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04/19/2008 03:56:21 PM · #1 |
Hey guys! I'm sure there have been threads about cheap lighting equipment, but I searched and couldn't find anything similar.
I'm looking to acquire a cheap lighting set-up. From what I can tell it looks like a real good place to start is one off camera flash and a reflector. Does this sound about right? If so,can anyone recommend a cheap flash? I'm also confused about how the camera triggers the flash when it isn't attached.
Thanks! |
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04/19/2008 04:08:58 PM · #2 |
I've never shot flash off camera but I understand that Strobist has a lot of good information for cheap set ups.
Tim |
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04/19/2008 08:23:41 PM · #3 |
I use two Canon 430EX and one Canon 580 EX flash all with umbrellas mounted on stands with the Canon ST-E2 wireless trigger
That is all about $1100
All I have ever used in Canon flashes so I wouldn't want to recommending something I haven't tried. YOu might can find a use 430EX for around $200 and you can get get a sync cord for probably around $70
But that will only get the flash 2 feet off camera.
I have been spending more time at //www.strobist.com and find them to be very useful in this type of situation. Start from the beginning and watch the videos to have a better understanding:
//strobist.blogspot.com/2006/03/lighting-101.html
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04/19/2008 09:23:10 PM · #4 |
The Strobist is indeed a great source!
Myself, I'm poor :-), so (at least for now) I went the inexpensive route to start off with. I have a Sunpak 383, about $70 new (love it so far), a stand and a white shoot thru and a silver bounce umbrella. I grabbed the Cactus V2s triggers from Gadget Infinity (about $30 for the set), and to be honest, with all I've heard, I've really been impressed and got good performance from them. They certainly aren't in league with Pocket Wizards, but good bang for the buck IMO. I plan on picking up another Sunpak or 2 or 3 :-) in the near future. I got a 5in1 reflector from Best Buy for about $20 that has worked well for me.
Question for rex, I've heard all over that sync cords (20 ft) are around $20, is that one special for Canon?, or are you including hot shoe adapters or something? Or am I just wrong thinking they are around 20?
nevermind rex, I just followed your link, I see now. :-) That's not just a basic sync cable.
Message edited by author 2008-04-19 21:24:45. |
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04/19/2008 09:42:29 PM · #5 |
I found strobist about 8 weeks ago and have already purchased the following off of eBay
Nikon SB28 $70
Nikon SB28 $75
2 Black, 2 White Umbrellas $0.99 for the set
4 Light stands $0.99 each
Universal adaptors $5 each
Cactus Wireless $42 (got an extra receiver)
I've just started playing with it this past week and so far am really enjoying it.
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04/19/2008 09:44:10 PM · #6 |
Originally posted by Moose408:
I found strobist about 8 weeks ago and have already purchased the following off of eBay
Nikon SB28 $70
Nikon SB28 $75
2 Black, 2 White Umbrellas $0.99 for the set
4 Light stands $0.99 each
Universal adaptors $5 each
Cactus Wireless $42 (got an extra receiver)
I've just started playing with it this past week and so far am really enjoying it. |
Mind linking those stands. Although not for me because I already have three. Well I could always use stands. And how sturdy are they? Do I want to trust them with a $300 flash?
Here is what I bought: B & H Photo
Message edited by author 2008-04-19 21:45:26.
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04/19/2008 09:53:17 PM · #7 |
| You got a million options available to you. From Strobes, Speed Lights, or the Home Depot technique. |
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04/19/2008 10:23:45 PM · #8 |
| Thanks for all of the responses. I've looked at the Canon flashes and they definitely look like you can't go wrong with them. Unfortunately I don't really have that much to spend, so will probably end up going with something like what taterbug has. Those Cactus V2's seem very reasonable, especially since the Canon Speedlite Transmitter will set you back $240. |
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04/19/2008 10:43:23 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by CaseyAllen:
Thanks for all of the responses. I've looked at the Canon flashes and they definitely look like you can't go wrong with them. Unfortunately I don't really have that much to spend, so will probably end up going with something like what taterbug has. Those Cactus V2's seem very reasonable, especially since the Canon Speedlite Transmitter will set you back $240. |
You wont get ETTL, ratios, and an AF assist lamp with those Cactus either.
Matt |
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04/20/2008 06:16:52 AM · #10 |
Originally posted by CaseyAllen:
Canon Speedlite Transmitter will set you back $240. |
Nah $209 B & H
And Matt is right. All flashes will be totally manual with the other transmitter and flashes. Canon has a nice system that does all the hard work for you. It is nice sometimes to put things in manual and play but it is just as much fun to shoot and let the flashes and transmitter do the work for you.
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04/20/2008 07:02:48 AM · #11 |
Hey Rex,
Just out of interest, how reliable do you find the ST-E2? Indoors/outdoors?
I currently have a 430ex and two Nikon flashes that I use with cactus triggers but wouldn't mind trying ettl and adjusting from the camera.
Interested in your thoughts on the ST-E2.
Cheers
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04/20/2008 09:48:14 AM · #12 |
Originally posted by rex:
Originally posted by CaseyAllen:
Canon Speedlite Transmitter will set you back $240. |
Nah $209 B & H
And Matt is right. All flashes will be totally manual with the other transmitter and flashes. Canon has a nice system that does all the hard work for you. It is nice sometimes to put things in manual and play but it is just as much fun to shoot and let the flashes and transmitter do the work for you. |
To those who have used both manual and automatic systems: is it worth it? How much of a learning curve is it to set up the flashes manually. I'm guessing you're adjusting the output power, but are there other elements as well?
