Impact Digital Monolight 300W/s (120VAC)

  • Includes Free:
  • Impact White Translucent Umbrella (43") & Impact Air Cushioned Light Stand, Black - 10' (3m) ($58.39 Total Value)
  • Price: $238.95
  • Includes Free:
  • Impact White Translucent Umbrella (43") & Impact Air Cushioned Light Stand, Black - 10' (3m) ($58.39 Total Value)
  • B&H # IMVSD300
  • Mfr# VSD-300

Product Highlights

  • Reflector, Sync Cord

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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.

This monolight has a limited "Auto Dump" feature, which automatically fires the strobe when you reset to a lower power level.
Built-in optical slave "sees" the light from other flashes, and fires this monolight automatically.
A Sync Cord with miniplug to PC connection is included.
Its recycle beep tone may be switched on or off.
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)

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Impact Digital Monolight 300W/s (120VAC)
 
4.4

(based on 32 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (19)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (11)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (1)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (1)

93%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Good power output (14)
  • Durable (12)
  • Good color value (9)
  • Attach securely (8)
  • Easy to set up (3)

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Indoors (16)
    • General purpose (9)
    • Outdoor events / games (8)
    • Low light (6)
    • Portraits (4)
      • Reviewer Profile:
      • Semi-pro photographer (9), Photo enthusiast (6), Pro photographer (6)
      • Was this a gift?:
      • No (17)

    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.

    VS

    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.

    REVIEWS

    Reviewed by 32 customers

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    Displaying reviews 1-20

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    4.0

    Best bang for my buck!

    By enFUSIONed

    from Steinbach, MB

    About Me Semi-pro Photographer

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • General Use

        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.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Share this review

         
        5.0

        Good Choice!

        By Martin Tian

        from Edmonton, AB, Canada

        About Me Semi-pro Photographer

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

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

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Indoors

          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.

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Share this review

           
          5.0

          Great Value

          By Bryan M

          from Wichita, KS

          About Me Pro Photographer

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

            Cons

              Best Uses

                Comments about Impact Digital Monolight 300W/s (120VAC):

                these are great strobes for the value, no complaints

                Share this review

                 
                5.0

                Great Light Kit

                By OrrionFilms

                from Kosciusko, MS

                About Me Pro Photographer

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Durable
                • Good Color Value
                • Good value
                • Long-Lasting
                • Powerful

                Cons

                  Best Uses

                  • General Use
                  • Indoors
                  • Outdoors
                  • Portraits
                  • Special Events

                  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.

                  • Was this a gift?:
                  • No

                  Share this review

                   
                  5.0

                  Great product

                  By Jim S

                  from Houston, TX

                  About Me Photo Enthusiast

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Attach Securely
                  • Durable
                  • Good Color Value
                  • Powerful

                  Cons

                    Best Uses

                    • Indoors
                    • Low Light
                    • Night Time
                    • Special Events

                    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.

                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • No

                    Share this review

                     
                    5.0

                    Excellent studio-in-a-box options!

                    By Nate

                    from Rochester, NY

                    About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

                    • Easy to set up
                    • Easy to Use
                    • Good value

                    Cons

                      Best Uses

                      • Indoors
                      • In-Studio
                      • Special Events

                      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.

                      • Was this a gift?:
                      • No

                      Share this review

                       
                      5.0

                      Great product!!

                      By Redflametech

                      from Tulsa, OK

                      About Me Photo Enthusiast

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

                      • Durable
                      • Powerful
                      • Well built quality

                      Cons

                        Best Uses

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

                        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.

                        • Was this a gift?:
                        • No

                        Share this review

                         
                        4.0

                        Great

                        By Char

                        from Alberta Canada

                        About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                        Verified Buyer

                        Pros

                        • Durable
                        • Powerful

                        Cons

                          Best Uses

                          • Indoors

                          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

                          • Was this a gift?:
                          • No

                          Share this review

                           
                          5.0

                          A great choice at a great price

                          By Roger

                          from Watkinsville, GA

                          About Me Photo Enthusiast

                          Verified Buyer

                          Pros

                          • Easy to set up
                          • Easy to Use

                          Cons

                            Best Uses

                            • Portraits
                            • Still Life

                            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.

                            • Was this a gift?:
                            • No

                            Share this review

                             
                            2.0

                            Returned for Exchange

                            By mugsyclicks photographer

                            from san rafael, CA

                            About Me Pro Photographer

                            Verified Buyer

                            Pros

                            • Low price

                            Cons

                            • Harsh Color
                            • Loses Charge Quickly

                            Best Uses

                              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.

