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Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) for Canon

06/02/2010 06:22:39 PM · #1

What kind of lighting would you buy first??

Ive been looking at hot shoe mounted flashes cause I have another party to do this weekend... but I got to wondering what you guys would buy first?

*let me edit my question... would you guys buy a hotshoe mounted flash or a something different?*

Message edited by author 2010-06-02 18:50:58.

apercep

Canon EOS-450D Rebel XSi

06/02/2010 06:30:35 PM · #2

580ex II. and some sort of diffuser, gary fong, ect.

BrennanOB

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

06/02/2010 08:28:45 PM · #3

First you buy a limited function set off brand ( Vivatar, Sigma, ect,)
$
Then you replace that with a full function flash of the same make as your camera. Use the old one as a slave.
$$
Then you buy an off camera controller, some form of wireless control like the Pocket Wizards or their little brothers, and stands umbrellas, snoods, and softboxes. Maybe buy a few more slaves.
$$$
Then you buy a studio flash setup of 3 or more Alien Bees or their big brothers, and a battery pack. You can now light up the world, bring brilliance into the darkness and bend light to you will.
$$$$

Olympus 14-42mm f.3.5-5.6 ED Zuiko Digital Zoom

06/02/2010 08:32:33 PM · #4

Originally posted by BrennanOB:

Would you recommend only getting new or would used be ok???

e10icus

Olympus E-500 EVOLT

06/02/2010 09:08:31 PM · #5

I got a "used" Nikon SB-20 on ebay for 30 bucks. Couldn't be happier with it (even though I'm an Olympus guy) for something to learn about lighting with. I would suggest looking for something that has variable "flash power", though. Mine has settings for 1/16, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, and full power. You'll probably want that option. (IMHO)

BTW - If you're the real "show me" type, check out Strobist!

That should satisfy your appetite.

(muahahahahaha)

PGerst

Canon EOS-20D

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III

06/02/2010 09:19:17 PM · #6

I would second that.

However, using a flash like the 580ex and any type of diffuser takes a bit of practice to really get the feel for how the flash works.

The other day, ironically enough, I was looking at some photos I took with the dinky on camera flash versus the 580ex (I have the original) and this is my summary:

On camera dinky flash = Oh my, what really crappy pictures these are
First month or so with the 580ex = Cool, I take good pictures now
2nd - 6th month with the 580ex = WTF? What does this setting do? I have crappy photos.
2 years later = Good photos again, nice fill, I know where to bounce it given a room, I understand the color cast, I know how to fine tune it.

Future = still room to get better....

Originally posted by apercep:

580ex II. and some sort of diffuser, gary fong, ect.

Yo_Spiff

Olympus 12-100mm f/4.0 M.Zuiko ED IS PRO

06/02/2010 09:27:01 PM · #7

I agree with BrennanOB. That's kind of how I've been evolving my lighting and purchasing things as I want and can afford them. I guess I am on step #3.

I found a Canon 430ex (first version) on amazon for $165. That was an exceptional deal, but I have seen a number of used ones there for $200. I also have a Quantaray XLF-50 that sells for under $100 at Wolf/Ritz. Not super powerful, but it is stronger and more versatile than the built in flash. Tilts upward, but does not rotate. It's nice and small as well.

Watch out for the off brand bargain flashes however. Many of them were designed for older analog cameras and they have a high trigger voltage that can fry a digital SLR. Make sure whatever you put on the camera is designed for digital cameras. I have a bunch of Vivitar 2800's that I only use off camera, firing them with optical slave triggers. They cost me anywhere from free to $19 apiece. Some used light stands at $10 each, some inexpensive umbrellas and brackets from Adorama. I'm still learning the black art of lighting.

BrennanOB

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

06/02/2010 09:35:34 PM · #8

If you know when to use a diffuser, know what eTTL is, and how to adjust your FEC in camera, buy new and buy the 580.

If you are just getting your feet wet and don't want to get swamped adjusting your flash, while you are getting swamped learning your camera, just buy something used that can pivot and take a diffuser which you can sell again when you are ready to move up. One VERY IMPORTANT WARNING some older flashes designed for film cameras blast out enough power to fry your delicate electronics. They are fine as slaves, but make sure when you buy used, that the voltage does not exceed 6 volts DC.

Kelli

Canon EOS-D60

06/02/2010 09:59:29 PM · #9

I bought this one over a year ago and love it! //www.amazon.com/Digital-Concepts-Powerzoom-952AF-Cameras/dp/B000EIQJF8

06/02/2010 10:11:59 PM · #10

Yeah Im the new... getting my feet wet... learning all over again...

BrennanOB

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

06/02/2010 10:12:52 PM · #11

Always worth looking over at B&H to see what they might have in stock when you decide to buy used. $15-$150.....Oh thats a good price on that Metz... I could always use another.....

06/02/2010 10:15:01 PM · #12

Originally posted by Kelli:

I bought this one over a year ago and love it! //www.amazon.com/Digital-Concepts-Powerzoom-952AF-Cameras/dp/B000EIQJF8

That price aint bad... I can save up for that... shouldnt take me to long. Im starting to feel complete again :) new camera... got a tripod tonight ...