What are the best brands of photography lighting and equiptment for someone on a budget?

I'm looking to get some good lights and backdrops for my studio, but I'm just starting out so I'm really on a tight budget, but I want to get stuff that will work well and last. What brands should I look at?

Alienbees is THE brand to look at for serious lighting gear on a budget.

Home depot sells Halogen work lights with stands for around $20 each. For cheap bright lights positionable you can't beat them.

Alien bees are studio strobes, but from your question, you may find you will learn to light quicker if you use incandescent lighting. It is much easier to see what the light is doing under a 500 or 750 watt lamp

The Home Depot contractor lights are a good inexpensive way to go.

I use Savage background stands (under $120) and Savage background paper in long rolls.

I also use a 750 watt Lowel tota-light with umbrella and stand (under $200).

I buy cloth in various colours from Wal-marts $1 a yard table. Buy 4 yards of each colour you need.

Smith and Victor have alway been the choice for budget minded photog. There is a set of three lights with stands for about $250 USD.

Define tight budget?

If you mean you've got $50 to spend, then Fhotoace has a good suggestion of work lights from HomeDepot/Lowes. Just remember to adjust your white balance if you do not get the daylight rated bulbs.

If on a budget means you want the most inexpensive studio lighting you can get, then I would look at www.bhphotovideo.com and check out their budget tungsten sets. They have one wtih three lights, stands umbrellas and bulbs for $210.

look for second hand pro equipment there is lots of it about and you will get more for your money photography shops, collage or ebay would be a good start
good luck