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11/27/2011 11:19:44 PM · #1 |
I'm out of touch with lighting systems. I have a cheap, non name brand modeling lamp and a Canon Speedlite 430EX II. I want to get myself a couple of pocket wizards along with some decent lights. AlienBees looks nice, not sure what kind of shipping I'd be looking at though.
Basically, I want to shoot portraits and different studio lighting setups. What are the brands people are using when on a moderate budget? |
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11/27/2011 11:30:37 PM · #2 |
Your in LUCK!!!
HERE!!
'Alien' 'Bees' setup, for sale, by me. Long time member.
Have it up here for DPC'ers, cheaper than what I plan to sell on Craigslist...soon.
OHHH CRAP! Japan! Yeah not sure what shipping there would be. YIKES!!
Message edited by author 2011-11-27 23:31:33.
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11/28/2011 10:19:11 PM · #3 |
| I don't have access to that part of the forum |
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11/28/2011 11:15:28 PM · #4 |
dont know your budget, i have this kit and i have been really pleased with everything about it except the softbox that comes with it, its really only big enough for headshots
the bonus you dont need a pocket wizard, the strobes have recievers built in and the kit comes with a hotshoe xmitter
Message edited by author 2011-11-28 23:16:34. |
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11/28/2011 11:35:08 PM · #5 |
Bought a full setup for home studio around 3-4 years ago. Found I am not a giant fan of studio and mainly shoot nature, etc. And I am not using them at all anymore.
They are gathering dust and could be better used by someone else. All in NEW condition.
Price lowered for a "challenger" before I decide to send it to eBay or Craigslist.
â€Â¢ Two 'Alien' 'Bees' B400 Flash Unit (black) - //www.paulcbuff.com/b400.php
â€Â¢ 35 in Umbrella (white and black interchangeable) - //www.paulcbuff.com/u48twb.php
â€Â¢ 35 in Foldable Octabox - //www.paulcbuff.com/fob.php
â€Â¢ Rotating Speedring - //www.paulcbuff.com/speedrings.php
â€Â¢ Honeycomb Grids x4 (10, 20, 30, 40 degree) - //www.paulcbuff.com/hgx4.php
â€Â¢ 13 foot Heavy duty stand - //www.paulcbuff.com/ls3900.php
â€Â¢ 10 foot General Duty stand - //www.paulcbuff.com/ls3050.php
â€Â¢ LiteMod Barndoors - //www.paulcbuff.com/lmbd4.php
â€Â¢ Sync cords - //www.paulcbuff.com/sc.php
â€Â¢
â€Â¢ Paid over $890, will let the setup go for $660 plus shipping (30.5 lbs-already all back in original boxes)
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11/29/2011 03:09:43 AM · #6 |
You can do a lot of studio type work with just speedlights, and that works great. But it depends how much power you need. Per watt/second, big lights are going to be way cheaper long run.
If I were personally to get a set today, I'd probably go with AB Einsteins. They have awesome control, good power (as much as a 1600, with 640Ws but goes down to 2.5Ws), and way better color temp than other AB offerings. They do cost a bit more but they're infinitely more flexible. Way better flash duration, as well. Remember with AB that you also get 5% off (per flash bought, up to 4) modifiers as a result of your purchase, so plan to spend on modifiers at the same time. They also just came out with their new lithium Vagabond which is an awesome little piece of tech, providing lightweight high amounts of power for a very reasonable cost, should you want to do on site work. |
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11/29/2011 12:44:20 PM · #7 |
| Where do you plan on doing most of your shots? I have 'alien' 'bees' and accessories as well as a couple of speedlites. The 'Bees' can be overwhelming to haul around and setup if you are doing it by yourself. |
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11/29/2011 09:49:07 PM · #8 |
I plan to do ALL my shots in my apartment. The only shots I would do outside would be with my Canon Speedlight...for which I need a pocket wizard to get some distance.
[user]Memberdacrazyrn[/user] that looks like an amazing deal and almost within my budget but I'm sure the shipping would send it way over my budget (Unless you live in Japan :))
I do have a couple of paid gigs next year and would like to make things 'portable' so I can move to other apartments. Nothing outside for now with studio lights though. |
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11/30/2011 06:01:34 AM · #9 |
| You may want to look at going the strobist route. Not sure how big your apartment is but with my 'Bees' in my place I have very little working space. You can get 2-3 speedlites and a couple of modifiers plus they are very portable. If you go that route you may want to pick up at least one 580ex to use on camera to trigger the others or you can even pick up some cheaper non brand flashes and get triggers to use off camera. I love my 'Bees' but I often think I should have skipped those and bought a couple more flashes. |
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11/30/2011 06:53:37 AM · #10 |
I've got one of those cheap sets in a bag, 2x250 watt flashes, 2 40cmx50m soft boxes, barn doors, gels, 1 umbrella, 2 stands, cheapo unreliable trigger. To that I've added 2 pocket wizards, a 550ex with clamp and head and mini shoot through umbrella. A 130cmx40cm soft box with grid. My new favourite thing. I shoot in my house and these get a bit tight and there only little. But now with the new soft box and triggers its working well for me.
There's a guy on YouTube some great crazy German calls everyone cousin who has loads of speedlite tuition videos some with 4 speedlites.
Something like freephototution I'll edit when go on my computer
But my set was £180, then £25 for second hand big sb and £199 for 2 pocket wizards so about the same as 1 580 lol |
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