Like I said, I would definitely rather have the Canon equipment, but I just don't have $500 to spend right now. Maybe once I get that airline job... |
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04/20/2008 08:34:47 PM · #13 |
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04/21/2008 04:32:11 PM · #14 |
Maybe we should start our own Strobist DPC Group
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04/21/2008 06:28:12 PM · #15 |
As some of you may already know I sold my Alien Bees and went to just using 3 Canon Flashes(2 - 430EX & 1 - 580EX). I have been using a ST-E2 to fire these remotely.
I have been looking into getting some pocket wizards to fire them instead of using line of site.
Now that the Radio Poppers are out I have one question.
Why would I pay $180 for a Radio Popper when I can get a Pocketwizard for about the same price?
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04/21/2008 07:03:19 PM · #16 |
Don't you get to keep ETTL with the Radio Poppers?
I've asked myself the same question... |
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04/21/2008 07:04:54 PM · #17 |
Originally posted by rex:
Why would I pay $180 for a Radio Popper when I can get a Pocketwizard for about the same price? |
Radio poppers are wireless ETTL. Pocket wizards are purely remote trigger of manual settings.
Radio poppers let you use high speed sync at a distance. Pocket wizards will limit you to X-sync.
Pocket wizards have longer range. Radio poppers are TTL. That's the basic trade-off.
Message edited by author 2008-04-21 19:05:10.
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04/21/2008 07:06:53 PM · #18 |
Now it makes sense. Thanks guys. Now my only issue is attaching velcro to my $300 flash
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04/21/2008 07:12:24 PM · #19 |
Originally posted by rex:
Originally posted by Moose408:
I found strobist about 8 weeks ago and have already purchased the following off of eBay
Nikon SB28 $70
Nikon SB28 $75
2 Black, 2 White Umbrellas $0.99 for the set
4 Light stands $0.99 each
Universal adaptors $5 each
Cactus Wireless $42 (got an extra receiver)
I've just started playing with it this past week and so far am really enjoying it. |
Mind linking those stands. Although not for me because I already have three. Well I could always use stands. And how sturdy are they? Do I want to trust them with a $300 flash?
Here is what I bought: B & H Photo |
Here's the link to the stands. They are extremely sturdy. They have a very strong wide base and I've been very impressed with them. |
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04/22/2008 02:25:36 PM · #20 |
Originally posted by rex:
Maybe we should start our own Strobist DPC Group |
Is there no interest in this?
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04/22/2008 04:04:53 PM · #21 |
Originally posted by rex:
Originally posted by rex:
Maybe we should start our own Strobist DPC Group |
Is there no interest in this? |
I would be interested but I tend to post on the strobist forum..... I tried to get some interest in doing the Light, Science & Magic exercises but there was not a lot of interest... I would still be up for that and I think it's a good learning chance. |
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04/22/2008 04:12:40 PM · #22 |
Originally posted by robs:
Originally posted by rex:
Originally posted by rex:
Maybe we should start our own Strobist DPC Group |
Is there no interest in this? |
I would be interested but I tend to post on the strobist forum..... I tried to get some interest in doing the Light, Science & Magic exercises but there was not a lot of interest... I would still be up for that and I think it's a good learning chance. |
I was going to try that but it seems there are just too many users to help. Don't get me wrong I like going there but I tend to think photos and such get lost quickly because of the high number of users.
I think if we have a small group here that want to participate we can learn easier and make it more personable.
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04/22/2008 04:16:52 PM · #23 |
Originally posted by rex:
I was going to try that but it seems there are just too many users to help. Don't get me wrong I like going there but I tend to think photos and such get lost quickly because of the high number of users. |
Yeah... If you want to post images & get comments, it's a little tough if it's not an outstanding image.
Originally posted by rex:
I think if we have a small group here that want to participate we can learn easier and make it more personable. |
Yeah, If we had enough I would be up. It was a while ago but I would still be interested in the LSM thing or the strobist 101/102 (prefer the 102 personally) stuff in a smaller group would be cool. |
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04/24/2008 07:04:45 AM · #24 |
OK, I've got the books LSM, the strobes (SB-28, SB-26, 430ex), stands, umbrellas, some homemade grids etc.
Would be interested in a group here. Keep in the loop.
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04/24/2008 07:18:43 AM · #25 |
Originally posted by CaseyAllen:
To those who have used both manual and automatic systems: is it worth it? How much of a learning curve is it to set up the flashes manually. I'm guessing you're adjusting the output power, but are there other elements as well?
Like I said, I would definitely rather have the Canon equipment, but I just don't have $500 to spend right now. Maybe once I get that airline job... |
I think the answer is quite simple. If you don't have the money, you only have one option. I use a manual flash myself. It takes some trial-and-error, but I think that's not an issue in the digital age. Why not get yourself started? You can find a flash, a stand and a cord (maybe 2nd hand) on ebay, for less than $100. Obviously, the big stuff is always better, but that leaves something to wish for. :)
ETA: I just re-read the OP. It says 'cheap' three times. So how come people are still advising expensive stuff?
Message edited by author 2008-04-24 07:20:14.
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