What's the most versatile, basic lighting setup

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

07/27/2008 08:04:40 PM · #1

Hi all

I prefer to shoot outdoors or inside with natural light, and thanks to idnic's great tutorial I have an idea as to how to make light...but I think it's time I got some proper lighting equipment. My little 60w lights with homemade diffusers on them are OK but not very safe, and often still get too much glare when I use them.

I don't think I need strobes or alien bees at this point. Just looking for what would be considered the most basic of light setups. As with almost anything I buy, versatility is the key.

Any suggestions? Any universal 'must-have' lights?

Mick

Canon EOS-5D

07/27/2008 08:17:53 PM · #2

What you want is strobes. Continous (hot) lights don't put out anywhere near as much light as even a small strobe. And, as you already know, they can be unsafe.

If you want to get started without spending a bunch of cash, get some cheap hot-shoe flashes. I've seen Vivitar flashes selling for less than $10 on eBay. Check out Strobist for lots of good info on using off-camera flashes.

robs

Canon EOS R6 Mk II

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

07/27/2008 09:06:36 PM · #3

Yeah - See strobist (warning - if you don't have spare time don't :-).... A cheap flash like that Vivitar (even the new 285 brand new is <$100) or anything with some manual adjustments & swivel (lots of old film flashes that can be used - just be careful of the voltage on some of those oldies) - get a little stand (Bogen mini) or a super clamp, a brolly adapter and a shoot thru umbrella (the bi fold if you want portable) and have at it.

Nusbaum

Fujifilm X-T1

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

07/27/2008 09:27:00 PM · #4

I do enjoy plaining with DIY light and I have a decent sent of Alien Bees that I picked up earlier this year, but the most flexible option for lighting is to take the strobist approach. You can do some amazing professional level work with this type of a setup yet it's simple enough to be a great learning platform.

smurfguy

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

07/28/2008 09:43:51 AM · #5

Strobist is a great resource. Check out my old thread to see the setup I purchased and a couple shots I took with it.

Have fun!

-Jeff

07/31/2008 09:06:18 PM · #6

Originally posted by smurfguy:

Strobist is a great resource. Check out my old thread to see the setup I purchased and a couple shots I took with it.

Have fun!

-Jeff

Thanks all, and I did see your thread Jeff, great advice! :-) bump for homepage

Message edited by author 2008-08-15 11:08:54.

08/15/2008 11:09:47 AM · #7

bump