It would be great if someone could inform me, really what the best brands are for portrait photography flash lighting. I am reseaching trying to buy 3 lights about, for setting up a home studio, I don't want to go cheapy, I want quality and something I can rely on.

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ok i am afraid you are one of the "money buys better images" people. the best gear is the gear that costs the most - you get what you pay for for a home studio? for that you dont need high powered lights or even really "best" for that, get any 3 strobes/flashes you like and learn to use them. best means power output/recycle speed mostly in studio lights, as your likely to be working in a tight space just get 3 good lights and go for it. assuming your in the USof A, I hear my USA friends rate Allen Bee lights there, have a look around ebay then maybe post links to the lights and ask if they are ok or not best of luckj

The most commonly used studio flash units are the Norman, Novatron, Photogenic and Speedotron brands. For that reason, you will find many more used accessories for them as you start to build your studio lighting system ... this includes barndoors, snoots, gobos, grids, gel holders, etc. A good resource. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/category/1168/AC_Power_Supplies_Heads.html