Newbie lighting question! :)

[discoduck]

I'm a beginner in the strobist world and I want to jump into it's amazing results.

I found a beginner kit here:

http://www.mpex.com/page.htm?PG=Strobist%20Kits

$200 which 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


I like this setup because it has everything I need to get started.

I already have a flash (Canon 430ex) and I'd like to know if i can use it with this kit, along with the 285hv.

I'm assuming I'll need a Master flash to fire off both at the same time, which the 430ex does not, correct?

My main point here is if I should spend the extra $90 to include the Vivitar 285hv, or is my 430ex compatible with the cords and the setup? Or should I throw in the Vivitar? I figure if I keep both flashes, only one can fire off since both are neither Master.

Are my assumptions correct?

Thanks!

[Atheist]

I purchased many of the same components individually and as well purchased a roll of paper for special lighting projects. I am quite sure that I didn't pay 200$, and I did get exactly what I needed.

Mike

[discoduck]

I know that there are cheaper ways, but I'm looking for an all in one solution as this is more convenient for my situation.

[discoduck]

What do you guys think about this kit?

https://www.gadgetinfinity.com/product.php?productid=17028&cat=298&page=1

The wireless triggers are intriguing!

[Matthew Patrick]

You're assumptions are not correct. If you want to use the (IR)Canon flash as a slave you will need a Canon st-e2 or a 550 or 580 to act as a master. Vivitar flashes are not compatible with the Canon IR system.

You could get some e-bay RF triggers to fire the strobes, but you would only be able to use manual flash settings (no ETTL). If you use RF triggers you will need a shoe adapter for the 430 so you can plug in a sync cord (go to www.flashzebra.com for this). You can get get a swivel bracket there also.

Don't forget about optical slaves these can come in handy if you go the RF route (go to www.flashzebra.com for this as well).

I have never ordered anything from MPEX because I'm unsure about the durability of these products. If I were you I would keep looking. The Vivitar 285 seems like a good product if you don't want to use the Canon IR system which is kind of pricey, it has a limited range and is prone to problems in bright sunlight.

Check out B+H and Adorama for lightstands, umbrellas, etc.

I just read your post about the gadget Infinity triggers and I think that they would work well for you.

Good Luck and don't forget to haggle, B+H and Adorama will price match each other.

[discoduck]

Thanks for the post Matthew!

I will go with the Gadget Infinity kit since it's much cheaper. It comes up to $199.95 including shipping.

What could I do about my 430ex, would it be useless in this setup if I don't add a Master flash?

[Eldorf_Dragonsbane]

Disco- If you are willing to spend a little more you can get MPEX's Starving Student Wireless Kit http://www.mpex.com/page.htm?PG=STROBIST%20SW1%20KIT

Includes:
1 - Vivitar 285HV Shoe Mount Flash
1 - 8ft. Air Cushioned Light Stand
1 - Cactus V2s Wireless Radio Slave set (Transmitter and Receiver) (replaces the PC cord and now your no longer tethered to the camera, you can move around more)
1 - Westcott 43” Compact Umbrella - Soft Silver
1 - Rosco Pro Color Correction Gel Pack
1 - DIY Grid, Barndoor, Snoot kit (not pictured below)
1 - CTA Ni-MH 2700mAh AA 4-pack Battery w/Charger
1 - Bongo Elastic Ties (10 pack)
1 - Umbrella Swivel
1 - Nano Gaffer Tape roll 1"x8yds

The Cactus V2s trigger set included in this kit are commonly referred to as the E-Bay Wireless Flash Triggers.

As you said you can also go with the Gadget Infinity kit. Only plus I see with the MPEX SW1 kit i mentioned is the extras like the elastic ties, rechargeable batteries, battery charger, grid/barndoor/snoot kit, gaffers tape and the gels. The downside I see with the SW1 is the umbrella is a reflector umbrella, I personally would prefer if it was a white translucent umbrella, though you can get translucent and reflector umbrellas for less then $20 so this isnt that big of an issue (ie it wouldnt stop me from purchasing the SW1 kit vs the Gadget Infinity kit).

[jeromego]

Thanks for the post Matthew!

I will go with the Gadget Infinity kit since it's much cheaper. It comes up to $199.95 including shipping.

What could I do about my 430ex, would it be useless in this setup if I don't add a Master flash?

you can still use your 430 ex but will have to use a wireless radio triggers not infrared triggers like the ste2 if you decide to buy the kit youre looking at.

[discoduck]

So my 430ex isn't totally useless.. hooray!

Does that mean I could use the 430ex with the MPEX Wireless kit, without having to buy the Vivitar, since it comes with the Cactus wireless radio triggers?

[Eldorf_Dragonsbane]

If you get the Starving Student Wireless kit (SW2) that has everything minus the flash yes, you can use the 430EX, though you will lose the ETTL-II functions and the flash will only operate manually (you have to manually set everything on the flash, you cant set it via the camera). If you wanted and have the money you could also get both the SW1 and SW2 (granted you will have an additional Cactus Transmitter) and you can use both flash units off camera at the same time.

