Lost in the "light" please advise.

[mike62]

I have read, and read, and read some more now I know I need to read even more! I have learned a lot though but what is the simplest beginning for my needs?

I have a new XSI with the stock lens and I have purchased the Canon 55-250IS. I have a SUNPAK PZ42X which says its specifically designed for Canon (E-TTL II/E-TTL).

I think all I need is a one light kit while I am learning. My shots will be inside fluorsecent/bulb lighting and then outdoors. All closeup portrait type.

Can I get by with just my SUNPAK off camera and an umbrella setup to avoid buying another flash right now? I believe I will need the hotshoe for my camera since the flash does not have a pc plug. Does the flash and the camera require a hotshoe configuration? A cable sounds cheapest.

Will the flash be adequate indoors or should I consider a cheap strobe until I see which I like and learn more before I invest in a more expensive model?

Bottom line......learning off camera right now, no lighting equipment currently, willing model to pose.....what is the minimum entry level to pull it off while I learn?

Thank you......Sorry for the rookie questions and redundency with any other posts.

[tim]

How are you planning to trigger the strobe? You can't use the built in flash. You have to use a hotshoe to PC adapter then manual flash, or a Canon off shoe cord.

Use what you have for now. I use hotshoe flashes for weddings in place of studio strobes.

[Titus213]

It sounds like you need a pc to hot shoe unit for the flash and a PC adapter for the cameras hot shoe. Then run a PC cable between the two. This is of course assuming the flash unit has a manual mode, which you will need. Cheapest solution, requires manual flash.

Your other option is to buy/build a long ETTL cord from the camera to the flash. This will allow you to use the ETTL functions of the flash/camera. The cord alone will run $50-$70 and the extension will by a DIY project. Instructions are in a thread in the DIY section of this forum.

[mike62]

I know most may not approve of the wireless radio triggers on eBay but I have been watching some videos on off camera lighting tonight and a couple of them featured the eBay triggers as an option.

Since my flash nor the XSI have the pc plug can't I get a trigger and a receiver along with a hot shoe for each (flash and camera) and utlize that set up for the time being while I am deciding what I want (plus avoid the long pc cable)?

Get a good stand and umbrella along with the above configuration. Can it be that simple?

[Titus213]

You can certainly use radio triggers. I don't use eBay triggers because my patience is far to slim to deal with most of what I've read. Others love them and have no issues with them.

And others seem to enjoy the challenge of paying next to nothing for something and then spending hours modding so it will work as advertised in the first place.:lol:

It all depends on what you want out of life I guess.

[Brett]

You can certainly use radio triggers. I don't use eBay triggers because my patience is far to slim to deal with most of what I've read. Others love them and have no issues with them.

And others seem to enjoy the challenge of paying next to nothing for something and then spending hours modding so it will work as advertised in the first place.:lol:

It all depends on what you want out of life I guess.

Dave,
if you don't mind my asking, what do you use?
I'm pretty sold on Cybersyncs, and getting close to pulling the trigger. Just wondering what you use?

[jeromego]

Dave,
if you don't mind my asking, what do you use?
I'm pretty sold on Cybersyncs, and getting close to pulling the trigger. Just wondering what you use?
go for it, cybersyncs are really great.

[mike62]

Let me be sure. I need a wireless hot shoe (4 channel?) for my SUNPAK which will hold the RECEIVER and the hot shoe. I don't have to have a hot shoe for my XSI which will hold the TRANSMITTER?

I would be better off to get a hot shoe (maybe they all come this way) that has a pc sync hole just in case the cheaper triggers malfunction I could back it up with a pc sync cable right?

If I choose to add another flash set up all I have to do is buy another RECEIVER. In this scenario its is all off camera and would most any flash surfice for my second off camera light?

Thank you.

[Titus213]

Dave,
if you don't mind my asking, what do you use?
I'm pretty sold on Cybersyncs, and getting close to pulling the trigger. Just wondering what you use?

I use Cybersyncs. Bought an extra transmitter for backup and meter use. It drops nicely in your shirt pocket.

[tim]

I bought three sets of skyport transmitters and receivers. One transmitter on each camera I use at a wedding, one receiver on each of two flashes, and one spare receiver occasionally used for a third light.

[Brett]

I use Cybersyncs. Bought an extra transmitter for backup and meter use. It drops nicely in your shirt pocket.

Thanks. I'm going to have more questions soon, unfortunately. :)