The Impact Digital Monolight 300W/s (120VAC) as part of the VSD Series of monolights is proof that a 300 watt/second monolight does not need to be expensive. The VSD300 provides enough stored power to easily light a portrait or small still-life setup. It has features found on monolights that cost twice as much.
This monolight has a digital readout coupled with its four-stop power variator. It accepts Bowens monolight reflectors and head accessories. The VSD300 has cushioned touch-pad function control buttons. Power is adjustable in 1/10 stop increments, from full to 1/8 power. Its model light intensity may be controlled coupled to, or independent from the strobe power levels you select.
The VSD300 is available as part of several complete lighting kits. A slightly more powerful version of this light is the VSD400.
| Maximum Watt/Seconds | 300 |
| Guide Number | 182 in feet, @ ISO 100 |
| Recycle Time | 2 sec @ full power |
| Flash Duration | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Flash Variability | Full to 1/8 power in 1/10 stop increments |
| User Replaceable Flashtube | Yes |
| Changeable Reflector | Yes |
| Modeling Light Wattage | 100 |
| Voltage Stabilization | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Flash Ready Indicator | LED on test button |
| Operating Voltage | 110-120VAC, 50/60Hz |
| Built-in Slave Cell | Yes, 10 m range |
| Circuit Protection | Fuse |
| Fan Cooled | No |
| Auto Dump | Yes - limited - strobe fires automatically as power is turned down |
| Dimensions | 11.6 x 8.5 x 6" (29.5 x 21.6 x 15.2 cm) with 6" reflector |
| Weight | 3.5 lbs (1.6 kg) |
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Most Liked Positive Review
Love 'em.
I'm just starting to get my feet wet in the world of professional portrait photography, and am also on a shoe-string budget. I purchased the set after quite a bit of research and reading ...Read complete review
I'm just starting to get my feet wet in the world of professional portrait photography, and am also on a shoe-string budget. I purchased the set after quite a bit of research and reading other reviews. First thing I noticed upon unpacking the lights was the very sturdy feel. Nothing feels cheap about these lights. The controls are easy to use, and the lights function together perfect. Upon taking a measure with my light meter, variance between temps of the two lights was VERY minimal, and each output was very consistant. The light stands are fine. Nothing to write home about, but functional, and reasonably sturdy. Heh, once you figure out how the softboxes assemble (there are no included directions), set up is quick and easy. Granted I've only been using these lights a little over a week, I've had absolutely no problems or issues with them. I know (and I knew when I purchased them) that I'll outgrow these lights in a matter of time, but they're great lights to work and grow with. If you shoot on location in peoples' homes as I do, 300 w/s per light is more than enough power. I'll be interested to get these into the larger studio I rent and see what the limits are. So if I had to pick a downside, the two second recycle time can lead to the occasional missed non-posed, candid shot.
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Most Liked Negative Review
Returned for Exchange
Ordered these monolights based on reviews. They didn't stand up to our requirements which was fast on-site headshots at a business conference. The color temp was inconsistent and the recycling time was too slow....Read complete review
Ordered these monolights based on reviews. They didn't stand up to our requirements which was fast on-site headshots at a business conference. The color temp was inconsistent and the recycling time was too slow. Traded for Elichchrome D lights so we will see how they work out.
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Reviewed by 32 customers
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Comments about Impact Digital Monolight 300W/s (120VAC):
This is my second set of lights. The first set was another brand and the Impact set was the same price. The Impact set offered changable bulbs, bulb covers that allow the model light bulb to remain on the unit, auto charge dissipation when adjusting strobe strength, air cusioned stands, and a digital display. The old set of lights offered none of these. I am very happy with them.
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Comments about Impact Digital Monolight 300W/s (120VAC):
very powerful set at a reasonable price. The build quality and working condition is pretty good. I love them. in addition, the manual controls are sweet. for other brands, these manual functions are only detected on expensive models.
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Comments about Impact Digital Monolight 300W/s (120VAC):
these are great strobes for the value, no complaints
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Comments about Impact Digital Monolight 300W/s (120VAC):
These lights are great. There professional quality but at a cost effective price. I have used very expensive professional units before so I know what they are capable of. These lights are great especially for someone on a budget or for an extra kit.
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Comments about Impact Digital Monolight 300W/s (120VAC):
I've been using my monolight for about a week now and have been very happy wiht the results. The user interface is easy to use & adjustments are a snap. Construction seems solid for this price point.
I was a little peeved that this unit will not operate in slave mode with my Nikon D7000 as the commander, but, using the included cable and a $10 adapter from the local camera store I'm in business.
Overall, I'm very satisfied with the purchase.
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Comments about Impact Digital Monolight 300W/s (120VAC):
I love these lights! I bought two of these lights with stands, umbrellas, and a carrying bag as a kit. It provides me a simple go-to setup that I can carry to an on-location shoot very easily.
The digital panel on the rear is very simple to use and understand, the light output meets my needs, and the included shoot-through umbrellas offer an in-the-box diffusion option.
