lafoto

    from Toms River NJ

    About Me Pro Photographer

    Pros

      Cons

      • Photo slave is way weak

      Best Uses

        Comments about Photogenic AKC320 StudioMax III 320 Watt/Second Constant Color Monolight (120VAC):

        Just returned two units, they cannot be used as kicker or accent lights. The Photo eye, which is mounted on the back of the unit, will not fire unless it is aimed at another strobe. Just not sensitive enough for normal use. (the photo slave)

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Comment on this review

         
        3.0

        Great Light for Beginners

        By hjoseph7

        from Washington DC

        About Me Semi-pro Photographer

        Verified Reviewer

        Pros

        • Accessories
        • AC-DC
        • Attach Securely
        • Beautiful Light
        • Durable
        • Good Color Value
        • Portable
        • Quiet
        • Radio controlled

        Cons

        • Can't turn off slave
        • Flimsy on-off switch
        • No internal fan
        • No ready-beeper
        • Quality issues
        • Slow Flash Duration

        Best Uses

        • Background-Accent light
        • General Use
        • Indoors
        • Low Light
        • Night Time
        • Outdoors
        • Special Events

        Comments about Photogenic AKC320 StudioMax III 320 Watt/Second Constant Color Monolight (120VAC):

        I purchased the Studio Max III as part of a kit that included 3 units umbrellas stands and softbox. For the money it was a great purchase, but as time went on I did notice some flaws some of which were serious, others very annoying. First of all the Studio Max III's produce beautiful light especially for portraits. They are quiet moderately rugged, cheap and very portable. The Bad is that the ON/OFF switch is very flimsy, 1950's flimsy. The unit is not fan cooled so you have to be careful not to over heat them. This is very annoying, because who likes to count pops during a busy shoot. The units do not come with a ready-beeb and the test light is Toy-like, very tiny and unprofessional looking. Color consistency is good, but Photogenic had to sacrifice flash duration to obtain this. At Full power, flash duration is a mere 1/120th of a second, pretty close to Sync if you ask me. My unit came with radio control which works fine up to about 40 feet or so, which saved me from purchasing the very expensive Pocket Wizards . For what I'm doing right now, I can live with all the flaws, but when it's time to move up I'll definately take these flaws into consideration.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Comment on this review

         
        5.0

        Great for Beginners

        By Joshua

        from Schaumburg, IL

        About Me Pro Photographer

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Attach Securely
        • Good Color Value

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Indoors
          • Special Events

          Comments about Photogenic AKC320 StudioMax III 320 Watt/Second Constant Color Monolight (120VAC):

          Very easy to use and enough power for portrait setup. The price is right for the job it does. Recycle time is good. Very easy to attach to light stand and easy to operate. Great for beginners.

          Comment on this review

           
          5.0

          Great equipment piece for the price.

          By Butters

          from Greensboro, NC

          About Me Semi-pro Photographer

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Durable
          • Powerful

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • General Use
            • Indoors
            • Low Light

            Comments about Photogenic AKC320 StudioMax III 320 Watt/Second Constant Color Monolight (120VAC):

            Have used this product in multiple occasions withs different photoshoots. Is compatible with any camera. Good decision to buy.

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Comment on this review

             
            4.0

            My Thrid Strobe

            By Ronnie

            from Carman Manitoba

            About Me Semi-pro Photographer

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

              Cons

                Best Uses

                  Comments about Photogenic AKC320 StudioMax III 320 Watt/Second Constant Color Monolight (120VAC):

                  Hi I dropped my strobe and I needed anothe for Grad Pictures .... works great

                  • Was this a gift?:
                  • No

                  Comment on this review

                   
                  4.0

                  power markings are not accurate

                  By Karen Muse

                  from Jackson, MI

                  About Me Pro Photographer

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                    Cons

                      Best Uses

                      • General Use
                      • Indoors

                      Comments about Photogenic AKC320 StudioMax III 320 Watt/Second Constant Color Monolight (120VAC):

                      The power markings are not exactly one stop apart. For example, the difference between full power and half power is half a stop. Some of the other marks are 1.2 stops apart. So if you change power settings you need to meter. But for the price it works fine for my needs. I use one as a hair light and another as a side light, and I don't need to change the settings often. Also, the on/off switch seems cheap and sticky, but again, this is an inexpensive light.

