What to get next???

[Muskydave22]

Alright, I have a 40D and a couple lenses. I also have a canon 540ez which is use as my on camera and sometimes off camera flash. I am looking to get some gear but i dont know exactly what i need. I have two lightstands already and I am looking into getting a set up in which i could take senior portraits and that kind of stuff on location. I have a some CTR-301P transmitters that I use for OCF but what should I be looking at in terms of the next gear I get? An ETTL flash? modifiers? better triggers?

dave

[gonzogolf]

If you are going to do that sort of work, I would suggest a softbox. I have the 28x28 westcott and I love it. You probably need a second flash as well. Before you get anything else though you need to decide if ettl is important to you. I find I need it for shooting portraits in middle of the day conditions for the high speed sync. If you can stick to morning and evenings and dont need ettl then you can stick with a cheaper second flash like the vivitar 285 hv.

[1downfall]

I have seen, not used, many really good photogs use this:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/42419-REG/Photek_SL_5000_Umbrella_Softliter_II.html
I am contemplating one now.

[Muskydave22]

what would be the cheapest way to go about getting ettl? getting a 550ex to trigger a 430 ex? what would be the most reliable way with keeping the price reasonable?

dave

[gonzogolf]

The cheapest way is to get a long ettl cord from flashzebra. They make a 24 foot one that works fantastic. Granted, the cord is not as convenient as working untethered with a radio trigger. If I were in your position I would probably look at the cord, and a 430ex and if I had anything left over perhaps a set of the cactus or another inexpensive radio trigger. The cord will let you work ettl when you need it, and the triggers let you work wirelessly in manual. Best of both worlds. Once you start doing some work that generates some revenue you can upgrade to an ettl wireless system.