Small Light Setup

[Tumeg]

I have about $135 to spend, and was hoping to buy some decent lighting gear..

I will be getting the 430ex flash (after this I will have the $135 to spend)
and I am currently looking for the following, for under $135 (from B&H including shipping)

- 3 to 4 foot off camera flash sync cable (compatible with 430ex and rebel xti)
- Light Stand (nothing too frilly, just something that will do the job)
- Extras (Reflectors? Umbrella?)

I already have the flash and the omni bounce diffuser, what else would you suggest for a fairly nice flash setup?? If possible I would like to do some portraits with this setup (is it possible with only 1 flash????)

[sixsixfour]

an umbrella or small softbox to soften the flash would be my suggestion. and experiment on what you want to do

[bigjon0107]

Here is my suggested list:

- Hot Shoe to PC (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/89979-REG/Hama_HA_6951_Hot_Shoe_Adapter_1.html)
- PC to Hot Shoe (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/109454-REG/Kaiser_201301_PC_to_Hot_Shoe.html)
- Sync Cord (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/116635-REG/Hama_HA_6979_PC_Male_to_PC.html) (You are going to want much longer then just a few feet, trust me. Maybe not as long as the one i suggested, but it was only $1 more for like 10 extra feet :lol:)
- Stand (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/359885-REG/Impact_2205_Black_Light_Stand.html)
- Bracket (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/298709-REG/Impact_3117_Umbrella_Bracket.html)
- Umbrella (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/423636-REG/Impact_UBW32_32_White_Umbrella.html)

You should be golden with that, but if you want to spend a little more, you can get wireless triggers off eBay for about $20 so you do not have to deal with the cord. I would also highly recommend that you pick up (or even make) a reflector to use as a fill light off your flash. That package should cost you under $100

-Jon

[Tumeg]

wow, thanks a ton!
But just one question, (I want this answered before I go spending $100)

Can I use this setup (your list + 430ex flash) and get decent studio like portrait results?
Or would I need 2 flashes (one on each side)


EDIT: The above list costs $93.70 + Shipping

[bigjon0107]

Take a look here:
http://www.popphoto.com/assets/download/PP1204_10differentlooks.pdf

It has come great examples of what you can use with one light and a reflector. The reflector is a big part of any one light portrait setup because it is basically use as another light source as a fill. For the light modifiers, the majority of them can be homemade with construction paper.

edit: if you wanted to bring down the price some, there were some slightly cheaper options, but they did not get very good reviews and did not look very durable.

[Tumeg]

What does the Hot Shoe to PC and PC to hot shoe adapters do???
Don't they basically cancel each other out? By looking at the Hot Shoe to PC adapter and the sync cable you listed, I guess I need the hot shoe to pc so I can plug the sync cable into it (The sync cable on both ends is round (I guess it's called PC))
But what is the point of pc to hot shoe?


EDIT:
Oh, is the PC to Hot shoe to:
Plug into the Hot Shoe to PC then attach the flash??

EDIT:EDIT: Isn't that (^^^^) what the sync cable is for?

EDIT:EDIT:EDIT: After reading a bit about the Hot Shoe to PC adapter, I see why I need it... It looks like I attach it to my cameras hot shoe, then I plug the sync cord into the plug that is on the hot shoe to pc adapter, and the other end of the sync cable into the 430ex flash...
So what is the PC to Hot Shoe for?

EDIT:EDIT:EDIT:EDIT: Ohhhh.... So the Hot Shoe to PC goes on my camera, the sync cable plugs into the 'female' pc on the hot shoe, then the other end attaches to the PC to Hot Shoe adapter, and the flash goes into that hot shoe....
Am I right?

[Tumeg]

Here is my shopping cart on B&H
for a simple portrait studio setup:

-Hama Hot Shoe to PC (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart&A=details&Q=&sku=89979&is=REG)
-Hama 33' Sync Cable (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart&A=details&Q=&sku=116635&is=REG)
-Hama PC to Hot Shoe (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart&A=details&Q=&sku=89982&is=REG)
-Impact 6' Light Stand (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart&A=details&Q=&sku=359885&is=REG)
-Impact Umbrella Bracket (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart&A=details&Q=&sku=298709&is=REG)
-Impact 32" White Umbrella (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart&A=details&Q=&sku=423636&is=REG)
-Westcott 14" Silver/Gold Reflector (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart&A=details&Q=&sku=67102&is=REG)
-Canon 430EX Speedlite Flash


This is all within my budget! I just need\want to know if it is the correct gear, and if I will be able to come up with pro'like portraits. (1-5 people)

[EOS mE]

Tumeg, why not just invest in this: http://www.mpex.com/page.htm?PG=Strobist%20Kits

seeing that you already have the 430EX, then you can choose any package without the flash unit.

[gherrry]

Tumeg, why not just invest in this: http://www.mpex.com/page.htm?PG=Strobist%20Kits

seeing that you already have the 430EX, then you can choose any package without the flash unit.

yup . . . what he said.

[EOS mE]

yup . . . what he said.

i'm thinking about going this route. then get the 16 channel ebay trigger for $30 with 2 recievers, and it'll be $139. then probably get a reflector.


Starving Student PC Kit (SP2)
Same as below without Vivitar Flash
$109

Includes:
1 - Vivitar 285HV Shoe Mount Flash
1 - 8ft. Air Cushioned Light Stand
1 - 15ft. PC Extension Cord
1 - Westcott 43” Compact Umbrella - Soft Silver
1 - Rosco Pro Color Correction Gel Pack
1 - DIY Grid, Barndoor, Snoot kit
1 - CTA Ni-MH 2700mAh AA 4-pack Battery w/Rapid Charger
1 - Bongo Elastic Ties (10 pack)
1 - Umbrella Swivel
1 - Nano Gaffer Tape roll 1"x8yds

[bigjon0107]

Ya, good call, i forgot about those kits they advertise on strobist. They are a pretty good deal.

[EOS mE]

yup.. those strobist kits seems like a great deal for a starter pack.