I would would also purchase the translucent white umbrella(s) for use as a shoot thru diffuser. Other then that the last thing I might get something to carry the stand(s), and all the equipment in (though this isnt necessary even if your planning on not transporting the gear to different locations, it will just make it easier)

[discoduck]

Thanks Eldorf!

Losing the E-TTL-II functions won't matter. It'll give me good practice since everything is manual. I'd rather do it manually anyways.

I'm going to order it today :D

[Eldorf_Dragonsbane]

Disco what kit are you ordering? Right now I am currently debating whether to get the GI kit or the MPEX kit. Kinda leaning towards the GI one since I already have two battery chargers and a ton of rechargeable AA batteries plus the umbrella in the kit i am looking at is the white translucent, though the other stuff in the MPEX kit does look tempting (the Barndoor/Grid/Snoot kit and the elastic ties mainly).

Maybe if I can scrounge and save up enough I will get one GI kit and one of the MPEX SW1 kits (or one SW1 and one SW2 kit from MPEX).

[tim]

CTA digital batteries are the worst AA NiMH cells i've ever used, don't bother. My charger/analyser says they store 1300mah of power instead of the 2700mah rated. I emailed customer service and they didn't even bother to reply. B&H didn't approve my review of them, I guess they want to sell them even though they're crap. Get Powerex batteries from thomas distributing, and a Maha charger - C9000 is great, C801 is good and charges 8 cells but has a few less features.

[Marius B]

Hi there!
I'm a total newbie when it comes to lighting, but here is my thoughts and my choices so far.

I wanted a setup to take portraits in my home and out on location 3 lights. I had a 400D and a 580 EXII.

I went for wireless triggers Alienbees 3 recievers + trigger and I bought 2 old Nikon flashes SB-28 (with pc-sync) Now I have ordered me a Manfrotto lightstand 051B and a 43" Westcott umbrella soft silver, with impact swiwel head (for holding the flash and umbrella)

This seems to work fine for me so far, I get the stand and umbrella tomorrow :) The wireless triggers gives me freedom and WOW what a difference it makes when you put your flash all other places than straight on cam. You can also put your flash inside a car for lighting the interior. You can use your 430, but I don't think it has Pc-sync so you need a hotshoe-pcsync adapter. But old Nikons are good advice that I found here in this forum. You need to use the flashes on Manual, but thats alot easier than it sounds.

2x Alienbees cybersyncs 69,95*2= 139,90
1x transmitter 59,95
1x old nikons 60,-
1 lightstand 70,-
1 umbrella 20,20
1 swiwelhead 13,95
Total $364,- ok, a bit over your budget. But do you need all at once?

[discoduck]

Disco what kit are you ordering? Right now I am currently debating whether to get the GI kit or the MPEX kit. Kinda leaning towards the GI one since I already have two battery chargers and a ton of rechargeable AA batteries plus the umbrella in the kit i am looking at is the white translucent, though the other stuff in the MPEX kit does look tempting (the Barndoor/Grid/Snoot kit and the elastic ties mainly).

Maybe if I can scrounge and save up enough I will get one GI kit and one of the MPEX SW1 kits (or one SW1 and one SW2 kit from MPEX).


I've ordered the SW2 kit without the Vivitar 285hv. Now I'm kind of regretting this as I'm hearing the 430ex is going to be very finicky. I'll call them and see if I can add it on to the order.

[discoduck]

Hi there!
I'm a total newbie when it comes to lighting, but here is my thoughts and my choices so far.

I wanted a setup to take portraits in my home and out on location 3 lights. I had a 400D and a 580 EXII.

I went for wireless triggers Alienbees 3 recievers + trigger and I bought 2 old Nikon flashes SB-28 (with pc-sync) Now I have ordered me a Manfrotto lightstand 051B and a 43" Westcott umbrella soft silver, with impact swiwel head (for holding the flash and umbrella)

This seems to work fine for me so far, I get the stand and umbrella tomorrow :) The wireless triggers gives me freedom and WOW what a difference it makes when you put your flash all other places than straight on cam. You can also put your flash inside a car for lighting the interior. You can use your 430, but I don't think it has Pc-sync so you need a hotshoe-pcsync adapter. But old Nikons are good advice that I found here in this forum. You need to use the flashes on Manual, but thats alot easier than it sounds.

2x Alienbees cybersyncs 69,95*2= 139,90
1x transmitter 59,95
1x old nikons 60,-
1 lightstand 70,-
1 umbrella 20,20
1 swiwelhead 13,95
Total $364,- ok, a bit over your budget. But do you need all at once?

Not a bad setup. But still a little bit over :cool:

I don't need all at once, but I'd like to get it faster lol

I'll get the adapter from flashzebra. I think they're only 20 bucks, anyway.