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.
| 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 PowerReviewsPros
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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.
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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.
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Reviewed by 11 customers
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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)
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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.
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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.
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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.
Pros
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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
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
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.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
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.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
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.
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Comments about Photogenic AKC320 StudioMax III 320 Watt/Second Constant Color Monolight (120VAC):
Love the product, very nice location strobe!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
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.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
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.
Displaying reviews 1-11