                              • Was this a gift?:
                              • No

                              Share this review

                              (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                               
                              1.0

                              Nice for the price

                              By Cedric

                              from Quebec, QC

                              About Me Pro Photographer

                              Verified Reviewer

                              Pros

                              • Easy to set up
                              • Good price value
                              • Powerful
                              • Small compact size

                              Cons

                              • Didn't last long

                              Best Uses

                              • General Use
                              • Portraits

                              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.

                              • Was this a gift?:
                              • No

                              Share this review

                               
                              5.0

                              SUPERB!!!!

                              By Paul

                              from Boston

                              About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                              Verified Buyer

                              Pros

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

                              Cons

                                Best Uses

                                • Indoors

                                Comments about Impact Digital Monolight 300W/s (120VAC):

                                Lighting has never been so easy

                                • Was this a gift?:
                                • No

                                Share this review

                                (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                                 
                                5.0

                                Studio Strobe

                                By puznum

                                from cedarhurst, ny

                                About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                                Verified Buyer

                                Pros

                                • Attach Securely
                                • Durable
                                • Good Color Value
                                • Powerful

                                Cons

                                  Best Uses

                                  • Indoors

                                  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.

                                  • Was this a gift?:
                                  • No

                                  Share this review

                                   
                                  5.0

                                  very good

                                  By alicastro

                                  from Miami, FL

                                  About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                                  Verified Buyer

                                  Pros

                                  • Powerful

                                  Cons

                                    Best Uses

                                    • Night Time
                                    • Special Events

                                    Comments about Impact Digital Monolight 300W/s (120VAC):

                                    great quality and flexibility...im happy with it!

                                    • Was this a gift?:
                                    • No

                                    Share this review

                                     
                                    4.0

                                    Great for a beginner

                                    By gbiverous

                                    from Brooklyn, NY

                                    About Me Photo Enthusiast

                                    Verified Buyer

                                    Pros

                                    • inexpensive
                                    • Lightweight

                                    Cons

                                    • Weak

                                    Best Uses

                                    • General Use

                                    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.

                                    • Was this a gift?:
                                    • No

                                    Share this review

                                     
                                    5.0

                                    Worth every penny!

                                    By Vlad

                                    from Canada, MB

                                    About Me Photo Enthusiast

                                    Verified Buyer

                                    Pros

                                      Cons

                                        Best Uses

                                        • Indoors

                                        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.

                                        • Was this a gift?:
                                        • No

                                        Share this review

                                         
                                        5.0

                                        Works great

                                        By Kman

                                        from Louisville, Kentucky

                                        About Me Pro Photographer

                                        Verified Buyer

                                        Pros

                                        • Attach Securely
                                        • Lightweight

                                        Cons

                                          Best Uses

                                          • Indoors

                                          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.

                                          • Was this a gift?:
                                          • No

                                          Share this review

                                           
                                          5.0

                                          More than 30 watts!!

                                          By AP Photography

                                          from West Virginia

                                          About Me Pro Photographer

                                          Verified Buyer

                                          Pros

                                          • Durable
                                          • Good Color Value
                                          • Powerful
                                          • Small compact size

                                          Cons

                                          • Beeping noise
                                          • Needs more specifications

                                          Best Uses

                                          • Outdoors
                                          • Studio lighting

                                          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!!

                                          • Was this a gift?:
                                          • No

                                          Share this review

                                          (0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                                           
                                          5.0

                                          Easy to use, good quality, excelent prod

                                          By Luis

                                          from San Juan, Puerto Rico

                                          About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                                          Verified Buyer

                                          Pros

                                          • Attach Securely
                                          • Durable
                                          • Good Color Value
                                          • Powerful

                                          Cons

                                          • Non

                                          Best Uses

                                          • Indoors
                                          • Low Light
                                          • Special Events

                                          Comments about Impact Digital Monolight 300W/s (120VAC):

                                          Use it for portraits.

                                          Share this review

                                           
                                          5.0

                                          Love 'em.

                                          By Tom Hansen Photography

                                          from Washington

                                          About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                                          Verified Buyer

                                          Pros

                                          • Attach Securely
                                          • Bang for the buck
                                          • Durable
                                          • Good Color Value

                                          Cons

                                          • Two second recycle time

                                          Best Uses

                                          • General Use
                                          • Indoors
                                          • On location portraits

                                          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.

                                          Share this review

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                                          What's in the Box

                                          Impact Digital Monolight 300W/s (120VAC)
                                          • Flashtube (FT300)
                                          • 100W Modeling Light
                                          • 6.5" Reflector
                                          • Mini to PC Sync Cord
                                          • Spare Fuse
                                          • One Year Manufacturer's Warranty
                                          Included Free
                                           
                                           
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