                      • Was this a gift?:
                      • No

                      Comment on this review

                       
                      2.0

                      Cost-Reduced Design has flaws

                      By Bill

                      from Raleigh, NC

                      About Me Pro Photographer

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

                        Cons

                        • Flimsy

                        Best Uses

                        • Indoors

                        Comments about Photogenic AKC320 StudioMax III 320 Watt/Second Constant Color Monolight (120VAC):

                        This generation of the monolite is not designed to be nearly as robust as my prior models (PL750 and PL-1500s). After 200 flashes, the internal slave sensor went out and I will need to send it in for repair.

                        The universal mount on the front of this one is not quite universal with older Photogenic accessories or speedrings. I would recommend removing the flashtube before wrestling with any accessories mounted to the speedring.

                        The good feature is that this unit is lightweight.

                        • Was this a gift?:
                        • No

                        Comment on this review

                         
                        4.0

                        Good things come in small packages

                        By The picture man

                        from Ingleside, Ontario

                        About Me Professional

                        Verified Buyer

                        Pros

                        • Easy To Use
                        • Lightweight

                        Cons

                          Best Uses

                          • Groups
                          • Portraits
                          • Traveling
                          • Weddings

                          Comments about Photogenic AKC320 StudioMax III 320 Watt/Second Constant Color Monolight (120VAC):

                          I bought the studiomax 111 as an on location light kit for baby photos, and portraits, it is compact, functional and value priced.I am used to pack and light heads but find them bulky to travel with now in compact cars.

                          Comment on this review

                          (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                           
                          5.0

                          Very Reliable!

                          By Photo Pete

                          from Memphis, TN

                          About Me Pro Photographer

                          Verified Buyer

                          Pros

                          • Durable
                          • Good Color Value
                          • Long-Lasting

                          Cons

                            Best Uses

                            • General Use
                            • Indoors
                            • Low Light
                            • Night Time
                            • Outdoors
                            • Special Events

                            Comments about Photogenic AKC320 StudioMax III 320 Watt/Second Constant Color Monolight (120VAC):

                            Love the product, very nice location strobe!

                            Comment on this review

                            (6 of 6 customers found this review helpful)

                             
                            4.0

                            Great price for a fill light

                            By Mabou2

                            from CT

                            About Me Professional

                            Verified Buyer

                            Pros

                            • Attach Securely
                            • Good Color Value
                            • Long-Lasting

                            Cons

                            • Non-precise controls

                            Best Uses

                            • General Use
                            • Indoors
                            • Low Light

                            Comments about Photogenic AKC320 StudioMax III 320 Watt/Second Constant Color Monolight (120VAC):

                            These little lights are perfect for a small studio, or for fill/accent lights in a larger setup.I use two of them for fill lights and have never had a problem. The slave sensor on the back is not sensitive enough to do anything, so I use a radio remote on one and a cabled slave sensor on the other.If I had any complaint, it would be the rotary power control. Since I can get a wrist watch that has ridiculous amounts of digital readout info for about [$], seems like these lights could have a simple digital readout showing the power level. I use the power level info on my larger strobes continuously.... the potentiometer on these lights is not definitive enough. I end up with a lot of "set-flash-meter-reset-flash-meter-etc...".That said, these lights are a great bargain, and they share all the same mounting equipment and accessories with the more powerful 2500 series.

                            Comment on this review

                            (4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

                             
                            5.0

                            Great Value

                            By Karen

                            from Elmhurst, IL

                            About Me Professional

                            Verified Buyer

                            Pros

                            • Attach Securely
                            • Powerful

                            Cons

                            • Runs Hot

                            Best Uses

                            • Indoors
                            • Low Light

                            Comments about Photogenic AKC320 StudioMax III 320 Watt/Second Constant Color Monolight (120VAC):

                            I use this product for portrait and commercial shots. The power is good but it does run hot.

                            Comment on this review

                            Displaying reviews 1-11

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