cheap lighting stands - DPChallenge Forums

Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM for Canon

04/12/2012 10:06:22 AM · #1

now that i have my flashes. im looking for some cheap umbrella and stands to fool around with. nothing special.

also do i want shoot through or reflective umbrellas to start? or both?

james_so

Canon EOS 77D

04/12/2012 10:35:46 AM · #2

Plain white umbrellas can be used either way, cheap ones can be had off of ebay to get you started, also cheap gold and silver reflective ones if you want to play about a bit more before deciding which type you prefer to buy more expensive versions of..

atupdate

Pentax K-R

Promaster 28-200mm f/3.8-5.6 XR IF

04/12/2012 10:55:08 AM · #3

I bought a couple of these umbrella reflector soft boxes. They perform like a shoot through but with less light loss/scatter.

I also devised a bracket to better center my flash units.

DIY Horizontal Flash Bracket

As for light stands, I have these 7.5' high light stands from Steve Kaiser and they are very well made.

All you need to add after that are some tilt-able umbrella brackets like this one from Adorama.

Tim

Spork99

OM System OM-1

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

04/12/2012 01:32:54 PM · #4

You have kids? Just tell them to hold the thing while you shoot. If they can follow directions, it can be like having voice controlled light stands.

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS

04/12/2012 02:13:10 PM · #5

Originally posted by Spork99:

You have kids? Just tell them to hold the thing while you shoot. If they can follow directions, it can be like having voice controlled light stands.

WTF, he said *cheap* stands... there's nothing cheap about kids! ;-)

ETA: I apologize that I have nothing whatever constructive to the discussion!

Message edited by author 2012-04-12 14:13:54.

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX100

04/12/2012 02:36:14 PM · #6

Originally posted by Spork99:

You have kids? Just tell them to hold the thing while you shoot. If they can follow directions, it can be like having voice controlled light stands.

you know, i actually did think about that, and the more I though about it the more i decided i needed actual stands.

bhuge

Canon EOS-550D Rebel T2i

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

04/12/2012 04:24:05 PM · #7

Originally posted by Spork99:

You have kids? Just tell them to hold the thing while you shoot. If they can follow directions, it can be like having voice controlled light stands.

Correction... If you have kids you need sandbags to stabilize your light stands :)

spiritualspatula

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

04/12/2012 09:55:43 PM · #8

These work pretty well and are reasonable umbrella/hotshoe mounts.

I put them on these light stands, which are pretty cheap, reasonably strong, and highly portable. MAKE SURE YOU CRANK DOWN THE LOCKS THAT EXTEND THEM THOUGH. They feel tight before they really are, IMO. I also have a stronger Manfrotto that isn't as compact, but they discontinued that model, so I'm not in a good position to suggest something else. I think it was about $60 though.

These umbrellas are reasonable, compact, and work for most things. Wouldn't use them for large groups, you'll need a bigger umbrella. They're sorta flimsy, but most/all umbrellas are. Mine have taken a few tumbles in wind/shaky ground and they're still kickin' fine. They can be used as a shoot through or a reflected, plus you can partially detach the cover and use them like that, as well. Careful locking down the shafts in the mounts- they crimp easily.

If you want bigger, consider a Softlighter.

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 ED

04/13/2012 06:28:59 AM · #9

thanks guys. i was looking into buying an kit, but i think i may just get one and piece it together.

i really need to learn better lighting so baby steps.

RyanW

Nikon D7000

04/13/2012 08:35:54 AM · #10

try this??
//www.amazon.com/ePhoto-Photography-umbrellas-shoemount-ePhotoINC/dp/B003QRX4PC/ref=pd_sim_p_14

Message edited by author 2012-04-13 08:40:00.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

04/13/2012 08:41:09 AM · #11

i did see that.

im just questioning whether i want to build decent single stand or go chap and get two. Do i need to umbrellas or will one mainly be enough?

i just want it for simple portrait/still life photography.

Devinder

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

04/13/2012 10:43:52 AM · #12

eventually,

You will want atleast two. If you decide to go with just the one, I suggest (for future proofing) get something that can extend out as a boom.

If you decide to go with two, you can double up your second for clamshell setups or go with that hair/rim light in the back via something a bit more directed than the umbrella - personally i think umbrella is very usable in specific conditions.

even lighting of small groups from left and right can be achieved with two .

you can attach a clamp or two to your one lightstand to hold up reflectors as well.

If you get just the one, i think good placement a hefty camera bag can double as a sandbag in the begining. I use a bag of rice...not sure if its bad but it doesn't smell bad and i paid like 4 bucks for it -.-

Spork99

OM System OM-1

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

04/13/2012 12:15:02 PM · #13

Originally posted by mike_311:

I hate umbrellas for still lifes because the light isn't diffused enough and those pesky octagonal highlights. I much prefer a softbox, but maybe that's a holdover from my product shooting days.

bhuge

Canon EOS-550D Rebel T2i

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

04/13/2012 04:37:20 PM · #14

Originally posted by mike_311:

I only have two light stands and I always feel like I need at least one more. I seldom need more then one umbrella, and never more than two. But the stands are great for holding bounce cards or a just a speedlight with a grid on it to highlight something.

I think my next investment will probably be a boom stand. Getting light directly over anything is difficult bordering on impossible with a normal light stand.