Including all of the essential equipment you need to get you started, this kit comprises two SmartFlash 200 flash heads, two light stands, two umbrella reflectors, one white reflective umbrella, one silver reflective umbrella and a 16-channel trigger/receiver, along with a fabric carry case for the stands.

Sporting a sleek, streamlined silhouette, the SmartFlash 200 flash heads are constructed from ABS (acrylonitrile-butadienestyrene) for increased strength and durability. The heads are lightweight, but feel sturdy enough to withstand the knocks and scrapes they’re likely to endure being packed, unpacked, utilised and transported.

The attractive control interface on the back of each flash head is intuitively laid out, with each silver button/dial being surrounded by an illuminated orange light, for easy viewing in dimly lit studio conditions. Easy to operate, the heads each sport a sync socket, slave cell, modelling and test buttons, these are arranged around the large, central flash power dial, which has a power scale with regular demarcations around it to help you gauge the output of the head. Despite this, we found the overly smooth action of the dial to be counter-productive when trying to turn it to precise points on the scale: there are no ‘clicks’ to help you determine how far you’re turning it, just a somewhat irritating beep that doesn’t seem to be quite in sync with where the demarcations appear.

Aside from this small point, we were impressed with the performance of this kit. The build quality of the flash heads, stands and accessories is all very good and the handy fabrics carry-case for the stands is a welcome addition. The heads incorporate the popular Bowens S-type fitting, making them compatible with a wide range of light modifiers too.

The output from the 200 watt flash heads proved more than adequate for head and shoulder portraits using the supplied umbrellas and reflectors. The quality of the light produced is excellent: very clean and consistent, resulting in pleasing images that belie the kit’s affordable price tag. The aspect of this kit that impressed us most however, is the 16-channel trigger/receiver that’s included in the price: an excellent addition that will prove invaluable to photographers working in tight spaces that want to avoid cluttering up their studio with cables and offering a greater level of freedom.

Final Verdict Comprising two powerful flash heads and a great range of accessories, this is an ideal kit for budding portrait photographers to kick-start their hobby or career with. OVERALL

Josie developed a taste for photography while travelling around Ecuador, returning home to specialize in the medium as part of her BA (Hons) degree at university. Now the Reviews Editor for Digital Photographer, Josie handles all of the latest camera launches and boasts an in-depth knowledge of all things camera-related.