would like some help building a kit..

[DEMO]

Hello everyone, Im looking to build a small flash kit that is portable and quick.. I dont have a specific style of shooting (STILL VERY MUCH A NEWBIE) but im Most interested in shooting my Friends riding BMX and skating, Cars and Small home Portraits (one or two people max or products).. As of now I have a single 580ex but I dont know where to go after that.

I cant decide if I should get another 2 Canon or Sigma flashes or if I should go with a Alien bees set up. I looked into the sunpack flashes but I wouldn't think they offer the speed I need for the Action. Either way if you guys can help I would appreciate it..

Thanks
Rafael Sanchez

[wilflee]

For shots of BMX & skating, you'll need portability. So, go for Canon/Sigma/Metz etc. The Alien Bees need a power plug.

The 580EX is a fine flash. So are the Metz CT60-1s (used ones can be had cheaply). For multi-light setup, you'll have to use these in manual mode. So, learn lighting ratios etc.

The equipment is usually the least of your concerns. Learn lighting and setup first. Then, you'll know what features you need from a light. And based on that, buy lights that have features you want.

[ofdphoto]

Another 580EX, pocket wizards, light stands, umbrellas, adapters ... does that help? :-D

BTW, I think the Sunpak will deliver the 'speed' you need for action. Flashes dump light pretty darned fast, and I wouldn't expect the Sunpak to be any different.

If I didn't want to have E-TTL available on two camera bodies simultaneously, I wouldn't have bought a second 580EX. So I reckon you should consider a Sunpak.

[DEMO]

So with the Sunpaks can I hook up a battery pack to keep the recycle time down? Im just thinking for those burst shots.

Thanks

[scott searles]

Everyone keeps talking about the Sunpak 383's ... is there any reason that you couldn't use the Sunpak 433's? I have a neighbor who is trying to dump it cheaply and although it was bought for a Nikon, I won't be using it on my camera, so I think it should be fine?

[vetkrazy]

What kind of budget are you considering? Another 580 or a 430ex and the St E2 will give you wireless and maintain your ettl. A couple of stands (Bogen 3373 are compact and easy to carry), adaptors (http://cgi.ebay.com/Swivel-Flash-Mount-Umbrella-Holder-NEW_W0QQitemZ120082692526QQihZ002QQcategoryZ30084Q QtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem), Westcott collaspable umbrellas (#2002), some super clamps & lots of batteries. The pocket wizards would be nice but they are $$$$$$. The only drawback to the ST E2 is that it does not like direct sunlight, but then again if you are shooting skateboarders with flash you are probably not shooting in bright sun light.
The other option would be to get a couple of used Vivtar 283 or 285's, some optical slaves and a cheap wireless setup from ebay. The flashes would be in manual (your 580 would not work with them). But with a little practice it would work fine.

[DEMO]

Thanks VETKRAZY I just looked back and seen your suggestion. I'm seriously considering the vivtars with ebay triggers. I really don't have a budget that I need to stay under, but I would like to keep it with in a few $100. Going with this vivitar set up will I only be able to get single shots out or will I be able to get a decent burst of shots..

sorry for the super late response.

[Big WIll]

Im actually in a similar boat, with similar subjects.

I already have 2x 580ex flashes, do you think the ST-e2 is worth it or should i get a used 420ex/430ex as another slave with one of my 580ex on top of the camera??

Ideally would like to wireless slave flashes, ST-E2 seems to have basic controls. Not a digital display etc

[ofdphoto]

The ST-E2 is good because it gives you ETTL, bad because it doesn't work well in bright sunlight and depends on line of sight to your flashes. Also it's pretty expensive given those limitations.

I would be looking at radio triggers and powering your flashes manually, personally. Strobist has some good information on this.

[FlashZebra]

Everyone keeps talking about the Sunpak 383's ... is there any reason that you couldn't use the Sunpak 433's? I have a neighbor who is trying to dump it cheaply and although it was bought for a Nikon, I won't be using it on my camera, so I think it should be fine?
The Sunpak 433D is almost identical to the Sunpak 383, except the 433D is missing the very important sync port the 383 has, so it is a bit harder to set up.

There is also a 433AF. I think it lacks other features of the 383.

Most would just use a flash hotshoe adapter that has some sort of sync connector to get a sync port.

Enjoy! Lon

[FlashZebra]

Thanks VETKRAZY I just looked back and seen your suggestion. I'm seriously considering the vivtars with ebay triggers. I really don't have a budget that I need to stay under, but I would like to keep it with in a few $100. Going with this vivitar set up will I only be able to get single shots out or will I be able to get a decent burst of shots..

sorry for the super late response.
You are not going to get any hotshoe based flash for less than $1000.00 that will keep up with a "burst" of shots at or near full power.

You may be able to keep up with a burst of shots at low power on many of the units mentioned above, but none will keep up at full power.

Enjoy! Lon

[FlashZebra]

Im actually in a similar boat, with similar subjects.

I already have 2x 580ex flashes, do you think the ST-e2 is worth it or should i get a used 420ex/430ex as another slave with one of my 580ex on top of the camera??

Ideally would like to wireless slave flashes, ST-E2 seems to have basic controls. Not a digital display etc
If you are working outside, forget the ST-2E.

Enjoy! Lon

[DEMO]

thanks.. I was actually looking on the strobist site.

[Big WIll]

If you are working outside, forget the ST-2E.

Enjoy! Lon

I have been getting that vibe, guess i will look at pocket wizards!

[Titus213]

Sunpak 383/433/555/622, cheap eBay radio slaves, light stands?

http://www.daveblackphotography.com/workshop/index.htm

[DEMO]

Thanks everyone, I think I made up my mind. I'm going to go with a set of used Sunpak 555's, cheap tripods and a set of Pocket Wizards ( <----might as well do it right the first time.)

[DEMO]

Ok Ive been looking for a set of used sunpak 555's and it's not going so good. I started looking at other flashes and I think the Metz 45 CL-4 looks like its twin but i'm unsure how it measures up? I'm not looking at the newer Digital version ($599.00) but the older CL-4's.

Thanks for any help.