[HUH?!] Flash Gear.

[Marloon]

Hey guys,

i've always been intrigued when it comes to flash photography, and now that there's a little bit of increased income in terms of a new job, then i might actually "invest" in flash photo gear.

I was thinking of starting off cheap (just like i did for lenses) and then move up if i really want to.

I want to use Vivitar 285HVs because they are $90/strobe. I will be ordering them from BH and then have them shipped up to canada.

My question is, i want to use cheap radio transmitters to trigger the strobes. I know that there is the cactus v2 and the cactus v2s. What is the difference? i tried to do a quick search, but came up with nothing.

Other than umbrella kits (which include the umbrella itself, the stand and a umbrella clamp), and the 285HV strobes, what else should i be ordering from BH? i will get the triggers from EbaY (where else can you get them? lol)...

anything else guys?

after i get my equipment, its time to do a CRAP load of reading. LOL

[zelseman]

after i get my equipment, its time to do a CRAP load of reading. LOL
I think it should be the other way around.
You should do a crap load of reading first to find out what you are going to need the lighting for, where your going to shoot, what body your gonna use it on,...
Then, go shop and buy what your research has shown that you need.
Myself, I went for a mobile setup w/speedlights, cybersyncs, and the impact kit to start out, and it fits my needs well.

[Marloon]

Well I've done my reading in terms of set up, reviews t's just that I need to know the difference between the cactus v2 and v2s. I can't find any info on it.

Thanks.

[nadtz]

I have to agree with the 'read first' advice, you can probably answer some of your questions by doing so, and it will give you a better idea of what you will and wont be able to do with what gear, which should allow you to give better information to people trying to help you. You actually sound like you have done more than a bit of research so you probably know more than you think, I believe the cactus versions have something to do with triggering canon flashes..

"The new version wireless flash receiver V2 is designed to work with the V2 wireless transmitter. Please be reminded that this V2 receiver cannot work with the previous versions of the wireless flash transmitter.

The new version eliminate the misfiring problem particularly occurs to Canon SpeedLite 580EX and 430EX. The overall performance is more reliable as well. "

Google wins again. As for 'what else do I need' Id get used to what you would be getting first, then add anything else you want/need after that. You will have everything you need (minus maybe some batteries) to setup and trigger the flashes with the umbrellas as modifiers, what else would you like to be able to do?

[Blackey Cole]

I have 3 Vivitar 285's that I picked up off eBay at a good price. I Use them on the typical umbrella adapter for Hot shoe flashes but I will be ordering some Bogen umbrella adapters this week, so that I can use my existing super Clamp studs. I also have the filter kits for the 285's I have one kit from Vivitar and several eBay kits and prefer the OEM kit better. I use the Gadget Idfendity(sp) 16 channel transmitter and receivers. I also bought a 16x16 Softbox for use with my shoe mounted flashes off ebay and just bought the Photoflex bracket kit for their XS softbox. I also have a eBay OmniBounce for the 285's. Your best bet is to go to Strobist.com and read the Lighting 101 and 102 threads.

Also, I frequent KelbyTraining.com and subscribe by the month when I got the time and desire to go through their excellent training courses. They have some outstanding video demos showing hotshoe flashes in the studio and out on location by masters such as David Ziser and Joe McNally.

[AlanU]

Go Alienbee's cybersyncs for pricepoint and reliability.

Do alot of reading before you order from B&H.

[Marloon]

so i just bought 3 cactus v2s receivers and a transmitter. When these come in to be tested, i will be ready to buy my stuff from bhphoto. here is my list so far. please comment on it.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Y9ZKFU7m0c8/SVr_OXbWWyI/AAAAAAAAAK0/1eWxHti9Fmc/s800/Picture%201.jpg

[Marloon]

oh i forgot to tell you why i am ordering another set of stands. well thats because i am going to sell the other half of the set.

either that or i will just buy myself another impact light stand - 8' air cushioned - since the apollo set comes with an additional clamp.

[Marloon]

I have 3 Vivitar 285's that I picked up off eBay at a good price.

how do you like the Vivitar 285's? i heard they have reliability issues. i took a look at ebay, and its cheaper just to buy them off bh.