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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Need help with 430ex ii accessories
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 02/25/2011 11:43:25 AM · #1
First off, I believe I did a fairly thorough search before posting, if not forgive me.

New to flash photography, but not to photography in general. Just got a 430ex ii, bought the speedliter's handbook and I am trying to buy the essentials for flash photography. I'm looking at the Lumiquest Promax system, Honl's color correction gels, sto-fen omni bounce, and Canon's OC-E3 cord.

Is there a 3rd party cord that will suffice instead of the OC-E3? Is the choice between Lumiquest and Rogue Flashbender more opinion based...ss there a better choice out there? I'm pretty set on the Honl gels and sto-fen omni bounce...I think :)

I do not have any specific event in mind, just trying to gain flash photography experience. Any input would be appreciated.

Message edited by author 2011-02-25 11:44:37.
 02/25/2011 12:02:41 PM · #2
I have a Yongnou TTL cable that costs $30 and works just as well as the Canon E3 cord.

I have a Honl reflector that is similar in design to the rogue flashbender, but it is not as stiffly supported as the rogue, so it has a harder time staying up the way I want it to. I tend to just use the Honl as a snoot now and may buy one of those flashbenders myself.

For on flash diffusion I have a lumiquest bounce device and a small softbox that both mount to the flash head. They both seem to work about as well, but I have a preference for the lumiquest, because it folds totally flat and takes up no extra room in my camera bag.

Diffusers can be made from anything, but I think that off camera cord is the biggie for getting started. You'll likely eventually want wireless triggers to get multiple flashes off camera. Very convenient and flexible, but the cheap ones only handle manual exposure. I have the Yongnou RF-602's and they work wonderfully.
 02/25/2011 12:04:10 PM · #3
Probably best to just send you to the following sites

Strobist

Lighting 101

Flickr Strobist

There are cheaper versions of the OC-e3 cord available on Ebay.
I have actually made a lot of my flash own flash accessories.
Check the Strobist Flickr site which has a lot of DIY ideas.

If getting into one light portraiture then you will need:
lightstand
shoot-through umbrella
umbrella holder (good one available through flashzebra.com)
triggers (I have RF-602's)

Have fun.
 02/25/2011 12:12:01 PM · #4
Just went and looked at a flashbender that you mention.
Funny, I made something myself along the same lines.

Purchased a strip of wide Velro and sewed it to fit around my flash (removable)
Then used white and black craft foam and a thin strip of velcro to make the bounce card
(no sewing necessary all put together with a stapler).

Also purchased a packet of about 3 thin plastic cutting boards (these are really thin and are from the $2 shop)
The plastic is about 1mm thick and sort of cloudy (hard to describe). I cut this in a strip as wide as the flash but long enough to put a velcro tab on each end that when attached over the flash sat out like a stofen. Works a charm.

Message edited by author 2011-02-25 18:25:58.
 02/25/2011 12:22:22 PM · #5
I'm checking out the Yonguo ttl cord...

Sounds like it's time to get creative with the diffusers/bounces. haha
 02/25/2011 12:43:12 PM · #6
You can make a diffuser out of just about anything. Some of the commercially sold models have a significant convenience factor, and they look more professional. A wedding photographer, for instance, should not be showing up with a milk jug on top of their camera, though it still diffuses the light just as well.
 02/25/2011 12:49:35 PM · #7
Originally posted by Yo_Spiff:
You can make a diffuser out of just about anything. Some of the commercially sold models have a significant convenience factor, and they look more professional. A wedding photographer, for instance, should not be showing up with a milk jug on top of their camera, though it still diffuses the light just as well.


All of the stuff I make looks pretty professional. Even others photographers have asked where I have purchased it. I'm pretty fussy about my DIY stuff but it helps when you like craft and you sew.
 02/25/2011 01:04:46 PM · #8
Originally posted by RamblinR:
Originally posted by Yo_Spiff:
You can make a diffuser out of just about anything. Some of the commercially sold models have a significant convenience factor, and they look more professional. A wedding photographer, for instance, should not be showing up with a milk jug on top of their camera, though it still diffuses the light just as well.


All of the stuff I make looks pretty professional. Even others photographers have asked where I have purchased it. I'm pretty fussy about my DIY stuff but it helps when you like craft and you sew.


haha i can't sew...i'd be the guy with a milk jug...
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