Both fixtures and replacement bulbs are relatively inexpensive. The 8" and 10" reflectors give a broad beam spread very well suited to general lighting of larger areas (such as bgs). SV provides an array of light modification accessories such as barn doors, filter holders, etc., so you can easily adapt the lights to specific needs.

As with most tungsten lights, the SV Photofloods can get quite hot. They also draw a good bit of power for the light they produce (it's not unusual to trip circuits when using these lights in groups). The color temperature of the light is much less consistent than more expensive quartz hot lights and electronic flashes, and will most likely shift somewhat over the life of the bulb.

SV Photofloods have been my basic "general" lighting source for as long as I can remember. As I have four 500wlamps, it is very easy to group them in both symmetrical and asymmetrical set ups, adding as little or as much light as I need.