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Comments about Impact Digital Monolight 300W/s (120VAC):
I don't have much experience with strobe lighting yet, but from others I have seen and seen used, these things are comparatively amazing for the price. [...] I have maybe 30 minutes with them so far and I am very impressed. In a very large room with only 1 on, I had to turn it down to half power to keep from over exposing my subject completely. I bought these in a kit with 2 300s, 1 100W modeling light. I am very very pleased and impressed with the quality.
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Comments about Impact Digital Monolight 300W/s (120VAC):
Great monolight, so far we have started using them in our studio, 2 300W lights and 1 100W monolight and they are working great
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Comments about Impact Digital Monolight 300W/s (120VAC):
I am new to photography (taking the Professional course with New York Institute of Photography)and have arrived at the part of the study dealing with artificial lighting. Needing to move up from the hardware store flood lights, I consulted with the helpful folks at B and H and decided on the Impact Digital Monolight kit (two 300 w/s lights and one 100 w/s light). The lights, with their modeling lights have simplified the class material and brought it to life.
Obviously, as a new comer to photography, I didn't have a bundle of money to spend, which turned out to be good. The learning curve on the three lights is not overwhelming and the results are very pleasing.
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Comments about Impact Digital Monolight 300W/s (120VAC):
Ordered these monolights based on reviews. They didn't stand up to our requirements which was fast on-site headshots at a business conference. The color temp was inconsistent and the recycling time was too slow. Traded for Elichchrome D lights so we will see how they work out.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Impact Digital Monolight 300W/s (120VAC):
I already own a flash set but needed another to take portraits, so I went with a kit of 2 VSD300 and softboxes.
The other kit is huge and more or less transportable.
So I dit the setup a way my assistant could use it for corporate portraits.
We took a couple of pictures, round 800 with them and worked fine.
They're easy to setup, digital display is perfect and they have every thing you can expect from more expensive brands, plus they are small.
Everything was going fine until this week.
One is not powering up anymore, the other one got only pilot light but no flash even with spare bulb.
So I have to check the warranty.
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Comments about Impact Digital Monolight 300W/s (120VAC):
Lighting has never been so easy
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Comments about Impact Digital Monolight 300W/s (120VAC):
I have a small studio that I do portraits in, I upgraded to these lights from a single 300 watt strobe and fill light to these two digital monolights. They are very easy to use, the light is strong for my studio I do not use them on full power. It is very easy to higher and lower the power. The light quality is very good and consistent and the recycling time is pretty fast. I think these are great lights for a portrait studio.
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Comments about Impact Digital Monolight 300W/s (120VAC):
great quality and flexibility...im happy with it!
Pros
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Comments about Impact Digital Monolight 300W/s (120VAC):
I shoot portraits. The VSD300 is light-weight and easy to use. The downside is lack of power and slower refresh at higher speeds. I typically compensate with higher ISO and keep the power low so I can achieve more speed.
This is not the ideal setup for fast-paced shooting or heavy professional use. I think the description on B&H is accurate and the manuals for the lights are clearly written.
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Comments about Impact Digital Monolight 300W/s (120VAC):
Very Good Product for your money, very easy to set-up, recycle time as promised and easy to use.
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Comments about Impact Digital Monolight 300W/s (120VAC):
Great product for the price. I also purchased a second soft box. Works well for portraits, product photos and small group weddings.
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Comments about Impact Digital Monolight 300W/s (120VAC):
As a up and coming professional photographer, I spent countless hours researching about different types of lights. I finally decided to get the VSD 300. I spend hundreds of hours in the studio photographing commercial products and food. The lights have done an amazing job so far. The 600 total watts is plenty of power for what I do. The VSD strobe has an even and full flash. The only thing I would say that is not the greatest about this strobe is the beeping noise every time you want to increase the modeling light or the flash tube. Overall great product and great buy!!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Impact Digital Monolight 300W/s (120VAC):
Use it for portraits.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Impact Digital Monolight 300W/s (120VAC):
I'm just starting to get my feet wet in the world of professional portrait photography, and am also on a shoe-string budget. I purchased the set after quite a bit of research and reading other reviews. First thing I noticed upon unpacking the lights was the very sturdy feel. Nothing feels cheap about these lights. The controls are easy to use, and the lights function together perfect. Upon taking a measure with my light meter, variance between temps of the two lights was VERY minimal, and each output was very consistant. The light stands are fine. Nothing to write home about, but functional, and reasonably sturdy. Heh, once you figure out how the softboxes assemble (there are no included directions), set up is quick and easy. Granted I've only been using these lights a little over a week, I've had absolutely no problems or issues with them. I know (and I knew when I purchased them) that I'll outgrow these lights in a matter of time, but they're great lights to work and grow with. If you shoot on location in peoples' homes as I do, 300 w/s per light is more than enough power. I'll be interested to get these into the larger studio I rent and see what the limits are. So if I had to pick a downside, the two second recycle time can lead to the occasional missed non-posed, candid shot.
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